Post by alon on May 18, 2019 22:13:12 GMT -8
Par’shah 33.2 B’chukkotai
This week’s readings: Par’shah 33
Date of reading: May 18, 2019/13 Iyyar, 5779
Name of Par’shah: B’chukkotai (By My regulations)
Par’shah: Vayikra 26:3-27:34
Haftarah: Yirmeyahu 16:19-17:14
Brit Chadashah: Yochanan 14:15-21; 15:10-12; 1 Yochanan
D’rash:
Our par’shah for this week begins with a main theme for the terms of the covenant between Adonai and His Chosen People: blessings for obedience to His regulations and punishment for disobedience. Note that the blessings are stated first; note also that before punishment is administered one would have to reach, or rather degrade, to a point of loathing and rejecting the Mitzvot (Vayikra 26:15). The lexicon defines “loathing”- (Hebrew: Strong’s 3988--ma’as) -- as “to melt, melt away, dissolve; to feel undone. It has the sense of flowing or running out.” The Mitzvot won’t automatically stick to you. One needs to be diligent and hold onto them tightly, or else they may dissolve or melt away from you because of indifference. The word “reject”- (Hebrew: Strong’s 1602--ga’al) – is “to abhor, loathe, detest, reject; to be rejected or thrown away; to be cast away in a vile manner; to waste; to fall. This verbal root expresses a very intense aversion which is often accompanied by strong measures of reaction...” No further explanation is necessary. We should see that it is G-d’s intention to stand ready and willing to pour out blessings and not waiting anxiously with a baseball bat to inflict harm.
The church for the most part views some of as harsh and burdensome. However, rules are meant to bring about order and benefit. Most parents and even students would agree that a classroom teacher’s rules are to foster the maximum, favorable conditions for learning. The military has set rules that are stricter than in civilian life in order to have a stronger, more unified fighting force. Most will understand the need for that---in fact, it is admired. So why should G-d’s laws and statutes be viewed any differently? Their benefits result in a prosperous life both in the world and in the heart (see also Yochanan 10:10). True, circumstances or evil can take away physical blessings, but it should never be allowed to take away our shalom from within (Hebrews 10:32-34).
If one thinks that G-d’s laws are hard and unfair, let’s compare them to some of the rules in the NFL (National Football League):
1). Ever watch a player, after scoring a touchdown, throw or give the football to a grateful fan? That’s wonderful! Giving is a godly virtue. At most, the NFL could (and should) charge the player for the price of a football that they own. But this is not the case. It is a violation of good sportsmanship and the player is fined $6,683.
2). That chinstrap a player uses to fasten his helmet? If it is not according to league standards, well, if it works, probably no big deal to Adonai. It is to the NFL---the fine for that violation is $10,026.
3). If a player wears on the playfield an unlicensed logo advertising a product that does not sponsor the NFL, that’s a violation of official league licensing agreements which can result in a suspension or fine. One player violated this rule, and because it occurred as a Super Bowl appearance on Media Day, it cost him $100,000. If a new, excited believer with a few rough edges in his life (which is probably to be expected) wears a religious tee shirt, will he get fined or expelled from the assembly? No, I didn’t think so. In fact, G-d and the angels in heaven are rejoicing over a newly saved soul (Luke 15:7,10). A mean and harsh G-d? Hmm.
Of course, to be fair to the NFL, they have commented that these rules are set in place to maintain a high standard and integrity to the sport which is viewed by millions, and that is certainly a good thing. Adonai sets rules for our lives and especially for leadership for the same reasons, to express righteousness and honor to Him in the sight of the world. The NFL does have rules that are obviously good and necessary (along with fines if violated) to protect players from acts such as illegal and dangerous blocks, roughing the passer, face mask, etc. Let’s cover one more example:
4). Because of the nature of the sport, fights can and do occur occasionally. The fine for that is $33,425 each. Remember the fight between the Hebrew and the Egyptian (whose mother was an Isra’elite) in Vayikra 24:10-16? The Egyptian was put to death for uttering the Name in a curse---no punishment mentioned over the fight for either.
