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בס”ד

Parashat Pinchas

In this week’s Torah portion Moses demonstrates one of the characteristics of spirituality. The natural man is focused on self and sees everything in terms of how something affects him; while the spiritually minded man is able to see beyond himself and places the needs of others before him. Moses had endured a great deal of criticism and rebellion as the leader of the children of Israel. In the forty years of his leadership he had not failed too often. However we all remember when he failed to sanctify the name of G-d at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin (Numbers 20:1-13). Because of this sin, G-d told Moses he would not lead the people into the Land of Israel. As the people traveled on they came to the Mountain of Abarim from there one could see the Land of Israel in a clear manner. Therefore HaShem said to Moses,

“Go up to this mountain of Abarim and see the Land that I have given to the Children of Israel. You shall see it and you shall be gathered unto your people…because you rebelled against My word in the Wilderness of Zin…” Numbers 27:12-14

When Moses heard the second time that he would not enter into the Land he then asked G-d to appoint a new leader who would successfully lead the people (see Num. 27:16-17). Notice how Moses did not think about himself, but immediately considered the people’s condition without a leader. Are you able to put the needs of others before yourself? Loving your neighbor demands just that. Most people struggle with this, but being a proper leader demands this. Many people seek out leadership positions because of self interest and not the interest of the group for which they are responsible.

Yeshua gave a wonderful example of a leader in John 10.  In this passage He spoke about the Good Shepherd, who is willing to lay down his life for the sake of the sheep that were entrusted to him (see verse 11). Are you prepared to place the wellbeing of others before yourself; even if it means you losing your life? This is exactly what the apostles did in order to be faithful to their calling. Most of the first century leaders lost their lives, many in a horrific manner. Such a commitment is rare today, but there are those who serve in such a way. What causes one to be able to become this type of leader? Love; a love rooted in a proper understanding of the extent G-d was willing to go in order to redeem them from the consequences of their sin.

Why not ask G-d to show you where you are spiritually? Have you matured to the point where you are able to place others before yourself? A good test for determining this is to ask yourself how you feel when other people succeed. If you can truly rejoice in the good things that happen to other people then you are on the right track. However, if the success of others makes you feel unhappy about yourself and causes a sense of feeling inferior, then you are not ready for leadership.

Moses’ replacement was Joshua. It is most telling that these two men were very close friends. Moses did not think Joshua failing in his role would make him seem a better leader than him. Such a thought never entered his mind. Rather Moses only thought about one thing: assist Joshua as much as he could, because the wellbeing of the people Moses loved, the Children of Israel, depended on Joshua’s being a success. In conclusion ask yourself what type of leader you would be?

בס”ד

Parashat Balak

In this week’s Torah portion we meet a gentile prophet named Balaam. Even though G-d gave him visions of truth and knowledge about His plans and purposes, Balaam did not respond to the L-rd in a faithful manner. This shows that one can have great insight into the Scriptures but still fail G-d if one does not submit to what G-d reveals to him. In this lesson we are not going to focus on Balaam’s rebellion of leading Israel into idolatry at Baal Peor (see Rev. 2:14 and Ex. 24:25-25:3), but the prophecy that Balaam received concerning Messiah.

Numbers 24:16 informs us that Balaam saw a vision of G-d,

“Says the one who hears the sayings of G-d and knows the knowledge of the Most High G-d, who sees a vision of Shaddai (the G-d Who is all sufficient) while falling (into a trance), but with eyes uncovered.”

