Shemot - Reading #1

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Reading #1 - Exodus 1:1–17

My Thoughts:

The story of the midwives is one of my favorite stories in the Bible! They decide to “not tell the truth” and save babies from being murdered -- it is a beautiful story of dedication. In verse 17 we read, “But the midwives feared Elohim, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.” They feared and respected Hashem so much that they didn’t do what the King asked of them! This is the most pro-life story in all of Scripture. Maybe there are times in our lives when it is wiser to fear Hashem, and do what we have to do even if it is disobeying someone in authority. As we will read tomorrow their households were blessed for actually being disobedient to the King’s orders. We can assume from this teaching that Hashem would do the same for us in a similar situation.

Challenge:

Think of a situation in your life where you righteously defended someone and so you could not tell the truth or had to disobey your authority. Or maybe you have a situation right now in your life where Hashem is calling you to do something brave. Pray and ask Him for strength to defend what is right. Unfortunately, there may be a time where you do not dispel the truth or you disobey some authority and it might land you in jail or you may lose a job, or get fined. This is where you must be sure you have heard from G-d how to handle a difficult situation. Be in prayer and use a listening ear. You may have a “cost” for defending what is right, but in the end you will have done what is good and you will be blessed for doing so.

Reading #1 -  Exodus 1:1–17

1 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel, who came into Egypt (every man and his household came with Jacob): 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the souls who came out of Jacob’s body were seventy souls, and Joseph was in Egypt already. 6 Joseph died, as did all his brothers, and all that generation. 7 The children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who didn’t know Joseph. 9 He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we. 10 Come, let’s deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies and fight against us, and escape out of the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. They built storage cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They started to dread the children of Israel. 13 The Egyptians ruthlessly made the children of Israel serve, 14 and they made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve.

15 The king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah, 16 and he said, “When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birth stool, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared Elohim, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.

Shemot - Week #1

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names

Exodus:1:1-6:1

Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23

Matthew 2:1-12

1.1 First reading — Exodus 1:1–17

1.2 Second reading — Exodus 1:18–2:10

1.3 Third reading — Exodus 2:11–25

1.4 Fourth reading — Exodus 3:1–15

1.5 Fifth reading — Exodus 3:16–4:17

1.6 Sixth reading — Exodus 4:18–31

1.7 Seventh reading — Exodus 5:1–6:1

Vayechi - Reading #7

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived - Reading #7

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12

Apostolic Scripture: John 13:1-19

My Thoughts:

In verse 21 Joseph comforts his sons and says he will provide for them. That is how parents have done it for generations. Part of your financial planning should be for your children and grandchildren. Some of us, even at retirement age, live paycheck to paycheck. So, what can we do? One thing would be to pay off your mortgage and place your children in your will to inherit your home. If you are young, work hard to buy a home and pay it off in time for your children. Do whatever you can do. If you are young, set up a trust for your children’s education. My kids inherited a trust from their grandfather, and it was a super blessing. To them and to us as their parents.

Challenge:

Make a financial plan to take care of existing/future kids and grandchildren. Do it today or put it on your planner. Do not delay. Set it up as soon as you are able, and it will put your mind at peace. Look at it as a lifelong gift.

Reading #7 - Genesis 50:21–26

50:21 Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.

22 Joseph lived in Egypt, he, and his father’s house. Joseph lived one hundred ten years. 23 Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children also of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees. 24 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am dying, but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “Elohim will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Haltarah 

My Thoughts:

Not only is financial planning for our children important, but more importantly is teaching them Hashem’s Torah and His ways. We read that Hashem told David if he did this -- then he and his children would prosper in ALL that he/they did. Isn’t that what we really want for our children, spiritual prosperity? My daily prayer is that my children and grandchildren will serve Hashem. The only way that will happen is through prayer and teaching Torah to them. Be intentional in this. So, that they may prosper.

Challenge:

Make a plan how you will teach your children/grandchildren Torah. Do daily readings, such as this one and the internet is rich with Torah videos -- adult and kid. Make your plan and carry it out. Start a routine with readings and study. They say it takes three weeks to make a habit. Do it. It’s super important. It will make the difference between a good life and a not so good life.

Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12

2 Now the days of David came near that he should die; and he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am going the way of all the earth. You be strong therefore, and show yourself a man; 3 and keep the instruction of Hashem your Elohim, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and wherever you turn yourself. 4 Then Hashem may establish His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your children are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you,’ he said, ‘a man on the throne of Israel.’

