Post by alon on Sept 16, 2018 21:44:46 GMT -8
Par’shah 54: V’zot HaBrachah
This week’s readings: Par’shah 54
Date of reading: 22 September 2018/13 Tishrei 5779
Name of Par’shah: V’zot HaBrachah (This is the blessing)
Par’shah: D’varim 33:1-34:12
Haftara: Sh’mu’el Bet 22:1-51
Brit Chadashah: Romans 10:14-21; 12:14-21; Messianic Jews 12:28-29
D’rash: We are now in our final reading of the par’shah schedule and how fitting it is to end it by showing honor to one of Adonai’s greatest servant, if not the greatest:
D’varim 34:10-12---Since that time there has not arisen in Isra’el a prophet like Moshe, whom Adonai knew face to face. What signs and wonders Adonai sent him to perform in the land of Egypt upon Pharaoh, all his servants and all his land! What might was in his hand! What great terror he evoked before the eyes of all Isra’el!
In spite of the fact that a moment of anger kept him out of the Promised Land, none of us can claim the same depth of personal experience that Moshe had with Adonai, and all of us, too, will have some not-so-positive things that others may remember us by. But at the end of our lives, we would hope that we will mostly be remembered that we loved G-d and served Him to the best of our abilities.
Though the children of Israel benefited from some of the same experiences as Moshe, i.e., witnessing the plagues of Egypt, miraculous provision of water and of the man (manna), etc., there are some unique only to Moshe:
1. He was Adonai’s chosen instument through which the plagues of Egypt were performed, and the crossing of the Sea of Suf.
2. Isra’el’s victory over ‘Amalek at Refidim resulted when Moshe stood on a hill and had his hands raised [with the help of Aharon and Hur (Sh’mot 17:8-13)].
3. He received the two stone tablets of the Testimony written by Adonai (Sh’mot 31:18).
4. When Moshe stood in the crevice of the rock Adonai manifested His goodness to him and His back [but not His face (Sh’mot 33:17-23)].
5. Moshe’s face shown with rays of light each time he came out from the presence of Adonai (Sh’mot 34:29-35).
6. Adonai commended Moshe as being the only servant who was faithful in His entire household, and spoke with him face to face clearly, not in riddles, or in visions and dreams as with prophets (B’midbar 12:6-8).
7. He was one of two prominent figures at Yeshua’s Transfiguration [the other being Eliyahu (Mattityahu 17:1-8)].
8. Moshe’s name is often associated with G-d’s law, i.e., the
of Moshe (M’lakhim Bet 23:25, Mal’akhi 4:4, Mark 12:26, Luke 16:31, 24:44).
Some of us who have walked with G-d faithfully and consistently may have at one time or another felt a twinge of jealously towards a fellow member who strayed from the paths of righteousness for a season, then repented and returned to the fold, sometimes accompanied by much attention and rejoicing, as with the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. Though the main point of the story is to emphasize G-d’s desire for repentance and restoration, He also takes pleasure in those who remain faithful to Him, as with the older brother:
Luke 15:31---‘Son, you are always with me,’ said the father, ‘and everything I have is yours.’
The response of the older brother towards his younger sibling reveals at least a partial flaw in his motive for obedience to their father and this we want to avoid. Keep in mind that those who walk steadfastly with Adonai will avoid consequences that returning sinners may have to deal with, possibly for the rest of their lives, and that faithful service to Him and others will be remembered:
Messianic Jews 6:10---For G-d is not so unfair as to forget your work and the love you showed for Him in your past service to His people---and in your present service too.
More importantly, we need to remember that following G-d and His is our true source of joy and strength that should transcend any feelings of jealousy towards others receiving more attention than ourselves; because the life of G-d we receive through the holy scriptures gives us lasting contentment and confidence.
Tehellim 23:1---Adonai is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.
Tehellim 128:(1)---How happy is everyone who fears Adonai, who lives by His ways.
Tehellim 4:7(6)-9(8)---Many ask, “Who can show us some good? Adonai, lift the light of Your face over us! You have filled my heart with more joy than all their grain and new wine. I will lie down and sleep in peace; for, Adonai, You alone make me live securely.
May the light of His countenance make ours shine!