It is clear from this verse that Balaam is seeing a vision of the One True G-d. Yet all scholars agree the actual prophecy is of Messiah. This point underscores the point that Messiah is G-d Who visited His people in bodily form to redeem us personally. The context of this prophecy is G-d defeating the enemies of Israel. The prophecy says,

“I see him (Messiah), but not now; I will behold him, but not soon- A star has went out of Jacob a scepter-bearer has risen from Israel…” Num. 24:17

This passage reveals that one of the signs of Messiah’s coming is a star. This is why the wise men who were from the east (Babylon) knew that when they saw a star over Israel that Messiah had come,

“At the time that Yeshua was born in Bethlehem of Judah in the days of Herod the king sages came to Jerusalem from the east. They asked: ‘Where is the King of the Jews which was born? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him’.” Matthew 2:1-2

It is important to note that these wise men were Jewish scholars who observed the lights in the sky not for astrological purposes rooted in the occult, but to maintain the Biblical calendar. Remember that G-d said,

“…there will be lights in the heavens to distinguish between the day and the night and they shall be for signs, and appointed times, and days, and years.” Gen. 1:14

When these Jewish scholars saw a new light in the sky they immediately associated it with Balaam’s prophecy. This light resembled a star, but was not literally a star or a comet as some have said. Rather it was a miraculous event that G-d caused to take place. Careful study of the related text shows that the “star” led the sages to Israel and then disappeared for a time and then reappeared and led them to Bethlehem. A literal star or comet could not do this. It is important that one understand that G-d put the light in the sky and directed it in such a manner for the sages to find the Messiah. The uniqueness of this event shows that man cannot be redeemed by the natural; rather only by the supernatural grace which comes through the incarnation. Light in the Scriptures is often understood as illumination. Although one does not today have a star to lead them to the truth of the Messiah, there is the illumination of Holy Scripture that will accomplish the same results if one allows G-d to speak to him through the power of His word.

בס”ד

Parashat Chukat

Success and prosperity is something we all want. The problem is when one does not understand what true success and prosperity are. Success is when one does not allow the enemy to become the focus of one’s life with all of his distractions. When one remains committed to the things of G-d and despite problems, hardships, and suffering one continues to worship G-d—then he will be successful. It is vital that one realize that all the attacks of the enemy are aimed at one objective: to stop you from worshipping the L-rd. Regardless of what happens each day, if you continue to praise the L-rd—you are successful. Prosperity is of course related to success, but is somewhat different. Prosperity is when you have all the resources you need to carry out the will of G-d. Prosperity is not something you achieve, but something you receive from G-d, often times by means of other individuals.

In this week’s Torah portion Israel was attacked by the King of Arad. Arad was a fortified city and its king ruled over a large army. The text tells us that a captive was taken by the enemy (Num. 21:1). It was only after Israel suffered a loss that they turned to G-d for assistance. Israel made a vow to HaShem. The vow revealed that Israel wanted to receive nothing from the L-rd’s help other than to fulfill His will for them. There is a special word used in the text in verses 2-3 that means to offer up everything completely to HaShem.

People who are true servants of G-d do not seek something in return for their faithfulness, simply completing the task and pleasing HaShem is enough of a reward. When one serves to get something in return, then the enemy is able to cause one to lose focus on the assignment and chase after the reward. When this happens the enemy is able to manipulate the person into doing his will instead of HaShem’s will. But when one is willing to dedicate everything to the L-rd, then HaShem hears our prayers and blesses our efforts and provides the victory,

“The L-rd heard the voice of Israel, and He delivered the Canaanite, and He destroyed them and their cities. And He called the name of the place khormah.”
Num. 21:3

Careful reading of this verse reveals that it was G-d who did the work and fought the enemy. This is an important point. It reveals that if one continues to serve G-d and worship Him then G-d Himself will deal with the enemy. Therefore we need not be concerned with the power, resources, or actions of the enemy; if we remain faithful to the task that G-d has given us, He will defeat the enemy for us regardless of how strong he is.

Stay focused on what G-d has called you to do. Remember it is your worship of
G-d that Satan is attacking. Continue to praise Him and let the Savior deal with the enemy.  The words of Psalm 91 are most appropriate,

“A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; it shall not come near to you. Only with your eyes shall you behold, and see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the L-RD who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation. There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near to your tent.”

Shabbat Shalom!

