Parasha 48: When Excuses Turn into Obedience

 

Called to Carry God’s Mission

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

Have you ever tried to make excuses with your parents when they told you to do something—only to realize that you needed to obey them? How did it feel?

Last week, the angel of God appeared to Moshe in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. God called him by name and told him to remove his sandals, for the place was holy ground. He introduced Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God told Moshe that He had seen the oppression of His people Israel, and that was why He chose him to deliver them from Egypt. But Moshe gave excuses to God:

1. He questioned who he was to face Pharaoh and lead Israel out of Egypt.
2. He argued that he was not eloquent, slow of speech, and slow of tongue.
3. He asked God to send someone else.

Our Torah portion starts with the anger of God to Moshe because of his reasonings. This time, God mentioned Aaron the brother of Moshe, as he will be the one to speak on his behalf. And look, God knows that Aaron was on his way to meet Moshe and he will be glad(v.14). Here, God still provided another way for Moshe and this is an early lesson for us.

When He calls us to serve Him, surely He will provide our needs.

Finally, Moshe was convinced and he obeyed God, so let’s take a look what happened to him after:

1. Jethro sent him in peace v.18 - This is the first thing that Moshe did upon obeying God. He returned to the place of Jethro and asked to let him go and return to Egypt. The only thing he told Jethro was to see if his brethren there are still alive. But the details of God’s calling him to deliver Israel from Egypt were left unsaid. Jethro released him and told him to go in peace.

2. Good news came to him v.19 - Notice, after Jethro told Moshe to go in peace, he received good news that could give him a peace of mind for all the men in Egypt who wanted to kill him were all dead and one of them is the king(2:23). For sure, a thorn was pulled out of Moshe’s throat upon hearing the news. There's no more danger for Moshe to go back to Egypt.

3. God’s rod was put in his hand v.20b-21 - Again, the Hebrew word for rod is Mat-teh which I discussed last week and has three meanings, “Staff, branch, and tribe.” Going back to verse 2, God asked Moshe what he was holding and he said a rod. So God told him to cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent. Moshe got frightened but when God told him to reach it by the tail, he just followed as a proof that his trust and obedience to God had been developed. After that incident, Moshe saw that his rod was no longer ordinary, but behind it is the power of God, that Moshe’s now holding to perform wonders in front of Pharaoh.

4. Aaron met him vv.27-31 - Since Moshe is not a good speaker, God provided someone for him and that’s his brother Aaron, but this is not just about Aaron being the spokesman of Moshe. In verse 15, Moshe must speak to Aaron and put the words in his mouth. In other words, Moshe will disciple Aaron because the instruction of God to him is to tell Aaron everything. He has nothing else to say except what only God had said. In Matthew 28:19-20, Yeshua said to His talmidim, “Go and make talmidim of all nations and teach them to obey everything I have commanded (Torah) you.”

5. He was tested 5:1-22 - Yes, Moshe responded to the calling of God and obeyed Him, but now his faith was tested. First, God told him to tell Pharaoh to let Israel go, but God says He will harden Pharaoh’s heart. That’s why when Moshe and Aaron confronted Pharaoh, he replied “Who is this God that I should obey when he says to let Israel go?” Second, the Israelites blamed Moshe and Aaron for making them utterly abhorrent in the eyes of Pharaoh, and that prompted him to return to God and expressed his frustration. This part is a reminder to us that even if we obey God, we are not exempted from facing trials and testing. For the more we are being tested, the more we have to obey. Pharaoh’s hardened heart shows us that God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are both real. Obedience doesn’t prevent trials; it prepares us to endure them with faith.

Like Moses, we may think our limitations disqualify us, but there is “no polite way to rebuff the Almighty.” (Tim Hegg) Excuses may feel humble, but they are still disobedience.

These are the things that happened to Moshe the moment he obeyed God. Often God must bring us to the end of ourselves before we will acknowledge and trust His greatness. The exodus would not be effected by Moses or Aaron…The redemption from Egypt would be by the sovereign, omnipotent hand of God Himself. Our Torah portion ends with the assurance of God to Moshe that this time, He will do something to Pharaoh that will force him to let Israel go and drive them out of his land.

Excuses delay obedience, but obedience unleashes God’s power.

What “rod” has God placed in your hand that you’ve overlooked as ordinary?

Step forward in obedience with what God has given you and trust that He will transform it into a tool of His power.

-- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --

Isaiah delivers a message of hope both for Israel’s near future—their return from exile—and their far future, pointing ultimately to the reign of Messiah on earth. God had just assured His people that His Word always accomplishes what He sends it to do (Isa. 55:11). Now He promises that their exile would end in joy and peace:

“For you will leave your exile with joy and be led home wrapped in peace.” (Isa. 55:12)

Isaiah also paints a vivid picture of creation itself celebrating God’s redemption. The mountains and hills burst into song, and the trees clap their hands. Where thorns once grew, cypress and myrtle trees now flourish. This transformation shows God’s power to replace the curse with beauty and blessing, making His name great and everlasting (Isa. 55:13).

