Category: Discussions

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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.

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Appointments With God Discussions Pentecost/Shavuot

Pentecost: God’s global invitation to become part of Heaven’s family

Pentecost: God's global invitation to become part of Heaven's family. Six people toast with wine glasses full of different beverages across a table covered with foods.

Shavuot (Pentecost) is an invitation to all mankind to meet and fellowship with God. He sent the same invitation through Moshe (Moses) to the first generation of Israel post-Exodus that God sends through His Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus).

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Unclean skins covering the holy Tabernacle? Pagan name for the LORD? (Numbers 1:1–4:20)

Torah reading Bemidbar Q&A (Numbers 1:1-4:20; Hosea 1:9-2:23)

Why would the Tabernacle be covered with the skin of an unclean animal? Why would God call Himself by the name of a pagan god? Here are answers to such questions from the Torah reading בְּמִדְבַּר Bemidbar (“in the wilderness,” Num. 1:1–4:20).