בס”ד

Parashat Korach

In this week’s Torah portion we find the verse, “Separate yourselves from amid the congregation, and I will destroy them in a moment.” Numbers 16:21 ‘’

The Bible says that G-d is slow to anger, but eventually His judgment does come. It is important that you and I do not casually associate with those individuals that behave in a manner that brings G-d’s wrath. Moses and Aaron were the leaders of the Children of Israel and had to set the example of whom it was permissible to be around. Due to the rebellion of a few there ran the risk that the whole camp could be contaminated. When G-d instructed Moses and Aaron to move away from Korach’s congregation it was a message to all of Israel to choose whom they would follow.

Throughout one’s life we will be put in situations where we will have to decide in what direction we will go. Be assured that there are serious consequences to the direction we take. With G-d there is guilt by association! Therefore you and I need to prayerfully consider who we are associating with and what type of influence these people have in our life spiritually? It is much easier for others to bring us down than we to lift others up. If Moses and Aaron did not move away from Korach and his 250 followers their rebellious spirit could have gone throughout the entire assembly of the Children of Israel. Therefore when we make a stand not to walk in the ways of the world and those who rebel against G-dly principles we send a strong message to others to give serious thoughts to their behavior.

People are watching you. If they see you do things and associate with things that are against G-d, they will use your improper behavior to justify their sinful actions. It is important that G-d’s people send a strong message that we are called to live a life based upon the principles of the kingdom of G-d and not what is normal behavior for this world. If we fail to do this, then we can play a role in others encountering the judgment of G-d.

Separate yourself quickly from those ungodly influences, because the wrath of G-d will come upon this world.

Shabbat Shalom.

בס”ד

Parashat Sh’lach L’cha

This week’s Torah portion teaches that if one does not walk in faith on a daily basis then at the key moments of one’s life when faith is needed in a big way, this person will fail.  Scholars will tell you that the most significant event of Jewish history was the exodus from Egypt. However I would like to say that the exodus was only the preparation for the main event, which is taking possession of the Land of Israel. In the same way, the death of Messiah is of course of great significance, but it was His resurrection that established our salvation.

HaShem tells Moses that because the people continue to provoke Him and not demonstrate faith, despite all the signs He has performed in their midst, He will destroy them (see Num. 14:11-12). What purpose then would the exodus have accomplished if Israel came out of Egypt only to die on the way? Yes it is the entrance into the Land and taking possession of it that was Israel’s calling. To this end Israel, because of a lack of faith, was totally unprepared to fulfill G-d’s will. In a similar manner G-d has some key things that He wants you to accomplish; however, without faith it is impossible to do them.

Moses sent twelve spies to scout the Land and confirm that it was a good land as G-d had promised. All twelve spies agreed that the Land was good, a land flowing with milk and honey; but ten of them said that they could not take possession of it. Why did the ten feel this way? They looked to the obstacles before them and sized them up in light of their own abilities. Only Joshua and Caleb understood that successfully doing the will of G-d depends upon the L-rd and not upon man alone. Joshua said that failing to accomplish G-d’s purposes amounts to rebellion against Him (see Num. 14:9). He also pointed out that since G-d was with them there was no need to fear. The people lacked faith in G-d and therefore refused to enter the Land.

It is most interesting that in this Torah reading that immediately after this section dealing with the spies and the national failure that G-d spoke to Moses about the biblical commandment of Challah. This commandment instructs the people of G-d to remove a portion of the dough when making bread and set it aside for the priests (see Num. 15:17-21). What is the connection between this commandment and the incident with the spies? The commandment of the Challah reminds Israel each day (bread was made each day of the week except for Shabbat) to live in faith. In a very real way the priests in each community reminded the people of G-d’s presence with them and their responsibilities to Him. Therefore the commandment to give them a portion of the bread caused the people to remember their obligations to G-d each and every day.

It is when you and I walk with G-d on a daily basis in the small things that we will be preparing ourselves to act in faithfulness when the big things present themselves before us. This is why Messiah Yeshua said, “If one is not faithful in the small things, how will he be faithful in greater things?”

