Vayetze - Reading #2

Vayetze וַיֵּצֵא - And He Went Out

Genesis 28:10-32:3

Reading #2 - Genesis 29:1-17

My Thoughts: 

In verse 11, Jacob “lifted up his voice and wept.” That’s curious. Why did he weep? Could it be that when he met Rachel he knew his prayers for a wife had been answered? Have you ever had a time when Hashem answered  your prayers in such a magnificent and obvious way that it took your breath away and you wept?

I remember years ago when we were looking for a house. It had to be a kind of unique house because we have two adult disabled sons and need a particular type of space. One day I was driving down a street in the town we wanted to live in, and saw a house for sale. The next day we saw it. When we walked in the house, I felt like crying. It was exactly what we were praying and looking for! And another miracle was that the sellers accepted a very “unusual” offer from us! Hashem was truly in the whole thing!

Challenge: 

Look all around you during the day to see how Hashem is moving in your life. Look for the “woman that will come to the well”. Seek the unusual and deliberately look to see what He is doing. When you see Him answering your prayer and or doing something distinctly Him -- give Him all the praise and glory!

Reading #2 - Genesis 29:1-17

29 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the children of the east. 2 He looked, and saw a well in the field, and saw three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. The stone on the well’s mouth was large. 3 There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone back on the well’s mouth in its place. 4 Jacob said to them, “My relatives, where are you from?”

They said, “We are from Haran.”

5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?”

They said, “We know him.”

6 He said to them, “Is it well with him?”

They said, “It is well. See, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep.”

7 He said, “Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.”

8 They said, “We can’t, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well’s mouth. Then we will water the sheep.”

9 While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she kept them. 10 When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. 11 Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. 12 Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s relative, and that he was Rebekah’s son. She ran and told her father.

13 When Laban heard the news of Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet Jacob, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things. 14 Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” Jacob stayed with him for a month. 15 Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?”

16 Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.

Vayetze - Reading #1

Vayetze וַיֵּצֵא - And He Went Out

Genesis 28:10-32:3

Reading #1- Genesis 28:10–22

My Thoughts: 

In verse 16, “Hashem is in this place!” It was clear to Jacob that because of his wonderful and blessed dream that Hashem must be in the place where he had it (Bethel). I wonder if his “sense” of Hashem’s presence in that place was different then in other places. It makes me think of the times in my life when I “sensed” the presence of Elohim. Where it felt so intensely peaceful and wonderful and where I could hear His voice so clearly. 

Such a place for me has been the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The “prayer wall”. Every time I have visited that wall -- the presence of Hashem was strong. In prayers there I felt like He would show me special things. I kept a journal once and wrote it all down. Has there ever been a place or space or time that you felt the presence of Hashem? What was it like? I would love to hear your replies!

Challenge: 

Take some time out today to sit and listen to Hashem. Pray and ask Him to show Himself to you in a special way. Hear what He has to tell you. Write it down. Believe Him.

Reading #1 - Genesis 28:10–22

29:10 Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place, and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 He dreamed and saw a stairway set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven. Behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 Behold, Hashem stood above it, and said, “I am Hashem, the Elohim of Abraham your father, and the Elohim of Isaac. I will give the land you lie on to you and to your offspring. 14 Your offspring will be as the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your offspring, all the families of the earth will be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land. For I will not leave you until I have done that which I have spoken of to you.”

16 Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, “Surely Hashem is in this place, and I didn’t know it.” 17 He was afraid, and said, “How awesome this place is! This is none other than Elohim’s house, and this is the gate of heaven.”

18 Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on its top. 19 He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first. 20 Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If Elohim will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, and Hashem will be my Elohim, 22 then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be Elohim’s house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give a tenth to you.”

Vayetze - Week #7

Vayetze וַיֵּצֵא - And He Went Out

Genesis 28:10-32:3

Malachi 1:1-2:7

Matthew 10:21-38

• 1.1 First reading — Genesis 28:10–22

• 1.2 Second reading — Genesis 29:1–17

• 1.3 Third reading — Genesis 29:18–30:13

• 1.4 Fourth reading — Genesis 30:14–27

• 1.5 Fifth reading — Genesis 30:28–31:16

• 1.6 Sixth reading — Genesis 31:17–42

1.7 Seventh reading — Genesis 31:43–32:3

Toldot - Reading #7

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Haftarah: Malachi 1:1-2:7

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 10:21-38

SHABBAT READING #7 - Genesis 28:5–9

My Thoughts: 

In verse 7 we read that Jacob “obeyed his father and his mother”. I find this to be so interesting because he also obeyed his mother to “trick” his father into believing he was Esau! This verse does make you feel that he earnestly does want to obey them. We were not there to understand everything, but this commandment we do understand and should follow. 

