commandment – Road to Zion

Ki Tetze (When you go out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21-25

Ki Tetze(When you go out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21:10-25:19

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10

Messianic Scripture Matthew 5:31-32; Mark 10:2-12, 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-38

This Sabbath we read a Torah portion that contains more commandments than any other portion read during the year. When reading this portion it is tempting to skim over the verses without taking the time to really grasp what they are saying to us.

However, when we take the time to contemplate the verses we can see an overall subject. This subject, how we treat our fellow man, seems to be the dominant message of these commandments. There is a wide range of subjects ranging from a woman taken in battle down to how to deal with interest on a loan.

Mishpatim (Judgements) Sh’mot/Ex. 21:1-24:18

Torah Portion: Mishpatim (Judgements) Sh’mot/Ex. 21:1-24:18

Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26

Today we read and study together the Torah portion Judgements. This is usually not one of the most gripping portions we read during the year. In this portion we read more than fifty laws covering a wide range of subjects. I would like for you to consider how we as believers in Yeshua consider the issue of laws found throughout the scripture. Have you ever heard, “Why study all these laws, we as believers are under grace now. Laws are the opposite of grace. Since we are believers in Yeshua there is no reason for us to be concerned with all these laws we read in the Torah.”

Ki Tetze (When You Go Out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21:10-25:19

: Ki Tetze (When You Go Out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21:10-25:19

Haftorah Readings: Isaiah (Yesh’yahu) 54:1-10

Our Torah portion this week contains more commandments than other portions. It seems like Moshe, knowing his time was limited, was trying to do all he could to prepare these people before they crossed over the Jordan and entered their inheritance. These commandments cover a wide range of subjects starting with how to deal with a captive woman and how to handle a rebellious son.

Va’etchanan (I Pleaded) D’Varim (Deut.) 3:23-7:11

Haftorah Readings: Isaiah (Yesh’yahu) 40:1-26

Bless each of you today. I would like to begin with a verse from the Prophet Isaiah. The Prophet reading for this Sabbath begins with Isaiah 40:1, “Comfort ye comfort ye My people! says your G-d.” Because of this verse this Sabbath is known as the Sabbath Nachamu or the Sabbath of comfort. This is not talking about physical comfort but more a spiritual and emotional comfort. The important point being made to each of us is to comfort the Jewish people. G-d is directing us to comfort His people.

Chukat (Ordinance) Numbers 19-22

This week we read the Torah section named “Chukat” or “Ordinance” in English. It opens with the laws concerning the red heifer. In Hebrew the word Chok means a commandment that may seem illogical to us but never the less is commanded by G-d. It is said that even King Solomon, in all his wisdom, could not rationalize the commandments of the red heifer. Sometimes we can’t understand with our human reasoning why G-d has said something but still we know it is from Him. This calls for discernment on our part so that we don’t go off on some wild goose chase. Therefore, we must know His word that we not be deceived.

Chukat (Degree) B’midbar Numbers 19-20

Torah Portion: Chukat (Decree) B’midbar (Numbers) 19:1-21:1

HafTorah: Judges 11:1-33

Tonight we read the Torah portion Chukat or Decree. In this Torah portion we read of the death of both Miriam and Aaron her brother. This leaves Moses alone, the last of his siblings. We also read of the incident of bringing forth water from the rock and the decree of the Red Heifer.

In Numbers 19 we read of this decree of Torah. It tells what is to be done to cleanse a person who is defiled by a dead body. This ritual uncleanness would bar a person from participating in the Temple life of Israel until they were cleansed by the ashes of the red heifer. Always remember this kind of defilement had nothing to do with sin but only barred a person from the corporate worship at the Temple or Mishkan. Interestingly after this decree we are told of the death of two of the leaders of Israel.

Metzora Lev 14:1-15:33

Torah Portion: Metzora Leviticus 14:1-15:33

HafTorah: II Kings 7:3-20

First let’s finish up last week. We were going to cover those things that Yeshua and His family did which would be examples of Torah. So let us take a look at what you have found. First, He was circumcised on the 8^th day. (Luke 2:21) At 13 He appeared in Jerusalem at the time of his coming of age. He kept the Passover and Sabbath. (Mark 1:21, Mark 6:2, Matt. 5:18)

Ki Tisa (When You Take) Ex 30-34

Torah Portion: Ki Tisa (When You Take) Exodus 30-34

HafTorah: I Kings 18:1-39

“When you take the head of the of the sons of Israel.” This is so important here in that it shows the importance of each person. They were to be counted by going to each one and counting them for service to the L-rd. Let us never think that we are unimportant or that G-d only cares for the good ones, or for the important ones. He loves us all equally. He knows each of us. We matter to Him. When you feel G-d does not care remember this verse. Moses was to go to each person, not just give an estimate but to touch each one – to show they mattered and they counted.

Shoftim (Judges) Deut 16-18

Torah Portion: Shoftim (Judges) Devarim Deut. 16:18-21:9

HafTorah: Isaiah 51:12-53:12

This particular Torah portion always comes during the month of Elul. In this section of scripture we read about cities of refuge where someone who had accidently caused the death of another could escape the avenger of blood. Elul is seen in the same light. It is seen as a month of repentance, a sanctuary in time for a person to have a dedicated length of time to examine his/her life in a concentrated way. A time where they can turn from their sins and missed opportunities and dedicate themselves to a renewed and closer walk with the Father. Of course we have the avenue of repentance and renewal available at any time. However this month brings our lives front and center for an extended period. So, I pray we each can and will take this time to lay everything open before the Throne and renew our relationship between us and our Father and between us and anyone we might have issues with in our lives. Take advantage of this city of refuge and allow G-d to speak with you.

A Shadow of Heavenly Things – Tetzaveh (You will command) Ex 27

Torah Portion: Tetzaveh (You will command) Exodus 27:20-30:10

HafTorah: Ezekiel 43:10-27

Hebrews 13:10-17

A few thoughts first about this section of Torah; First, it is mainly about the priesthood, the articles of clothing and the setting apart of the priests for their service. However, it begins with the commandment that the people bring pure olive oil to cause the lamp to burn continually before G-d. Why not include these few verses with the prior section which was about those things of the Mishkan? Also, G-d speaking to Moses in Exodus 27:20 “bring to you” not “bring to Me.” Why? We are the ones who need the light of G-d in this world. We pray mainly to remind ourselves of whom we serve. So the light here reminds us that without it we are lost in a world of spiritual darkness. No wonder Yeshua said that He was the light of the world. And as here, we as priests are reminded that we must depend upon the light to find our way as we do G-d’s will and service