What is interesting about this NFL rule against fighting are the two rules related to it. There is what’s called “Unnecessarily Entering Fight Area (active involvement)”. I believe this includes another player or players trying to break up the fight. If so, isn’t that a noble thing? Doesn’t the Scripture say “How blessed are those who make peace!...” (Mattityahu 5:9). Too bad. Bless your heart and pay the $6,683 fine. What if you didn’t get involved but stepped into the fight area (maybe because it might hinder the officials’ efforts to stop the fight, or you as a spectator?). That’ll cost you only $3340. This is known as “Unnecessarily Entering Fight Area (no active involvement)”. I think the reason for this is the more players involved or too close the more likely that other fights could start, even when the initial intention was to break up the first fight. Let the officials break it up. They are less likely to get hit; and the fight will probably end sooner. By now, you may be asking the question, so I’ll answer it. The fine for making physical contact with an official is also $33,425. By the way, did I mention that fines double for all second offenses? The consequences of our choices may be punishment enough but does G-d give us what we really deserve? I think all of us can conclude that He, instead, shows great patience, understanding and mercy.
Let’s get back to our spiritual lesson. What would have been the punishment for striking The Crown Prince, our Rabbi Yeshua HaMashiach, and then executing Him? Forget about any monetary compensation. G-d could rightfully demand the death penalty, even if Yeshua’s execution was part of His plan for salvation. So what happened after the resurrection? Kefa speaks to the crowd during Shavu’ot, which included those responsible for Yeshua’s death:
Acts 2:36-39---“Therefore, let the whole house of Isra’el know beyond doubt that G-d has made Him both L-rd and Messiah---this Yeshua, whom you executed on a stake!” On hearing this, they were stung in their hearts; and they said to Kefa and the other emissaries, “Brothers, what should we do?” Kefa answered them, “Turn from sin, return to G-d, and each of you be immersed on the authority of Yeshua the Messiah into forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh! For the promise is for you, for your children, and for those far away---as many as Adonai our G-d may call!”
A mean and harsh G-d? Sounds like the sinners are not only getting off the hook, but receiving undeserved benefits as well; and even while they are learning to walk with G-d more fully, if sins or mistakes are committed, G-d will forgive as long as there is confession, repentance and a heart to continue following Him (1 Yochanan 1:9). We end with these two Scriptures:
1 Timothy 2:4---He [Adonai] wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth.
2 Kefa 3:8-9---Moreover, dear friends, do not ignore this: with the L-rd, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The L-rd is not slow in keeping His promise [of His coming], as some people think of slowness; on the contrary, He is patient with you; for it is not His purpose that anyone should be destroyed, but that everyone should turn from his sins.
References: The Complete Word Study Old Testament, copyright 1994 AMG International, Inc.; operations.nfl.com; eonline.com; Scriptures taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, copyright 1998 by David H. Stern
This week’s readings: Par’shah 33
Date of reading: May 18, 2019/13 Iyyar, 5779
Name of Par’shah: B’chukkotai (By My regulations)
Par’shah: Vayikra 26:3-27:34
Haftarah: Yirmeyahu 16:19-17:14
Brit Chadashah: Yochanan 14:15-21; 15:10-12; 1 Yochanan
D’rash:
Our par’shah for this week begins with a main theme for the terms of the covenant between Adonai and His Chosen People: blessings for obedience to His regulations and punishment for disobedience. Note that the blessings are stated first; note also that before punishment is administered one would have to reach, or rather degrade, to a point of loathing and rejecting the Mitzvot (Vayikra 26:15). The lexicon defines “loathing”- (Hebrew: Strong’s 3988--ma’as) -- as “to melt, melt away, dissolve; to feel undone. It has the sense of flowing or running out.” The Mitzvot won’t automatically stick to you. One needs to be diligent and hold onto them tightly, or else they may dissolve or melt away from you because of indifference. The word “reject”- (Hebrew: Strong’s 1602--ga’al) – is “to abhor, loathe, detest, reject; to be rejected or thrown away; to be cast away in a vile manner; to waste; to fall. This verbal root expresses a very intense aversion which is often accompanied by strong measures of reaction...” No further explanation is necessary. We should see that it is G-d’s intention to stand ready and willing to pour out blessings and not waiting anxiously with a baseball bat to inflict harm.
The church for the most part views some of as harsh and burdensome. However, rules are meant to bring about order and benefit. Most parents and even students would agree that a classroom teacher’s rules are to foster the maximum, favorable conditions for learning. The military has set rules that are stricter than in civilian life in order to have a stronger, more unified fighting force. Most will understand the need for that---in fact, it is admired. So why should G-d’s laws and statutes be viewed any differently? Their benefits result in a prosperous life both in the world and in the heart (see also Yochanan 10:10). True, circumstances or evil can take away physical blessings, but it should never be allowed to take away our shalom from within (Hebrews 10:32-34).
If one thinks that G-d’s laws are hard and unfair, let’s compare them to some of the rules in the NFL (National Football League):
1). Ever watch a player, after scoring a touchdown, throw or give the football to a grateful fan? That’s wonderful! Giving is a godly virtue. At most, the NFL could (and should) charge the player for the price of a football that they own. But this is not the case. It is a violation of good sportsmanship and the player is fined $6,683.