This return is not just about geography—it is about restoration. When God restores, He takes away barrenness and replaces it with fruitfulness. His work is secure, eternal, and done for His glory.

Israel learned, often the hard way, that obedience leads to blessing. From Sinai onward, God reminded them:

“If you obey Me and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation” (Ex. 19:4–6).

“Walk in all the ways the Lord has commanded you, so that it may go well with you” (Deut. 5:32–33).

“Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people” (Jer. 7:22–23).

Obedience is not optional. It is the pathway to blessing. Yeshua said, “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28).

You will notice that our Haftarah portion deals with the strong message of God about the importance of observing Shabbat. Isaiah 56 brings the reminder to honor Shabbat. The Sabbath was given as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, rooted in creation (Gen. 2:2–3) and reaffirmed at Sinai (Ex. 20:8–11; 31:13–16). It was a day set apart for rest, worship, and reflection on God’s faithfulness.

Sadly, Israel had often neglected it. That is why Isaiah calls them back:

“Blessed is the one who keeps the Sabbath and keeps from doing what is evil.” (Isa. 56:2)

Shabbat identifies God’s people and reminds them they belong to Him. It is a time to cease striving and acknowledge God as Creator and Redeemer.

This is not only for the Jews which many religious groups are using as an excuse, but even for the Gentiles. These are the proofs:

Happy is the person who does this and anyone who grasps it firmly (v.2): This verse is very clear that Shabbat is for everybody. Yeshua said in Mark 2:27–28, “The Shabbat was made for man, and not man for the Shabbat.” For Yeshua, man has no authority to change Shabbat or to choose any day he wants because Shabbat is a Moed, which means “Appointed time.”

The word foreigners and eunuchs (vv.3–4): Here, God reminds Gentiles that they can be part of His people. God’s message through Isaiah extends beyond Israel to those considered outcasts: eunuchs and foreigners. In the past, eunuchs were excluded from full participation in worship (Lev. 21:17–23). Foreigners were often seen as second-class. But here God reverses this exclusion:

To eunuchs who keep Shabbat and hold fast to His covenant, He promises “an everlasting name better than sons and daughters” (Isa. 56:4–5).

To foreigners who join themselves to Adonai, love Him, and keep His covenant, He promises a place on His holy mountain and acceptance of their offerings. His house will be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isa. 56:6–7).

Ephesians 3:4–6 says, “By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Yeshua, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Messiah Yeshua through the gospel.” Now for the case of the eunuchs, they were hopeless because they could not have children or family. But here, once they observe the Shabbat, there will be a miracle and blessing for them. God will give them power and a name greater than sons and daughters—an everlasting name that will not be cut off.

At the end of our Haftarah portion, we can see the blessings and privileges that Gentiles could have in joining themselves to God and for keeping the Shabbat. This was a radical message of inclusion: no one is second-rate in God’s kingdom. The covenant blessings are open to all who obey Him. Let us always remember that Yeshua entered the synagogue on the Shabbat (Luke 4:16), so if we are His true followers, we will observe it as well.

Shabbat is the covenant sign forever;

it proclaims God’s Word will not fail,

it calls His people to walk in obedience,

and it welcomes the nations to His house of prayer.

What excuse have you made for not honoring Shabbat as Adonai commanded?

Set apart Shabbat with joy this week. Make it a day to stop, rest, delight, and remember that you belong to God.

-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --

In Apostolic portion, it is better to go back to Acts 6:9-15 for a better understanding of the situation of Stephen in Acts 7 where he made a long speech in front of his accusers. Some men from the Synagogue including Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up ,argued with him and accused him of blasphemy. But they can't win over him so these men decided to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moshe and God.

They influenced the elders and the scribes and brought Stephen before the council.

This time Stephen defended himself and he pointed out that God raised prophets and leaders for the people of Israel, but they refused to listen, including Moshe. For Stephen, it was the so-called leaders of their time who violated the Torah of Moshe and that’s the reason why he challenged them.

Stephen’s testimony was firmly rooted in the Torah. He showed that the Torah is not in contradiction to Messiah but is the very foundation that points us to Him. To truly understand Messiah, we must first understand the Torah, for it reveals how to identify, recognize, and obey Him. Stephen reminded the Sanhedrin that the Torah itself spoke of a prophet and redeemer who would come from Israel and to whom the people must listen. His message was clear: this Redeemer had come—Messiah Yeshua.

The bottom line of Stephen’s speech was this: Israel had repeatedly rejected God, His Torah, and ultimately Messiah Yeshua. Yeshua Himself said in John 5:46–47, “If you believed Moshe, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.”

To resist God’s messenger is rebellion; to obey His Word is life; for those who trust in Messiah, obedience becomes their testimony.

How do you respond when God confronts your heart—do you resist like Pharaoh, or submit like Moshe?

Build your testimony on the Torah and the Messiah it reveals. Let your obedience to God’s Word point others to Yeshua as the Redeemer promised from the beginning.

