Messiah in Life

As we approach the high holiday season, we face a great deal of uncertainty in the world. From economic stress, to wars and rumors of wars. Moses, as he approaches the end of his life sings a song. He does so to mend the past in order to secure the future. What do we learn from these beautiful words of Moses? How do we find comfort from them in these difficult times? Give a listen.References: Deuteronomy 32:1-52; Roman 8:28-29; 1 John 1:9; Philippians 3:13-14; Zechariah 1:3.

The opening of this double portion makes a bold statement about the community of faith, acknowledging not only the prominent members of the community, but also the least. Why is this important? Give a listen. The heart of this week's podcast focuses on the one the Lord used to write the Torah: Moses. Why is Moses so important, not only in Judaism, but also Christianity? Not only do his words appear in the New Testament text, but Moses also stands face to face with Yeshua/Jesus. Give a listen,...

Why do we remember moments of cultural or national significance? What of moments and miracles of eternal significance? In this week's Torah portion, the Lord commands Israel to do something unusual when they cross over the Jordan. To what end? Are monuments of remembrance really that important? When Israel crosses a parted body of water for the second time, they realize just how important it is to keep these memories alive for the next generations. Give a listen!References: Deuteronomy 27:1-8...

Called to be a blessing. Abraham would not only be blessed of the Lord, but he would be a blessing to the nations. In Messiah, Jew and Gentile alike, as seed of Abraham, will also be a blessing. Yet, we cannot move or alter the safeguards set in place by the Lord. There is an ethical and spiritual lesson that we learn from two seemingly unrelated commands found in the Torah. How do these commands work together, and finally, what do they teach us today? Give a listen. References: Deuteron...

Judges were to judge righteously, officers were to quickly and rightly execute their judgment. Likewise, the prophet of the Lord was to speak righteously, leading the people of God along the way correctly. When His people turned to the right or to the left, the prophet was to redirect them for return. The office of prophet was not an ancient adaption of a "psychic," but one who spoke the Word of God and to the nations for the purposes of consolation. Still, there is One, and only one, who wou...

The imagery of this portion reminds us of the Shepherding Lord leading His flock to their promised pasture. What does the Psalm 23 teach us about the relationship between Shepherd and sheep, pleasant pastures and overshadowed valleys, spiritual drought and refreshing? This song of David has some deep insight into our nature as sheep, and members of the redeemed household of the Lord. Give a listen. References: Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17; Psalm 23:1-6.

In this portion, Moses reminds Israel of their miraculous provision from heaven, but then stresses, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." This is a statement of not only provision, but also mission. How does this reminder inform us spiritually and supernaturally? Give a listen!References: Deuteronomy 7:12-13; 8:1-4; Matthew 4:4; 6:25; 6:32-33; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 10:17-18; John 6:26-35; Acts 13:2-3; Philippians 4:10-19.

Moses continues to speak to the next generations, warning against idolatry, and the continued influence of the "broad way." He recounts the Ten Commandments, and the days leading to their revelation. He then speaks the central statement of biblical faith, the Sh'ma. We take a slightly different turn in this episode, as we consider the underlying text, even the letters themselves to point us to Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. Give a listen. References: Deuteronomy 3:23; 6:1-9; Deuteronomy 5; Exodus...

The Book of Deuteronomy opens with the first discourse of Moses. In these opening chapters, Moses reminds the children of Israel where they have come from, their failures, victories, and then encourages them for the days ahead. How does this opening discourse speak to us today? There may be countless starts in the heavens, but they are all set and named by the Lord, Who also redeemed, set and named you. From Deuteronomy and Genesis, to the Psalms, to Isaiah and the Gospels, we follow the patt...

We find a double portion this week as we conclude the Book of Numbers. After an overview of the content in these portions, we look closely at a fear of Moses concerning the tribes of Reuben and Gad, a fear that manifests after the tribes are settled in the Promised Land. How is a potential civil war avoided? Who stands up and displays the maturity to hear the voice of the opposition? Finally, we do we learn from this, and how can it be applied to life today? Give a listen!