Shabbat Shalom

בס”ד
Parashat Beha’alotcha

On the festival of Shavuot we read the Ten Commandments. I would like to suggest in this week’s Torah portion we find the Eleventh commandment- Thou Shall Not Complain! In the book of Numbers and chapter 11 the children of Israel began to complain before the L-rd. G-d heard their complaints and the text says that it was evil to Him and His anger flared up and He sent fire from heaven and the edge of the camp was consumed. Complaining never contributes something positive to a situation. It simply makes a bad situation worse. Complaining is never the result of the Holy Spirit, but is always rooted in the flesh of man.

In this chapter the people complained because they were tired of the Manna which
G-d provided and they wanted meat. The people remembered all the tasty food they ate while in Egypt and wanted it now in the wilderness. Most commentators understand that the food they longed for was really a desire for their previous life back in Egypt. Simply stated, they longed for the sinful lifestyle they had in Egypt. Do you ever long for the sins that you committed prior to coming to faith? Do you sometimes feel that it was easier just to live in the world and not give any thought to the will and expectations of G-d? If so, then this is a sign that you are not experiencing G-d.

Walking with the L-rd is never boring nor is it overshadowed by sin. Walking with Messiah brings joy even in the face of persecution. When you and I long for sin, it is because we want something to fill the void in our life. The void is caused by neglecting G-d and His will. It is very easy for believers to slip away from experiencing G-d. It is important that this event in Numbers 11 took place immediately after the people departed from Mt. Sinai. There they had a mountain top experience with the living G-d. Now they were expected to experience Him in a day to day manner as they began walking with Him. They failed right away.

The same is true for you and me. G-d is wonderful in those rare mountain top experiences, but true spirituality is when we can experience joy and contentment from Him on a daily basis as we carry out the mundane things of life. Just like any other relationship, it takes work! Walking with G-d and experiencing Him is dependent upon one serving Him. Once a believer moves away from His word and commandments he is really moving away from G-d. A void is created and soon, very soon this person will begin to try to fill this emptiness with sin. When one moves away from the spiritual he will begin to long more and more for the carnal things of life.

Satan is very deceptive. Many of these carnal things are not evil in and of themselves. The problem is that one begins to place upon them a significance beyond that which is appropriate. One begins to often distort their use and soon they become an area which begins to consume their thoughts and attention. In other words Satan begins to use the fleshly desires to control our thoughts and behavior.

Why does G-d respond to the children of Israel’s cry for meat in such a harsh manner?

“G-d’s wrath flared and fire of the L-rd burned against them and consumed (the people) at the edge of the camp.” Numbers 11:1

In order to show that sin has a very destructive influence in our life. Remember, complaining is never motivated by G-d. It is rooted in the cravings of the flesh. It will injure not just the one who complains or the one who hears, but it will affect the whole camp. Guard your tongues, for they can bring much suffering to those around you—G-d is listening to your speech!

Shabbat Shalom.

בס”ד
Parashat Nasso

In this week’s Torah portion we read one of the most famous passages in the Bible:

“HaShem spoke to Moses saying, Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: So shall you bless the Children of Israel saying to them: May the L-rd bless you and keep you. May the L-rd make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the L-rd lift up His face unto you and place upon you peace. And they shall put My Name upon the Children of Israel and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27

This section is known as the Priestly Blessings. The outcome of these blessings is what I would like to emphasize. The last verse says that through these blessings that the Priests will place the “Name” of the L-rd on the Children of Israel. It is important that the reader understand that in the Scriptures, the concept of a “name” is synonymous with character. Therefore the true blessing from the L-rd is that His character is placed upon His people. This is what true spirituality is!

When one experiences redemption by means of the Gospel, G-d establishes a personal relationship with that individual through His Spirit. One of the results of this is that
G-d begins to live in that person’s life. In essence that person’s life becomes hidden by the L-rd who begins to control that person’s thoughts and actions so that it is no longer the individual who is living but G-d Himself through this person.