The connection of our Parasha is about obedience to God and avoiding making excuses. In the Torah, after Moshe gave excuses to Adonai when He was called to serve, finally he obeyed and good things followed him. In Haftarah, Gentiles can’t make any excuses in obeying the Shabbat because happy or blessed is the man (Not Jews only) who keeps it. In Apostolic, Stephen defended not only himself but even Moshe in front of the council, that Moshe was called and sent by God to be a ruler and deliverer of Israel and he obeyed after making an excuse.

Returning to my introduction…..Obedience to God is a sign that we love Him. We are not born to make excuses, but we were born to fear God and obey His commandments for this is our whole duty.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person”

John 14:15 NASB

“If you love Me, you will keep/obey My commandments”

When excuses end, obedience begins and when obedience begins, God’s power is revealed, His covenant is honored, and Messiah is made known.

Stop hiding behind excuses. Surrender your fears, your pride, and your delay. Step into full obedience, for this is the sign of true love for God. Let your life prove that you belong to Him.

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

***************************************************************************

-- S O U R C E S --

reformjudaism.org
rts.edu
mindrenewers.com
bible.org
beliefnet.com
thetorah.com
dictionary.cambridge.com
theologyofwork.org
thelonghaulwithisaiah.wordpress.com
abideinchrist.com
seekingourgod.com
The MacArthur Study Bible
torahresource.com

www.compassion.com

scenichillsblvd.wordpress.com

Articles: Ten Days of Awe Reflections

 

We just celebrated Yom Teruah last night in our community.

Baruch Hashem!

During Yom Teruah or the Feast of Trumpets, shofars are being blown. This special time is often referred to as the ‘High Holy Days’. It is an opportunity for deep introspection, reflection, and an honest examination of one’s spiritual state. The blast of the shofar is to remind us that the King is coming SOON! The Day of the Lord is at hand - the Messiah is coming back and we need to make our hearts & lives ready.

From Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets) to Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), these are set-apart days of reflection, repentance, and returning to Adonai with all our hearts. In Jewish tradition, they are called the Days of Awe—a time of deep reverence and soul-searching before the holiest day of the year.

For us as believers in Messiah Yeshua, these days carry even greater meaning, pointing us to His judgment, mercy, and atonement on our behalf.

If you would like daily reflections, prayers, and journal reflection for each of the Ten Days of Awe, you can download the free guide here:

10 Days of Awe Daily Journal

May your name be written and sealed in the Book of Life.

Parasha 47: Called to Carry God’s Mission

 

Called to Carry God’s Mission

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

Have you ever experienced God calling you out of your struggles or ordinary life to serve Him in a greater mission?

When I was hooked on drugs for twelve years, it was hard. Even my ministry and relationship with God were affected. It came to a point that I volunteered myself to enter a rehabilitation center and undergo a six-month program. From there, I learned how to lead a Bible study and realized that God was calling me. By His grace, I finished my program, enrolled in a Bible school, and completed a four-year course. Now, God is using my life as a living testimony, and He keeps on sending me to share His Word with those who are lost.

Last week, Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. But the children of Israel multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty, which caused the new King of Egypt to fear. This King did not know Joseph or what he had done in Egypt. Because of the rapid growth of the Israelites, Pharaoh commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every son who was born. But the midwives feared God and disobeyed Pharaoh’s command.

Moshe, from the tribe of Levi, was born, and his parents hid him for three months. When they could no longer hide him, his mother placed him inside a basket and laid it among the reeds by the riverbank. The daughter of Pharaoh, while bathing, found Moshe and had compassion on him. She treated him as her own. Later, when the King of Egypt died, the children of Israel groaned under their slavery, and their cry came up to God. He remembered His covenant with the patriarchs and acknowledged them.

Our Torah portion starts with Moshe tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro. He led the flock to the back of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. Here we can already see that God had a wonderful plan for Moshe as He would call him for a very important mission. The reason why God called him is because Moshe was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and deeds (Acts 7:22). So, how did God call Moshe for a mission?

The Angel of God appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush (v.2).

Why must the Angel appear in a flame of fire? My understanding here is first to call the attention of Moshe. Since he was busy shepherding the flock of Jethro, God wanted Moshe to notice His calling immediately. If God is calling us, do not pretend or reason out because it is a privilege and honor to serve the only King and Creator of the heavens and the earth. Second, fire pictures refining and purification. Malachi 3:3 says, “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering of righteousness.” Step by step, God refines and purifies Moshe, for he will deliver the people of Israel from slavery.

He called Moshe by name (v.4).

In Genesis 22:11, God called Abraham’s name twice. Also, in Genesis 46:2, He called the name of Jacob twice. Here, God called Moshe’s name twice too. Why? Because God would promote him from being a shepherd of Jethro’s flock to the flock of God, the children of Israel.

He told Moshe to remove his sandals (v.5).

Why? I believe since God was calling Moshe for a very important mission, He was showing Moshe the difference between holy and unholy. Eventually, he would receive the two tablets (Torah) on Mount Sinai containing the holy and unholy things, forbidden and unforbidden, and he would teach them to the nation of Israel.

