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Parsha Page
Torah, Genesis 30:37 - 31:21
Jacob then got fresh shoots of poplar, and of almond and plane, and peeled white
stripes in them, laying bare the white of the shoots.
Even though Laban had acknowledged that he has been blessed because of Ya'akov,
he continued to try to cheat him out of his fair share of the flocks that
prospered under Ya'akovs' care.
Ya'akov is putting a plan in motion that ultimately transferred the bulk of
Laban's flocks to Ya'akov's possession. He made an agreement with Laban that the
striped and speckled goats and sheep were his; the solid colored ones were
Laban's. He puts certain sticks in front of the goats or sheep that cause them
to have offspring that would be counted among his flocks. In this way Ya'akov
became prosperous and wealthy, while Laban's wealth declined.
Laban and his sons see this and are angered. Ya'akov tells Rachel and Leah that
Adonai told him to return to his homeland, that Laban continually cheated him,
but Adonai protected him and caused him to prosper. Rachel and Leah urge Ya'akov
to do as Adonai commanded, but this seems to be more out of a desire to share in
his wealth rather than an obedient spirit. Arrangements are made, and Ya'akov
flees from Laban. Just prior to
leaving, Rachel takes the idols from her father's tents, which she has to lie
about later.
Qeriath, Jeremiah 30:10-22
This is part of Yirmiyahu's speeches of consolation to Israel, looking forward
to a time when Isra'el will return to their land. Adonai tells Jacob, also
Isra'el, that He will deliver them from their captivity, but He will chastise
them in measure - meaning that there will be a definite end to their punishment.
Even though their punishment is a result of their sin, Adonai will destroy their
enemies, restore their fortunes and have compassion upon Isra'el. The community
will be established by the grace of Adonoi.
Da'ath, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Rav Shaul is telling the Messianic Congregation at
Corinth to stand firm on the message of the Gospel, that Yeshua has died and
been resurrected to bring us salvation. Nothing that is perishable, or can
decay, like our mortal bodies, can enter into the Kingdom of God. But even
though we have sinned, believers in Yeshua will be changed into immortal bodies
that can go on to be with Messiah in Heaven. Any believer that is still living
when the final shofar (rams horn) sounds will be changed without experiencing a
bodily death. This will fulfill Isaiah 25:8 and Hosea 13:14, that death has no
more sting.
Igarath, Hebrews 11:17-28
The author is continuing his recitation of the great people of faith. The
sacrifice of Yitz'chak by Avraham is listed first in this reading, followed by
the faith, or trusting, of Yitz'chak, Ya'akov, Yosef, Moshe's parents and Moshe
himself. Why was each of these individuals of lasting importance? Because they
maintained that attitude of trust, belief in Adonai, and followed his mitzvoth.
Conclusion
Torah tells us that Adonai caused Jacob to prosper after Laban had mistreated
him for over 20 years. Qeriath shows Isra'el punished for their sins, but once
again receiving Adonai's blessings because of His grace. Da'ath demonstrates that even though we have sinned, all
believers will be clothed with immortal bodies that live with Yeshua because of
our faith in Him. Igarath tells us that the sacrifice of Yitz'chak by Avraham
was effective because of his faith.
Barukh HaShem,
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Shalom