2). That chinstrap a player uses to fasten his helmet? If it is not according to league standards, well, if it works, probably no big deal to Adonai. It is to the NFL---the fine for that violation is $10,026.
3). If a player wears on the playfield an unlicensed logo advertising a product that does not sponsor the NFL, that’s a violation of official league licensing agreements which can result in a suspension or fine. One player violated this rule, and because it occurred as a Super Bowl appearance on Media Day, it cost him $100,000. If a new, excited believer with a few rough edges in his life (which is probably to be expected) wears a religious tee shirt, will he get fined or expelled from the assembly? No, I didn’t think so. In fact, G-d and the angels in heaven are rejoicing over a newly saved soul (Luke 15:7,10). A mean and harsh G-d? Hmm.
Of course, to be fair to the NFL, they have commented that these rules are set in place to maintain a high standard and integrity to the sport which is viewed by millions, and that is certainly a good thing. Adonai sets rules for our lives and especially for leadership for the same reasons, to express righteousness and honor to Him in the sight of the world. The NFL does have rules that are obviously good and necessary (along with fines if violated) to protect players from acts such as illegal and dangerous blocks, roughing the passer, face mask, etc. Let’s cover one more example:
4). Because of the nature of the sport, fights can and do occur occasionally. The fine for that is $33,425 each. Remember the fight between the Hebrew and the Egyptian (whose mother was an Isra’elite) in Vayikra 24:10-16? The Egyptian was put to death for uttering the Name in a curse---no punishment mentioned over the fight for either.
What is interesting about this NFL rule against fighting are the two rules related to it. There is what’s called “Unnecessarily Entering Fight Area (active involvement)”. I believe this includes another player or players trying to break up the fight. If so, isn’t that a noble thing? Doesn’t the Scripture say “How blessed are those who make peace!...” (Mattityahu 5:9). Too bad. Bless your heart and pay the $6,683 fine. What if you didn’t get involved but stepped into the fight area (maybe because it might hinder the officials’ efforts to stop the fight, or you as a spectator?). That’ll cost you only $3340. This is known as “Unnecessarily Entering Fight Area (no active involvement)”. I think the reason for this is the more players involved or too close the more likely that other fights could start, even when the initial intention was to break up the first fight. Let the officials break it up. They are less likely to get hit; and the fight will probably end sooner. By now, you may be asking the question, so I’ll answer it. The fine for making physical contact with an official is also $33,425. By the way, did I mention that fines double for all second offenses? The consequences of our choices may be punishment enough but does G-d give us what we really deserve? I think all of us can conclude that He, instead, shows great patience, understanding and mercy.
Let’s get back to our spiritual lesson. What would have been the punishment for striking The Crown Prince, our Rabbi Yeshua HaMashiach, and then executing Him? Forget about any monetary compensation. G-d could rightfully demand the death penalty, even if Yeshua’s execution was part of His plan for salvation. So what happened after the resurrection? Kefa speaks to the crowd during Shavu’ot, which included those responsible for Yeshua’s death:
Acts 2:36-39---“Therefore, let the whole house of Isra’el know beyond doubt that G-d has made Him both L-rd and Messiah---this Yeshua, whom you executed on a stake!” On hearing this, they were stung in their hearts; and they said to Kefa and the other emissaries, “Brothers, what should we do?” Kefa answered them, “Turn from sin, return to G-d, and each of you be immersed on the authority of Yeshua the Messiah into forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh! For the promise is for you, for your children, and for those far away---as many as Adonai our G-d may call!”
A mean and harsh G-d? Sounds like the sinners are not only getting off the hook, but receiving undeserved benefits as well; and even while they are learning to walk with G-d more fully, if sins or mistakes are committed, G-d will forgive as long as there is confession, repentance and a heart to continue following Him (1 Yochanan 1:9). We end with these two Scriptures:
1 Timothy 2:4---He [Adonai] wants all humanity to be delivered and come to full knowledge of the truth.
2 Kefa 3:8-9---Moreover, dear friends, do not ignore this: with the L-rd, one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The L-rd is not slow in keeping His promise [of His coming], as some people think of slowness; on the contrary, He is patient with you; for it is not His purpose that anyone should be destroyed, but that everyone should turn from his sins.
References: The Complete Word Study Old Testament, copyright 1994 AMG International, Inc.; operations.nfl.com; eonline.com; Scriptures taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, copyright 1998 by David H. Stern