Although the Priests would say these words, more important than this was their calling to demonstrate with their own lives the reality of G-d living through them. One priest who truly exemplified this was the son of Zachariah from the family of Aviyah named John. It was John who said,

“He (the L-rd) must become more and I must become less” Jn. 3:30

John was correct and knew that in order to serve G-d that his wants, desires, and dreams must be set aside and he must embrace the will of his Heavenly Father. John submitted to this and this is why Yeshua said concerning him,

“I tell you the truth, among those that are born of women there has not risen one greater than John…” Matt. 11:11a

It is only when you and I desire to be used by G-d and we submit to Him that others can see Him living in our lives. When we do this, G-d’s character becomes our character and we manifest His Glory and we truly become a blessing to others. Even though you and I may not be from the priestly lineage, when we do this we fulfill the Scriptures,

“You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” Ex. 19:6

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should manifest the praises of Him, Who has called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light.” 2Pet. 2:9
Shabbat Shalom

בס”ד

Parashat Bamidbar

This week we begin a new book in the Torah, the book of Numbers. The Hebrew name is “In the wilderness”. This Shabbat is the Shabbat before the new month of Sivan, therefore we also ask HaShem to bless this new month. Although the primary issue in this week’s Torah portion is the census, I would like to talk about the command that one must redeem his firstborn male. We know that the tribe of Levite took the place of the first born male. The verse on which I would like to focus is Numbers 3:45b,
“…and the Levites shall be Mine- I am the L-rd.”

What can we learn from this verse?  That although it was the firstborn males of all the other tribes who were redeemed, it was the Levites who because an unique possession of the L-rd G-d Almighty. This special relationship between the Levites and HaShem pictures the unique relationship between Messiah and G-d. In order to do the work of redemption one must belong to G-d. Why is this? Because G-d Himself is the Redeemer. The Levites only were the vessel that G-d used to accomplish this work.

It is clear from the Bible that Messiah is G-d in human form, but what about the verses which seem to show the Messiah in a status lower than the Father? There are two issues which one must not confuse. First is that Yeshua is both fully man and fully G-d. His body was no different than ours. His body was not G-d. So when the body of Yeshua died one should not think that G-d died. Scripture makes it clear that G-d entered into humanity in the person of Yeshua of Nazareth. How did He do this? When Yeshua was conceived by the Holy Spirit without male seed, in the womb of the virgin named Miryam. Although the identity of Yeshua is G-d and therefore worthy of worship; He is also fully man, a man who was chosen by G-d to be a vessel for the redemption of mankind. This is the second issue. Although Yeshua is G-d; as a vessel of G-d, Yeshua was in a subservient relationship to His Father and demonstrated this in many ways.

The point which one should glean and emphasize is this: the Living G-d humbled Himself and entered into humanity in order to redeem mankind. Although Yeshua is G-d, as fully man He demonstrated to us how man should relate with his Father in heaven. The Levites lived as normal human beings, but when they did the work which HaShem called them to do in the Temple, they stopped representing their fellow Israelites and became representatives of the Living G-d. It was for this reason that HaShem placed upon them special requirements.

Today, as believers we are also representatives of G-d and should embrace with joy and with a fervent commitment the restrictions that our faith places upon us. Too often we want to emphasize freedom and liberty rather than seeing the restrictions as blesses. Why are these restrictions a blessing? Because these restrictions enable us to do the work of G-d, and through this service one experiences G-d in a much more powerful way than those who neglect their calling.

Shabbat Shalom.

בס”ד
Parashat Bechukotai

This week we complete the reading of the book of Leviticus. Most of this week’s Torah portion relates to warnings to those who refuse to live in obedience to the Word of G-d. Although HaShem lists many things that He will do to those who do not walk in His statutes, I would like to speak about one of the most serious consequences for those who rebel against the truth. In Leviticus 26:21-24 HaShem tells His people that it is a most grievous sin to respond to His spiritual admonitions in a casual manner.

