 www.TorahWellsprings.org |
||
|
Donate
Site Menu
Update
Contact
|
Parsha Page
Torah, Exodus 3:1 - 4:17
Now Moses, tending the flock
of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, drove the flock into the
wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
In Chapter 3 we read of
Moshe’s meeting with HaShem in the burning bush on Mount Sinai, and the task
that Adonai gives to Moshe. Adonai has come to rescue His people from the
taskmasters in Egypt, and Moshe is to be the one to carry out that rescue, and
then return to worship Adonai at that same mountain. Moshe repeatedly tried to
refuse the calling, but Adonai reassured Moshe of His presence and assurance of
success. Along with everything else Adonai gave Moshe the signs of the staff
turning into a snake, and Moshe’s hand contracting tzaraat, then being healed.
Adonai reveals that Pharaoh will only let the people go if he was confronted
with a greater power. Eventually Adonai agreed to have Aharon accompany Moshe
because he was poor of speech.
In this reading, Adonai
reveals new ways to refer to him, in verse 6 He calls Himself
“The God of your father, the God of Avraham, the God of Isaac, and the
God of Jacob.” This is the same way God is still addressed in the Amidah prayer.
Then in verse 13, Moshe asks what Name he should use when the Children of Israel
ask Who sent him. In this question, he is inquiring about the major aspect of
God that He will be exhibiting to Israel at this time. The initial response in verse 14 is
Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh, which can be translated I Shall Be As I Shall Be, or I Will
Be What I Will Be. It is most often
written in the English simply I Am what I Am, but contains the thought “My
Nature will become evident from My actions.” HaShem immediately shortened this
to “I Am has sent me to you”.
Qeriath, Isaiah 40:21-31
Yeshiyahu begins this
reading telling us that God, our Creator, is able to make earthly rulers as
nothing. He can give them power, or He can destroy them. Who can be compared to
Adonoi? Yeshiyahu goes on to tell the people of Isra’el that even though they
feel that HaShem has not listened to their pleas, Adonai has heard and will give
strength to Isra’el. To all those who patiently for His deliverance, Adonai will
give strength and stamina.
Da’ath, Hebrews 13:7-19
The author of Hebrews tells
us that Yeshua never changes, and we should not vary from our faith in Him,
accepting His grace as our deliverance. Yeshua sanctified us with His own blood,
suffering in our place.
Igarath, 1 Peter 2:11-25
Kefa (Peter) has been
addressing the Jews in the Diaspora.
He has been encouraging them to live holy lives, and submit to earthly
authorities. He now tells them to desire the Word of God, to love and honor all
people. He reminds the Jews to live such good lives among the pagans that they
give Glory to Adonai. They are told to emulate Messiah as He suffered for their
sins.
Conclusion
In Torah, Adonai faithfully
prepared the way to rescue His people from bondage in Mitzrayim. Qeriath tells
the people that HaShem will again hear their prayers and strengthen them. Da’ath
reminds us that Yeshua suffered in our place, thus rescuing us just as Adonai
rescued Isra’el. And Igarath shows that by showing our love for each other
through Yeshua, we can bring glory to Adonai.
God has always been with His
people and delivered them, just as He has delivered us through Yeshua.
Barukh HaShem,
|
Shalom