He introduced Himself to Moshe as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v.6).

This is how God introduced Himself to Moshe because He is a Covenant God and He has remembered His people. Upon introducing Himself, He meant He would begin to take action, to visit His people in Egypt, and to bring them out (Gen.50:24). God also told Moshe His name as “I AM WHO I AM” or Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh in Hebrew, which means “I will be what I will be” as He identifies Himself with being Himself. Moreover, He told Moshe to say to the children of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.” The phrase “I AM” means He always exists; He is always present for His people. Interestingly, Yeshua said in John 8:58, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” Baruch Hashem!

After God called Moshe for a mission, He then sent him to the land of Egypt. Verse 10 says, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” Upon sending Moshe, God assured him of the following:

He will certainly be with Moshe (v.12).

The Hebrew word for I will is “Haya” which means “to abide, to remain,” so God would not leave Moshe. What a wonderful encouragement!

He will perform miraculous signs through Moshe (4:1-9).

In verse 2, God asked Moshe, “What is that in your hand?” And Moshe said, “A rod.” The Hebrew word for rod is Mat-teh, which means “staff, branch, tribe.” To perform miraculous signs, God would use the rod of Moshe for Pharaoh to free the tribes of Israel.

He will be Moshe’s mouth (4:12).

We can see here that God would not only use Moshe to deliver His people from bondage but as a prophet as well. Deuteronomy 34:10-12: “But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moshe, whom the LORD knew face to face, in all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land, and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moshe performed in the sight of all Israel.”

Our Torah portion is a reminder to us that God is calling and sending people according to His purpose.

God does not call the qualified; He refines the willing, equips the humble, and sends them with His presence to accomplish the impossible.

When God calls you into something beyond your ability, do you respond with excuses like Moshe, or with trust in His presence?

-- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --

Our Haftarah portion is about the comfort of God to His people Israel. Verse 1 says, “Comfort, yes, comfort My people! Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.”

Going to verse 11, which is the start of our Haftarah, it says, “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young.” So, to comfort Israel, there will be a calling and gathering of the children of Israel from living in the galut (land of our exile). This is a tender image of God’s provision, protection, and love.

Ezekiel also reinforces this message, where Adonai rebukes the faithless shepherds of Israel and declares that He Himself will shepherd His people:

Ezekiel 34:11–16 (CJB):

“For here is what Adonai Elohim says: I am taking over! I will search for my sheep and look after them, myself… I will seek the lost, bring back the outcasts, bandage the broken, and strengthen the sick.”

This shows the heart of God: He is not a distant ruler, but a Shepherd who personally rescues, heals, and restores His flock.

King David, a shepherd himself, knew this reality from experience:

Psalm 23 (TPT):

“Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough… Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have!”

David reminds us that God’s shepherding care is not abstract—it is daily, personal, and sustaining.

Micah prophesies that the Shepherd would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah:

“He shall stand and shepherd and guide His flock in the strength of Adonai… and He shall be great, extending His authority to the ends of the earth.” (AMP)

This is clearly a Messianic prophecy pointing to Yeshua, the Shepherd-Ruler of Israel.

Yeshua fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy by declaring Himself the Shepherd:

The Good Shepherd – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep in His care.” (John 10:11–15)

The Great Shepherd – “Now may the God who brought us peace… raise up our Lord Yeshua, the Great Shepherd of His flock…” (Hebrews 13:20–21)

The Chief Shepherd – “Then when Messiah, the Chief Shepherd, comes, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:4)

Yeshua not only feeds and protects His sheep, but He also laid down His life to redeem them.

Isaiah then shifts from comfort to perspective. He asks rhetorical questions to remind Israel of God’s sovereignty:

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand? Who has weighed the mountains on a scale?”

The point is clear: only Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, has this authority. Nothing is hidden from Him.

Proverbs 30:4–5 – “Who has wrapped up the vast oceans in His coat? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name?”

Job 28 & 38 – God declares His unmatched wisdom and power in creation.

Ephesians 4:4–6 – Paul affirms that there is “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Isaiah reminds Israel that no nation, no idol, no human effort can compare to Adonai.

Isaiah mocks the futility of idols: they are carved from wood, overlaid with gold or silver, but powerless. They cannot save or protect anyone.

This is why God commanded in Exodus 20: “You shall not make for yourself an idol… you shall not bow down to them or worship them.”

Yet Israel fell into idolatry, which led to their exile. Still, God’s message through Isaiah is hope: turn back to the Good Shepherd, for He alone saves.

Israel’s comfort lies not in her strength but in the faithfulness of the Shepherd. Though the nations rage and idols seem mighty (vv.18-19), they cannot compare to the Holy One of Israel who measures the heavens with His hand and rules the nations like dust on the scales. The Shepherd is also the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Restorer.

The same hands that stretched out the heavens now carry His people close to His heart; His strength is unmatched, yet His gentleness is unshakable.

How has Yeshua carried you close in weakness, and how is He now leading you to shepherd others?