References: Scriptures take from the Complete Jewish Bible, copyright 1998 by David H. Stern
MRD
This week’s readings: Par’shah 54
Date of reading: 22 September 2018/13 Tishrei 5779
Name of Par’shah: V’zot HaBrachah (This is the blessing)
Par’shah: D’varim 33:1-34:12
Haftara: Sh’mu’el Bet 22:1-51
Brit Chadashah: Romans 10:14-21; 12:14-21; Messianic Jews 12:28-29
D’rash: We are now in our final reading of the par’shah schedule and how fitting it is to end it by showing honor to one of Adonai’s greatest servant, if not the greatest:
D’varim 34:10-12---Since that time there has not arisen in Isra’el a prophet like Moshe, whom Adonai knew face to face. What signs and wonders Adonai sent him to perform in the land of Egypt upon Pharaoh, all his servants and all his land! What might was in his hand! What great terror he evoked before the eyes of all Isra’el!
In spite of the fact that a moment of anger kept him out of the Promised Land, none of us can claim the same depth of personal experience that Moshe had with Adonai, and all of us, too, will have some not-so-positive things that others may remember us by. But at the end of our lives, we would hope that we will mostly be remembered that we loved G-d and served Him to the best of our abilities.
Though the children of Israel benefited from some of the same experiences as Moshe, i.e., witnessing the plagues of Egypt, miraculous provision of water and of the man (manna), etc., there are some unique only to Moshe:
1. He was Adonai’s chosen instument through which the plagues of Egypt were performed, and the crossing of the Sea of Suf.
2. Isra’el’s victory over ‘Amalek at Refidim resulted when Moshe stood on a hill and had his hands raised [with the help of Aharon and Hur (Sh’mot 17:8-13)].
3. He received the two stone tablets of the Testimony written by Adonai (Sh’mot 31:18).
4. When Moshe stood in the crevice of the rock Adonai manifested His goodness to him and His back [but not His face (Sh’mot 33:17-23)].
5. Moshe’s face shown with rays of light each time he came out from the presence of Adonai (Sh’mot 34:29-35).
6. Adonai commended Moshe as being the only servant who was faithful in His entire household, and spoke with him face to face clearly, not in riddles, or in visions and dreams as with prophets (B’midbar 12:6-8).
7. He was one of two prominent figures at Yeshua’s Transfiguration [the other being Eliyahu (Mattityahu 17:1-8)].
8. Moshe’s name is often associated with G-d’s law, i.e., the
of Moshe (M’lakhim Bet 23:25, Mal’akhi 4:4, Mark 12:26, Luke 16:31, 24:44).Some of us who have walked with G-d faithfully and consistently may have at one time or another felt a twinge of jealously towards a fellow member who strayed from the paths of righteousness for a season, then repented and returned to the fold, sometimes accompanied by much attention and rejoicing, as with the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. Though the main point of the story is to emphasize G-d’s desire for repentance and restoration, He also takes pleasure in those who remain faithful to Him, as with the older brother:
Luke 15:31---‘Son, you are always with me,’ said the father, ‘and everything I have is yours.’
The response of the older brother towards his younger sibling reveals at least a partial flaw in his motive for obedience to their father and this we want to avoid. Keep in mind that those who walk steadfastly with Adonai will avoid consequences that returning sinners may have to deal with, possibly for the rest of their lives, and that faithful service to Him and others will be remembered:
Messianic Jews 6:10---For G-d is not so unfair as to forget your work and the love you showed for Him in your past service to His people---and in your present service too.
More importantly, we need to remember that following G-d and His
is our true source of joy and strength that should transcend any feelings of jealousy towards others receiving more attention than ourselves; because the life of G-d we receive through the holy scriptures gives us lasting contentment and confidence.Tehellim 23:1---Adonai is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.
Tehellim 128:(1)---How happy is everyone who fears Adonai, who lives by His ways.
Tehellim 4:7(6)-9(8)---Many ask, “Who can show us some good? Adonai, lift the light of Your face over us! You have filled my heart with more joy than all their grain and new wine. I will lie down and sleep in peace; for, Adonai, You alone make me live securely.
May the light of His countenance make ours shine!
References: Scriptures take from the Complete Jewish Bible, copyright 1998 by David H. Stern
MRD