Torah portion Pinchas opens with the unfolding of the tragic plan of Balaam. Then, in an instant, one who had no position or authority stands and executes judgment upon a shameful act. In this portion we consider two leader, one who was given a leadership position that he was not entitled to, the second was prepared for leadership over many years, yet, he still had to be set in leadership before the eyes of the congregation in order to calm their fears. There is much to unpack in this episode...

The scheme of Balak: how to destroy the children of Israel? Summon a prophet to curse them! Balaam was a prophet from the nations. The rabbis suggest the Balaam could have revealed the God of Israel to the nations, but he decided to use his prophetic gift for personal gain. What do we learn from Balak's view of Israel? How does this portion speak into our modern lives? We consider this, and much more in this episode of Messiah in Life! Give a listen!Reference: Numbers 22:1; Matthew 7:1-2.

The unusual and illogical command of the Red Heifer. Does does this command teach us about messianic faith? And why does so tragic events follow in the text? Is there a connection between the Red Heifer, the death of Miriam, the death of Aaron, and the judgment against Moses? As we will see, this strange command separates one from death into life, but at the expense of another. Give a listen. References: Numbers 19:1-2; 20:8-10; Psalm 106:32-33; 2 Cor. 5:21.

The troubling episode of Korach's rebellion. What was his motivation? To depose Moses? To replace Aaron as high priest? In this episode of Messiah in Life, we consider a few rabbinic thoughts, and then connect this rebellion to our own attitudes today. What is the heart of this lesson? Give a listen. References: Numbers 16:1-3, 10; 17:10; Psalms 42, 44–49, 84, 85, 87 and 88. Hebrews 13:20-21.

What happened when the children of Israel stood at the boarder of the Promised Land? They listened to the voices of false witnesses, and by doing so, the exodus generation would slowly die one by one in the wilderness. This is a rather bleak description, but one that encapsulates a devastating moment. There are many parallels that can be made between that generation and our generation; but most importantly, when we behold the promises of God, to what will we listen? Will we enter the promise ...

Why is Aaron told to "kindle the lights" of the Menorah between the princely dedicatory offering and the dedication of the Levites? Is there a lesson that we can learn from this while we serve the Lord today? Certainly. Give a listen. References: Numbers 8:1-4; 9:5-13.

What are some of the many ways the Lord "raises us" up in service to Him? The portion of Nasso, meaning count or lift up, identifies several ways that the Lord lifts us up in the life of faith. From being counted in a census, to being blessed by the High Priest, we are encouraged to consider all the ways the Lord lifts us up as He is doing the work of sanctification in our lives. Give a listen.References: Numbers 4:21; 6:22-27; Luke 24:50-51.

The Lord commands Aaron and Moses to count the children of Israel in the wilderness in a beautiful and profound way. What does this mean for us today? How does the opening of the book of Numbers minister to our life of faith in this era? There is an encouraging and meaningful message from this opening portion of Numbers, give a listen! References: Numbers 1:1-4; John 15:16; Hosea 2:14-16.

In this last portion of the Book of Leviticus, we closely consider the blessing of rain. If it is the first of blessings listed for obedience, why does rain fall on the just and the unjust? Is there a lesson here for us in messianic faith to learn? Certainly, give a listen! References: Leviticus 26:3-13; Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 5:12; Romans 8:18.

Before speaking of the Year of Release (Shemittah) and the Year of Jubilee, the Torah records that the Lord spoke these words to him upon Mt. Sinai, why? Is there a connection between the point of revelation and command, and their fulfillment? What can we learn from these two patterns of years in messianic faith? What is the heart of what the Lord is revealing? Give a listen. References: Leviticus 25:1-2; Deuteronomy 15:1-4; Leviticus 25:10, 12, 20- 23; Romans 7:14b-15; John 8:36.&...