5 “Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, even what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his sash that was around his waist, and in his sandals that were on his feet. 6 Do therefore according to your wisdom, and don’t let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

8 “Behold, there is with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite, of Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim; but he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by Hashem, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore don’t hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood.”

10 David slept with his fathers, and was buried in David’s city. 11 The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 Solomon sat on David his father’s throne; and his kingdom was firmly established.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

Yeshua knows He is about to leave His friends and die. As in all of our Scripture readings today He begins to prepare those around Him for His departure. In this very unique way, He chooses to “wash the feet” of His disciples. He performs an act of service. A humble act. He is teaching them that no matter who you are, or what your position is, you are not greater than others. In fact, it is an honor to be the “least”. He teaches that it is better to serve than to be served. An important lesson and one that we should be teaching our children and grandchildren. 

Challenge:

How can you “serve” your children, grandchildren today? And how can you teach them to do the same? This should be a daily part of your life, but it should also be a daily teaching to them. Be sure in all you do that your message to them is that we are to serve, and not to be served. Teach them humility and service to Hashem and others. It will make them really good “G-dly” people.

Apostolic Scripture: John 13:1-19

13 Now before the feast of the Passover, Yeshua, knowing that His time had come that He would depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Yeshua, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came from Elohim, and was going to Elohim, 4 arose from supper, and laid aside His outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “L-rd, do you wash my feet?”

7 Yeshua answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.”

8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”

Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”

9 Simon Peter said to him, “L-rd, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

10 Yeshua said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew him who would betray Him, therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” 12 So when He had washed their feet, put His outer garment back on, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘L-rd.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. 14 If I then, Hashem and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should also do as I have done to you. 16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither is one who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am He.

Vayechi - Reading #6

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #6 - Genesis 49:27–50:20

My Thoughts:

We have a very well known verse today in 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but Elohim meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.” I love this verse, it gives us so much hope. Many times in my life and in others I have seen where Hashem did something really wonderful in a very sad or challenging situation. Usually, it involves people that are not directly involved. In other words, we can be such a “light” to others during a difficult situation.

Yesterday my good friend’s husband died of brain cancer. She called me a few hours after he died and she sounded unbelievably peaceful. She really believes her husband is in the presence of Yeshua now - in heaven or paradise. It was such a witness to hear her voice and her calmness in such a sad situation! I know that Hashem will use her as a huge example of His love to others during the upcoming week -- funeral and all. That is Hashem turning something that could be bad into something that could be really good.

Challenge:

Think of something difficult that you are going through right now, or that someone you are close to is handling. Now pray and ask Hashem how it could all turn for good -- or better yet, see how He already is using the situation for something good. Write it down. Tell others about the goodness of G-d. And praise Him. By doing this you will “enhance” the goodness that comes out of your challenging situation.

Reading #6 - Genesis 49:27–50:20

49:27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. In the morning he will devour the prey. At evening he will divide the plunder.”

28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them, and blessed them. He blessed everyone according to his own blessing. 29 He instructed them, and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as a burial place. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah, his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah, his wife, and there I buried Leah: 32 the field and the cave that is therein, which was purchased from the children of Heth.” 33 When Jacob finished charging his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, breathed his last breath, and was gathered to his people. 50 1 Joseph fell on his father’s face, wept on him, and kissed him. 2 Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father; and the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 Forty days were used for him, for that is how many the days it takes to embalm. The Egyptians wept for Israel for seventy days.

4 When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s staff, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, 5 ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come again.’”

6 Pharaoh said, “Go up, and bury your father, just like he made you swear.”

7 Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, all the elders of the land of Egypt, 8 all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen. 9 Both chariots and horsemen went up with him. It was a very great company. 10 They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they lamented with a very great and severe lamentation. He mourned for his father seven days. 11 When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan. 12 His sons did to him just as he commanded them, 13 for his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field, as a possession for a burial site, from Ephron the Hittite, near Mamre. 14 Joseph returned into Egypt—he, and his brothers, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, 17 ‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of Elohim of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also went and fell down before his face; and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of Elohim? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but Elohim meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.

Vayechi - Reading #5

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #5 - Genesis 49:19–26

My Thoughts:

Jacob continues to praise his sons and prophecy into their future. He seems to give the longest speeches to Judah and Joseph. I guess we all choose favorites in our kids, but good not to let them know this – right? The point being it is obvious he loved all his children (and grandchildren) and it was important to impart blessings. Like we talked about yesterday, be sure to bless your children while they and you are alive. You never want to miss out on any opportunities.

Challenge:

Take a piece of paper and write down one special thing about each of your children. If they are grown, still do it. And do the same for your grandchildren. Take your paper, date it, and put it somewhere special. Guaranteed sometime in the future someone will find it and be blessed. And it will help you to remember the special things about your family. (If you don’t have kids then write something special about a sibling or friend).

