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EMOR “Say”
7 May 2011
Leviticus 21:1-24:23
Ezekiel 44:15-31
1 Peter 2:4-10
This Parasha discusses teachings specifically towards the Kohanim, the
Holy Day cycle, and instructions about the menorah and sacred bread.
There must be holiness in the administration of justice within the
redeemed community.
The basic premise of this portion of Scripture is that we, like the
Kohanim (priests), are to be Torah pure and sanctified. We are to be
different from the rest of the people around us. We are His redeemed,
and He has given us a sacred text, instructions to live by.
Priests are to avoid being defiled by the death of a loved one, often
their parents and immediate unmarried family. The High Priest cannot
attend a funeral, even of his closest relatives. A spirit of grief can
disable him from carrying out his duties within the community.
The Torah (law) is a picture and type of things to come (Hebrews 8:4-5;
10:1). Defilement of close kin cannot prevent our work (Luke 9:60-Let
the dead bury the dead; but you go and preach the Kingdom of GOD). It
seems uncaring, a harsh word; but we must recognize as those who extend
“spiritual priesthood” the importance of the work we do supersedes cares
of this world.
Don’t look at the image in the mirror, it is not you, it is only a
reflection of you. You need to look beyond the reflection into that
which is real. Yeshua reversed how to see beyond the Torah, to see “The
Perfect.” EXAMPLE: Matthew 5:27-28 You have heard that it was said by
them of old time, you shall not commit adultery, but I say unto you,
that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after has committed adultery
already in his heart.
Regarding the giving of offerings, you shall offer at your own will a
male without blemish; but whatever has a blemish, that you will not
offer; for it shall not be acceptable for you (Lev 22:19-20; 1Peter
1:19). By giving our best and not our leftovers, we will not fall short
of the reflection shown by Torah. If we want our offering to count, we
will give our best.
Concerning the Feasts of the Lord, six days shall work be done, but the
seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no
work herein; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings (Lev
23:1-3). It is not a suggestion. We are to set aside the seventh day
of every week as special. Remember, Torah is a reflection of “The
Perfect,” so we have to see where it is pointing and go there.
Where does it point us? GOD’s word tells us that we are special (Deut
7:6), chosen for a purpose. What is the purpose? To be a holy people
(Deut 7:6; 1Peter 2:9). To be a Kingdom of Priests (Ex 19:6), called
into righteousness and to be a light to the world (Acts 13:47). To
bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6), to the Jew first
and also to the non-Jew (Romans 1:16).
Take hold of “The Perfect,” which is reflected to us in the Torah.
Become what GOD intended for you to be. GOD wants servants who are
blameless (1Tim 3:2, 10).
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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