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Beha'alotecha “In your setting up”
9 JUNE 2012
Numbers 8:1-12:16
Zechariah 2:10((14)-4:7
I Cor.10:6-13

This Torah portion begins with instructions to Aaron regarding the Menorah. Next God tells Moshe to consecrate the Levites, including all the ritual that go with that process.

After these instructions, GOD 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 GOD 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 GOD, who was the Creator-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 GOD who has a desire to forgive even though we mess up and separate ourselves from Him thru our actions. We can become contaminated with coming into the presence of sin, which brings death and separation from GOD.

We are reminded in the Scriptures of failures of some men and woman of faith, like Moshe, Shimshon, 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 to run the race, finish the course and have a restored relationship with GOD.

Today as we face our own difficulties, obstacles that may seem insurmountable. We must remember that every obstacle is subject to the power of GOD. GOD is at work within our obstacles and difficulties, even when we are not aware of it. Be assured that GOD 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 and deliver because He loves us.
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.