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BEHA’ALOTECHA  “In your setting up”

11 JUNE 2011

NUMBERS 8:1-12:16

ZECH 2:14-4:7

1Cor.10:6-13

Abbreviated Outline

1.    Aaron is commanded to raise light in the lamps of the menorah, and the tribe of Levi is initiated into the service in the Sanctuary.

2.    A "Second Passover" is instituted in response to the petition "Why should we be deprived?" by a group of Jews who were unable to bring the Passover offering in its appointed time because they were ritually impure. GOD instructs Moses on the procedures for Israel's journeys and encampments in the desert, and the people journey in formation from Mount Sinai, where they had been camped for nearly a year.

3.    The people are dissatisfied with their "bread from heaven" (the manna) and demand that Moses supply them with meat. Moses appoints 70 elders, to whom he emanates of his spirit, to assist him in the burden of governing the people. Miriam speaks negatively of Moses and is punished with leprosy; Moses prays for her healing and the entire community waits seven days for her recovery. After Mt. Sinai, And at the Lord's command, the Israelites were to pack and set out.  Also, at His command, they were to encamp where they were.  They would know what to do by seeing GOD's glory move or stay still above the Tent of Meeting.  We, too, should be Spirit led as we move forward in our lives; and stay still when tempted to move on our own, waiting for GOD's direction.

Psalm 33:18 tells us, "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who hope in His mercy. GOD's plan is for all generations” ([Psalm 33:11).

We are not to fear GOD's will but to accept His word for us all.

To trust and fear GOD, we need to be faithful, have a firm foundation in His promises to us, and, especially, know His grace and peace thru Messiah Yeshua. He knew that to be in the Father’s will.  He was to be faithful to the work He was sent to do.  As Messiah grew from childhood to manhood, He was subject to His earthly parents, and he increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and men (Luke 2:51-52).

We also need to grow and know the peace of GOD and have a faith that grows daily. We need to have endurance to run the race so that we may obtain our prize (1 Cor. 9:24). Therefore, let us lay aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares us.

Let us not be afraid of GOD's will; for His will is His expression of His love.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.