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Discussions Torah

How God guides us to pursue real change by standing up for what’s right (Numbers 25–26)

How God guides you to pursue real change by standing up for what's right (Numbers 25-26). Oil painting style image of a white-clothed man standing while holding a spear.

People are looking at what is going on in American culture and government right now and see a repeat of what was going on in pre-Nazi Germany. Some are advocating for preparing to fight, and some look for guidance from priest Phinehas’ bold action in Torah reading פִּינְחָס Pinchas (Numbers 25–29) to stop iniquity in the house of God.

However, a look at the actions Pinchas actually took leading up to that moment reveals what was behind the extreme restraint exercised by the founders of the U.S., drawing from David’s example when persecuted by Saul. These lessons teach followers of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) how to “stand” as times get darker leading up to the Day of the LORD.

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Announcements Apostolic Writings Jubilee Prophets and Writings Sabbatical Year Torah

‘Proclaim liberty through the land’: Israel’s model for freedom in America

Liberty Bell with copper words "Proclaim liberty through the land" written on it, superimposed over the U.S. flag with the Declaration of Independence shown on the flag.

Ancient Israel’s Torah was a forerunner for freedom the U.S. Declaration of Independence started bringing to the wider world roughly 3,500 years later. While the U.S. effort to free captives had fits and starts, Israel’s declaration of freedom brought with it the power of Heaven’s Messiah. And that power eventually flowed through all nations that listen to His voice.

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Discussions

How Messiah makes the best-laid plans of snake and men go oft awry (Numbers 19–24)

How Messiah makes the best-laid plans of snake and men go oft awry (Numbers 19-24). Photorealistic image of a copper snake slithering across a leather surface.

In the Torah readings of חֻקַּת‎ Chukat (“statute of,” Numbers 19:1–22:1) and בָּלָק Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9), we see the mysterious instructions for the red heifer, Israel’s apostasy; judgment by “fiery” snakes then the brass serpent; and also a talking donkey. One may wonder why all of these are coming together.

One thread through it all is the downhill slide of the first generation of Israel post-Exodus as they are dying off and the second generation are ascending into leadership. Chukat and Balak cover nearly 40 years of time in the history of Israel between the Exodus from Mitzraim (Egypt) and her entry into the Promised Land.

How the snake relates to the donkey and the savior finds its fullness in the arrival of Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ).

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Discussions Torah

When these men tried to tell God who was in charge, it didn’t go well (Numbers 16–18)

When these men tried to tell God who was in charge, it didn't go well (Numbers 16-18). Bearded man in a blue dress shirt wears a crown and looks up to the right quizzically.

The Torah reading קֹרַח Korakh/Korach (“Korah,” Numbers 16–18) presents us a difficult lesson in the dangers of democracy. As Americans, we pride ourselves on living in a country where all citizens who are age 18-plus are granted a vote in how our school boards, cities, counties, states and the nation itself are governed. 

Korach and those following him wanted to rule God’s house itself in a similar manner. Ambassadors and disciples of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) should carefully and humbly take to heart how God’s judgment utterly humiliated and destroyed Korach and his rebels.

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Discussions Torah

How you can rise above giant-sized fear (Numbers 13–15)

How you can rise above giant-sized fear (Numbers 13-15). Artwork shows four grotesque giants looming over several grasshoppers, referring to a line in which the 10 "bad report" spies of Israel said they saw themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants in the land.

How do we see the troubles and difficulties we face each day? From our perspective, limited in knowledge and power, or from the perspective of the One Who made and sustains all things? That can make the difference between living a life paralyzed by fear or moving on courageously, no matter the outcome. This is a key undercurrent of the Torah reading שְׁלַח Shelakh (“send,” Numbers 13–15) and the teachings on faith by Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus).

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Discussions Prophets and Writings

‘Let your light shine among men’: When God’s people need re-enlightenment (Zechariah 1–4)

'Let your light shine among men': When God's people need re-enlightenment (Zechariah 1-4)

The prophet Zechariah had a special relationship with God. He received eight prophesies in the same night then additional prophesies and visions as well. Many of these messages reveal important information about the identity and calling of the future Messiah — Yeshua (Jesus).

Zechariah was a descendant of Aaron the high priest and most likely born in Babylon or Persia during the Babylonian exile. Zechariah was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai. Both tell us that even when the people of God are in exile and living in subjection to pagan powers, God is in control and remembers His people. He hasn’t forgotten their mission or their calling. Heaven brings on the exiles to re-awaken the people to that mission.

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Discussions Torah

Mt. Sinai is everywhere Yeshua wants to be (Numbers 9–11)

Mt. Sinai is everywhere you — and Yeshua — want you to be (Numbers 9-11). Tents pitched in front of Mt. Sinai.

In the Torah reading בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ Beha’alotcha (“when you raise up” [the lamps], Numbers 8–12) we learn two main lessons: First, what started in Sinai (approaching God’s Presence) won’t stay in Sinai. (Hint: It will travel with the people, in the midst of the assembly.) Second, God is always willing to give us every opportunity to repent and participate fully in His community.