Reading #5 - Genesis 49:19–26

49:19 “A troop will press on Gad,

    but he will press on their heel.

20 “Asher’s food will be rich.

    He will produce royal dainties.

21 “Naphtali is a doe set free,

    who bears beautiful fawns.

22 “Joseph is a fruitful vine,

    a fruitful vine by a spring.

    His branches run over the wall.

23 The archers have severely grieved him,

    shot at him, and persecuted him:

24 But his bow remained strong.

    The arms of his hands were made strong,

    by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob,

    (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),

25 even by the Elohim of your father, who will help you,

    by the Almighty, who will bless you,

with blessings of heaven above,

    blessings of the deep that lies below,

    blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.

26 The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of your ancestors,

    above the boundaries of the ancient hills.

They will be on the head of Joseph,

    on the crown of the head of him who is separated from his brothers.

Vayechi - Reading #4

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #4 - Genesis 49:1–18

My Thoughts:

Jacob is prophesying over his sons in this reading. Can you imagine having the spiritual insight to gather your children together before you die and speak into their futures -- good and not so good? And what would it be like for the sons to hear what he was saying? Would there be words of repentance, resolve and restitution. Or did they quietly accept his words? All we know for sure is that Hashem was in it all. I’m sure Jacob trusted in that.

Challenge:

If you have children what would it be like to gather them and speak into their future? Would they accept or reject your words? Maybe if they are younger you can start doing this on a gradual basis. Occasionally during special times address the areas that need adjustment and compliment the areas of success. Sometimes parents raise their children and never encourage them, never praise them or help them with words to grow and change. It’s important to do this. It will help your children to grow up to be responsible. Try this if you are able. If you don’t have children then try it with the young people that Hashem places in your life. All this will make for a better world.

Reading #4 - Genesis 49:1–18

49 Jacob called to his sons, and said: “Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which will happen to you in the days to come.

2 Assemble yourselves, and hear, you sons of Jacob.

    Listen to Israel, your father.

3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength,

    excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.

4 Boiling over like water, you shall not excel,

    because you went up to your father’s bed,

    then defiled it. He went up to my couch.

5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers.

    Their swords are weapons of violence.

6 My soul, don’t come into their council.

    My glory, don’t be united to their assembly;

for in their anger they killed men.

    In their self-will they hamstrung cattle.

7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce;

    and their wrath, for it was cruel.

I will divide them in Jacob,

    and scatter them in Israel.

8 “Judah, your brothers will praise you.

    Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies.

    Your father’s sons will bow down before you.

9 Judah is a lion’s cub.

    From the prey, my son, you have gone up.

He stooped down, he crouched as a lion,

    as a lioness.

    Who will rouse him up?

10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,

    nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,

until he comes to whom it belongs.

    The obedience of the peoples will be to him.

11 Binding his foal to the vine,

    his donkey’s colt to the choice vine,

he has washed his garments in wine,

    his robes in the blood of grapes.

12 His eyes will be red with wine,

    his teeth white with milk.

13 “Zebulun will dwell at the haven of the sea.

    He will be for a haven of ships.

    His border will be on Sidon.

14 “Issachar is a strong donkey,

    lying down between the saddlebags.

15 He saw a resting place, that it was good,

    the land, that it was pleasant.

He bows his shoulder to the burden,

    and becomes a servant doing forced labor.

16 “Dan will judge his people,

    as one of the tribes of Israel.

17 Dan will be a serpent on the trail,

    an adder in the path,

that bites the horse’s heels,

    so that his rider falls backward.

18 I have waited for your salvation, Hashem.

Vayechi - Reading #3

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #3 - Genesis 48:17–22

My Thoughts:

How does Ephraim’s offspring become greater than his brother’s (verse 19)? Ephraim became a powerful tribe in northern Israel -- but in 721 BC this tribe and nine other “northern” tribes lost a war with Syria and were taken away. Eventually this tribe is disbursed and becomes one of the “lost ten tribes”. Read: Britannica Article.

Here is a curious thought. What if the tribe of Ephraim, through dispersion and intermarriage, although assimilated, has become the largest tribe of peoples? What if all over the world, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States -- millions of people with Jewish heritage tied to the tribe of Ephraim -- exist? Some people think this is true. And that this may be the reason for the huge “Messianic Movement” throughout the earth. Many, many thousands of “gentile” people have had a sudden interest in their possible Jewish heritage and have found a certain special attachment to the Torah. It could certainly be an explanation of why some people are leaving churches and forming “Messianic Synagogues''. Maybe Hashem is calling us to get ready to return to Israel -- for the end times. Just a thought.

