Parsha Page
Shalom
to you,
Wellsprings of Torah, www.TorahWellsprings.org
Rick Wills - Messianic Elder,
Mishareth@TorahWellsprings.org
Sidra
Overview
The Ancient Triennial Sedarim
Sidra 27 Wayug'gad, He Was Told
Torah, Genesis 31:22 - 32:3
On the third day, Laban was told that Jacob had fled.
Ya'akov (Jacob) had taken his wives, servants and his flocks and fled from the
deceitful Laban. Eventually Laban pursued Ya'akov, but God warned Laban in a
dream not to harm Ya'akov. Laban
confronted Ya'akov, claiming distress that he was not allowed to give a proper
send off to his daughters and family, and that Ya'akov stole his idols. Ya'akov
said that he was afraid Laban would steal his wives, and claimed his innocence
regarding the idols – since he did not know that Rachel had stolen them, he was
telling the truth. He even vowed to forfeit the life of anyone in his camp that
would steal the idols, and Laban searched the tents. Rachel had to hide the
idols, and lied to her brother to keep them from him.
At this point, Ya’akov became angry, and confronted Laban with a list of
grievances against his mistreatment. After this tense confrontation, they formed
a treaty, erected monuments and called upon Adonai to remember the agreements,
and they both headed toward home. We end this reading with Ya’akov seeing
malakhim (angels), and declaring that the spot was “God’s camp.”
Qeriath, Micah
6:1-9
Micah is a prophet, writing
to the people of Jerusalem, and has given many examples of their sins that have
resulted in discipline from Adonoi. Now he shows that the people abandoned their
trust in God for no good reason, in fact he tells of several mighty deeds that
Adonai did for the people. He reminds them of the evil plotting of Balak and
Balaam as an example. He asks rhetorically how he shall approach Adonoi. And he
teaches the people what God desires from them - not massive sacrifices. Instead, in 6:8 "He has told you, O man,
what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love
goodness, and to walk modestly with your God." Note that this is the requirement
for one that is already in a covenant relationship with Adonai - this is not the
message of salvation.
Da'ath, Acts 13:26-41
Rav Shaul is talking to a group of Jews and God-fearers that have joined
with them, recounting Adonai’s working within the Jewish nation to provide
protection for the nation, and a Messiah for all peoples. In this reading, he
details the persecution of Yeshua, His death and resurrection, and the
forgiveness of sins that is given to all who put their trust in Yeshua.
Igarath, Hebrews 11:29-40
The author concludes his recitation regarding the great men and women of
faith by describing the trust, or faith, of the people of Isra'el as they passed
through the Red Sea. And the faith required to topple the walls of Yericho, and
of Rahab to hide the spies in their visit to Yericho. There is not time to
describe all the actions of countless others who exhibited this great faith, and
so changed their world. This included many martyrs who died violent deaths
rather than deny their faith. And we are told that this world was not worthy of
them! Each of these people gained their righteousness through their actions,
which were driven by their faith.
Conclusion
Torah shows Ya’akov heading towards his home, as Adonai continues to
protect him. In Qeriath Micah tells
us that God has graciously protected Isra’el. Da'ath declares Adonai’s ultimate
grace and provision, that of Messiah Yeshua. Igarath, declares the real source
of any individual's righteousness - that is trusting in Yeshua HaMashiach as the
Perfect Sacrifice, atoning for the sins of all that will turn to Him in
repentance.
Barukh HaShem,
George Robinson