Apostle Paul called Abraham the “father of us all,” those born in Israel and those who have faith like his (Rom. 4:16). In this week’s Torah passage, Lech Lecha (“go forth,” Gen. 12:1-17:27), we see Abraham’s first move of faith in leaving his homeland for some unknown destination Heaven was leading him toward. His response is an inspiration to us all.
Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus) and His apostle Shimon Kefa (Simon Peter) pointed to “the days of Noah” as important for believers to fully understand to be prepared for life now and for the “coming of the Son of Man.” This week’s Torah section, נֹחַ Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32), helps us catch the meaning of the enigmatic phrase “one taken and the other left” (Matt. 24:40-41; Luke 17:34-35).
These days, a Creator Who made the heavens, Earth, plants, creatures and people is scoffed at by many, including ever more in the Body of Messiah. But this week’s Torah portion, בְּרֵאשִׁית B’reisheet (“In the beginning,” Genesis 1:1-6:8), reminds us why Yeshua (Jesus) taught that this is important real history undergirding our faith.
This week’s double Torah reading, Chukat-Balak (Numbers 19:1-25:9), contains key prophecies about the Messiah: life-giving water from “the rock,” the death of an exceptional offering would give life, a mighty King would arise from Israel. That’s why the red heifer, “living water” and Balaam are brought up repeatedly in the New Testament to teach us more about Yeshua (Jesus).
Gossip is a premeditated destruction of one human being by another. Scripture and James Foley’s “Drop a Pebble in the Water” poem teach that we need to let our “ripples” be encouraging and uplifting.
We’ve all had days when we are so physically or mentally exhausted that we long to go home and relax, or better yet, nap. The LORD gave our forefathers in faith memorials and reminders in time to nudge us to seek Him Who can truly bring us rest from guilt, fear, loneliness, etc. That’s the lesson in the combined Torah readings בְּהַר Behar (“on mount” Sinai) and בְּחֻקֹּתַי Bechukotai (“in My statutes”) that wraps up the book of Leviticus.
Jesus Cares 2020 Ministries in downtown Santa Rosa has an ongoing need for clothing, shelter items and personal care products. Here’s a list.