-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --

Our Apostolic portion deals with the vision of Peter, which many use as an excuse to eat anything they want. In other words, it is one of the most misinterpreted verses in the Apostolic writings. For a better understanding and to avoid being out of context, let us go back to the following verses:

Matthew 10:5-6

“These twelve Yeshua sent out and commanded them, saying: ‘Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’” Here, the main focus of the disciples in preaching the Gospel should be their Jewish brothers.

Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now here, not only the Jewish people should be reached by the Gospel, but also the Gentiles (end of the earth).

Matthew 16:19

“And I (Yeshua) will give you (Peter) the keys of the kingdom of heaven…”

What is this key that Yeshua gave to Peter all about? Let’s now proceed to the vision of Peter in Acts 10. In his vision, it says that there were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air (v.12). Then Peter heard a voice saying, “Rise, Peter; Kill and eat,” but he replied, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” It shows that even in vision, Peter was not eating unclean food (see Leviticus 11)—so how much more in real life.

In verses 17-23, while Peter was wondering about the meaning of his vision, the men of Cornelius (a centurion of the Italian Regiment, in other words a Gentile) came to his house, but they only stood before the gate. These men invited Peter to go to the house of Cornelius, for he was instructed by a holy angel of God to meet Peter (vv.1-8).

But there was a problem here. Since part of the traditions of the Jews, also known as the Oral Law, was that Jews were forbidden to have fellowship with non-Jews because they were treated as unclean. The question is, how could Peter meet Cornelius? The answer is in verse 28 where Peter said, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Now Peter understood the meaning of his vision. Remember God told him to kill and eat. In my understanding, it means he must kill his pride of being a Jew, and eat means to accept Cornelius as a Gentile. Peter had been called by God, and God sent him to Cornelius. That’s why Yeshua gave him a key—to open a door and be an avenue of salvation for the Gentiles.

So the context of our Apostolic portion is not about food. It’s about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, and that there should be no dividing wall. For both have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom.3:23), but through the blood of Messiah Yeshua, He reconciled them both to God and gave access by one Spirit to the Father (Eph.2:14-18). HalleluYAH!

The call of Messiah breaks our boundaries, because His mission is bigger than our vision.

What limits or barriers might God be asking you to move past so His mission can reach those still outside the flock?

The connection of our Parasha is about the calling of God and how He sends people for a mission.

• In Torah, God called Moshe and sent him to Egypt to deliver His people Israel from bondage.

• In Haftarah, to comfort His people, God will call and gather Israel from exile.

• In Apostolic, God called Peter through a vision and sent him to Cornelius as a key to open the door for the salvation of the Gentiles.

Returning to my introduction… from the slavery of drugs, God changed me and called me to serve Him. The task is not easy. But just like the promise of God to Moshe, He is with me. If God is calling you now, say “Here I am,” because serving Him is therefore an awesome privilege. Don’t take it for granted. It is given.

If God is still calling today, the real question is: are you still making excuses, or are you ready to say, “Here I am, send me”?

From the bush to the nations, the God who calls also sends. The question is—are you willing to go where His voice leads?

1 Samuel 12:24 ESV
“Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you.”

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

***************************************************************************

-- S O U R C E S --

reformjudaism.org
rts.edu
mindrenewers.com
bible.org
beliefnet.com
thetorah.com
dictionary.cambridge.com
theologyofwork.org
thelonghaulwithisaiah.wordpress.com
abideinchrist.com
seekingourgod.com
The MacArthur Study Bible
torahresource.com

www.compassion.com

scenichillsblvd.wordpress.com

Parasha 46: El Rachamin, The God of Compassion

 

El Rachamin, The God of Compassion

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

What is your understanding of the word compassion? How can you show it to others?

Last week, when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and died. Joseph wept over him and kissed him. He commanded his servants and the physicians to embalm the body of Jacob, and even the Egyptians mourned. Joseph spoke to Pharaoh to let him go back to Canaan to bury his father at Machpelah, which Abraham bought as a possession for burial.

Now that Jacob was gone, the brothers of Joseph were frightened. They thought Joseph might take vengeance for all the evil things they had done to him. But Joseph calmed and assured his brothers that he would provide for them and their little ones. Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Before he died, he comforted his brothers, saying that Adonai YHVH would surely visit them and bring them out of the land of Egypt, which He had sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and their father Jacob.

Baruch Hashem, we are now in the book of Exodus, and our Torah portion deals with the fulfillment of Genesis 15:13, where Adonai YHVH said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years.” So how would this happen?

First, they should multiply (vv.6–8). Chapter 1 of Exodus begins with the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt. The time came when Joseph, his brothers, and that generation died, but the children of Israel multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty, filling the land and triggering Pharaoh’s fear. Eventually, the growth of Adonai’s chosen nation was amazing! Imagine—from 70 men (Gen. 46:27) to 603,550 (Num. 1:46). The promise of Adonai to Abraham was finally fulfilled.

