|
Return
to D'var Torah Menu
Beha’ alotecha
13 June 2009
Numbers
8:1-12:16
Zechariah
2:14-27
I
Cor.10:6-13
This Torah
portion begins with instructions to Aaron regarding the Menorah. Next G-d
tells Moshe to consecrate the Levites, including all the ritual that go
with that process.
After
these instructions G-d then tells Moshe about the Pesach offerings and the
second Pesach for those who were not prepared due to being contaminated
through contact with a human corpse and still needed to be consecrated.
These individuals wanted to participate in the Pesach offerings and have
fellowship with each other and with G-d in Yerushalayim. I am sure that
this people were broken hearted, unable to participate in the festival
that was a reminder of their freedom from Egypt and confirmation that they
were now part of a redeemed people who have not only a destiny but a
mission to bring forth the knowledge of the One and Only G-d, who was the
Creator and Redeemer who wanted to have a relationship with all people.
Like all
people, we are part of the human race. We have the ability to mess up
quite well. But we have a G-d who has a desire to forgive even though we
mess up and separate ourselves from G-d thru our actions. We can become
contaminated with coming into the presence of sin, which brings death and
separation from G-d.
We are
reminded in the Scriptures of failures that the men and woman of faith,
like Moshe, Shimson, Joshua the High Priest in the HafTorah we are reading
this week, Zacchaeus the tax collector (Luke 19:2), Shaul the angry young
man that persecuted the people of the Way in Acts chapter 9. All were
given a second chance for them to run the race, finish the course and have
a restored relationship with G-d.
Today as
we face our own difficulties, obstacles that may seem insurmountable, we
must remember that every obstacle is subject to the power of G-d. G-d is
at work within our obstacles and difficulties, even when we are not aware
of it. Be assured that G-d is at work. He will remove our obstacles, but
we must search His will for us. We must seek and remove sin from our
hearts in order to be ready to receive from Him. We must focus on His
omniscience, His sovereignty, enter into His presence, and be fully
assured that He will provide, He will forgive because He loves us.
We may not
like the way we see ourselves, have a poor self image, but He sees
something that is worthy to be redeemed. He desires to give us a second
chance. We must give thanks to G-d in all circumstances that may come upon
us, just as Shaul wrote Phil.4:11-13 that I have learned in whatever
situation I find myself, I am content. I Thess.5:18 says that we must
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of G-d in Messiah
Yeshua for us. G-d is faithful!
So let us
rejoice always and pray without ceasing.
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
Return
to D'var Torah Menu |