Challenge:

If you are a gentile, following and studying Torah, I challenge you to examine your ancestry (if you haven’t already done so). If you have older relatives that are alive, ask them about their history and if there are any ties to Judaism. Go on websites like www.ancestry.com and look up your family roots. You may be pleasantly surprised. And if you are like me and can not find any answers, but lots of substantial hints -- just accept that Hashem has called you “out” to find Truth in His Word through the Torah. Be grateful and praise Him.

Reading #3 - Genesis 48:17–22

48:17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”

19 His father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a multitude of nations.” 20 He blessed them that day, saying, “Israel will bless in you, saying, ‘Elohim make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh’” He set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but Elohim will be with you, and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.”

Vayechi - Reading #2

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #2 - Genesis 48:10–16

My Thoughts:

Last wishes. Jacob wanted to bless his son and grandsons before he passed. And Hashem honored that. In verse 11 we read that Jacob didn’t think he would ever see Joseph again, but he did. And it was truly a miracle. It’s important that we let Hashem know what we want when we get close to the end of our lives. And that we are sensitive to the wishes of those whom we love that may be close to death. Do you have any “last wishes” or prayers that you are hoping Hashem will answer before you leave the planet? Ask Him and believe He will answer your prayers -- even if it is in an unexpected way!

Challenge:

Do you have a grandparent/parent or friend who is close to dying? My challenge today is to see if it is possible for you to ask them if they have any “last wishes”. And then to help these wishes come to fruition before they pass. Even if you have to pray for supernatural help or go out of your way to help -- I believe it will all be a blessing and you will be blessed in return. Let’s make sure we are helping those around us to achieve the things they desire, before they die. 

Reading #2 - Genesis 48:10–16

10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I didn’t think I would see your face, and behold, Elohim has let me see your offspring also.” 12 Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near to him. 14 Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 He blessed Joseph, and said,

“The Elohim before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked,

the Elohim who has fed me all my life long to this day,

16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads,

and let my name be named on them,

and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac.

Let them grow into a multitude upon the earth.”

Vayechi - Reading #1

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #1 - Genesis 47:28–48:9

My Thoughts:

Hashem’s blessings from father to sons. How beautiful that he was alive and coherent enough to bless his sons and grandsons before dying. Most men do not have that opportunity. They die instantly or slowly losing the ability to talk or reason. Jacob had the wonderful chance of being there mentally, emotionally and physically to bless his family. I am sure Hashem planned it that way. Maybe that is something we should seriously think about. Passing on a blessing to our sons, even before we get sick or die suddenly. It would be thoughtful planning to do it ahead of time. Consider doing this please.

Challenge:

When was the last time you told your son and/or daughter that you loved them? Whether they are two years old or forty years old, I challenge you to do that today (or as soon as possible). You never know when you or they will be gone from this life. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t delay doing this. I promise you will not regret doing so. And continue telling them every day or every time you see them. We all need to know that we are loved and hopefully and prayerfully they will tell you they love you back!

Reading #1 - Genesis 47:28–48:9

47:28 Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. 29 The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please don’t bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place.”

Joseph said, “I will do as you have said.”

31 Israel said, “Swear to me,” and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head.

48 After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2 Someone told Jacob, and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you,” and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “Elohim Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, 4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’ 5 Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine. 6 Your offspring, whom you become the father of after them, will be yours. They will be called after the name of their brothers in their inheritance. 7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).”

8 Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”

9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, who Elohim has given me here.”

He said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.”

Vayechi - Week #12

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Genesis 47:28-50:26

1 Kings 2:1-12

John 13:1-19

1.1 First reading — Genesis 47:28–48:9

1.2 Second reading — Genesis 48:10–16

1.3 Third reading — Genesis 48:17–22

1.4 Fourth reading — Genesis 49:1–18

1.5 Fifth reading — Genesis 49:19–26

1.6 Sixth reading — Genesis 49:27–50:20

1.7 Seventh reading — Genesis 50:21–26

Vayigash - Reading #7

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Halftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 24:30-48

Reading #7 - Genesis 47:11–27

My Thoughts: 

Fairness. Joseph buys up the animals and the land from the people that are starving in exchange for food. But then he gives them seeds to plant and raise crops. Yes, they have to give a portion back to Pharaoh, but they will be able to work, eat and live. That sounds really fair to me. If Joseph would not have handled this situation this way -- they would have died. 

