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Sidra
Overview
The Ancient Triennial Sedarim
Sidra 34 Hurad, Taken Away
Torah, Genesis 39:1-23
When Joseph was taken down
to Egypt, a certain Egyptian, Potiphar, a courtier of Pharaoh and his chief
steward, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there. The Lord was
with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he stayed in the house of his
Egyptian master.
In Chapter 39, Yosef is in
Potifar's possession as a slave. Adonai prospers Yosef so much that he is put in
charge of all Potifars' possessions.
When Yosef resists the advances of Potifars’ wife, he acknowledges his obedience
to God by saying, “How then could I do this most wicked thing and sin before
God?” Not a fear of Potiphar, but a
love for God guides him. Also, there is none of the rash bragging that got Yosef
in trouble with his brothers in the first place. Thus we see Yosef exercise
self-control, one of the trademarks that earned him the reputation of being a
righteous man. Not perfect, but attempting to follow the mitzvoth (command) of
HaShem. And Potiphar reaps benefits from his association with Joseph, just as
Laban had with Ya'akov.
Through the deception of
Potifars’ wife, Yosef is thrown into prison. Still, God is with him, and
prospers him. Again Yosef rises to a position of great responsibility.
Qeriath, Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
Yeshiyahu is giving Zion a glorious vision of Adonai's final deliverance from
all occupation. No unclean or uncircumcised nation will enter Yerushalayims'
gates again. The suffering servant
of Adonai is described in detail, but His identity is never specifically
mentioned, leading to much debate. We believe this Servant to be Messiah Yeshua,
who physically fulfilled the events described here, substituting Himself to bear
the punishment for the sins of all those who believe on Him.
Da'ath, 1 Peter 5:1-9
Kefa now addresses the
leaders of the Messianic Congregations, telling them to shepherd the people
entrusted to them willingly, with proper constraint. Their motives are not to be
for their own personal gain, but a desire to please God. In this way, they will
receive glory from Yeshua when He appears again. Along with that, the less
experienced must submit to the leaders, and everyone should treat each other
with humility. We must maintain vigilance, since Satan is constantly looking for
some way to make each one of us stumble.
Igarath, James 1:1-11
Ya'akov (James) the brother of Yeshua is writing to Messianic Jews dispersed
throughout the nations. He first greets the people with encouragement regarding
temptations - that this is to test their faith in Yeshua. And with this testing
comes perseverance, which allows them to be complete in their faith. Those who
need wisdom must ask for it. All those who are poor or in bad circumstances may
boast about their position with Yeshua. The people who place their trust in
riches or worldly possessions will lose them, and dry up and wither away.
Conclusion
Torah shows Yosef being a leader by following God's mitzvoth, thus being the
right man for the purposes of Adonoi. In Qeriath Yeshua HaMashiach is the
ultimate leader, suffering for His people as He obeys Adonoi. Da'ath instructs
congregational leaders how to serve willingly and in humility to bring praise to
Adonai. Igarath tells us to rely on Yeshua as our Leader, who has provided for
our ultimate need, our personal salvation.
The result of following
Adonai's instructions on how to lead is to build up those who love and serve
God, and to show God's Glory to all the nations. In this way, many come to
accept the Good News, that Yeshua is truly our Messiah.
Barukh HaShem,
George Robinson