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RE'EH
Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17
Isaiah 54:11-55:5
John 4:1-6
In future
Torah sections the government of the people, criminal laws, domestic life,
First Fruits, and choosing life or death are discussed. In today's
Parasha, religious institutions and corporate worship are at the
forefront. This section begins with G-d exhorting Israel to keep His
commandments. Their actions will result in either blessings or cursings
upon the entire community. The laws and precepts that are stated in this
portion were given to govern their lives in the Land of Promise.
G-d
Himself will choose where His sanctuary will be, and we are not to
establish our own private place for Him to dwell. In the book of Hebrews
(Chapter 10:25) we are reminded not to forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, there are to be no lone-rangers. This follows exactly what the
Torah states about not making our own private sanctuary, but attending the
congregation where G-d directs--if you are here now, this is the place
where you need to enter in, and not be a spiritual butterfly, flitting all
around.
Also in
this portion, we are directed to live a holy life and to be His own
treasured people. We are to be a distinct people with our own G-d
directed and G-d centered, distinctive worship. This includes Feast and
Festival pilgrimages, celebrations and observances. Our G-d directed,
biblical lifestyle also includes the kosher laws regarding clean and
unclean animals and no drinking or eating of blood. Also mentioned is the
observance of shmittah, or the year of release, every seven years (this
coming New Year when Rosh Hashana begins is a shmittah year in Israel).
This is a Sabbatical year when the land is to rest and indentured peoples
are to be released.
The
priests and Levites are not given a portion of the land so that they are
able to concentrate on the spiritual needs of the people. They are to be
supported by the tithes and offerings. When these tithes were brought,
the people were to rejoice before the L-rd so they could be blessed,
because the L-rd loves a cheerful giver.
In chapter
13, Moses tells us how to know a false prophet. Signs and wonders will
follow the prophet of G-d. Signs and wonders are to be ignored, however
if the person involved leads, seduces, or directs to another god or gospel
(IICor 11:4). In this instance they are not to be followed.
Finally,
if we remain a faithful people, G-d will not only bless us abundantly in
the flesh, but even more in the spirit. In the HafTorah, Isaiah
54:11-55:6, we read that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. He
will protect you and give you refreshment in a dry place until your cup
overflows.
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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