Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19
Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 21:22–22:7
My Thoughts:
So, here is a sensitive subject. Sexual identification is a huge issue in today’s world. A few years ago our Miss USA was a transgender female. What does Hashem think about all of this? In verse 5 we read, “A woman shall not wear men’s clothing, neither shall a man put on women’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Hashem your Elohim.” Some commands are very clear and this is one of them. There is no debate or discussion. Hashem says not to cross dress. It is an abomination to Him. If we want to please Hashem, then we obey Him. And this is in all areas of our life. Some sins are outward like this one. And some sins are hidden. But, let us be clear. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is hidden from Hashem. He sees it all. The best part is if we ask for forgiveness, He forgives. Remember that. Amen.
Challenge:
Sometimes when I pray I worry that what I am asking Hashem for is too small. Then I read today’s verse 22:6, “If you come across a bird’s nest on the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the hen sitting on the young, or on the eggs, you shall not take the hen with the young.” This is compassion, even for the least. Not to take eggs or young when the mother bird is in sight. You spare her. Not only is this kind, but it also makes sense for future eggs. If you kill both the mother and eat her eggs, there will be no more eggs in the future! This is compassion and sensibility. Your challenge today is to go through the day and see if there are some times where you can exhibit compassion, even for the smallest thing. Or if you can practice some sensibility instead of selfishness. What a better world we have when we exercise these things! Amen.
Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 21:22–22:7
22 If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him the same day; for he who is hanged is accursed of Elohim. Don’t defile your land which Hashem your Elohim gives you for an inheritance.
22 You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep go astray and hide yourself from them. You shall surely bring them again to your brother. 2 If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it, and you shall restore it to him. 3 So you shall do with his donkey. So you shall do with his garment. So you shall do with every lost thing of your brother’s, which he has lost and you have found. You may not hide yourself. 4 You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up again.
5 A woman shall not wear men’s clothing, neither shall a man put on women’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Hashem your Elohim.
6 If you come across a bird’s nest on the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the hen sitting on the young, or on the eggs, you shall not take the hen with the young. 7 You shall surely let the hen go, but the young you may take for yourself, that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.