Second, the new Pharaoh did not know Joseph (vv.8–9). The question is, why, and who was this new king? For some Bible scholars, this king was not only new as a person but also the start of a new dynasty. There is also a study that a group of people (of Asiatic Semitic origin) migrated into Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period. According to Manetho, an Egyptian priest in the 3rd century B.C. who wrote a history of Egypt, these people were the Hyksos, who ruled for about 150 years. Their kings were Egyptianized to the point that they adopted the gods of the land. Probably, the new king who did not know Joseph was a Hyksos king, and since they were foreigners in the land of Egypt, they would have had no knowledge of Joseph.

This new king seems to be a type of Nimrod, for they used the same words: “Come, let us.” During the time of Nimrod, they made bricks for stone to reach the heavens. Similarly, the new king of Egypt invited his people to deal shrewdly with the Israelites, using bricks and mortar to punish and oppress them. But the more the Egyptians oppressed Israel, the more they multiplied and grew. This could be the start of antisemitism—hatred or strong dislike of Jews, or actions that express hatred or dislike of Jews.

Despite this, Adonai YHVH showed His compassion to the oppressed nation of Israel. How?

He dealt well with the Hebrew midwives (vv.15–22). Since the Israelites multiplied and grew exceedingly, the new king of Egypt spoke to Shiphrah and Puah to kill the newborn boys. But they feared Adonai YHVH and saved the male children alive. Nothing can stand in the way of Adonai—what He said will happen. Their fear of God, not man, allowed them to act compassionately—preserving life when Pharaoh demanded death.

He spared Moshe (2:1–10). Not only did the king command the midwives to kill the male child, he also commanded all his people that every newborn male should be cast into the river. At this time, Moshe was born from the house of Levi. He was hidden for three months, but eventually he was placed inside a basket made of papyrus and set afloat on the river. The daughter of Pharaoh found him crying, and she had compassion on him. She hired a maiden to take care of Moshe, and he grew to become the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Compassion means providential care: He was engaged in their lives specifically with Moses.

He heard the groaning of Israel (vv.23–25). During this time, the oppression of the children of Israel continued, so they cried out, and their cry came up to Adonai. How did He hear their groaning? First, He remembered His covenant with the Patriarchs. This is what Joseph had told his brothers before he died—that Adonai would surely visit them and bring them out of the land (Gen. 50:24). Second, He looked upon them and acknowledged them (v.25). The NLT Bible says it well: “He looked down on the people of Israel and knew it was time to act.” This was the beginning of Moshe’s calling to bring the children of Israel out of bondage. Compassion means attentiveness: He is always attentive to the needs of His people… When the weak cry out to God, He answers them.

Although Joseph, who became the savior of the children of Israel during the famine, was dead, Adonai YHVH—their God—was alive to save, protect, and care for them.

God’s compassion is His covenant love in action, moving Him to hear, to remember, to see, and to know His people. Pharaohs may rise and fall, dynasties may shift, but His compassion toward His people never changes.

The world’s powers often oppose God’s people, yet His mercy outlasts every throne. Where are you tempted to trust in human power instead of God’s unchanging covenant care?

Exodus 3:7

I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.”

-- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --

In the Haftarah portion, Adonai YHVH will show His compassion for His chosen nation.

First, He will restore Israel. In Romans 9:4, they are described as the role model of the earth—to whom belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Torah, the service of God, and the promises. In Isaiah 27:6, Israel will become a vine with deep roots. They will blossom and be used by Adonai not only as a role model but also as a blessing to the whole earth. Again, this will be a fulfillment of Adonai’s covenant with Abraham—that all the families of the earth will be blessed (Gen. 12:3).

Second, the faithful people of Israel will be gathered one by one and brought back to their own land. Because of Israel’s stubbornness, they experienced exile. But Adonai sent prophets to remind them that, in spite of their failures as His chosen people, one thing cannot fail—and that is the compassion and faithfulness of Adonai YHVH to Israel.

Jeremiah 31:34b

“For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Jeremiah 23:3

“Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply.”

On Exodus 2:25, Tim Hegg comments: “The final phrase… וַיֵּדַע אֱלֹהִים, ‘and God knew,’ should be understood as a covenant term… like a faithful husband expressing fidelity to the covenant of marriage.

In Isaiah’s vision of Adonai restoring Israel as a fruitful vine—His compassion flows from His covenant loyalty.

Compassion is the heartbeat of God’s covenant—it gathers the scattered, restores the broken, and makes His people fruitful again.

Israel’s story reminds us that God restores even after discipline. What broken places in your life need His restoring compassion today? Will you let Him bring you back and make you fruitful for His purposes?

Jeremiah 31:10–11

“He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock. For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from the hand too strong for him.” 

-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --

In the Apostolic portion, we see the compassion of Adonai YHVH not only for Moshe but also for his parents. The key was their genuine emunah (faith). Hebrews 11 emphasizes the importance of faith, without which it is impossible to please Adonai. It is difficult to hide a newborn baby, but it was surely an act of faith for Moshe’s parents. They did not fear the King of Egypt. They trusted that Adonai YHVH would save the baby boy who would deliver Israel from the land of Egypt. One thing is clear here: faith can lead to Adonai’s compassion.