“If you behave casually with Me and refuse to heed Me, then I shall…”

Recently I was speaking to a young man about G-d’s plan for the land of Israel. He quipped that he thought that G-d was not interested in land or with fulfilling prophecies having to do with the Jewish people. He remarked that G-d is love and what G-d is concerned with today is people receiving His love through the Messiah. I agree that the Gospel is the most important message G-d has for man, but to reject a vast amount of scripture rooted in the promises and character of G-d and preach the Gospel in a vacuum is handling the word of G-d very casually.

People with often respond with Paul’s word in I Corinthians 2:2,

“For I determined not to know anything among you, except the Messiah Yeshua, and Him crucified.”

Yes this was Paul’s desire but did he do just that? Of course not, he wrote about many other issues. To ignore the word of G-d and just focus in on the Love of G-d rooted in the Gospel does a disservice to the individuals that you are dealing with, not to mention to G-d Himself. G-d revealed a plan for the last days and the Jewish people, the land of Israel; and even the Biblical Holidays play a role in this glorious plan’s fulfillment. What is this fulfillment? The Kingdom of G-d being established!

One needs to know the whole counsel of G-d’s word to be ready for the last days and to assist others in being ready. A naive approach to scripture which says all I need to do is share the Gospel in love is often an excuse for being lazy and not wanting to study G-d’s word. In actuality each believer needs to be diligent in the study all of scripture,

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Tim. 2:15

This week ask yourself prayerfully if you are walking in the decrees and statutes of HaShem. Are you too casual when it comes with following the whole counsel of scripture?

I started out this article by saying I wanted to speak on one of the most serious consequences of relating to G-d in a casual manner. How does G-d respond to those who are casual with His word? He is casual with that person; that person’s prayer request, that person’s needs, and that person’s existence. If you want G-d to pay attention to you, then be diligent in the study of His Word so that you can rightly divide all of scripture properly and show yourself approved before G-d.

Shabbat Shalom.

Parashat Behar

This week’s Torah portion offers some great financial advice. Debt is an ever increasing problem in the United States and in Israel. People live beyond their financial means. Although each individual must show personal financial restraint, we learn from parashat behar that there is also a responsibility on the lender as well. This week’s sidrah deals with the laws of shemittah, (the seventh year when one must let the land lie fallow) and with the year of Jubilee. If someone enters into a debt and ends up not being able to pay off this debt, we are taught in parashat mishpatim that he must serve his creditor for a period of no more than six years regardless of the amount of debt. It is important to know that this debtor is not treated as a slave, but as a hired labor,

“If your brother becomes impoverished to you and is sold to you, you shall not work as a slave-laborer; but as a employee, as a resident he will be with you until the year of Jubilee he shall work with you.” Lev. 25:39-40

This fact would cause the creditor not to extend too much credit to an individual because he knows up front that if the borrower defaults that he will only receive a maximum of six years of labor regardless of the amount he owes.

In a similar way when one purchases a piece of land (in our language, lease) the buyer and seller realize that in the year of Jubilee the land will return to the original owner regardless of if the buyer  paid the full amount of the lease price or not. Even if the buyer was not able to fulfill his payment, the debt is canceled as well in the year of Jubilee. Therefore the seller must take all of these factors under consideration. What would be the result? The creditor would not give to someone a loan that he felt he would not be able to repay in a relatively short amount of time.

Today companies that issue credit to individuals do so without much concern with the person’s ability to pay. The length of loans can be for exceedingly long periods of time and people grow overwhelmed with the amount of debt and the years that it will take to pay back the money. More and more people are defaulting on loans and this is creating a serious problem for the economy. Although the borrower is responsible to pay back money, the Torah offers some relief for he who over extends himself and warns the lender to be cautious in extending too much credit an individual. If the lender is careless he will suffer financially for his disregard of sound stewardship principles.

In short, the lender must not only think about himself in the business agreement; that is if he is receiving top dollar, but also consider the financial situation of the borrower and see if this transaction is appropriate for him. This is simply another example of the Torah teaching us that we are indeed our brother’s keeper and we must look out for others and not just ourselves.

Shabbat Shalom.