Rabbi's Drash

D'varim

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5 7 6 9

Numbers 30:2-36:13
 

We have just begun the last book of the Chumash (Pentateuch) which on its own is a little different from the other four. In the last Drash, I made a quick analogy of the first five books of the Messianic Writings to the five books of Torah. I equated Bereshit (Genesis) with Ha besorah Yochanan and here the book of D'varim can be compared with the book of Ma'asei Sh'lichim (Acts). D'varim, also known as the Mishnei Torah has been understood to be the repetition of events of the other books however this is not the case since it contains new Teachings, new Chukkim and Mishpatim (Statutes and Judgments) which are not found in any other part of the Torah. Here we also see Moshe Rabeinu speaking directly to the people and G-d speaking in the third person. It also gives us the understanding that Moshe Rabeinu is transmitting the Torah (teachings) to this new generation who would conquer the land which had been promised to them but at the same time they would need to be prepared for a far different experience than their parents had. This generation would no longer enjoy the comforting presence of the column of fire (eish) by night and cloud (anan) by day constantly with them guiding them. Basically now it is time to build and fortify their faith in the G-d of Israel. Moshe Rabeinu is also reminding this new generation how faithful G-d has been toward them and at the same time he is showing them how G-d has called them to be His chosen ones and how special they are. He is also however warning them about the dangers that they will face for their disobedience and that they will need to keep their sight on their Master. We are witnessing the calling toward change. We would no longer have everything provided for us from morning until night. This time we would need to conquer, to settle, to plant, to raise our own cattle and to provide for our own needs. We would no longer be wandering in the desert; now we would need to search out locations where we would be building our cities. We would have to develop a new system where having a relationship with G-d took place in the mishkan (tabernacle) in one location where all the tribes would come to bring their offerings. No longer would all Israel be together at once but from wherever they are, they would travel to attend at G-d's ha Moedim (appointed times). It is important to take note in this Drash that God is giving us the principles on how to live a good life but these principles should not only be written on stone tablets or on parchment; they need to be written on our hearts-become alive in us; in other words…it is not only in the hearing of these words but in the doing of them that becomes important. From here we derive the idea of "zachor" and "shomer"- (remember and guard); in practice- simply "do and obey". G-d is telling us to not be hearers of His Word only but doers as well. Many of us fail to understand this area of G-d's will in our lives. Some of us become deeply involved in "religious acts" where the process is more important than the intention of the heart with the understanding of why and what we are being asked to do. We get involved in the minutia of religion instead of understanding that true religion is to help the widow, the orphan and the foreigner. This is where we really need to examine the etymology of the word "worship"; true worship of G-d means service or work (workmanship). It is very obvious that G-d doesn't need anything from us. Our avodah or true service or religion is when we are faithful to Him, being obedient to His Word by doing something practical for others who really need more than us. When we become not only hearers but doers, we are exalting and promoting the Name about all Names, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Let me be very blunt to anyone reading this short note. We Jewish people are known for our G-d who has chosen, separated and elected us. We are a nation which has given more to the world than any other people on this planet. It is written in Bereshit 12:3 "And I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." All the nations in the world would be blessed due to the offspring of Avinu Abraham. This blessing is still being enjoyed by the world today in a very practical way through the great people who have come from the Jewish nation…teachers, financiers, engineers, entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, scientists etc. Humanity has been truly blessed as promised so long ago. As we enter this last book of the Torah, let us all think about what is awaiting us. Let us listen to His word and let us be not only hearers of his Word but doers as well. Let us not play the "who does religion better" game but let us become immersed in G-d's Truth and Presence. Let Him shine in us as we are obedient to Torah. If we examine the life of Messiah Yeshua when he walked this earth, we can see that he was a living, walking example of being obedient to the will of G-d to the point of death. He was the complete embodiment of Torah. There is no greater example than he was. May we walk in the footsteps of our Messiah Yeshua.      May G-d add blessings to His Word!      Rabbi Percy Johnson      Netanel ben Yochanan      [nxy [b lantn      © 2008 Use by Permission      Kehilat She’ar Yashuv

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