The compassion Adonai showed in sparing Moshe through his parents’ faith becomes the paradigm of compassionate redemption that points forward to Messiah Yeshua.

Faith opens the door for compassion. When we trust God above our fears, His mercy moves to protect, redeem, and deliver.

Moshe’s parents acted in faith, and God responded with compassion that shaped Israel’s future. What act of faith is God asking of you right now, that could open the way for His compassion to work in your life and in others’?

Psalm 145:18–19

“The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them.”

The connection of our parasha is about the compassion of Adonai YHVH. In the Torah, He was compassionate with the nation of Israel by hearing their groaning, remembering His covenant with the patriarchs, and saving Moshe from the command of the King of Egypt. In the Haftarah, Adonai showed His compassion to Israel by restoring them and bringing them back to their land. In the Apostolic portion, through the faith of Moshe’s parents, who were not afraid of the King’s command, Adonai YHVH had compassion on them and spared Moshe.

Back to the introduction: Compassion is more than feeling pity; it is recognizing the suffering of others and being moved to take action. True compassion mirrors Adonai’s heart—it hears the cry of the afflicted, remembers covenant promises, sees the needs of the broken, and steps in to help. We can show compassion by entering into someone’s pain, praying with them, providing for their needs, forgiving offenses, or simply walking alongside them in their struggles. Compassion is a tangible expression of love for those who are suffering—just like God’s compassion for His people Israel. When they suffered and were oppressed by the Egyptians, He helped and delivered them because of His love.

Compassion is the covenant heartbeat of God—unceasing, unfailing, and unstoppable across every generation.

Isaiah 49:13

“Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have COMPASSION on His afflicted.”

Psalm 86:15

“But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

reformjudaism.org
rts.edu
mindrenewers.com
bible.org
beliefnet.com
thetorah.com
dictionary.cambridge.com
theologyofwork.org
thelonghaulwithisaiah.wordpress.com
abideinchrist.com
seekingourgod.com
The MacArthur Study Bible
torahresource.com

www.compassion.com

Parasha 45: From Egypt to the End of Days

 

From Egypt to the End of Days

-- T O R A H   P O R T I O N --

Introduction:

Warning signs on the road are very important. They give information for directions and warnings for drivers. How about the prophecies in the Bible? What warnings do they give?

Last week, Jacob was sick, and Joseph, together with his two sons, visited him. So he strengthened himself and spoke to Joseph. Jacob claimed Ephraim and Manasseh as his, and he blessed them. He stretched his right hand on Ephraim’s head and his left hand on Manasseh’s head. Joseph was displeased, so he tried to remove Jacob’s hand from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head, but Jacob refused, for he knew that the younger son of Joseph would be greater than the elder one. Also, Jacob gathered his sons and gave his last words regarding what would befall them in the last days.

Our Torah portion this Shabbat is the final chapter of Genesis, and it starts with the prediction of Jacob to his younger son Benjamin, whose name means son of the right hand. Then Jacob told his sons that when he died, his body should be buried in the cave of Machpelah, just like his fathers. After he said this, he breathed his last.

Joseph kissed Jacob and wept, and his body was embalmed for forty days.

We can see Joseph respected his father Jacob until death. First, he made a request to Pharaoh to allow him to fulfill his oath to bury Jacob’s body in Canaan. This is proof that the land of Israel is very important, for this is also a reminder of the promise of Adonai YHVH to Abraham that he would have many offspring. It also shows that Adonai is true to His promises. Second, he continued his kindness and care for his brothers. It came to a point that his brothers were afraid when they came back to Egypt from the burial of their father. They thought Joseph would repay them for the evil things they did to him. But Joseph assured them that he would continue to provide for their needs.

Now when Joseph was about to die, he told a prophetic message to his brothers. In verse 24, he said, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” From his statement, we can see two prophetic warnings here:

God will surely visit you – The question is, where will Adonai YHVH visit them? Here Joseph foresaw the fulfillment of Genesis 15:13, where Adonai said to Abraham, “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years.” When Joseph requested Pharaoh to bury Jacob in Canaan, he told Pharaoh that he would come back (v.5), and he did, together with his brothers and all who went up with him (v.14). In the first place, it was possible that Joseph and his brothers would not return to Egypt, but he did not insist. Maybe that is the reason why the author of Hebrews said in chapter 11:22, “By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.”

Bring you out of this land – Moving forward to the book of Exodus, in chapter 1:6–7, Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty, and they filled Egypt. During this time, the new king over the land did not know Joseph, and this is one of the reasons why Israel became slaves. Another reason is Pharaoh was frightened due to the numbers of Israel, which could be a reason to fight them. So here comes Moshe. He was sent by Adonai YHVH to Pharaoh to tell him to let His people (Israel) go. But it was not easy, for Pharaoh’s heart was hard, and he still had to receive ten plagues before he changed his mind. In the end, Moshe was successful, for his God Adonai YHVH is powerful and true to the promises He made to the Patriarchs. That means bringing Israel out of slavery and back to the Promised Land.