I think about fairness in our lives. Sometimes we are called to help those around us in a special way. But, are we fair in our dealings? Do we give, without any expectation of return? This may be a really good concept to learn. I remember for years we helped out a family during the holidays with presents and food, and sometimes throughout the year. They were not expected to give anything in return, and eventually they became very demanding of us. So much so that we had to cut off the relationship. In retrospect it may have been better if we had asked for something in return. Something they could manage. Like repairing or fixing an object for us, cutting the lawn, painting, etc. I know they would have learned and grown, and so would have our friendship.

Challenge: 

The next time you are called to give to someone, pray about how you can ask them to help you out in some way (if it is possible). There are times when people are not in a position to help back -- like when they are ill or incapacitated. But, if someone is healthy and can work or help -- then ask them to! You will both benefit and grow from the situation. It may even encourage them to go out and do this for others too! Who knows, it could even lead to better training or a better job for them. It’s worth a try.

Reading #7 - Genesis 47:11–27

47:11 Joseph placed his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all of his father’s household with bread, according to the sizes of their families.

13 There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine. 14 Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. 15 When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph, and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For our money fails.”

16 Joseph said, “Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone.”

17 They brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys: and he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year. 18 When that year was ended, they came to him the second year, and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my lord’s. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands. 19 Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won’t be desolate.”

20 So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh’s. 21 As for the people, he moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it. 22 Only he didn’t buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn’t sell their land. 23 Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. 24 It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones.”

25 They said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.”

26 Joseph made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn’t become Pharaoh’s.

27 Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly.

Haftarah Reading

My Thoughts

What a wonderful promise. That the people of Hashem will be gathered back to Israel in the end. To become one Kingdom, one shepherd, one King. Oh, how I look forward to that day. Then there will truly be peace on earth. Joy in the world. The glory of Hashem will fill the Temple and we will all bow down to the Mashiach. That is something we should be praying for every day! Blow the shofars and call on the Mashiach to come quickly. Let us join our Jewish family in doing so!

Challenge

My challenge is simply this. Start praying every day (if you don’t already) for the Temple to be rebuilt and the Mashiach to return. Pray that people’s hearts will turn toward Hashem and get ready for His return. Pray that people will learn more about Scripture like this that promises a united Kingdom in Jerusalem. And get ready yourself. Clean up your life. Focus on Hashem and others, and take your eyes off yourself! Learn and grow in the Word and know what to expect. 

Halftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28

15 Hashems’s word came again to me, saying, 16 “You, son of man, take one stick, and write on it, ‘For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions.’ Then take another stick, and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions.’ 17 Then join them for yourself to one another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.

18 “When the children of your people speak to you, saying, ‘Won’t you show us what you mean by these?’ 19 tell them, ‘Hashem Elohim says: “Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his companions; and I will put them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in my hand. 20 The sticks on which you write will be in your hand before their eyes.”’ 21 Say to them, ‘Hashem Elohim says: “Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, where they have gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land. 22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. One king will be king to them all. They will no longer be two nations. They won’t be divided into two kingdoms any more at all. 23 They won’t defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. So they will be my people, and I will be their Elohim.

24 “‘“My servant David will be king over them. They all will have one shepherd. They will also walk in my ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 They will dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob my servant, in which your fathers lived. They will dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children’s children, forever. David my servant will be their prince forever. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them. It will be an everlasting covenant with them. I will place them, multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forever more. 27 My tent also will be with them. I will be their Elohim, and they will be my people. 28 The nations will know that I am Hashem who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary is among them forever more.”’”

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts

When Yeshua came the first time, many rejected Him. Was it because they didn’t know what to expect? Yeshua warns us that when He returns there will be many false messiahs. Will we believe in a false messiah, or be prayed up and studied in His Word to KNOW that it is truly HIM. Study your Scripture for what the world will look like when Mashiach comes. Be ready and be in truth.

Challenge

Spend some time today (I have challenged you this before) and look up verses concerning the arrival of the Mashiach and the information about the Temple in that time. Ezekiel is a wonderful book to learn from. Take a tablet and write down what to expect. Learn how He will come, what He will do and what YOUR part is in it all. Take time to do this so that you are not deceived. And I need to do this also. People we must pray for His return and we must be prepared in Truth so that we can recognize the one true Elohim!

Apostolic Scripture: Luke 24:30-48

30 When he had sat down at the table with them, He took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, He gave it to them. 31 Their eyes were opened and they recognized him, then He vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while He spoke to us along the way, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The L-rd is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36 As they said these things, Yeshua Himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.”

45 Then He opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Mashiach to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.