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.