At the very end of Joseph’s life, he still showed concern for his people by giving them two prophetic warnings—not to scare them, but to prepare especially the next generation of Israel.

Even at the edge of death, Joseph’s eyes were fixed not on Egypt but on God’s promise.

Genesis 50:25

“God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.”

Joseph believed God’s word more than Egypt’s wealth, more than his own life. What about you? If death were near, would your testimony point your family toward Adonai’s promises, or toward the empty treasures of this world? Where does your faith truly rest?

-- H A F T A R A H P O R T I O N --

In the Haftarah, Prophet Zechariah prophesied and gave warning about the return of Yeshua as:

Judge and Deliverer (vv.1–8) – Prophet Zechariah begins with the day. The question is, what day? It will be the day when Yeshua will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem. Why? To plunder Jerusalem, and that will be the perfect time for Yeshua’s feet to stand on the Mount of Olives as proof of His return to deliver and fight for His people. I remember 2 Chronicles 20, when King Jehoshaphat and his people sought help from Adonai because three mighty nations came to make war against them. Then the Spirit of Adonai came upon Jahaziel, and he told King Jehoshaphat, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Yeshua will be victorious in this battle as He will destroy the wicked nations and enemies of Israel.

King of kings and Lord of lords (vv.9–11) – Yeshua will be Messiah Ben David, the reigning King, when He returns. He will be worshiped year to year in Jerusalem (Zech. 14:16). During His first coming, He was not recognized. But when He returns to His people, they will finally recognize Him, and there will be a great mourning (Zech. 12:10–11).

Revelation 19:15–16

“From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

The nations will gather against Jerusalem, but the King will stand upon the Mount of Olives and fight for His people.

Zechariah 14:4

On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which lies before Jerusalem on the east. 

The Day of Adonai will not be delayed. If Yeshua’s feet were to stand on the Mount of Olives today, would He recognize you as His disciple—or would you be swept away with the world? Are you living as if that Day is near, or as if it will never come?

-- APOSTOLIC P O R T I O N --

In the Apostolic portion, it was the feast when the governor was accustomed to releasing to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished—between the two men, Barabbas and Yeshua. One would be set free, but the other would die. The Complete Jewish Bible in Matthew 27:16–17 says: “There was at that time a notorious prisoner being held, named Yeshua Bar-Abba. So when a crowd had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to set free for you? Bar-Abba or Yeshua, called the Messiah?’” The name Bar-Abba means “son of the father,” and we also know that Yeshua is the Son of the Father. Sadly, the crowd chose Bar-Abba Yeshua, a robber and murderer, over Yeshua the Messiah. Why? So that the prophecy about Yeshua’s death would be fulfilled. Here are two passages from the Tanakh:

Psalm 22:16–17

“For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet. I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”

Isaiah 53:3, 5

“He is despised and rejected by men (against Bar-Abba), A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

I believe the incident that happened before, about the choosing of Bar-Abba over Yeshua by the crowd, also has a prophetic warning for later times—for people will choose to believe in a false messiah and false teaching.

Revelation 13:11–14

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.”

2 Timothy 4:3–4

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth (Torah), and will turn aside to myths.”

Our Apostolic portion is a reminder to us that we must not be deceived. Let us keep on seeking the truth and be zealous in obeying the Torah.

The voices that cried ‘Crucify Him!’ still echo today whenever we choose the world’s counterfeit over the true Messiah.

Every day, the world still shouts “Not this Man!”—rejecting Yeshua for false saviors, false doctrines, and false comforts. What about you? In your choices, your compromises, your silence—are you choosing Bar-Abba over Messiah? Whose side are you truly standing on?

The connection of our parasha is about prophetic warning. In the Torah, the dying Joseph told his brothers about the fulfillment of God’s prophecy to Abraham that his descendants would be strangers in Egypt for four hundred years, but God would visit them and bring them out of that land. In the Haftarah, Prophet Zechariah prophesied about the second coming of Yeshua as Judge and King. In the Apostolic portion, the incident of choosing Bar-Abba over Yeshua by the crowd is a warning to us that we should not be deceived.

Returning to my introduction… Just as road signs are important, so too are the prophecies in Scripture. For they give us warnings and provide a better understanding of future events—especially the second coming of the true Son of the Father, Yeshua HaMashiach!

The God who visited Joseph’s children, who will stand upon the Mount of Olives, is the same One the crowd pierced. His promises warn us, awaken us, and call us to choose Him before it is too late.

When Adonai visits, when Yeshua stands, when the world chooses the false son again—where will you stand? Today is the time to choose HIM, because tomorrow may be too late.

Baruch Hashem Adonai YHVH for He is reminding us!

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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-- S O U R C E S --

jewishroots.net

jewelsofjudaism.com

jeremiahstudybible.com

free.messianicbible.com

bible.org

truerichesradio.com

Complete Jewish Bible

The MacArthur Study Bible