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!