When my parents were old and getting ready to die, I remembered this commandment to honor them. No matter how hard it was to do this and the sacrifices that had to be made -- it was a blessing in the end. I made sure with the help of others, that my parents were well taken of, loved and had every need met to the best of my ability. I tried to respect them until the day they died. It was so important and I am so glad I obeyed Hashem in this way.

Challenge: 

If your parents are still alive and you are having a hard time honoring them, remember Hashem’s commandment to do so. As hard as it may get, you will be glad you did in the end. If you hold any anger or hurt toward them, settle it today. They may not be here tomorrow.

Reading #7 - Genesis 28:5–9

28:5 Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.

6 Now Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Paddan Aram, to take him a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he gave him a command, saying, “You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan;” 7 and that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Paddan Aram. 8 Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan didn’t please Isaac, his father. 9 So Esau went to Ishmael, and took, in addition to the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebaioth, to be his wife.

THIS WEEK’S HAFTARAH:

My Thoughts: 

Hashem wants the best from us. As in verse 11, “For from the rising of the sun even to its going down, My name is great among the nations...” There is no other god, no other Name to be worshiped. So, our offerings -- whether they be physical or spiritual -- should be daily onto Him. He deserves only the best. As we honor our parents, we honor G-d first. Remember this.

Challenge: 

The next time you get depressed remember that Elohim is L-rd of all. He knows what you are going through and He wants to help. All we need to do is be obedient and faithful. To honor Him in all our ways. His light should be shining through us daily as a witness of His love to others. Rise above your problems and focus on Him and Him only. It will change your life, change your day.

Malachi 1:1-2:7

1 A revelation, Hashem’s word to Israel by Malachi.

2 “I have loved you,” says Hashem.

Yet you say, “How have you loved us?”

“Wasn’t Esau Jacob’s brother?” says Hashem, “Yet I loved Jacob; 3 but Esau I hated, and made his mountains a desolation, and gave his heritage to the jackals of the wilderness.” 4 Whereas Edom says, “We are beaten down, but we will return and build the waste places;” Hashem of Armies says, “They shall build, but I will throw down; and men will call them ‘The Wicked Land,’ even the people against whom Hashem shows wrath forever.”

5 Your eyes will see, and you will say, “Hashem is great—even beyond the border of Israel!”

6 “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, then where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? Says Hashem of Armies to you, priests, who despise my name. You say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ 7 You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ In that you say, ‘Hashem’s table is contemptible.’ 8 When you offer the blind for sacrifice, isn’t that evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, isn’t that evil? Present it now to your governor! Will he be pleased with you? Or will he accept your person?” says Hashem of Armies

9 “Now, please entreat the favor of Elohim, that he may be gracious to us. With this, will he accept any of you?” says Hashem of Armies.

10 “Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you,” says Hashem of Armies, “neither will I accept an offering at your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun even to its going down, My name is great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering: for My name is great among the nations,” says Hashem of Armies. 12 “But you profane it, in that you say, ‘Hashem’s table is polluted, and its fruit, even its food, is contemptible.’ 13 You say also, ‘Behold, what a weariness it is!’ and you have sniffed at it”, says Hashem of Armies; “and you have brought that which was taken by violence, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring the offering. Should I accept this at your hand?” says Hashem.

14 “But the deceiver is cursed, who has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices to Adonai a defective thing; for I am a great King,” says Hashem of Armies, “and My name is awesome among the nations.”

2 “Now, you priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If you will not listen, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name,” says Hashem of Armies, “then I will send the curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart. 3 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and will spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it. 4 You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant may be with Levi,” says Hashem of Armies. 5 “My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might be reverent toward Me; and he was reverent toward Me, and stood in awe of My name. 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity. 7 For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Hashem of Armies.

THIS WEEK’S APOSTOLIC SCRIPTURE:

My Thoughts: 

Today we have been discussing obeying our parents. In the Scripture to follow we see that there could be a time when children will not be honoring their parents! They will even cause them to die! Who could imagine this? But in a “lawless” society this could very well come true. If we want to repair the world, we have to start at home. By loving and obeying our parents.

Challenge: 

Do something nice for your mom or dad today. Rake the leaves, shovel the snow, cut the lawn and/or bring your mom flowers. If they are not alive, then do something good for an older person you know. Honor your elders and the promise is you will be blessed.

Matthew 10:21-38

10:21 “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man has come.

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! 26 Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. 28 Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

29 “Aren’t two sparrows sold for an Assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.

34 “Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 A man’s foes will be those of his own household.  He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t worthy of me. 38 He who doesn’t take his cross and follow after me isn’t worthy of me.

Toldot - Reading #6

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Reading #6 - Genesis 27:28–28:4

My Thoughts: 

Trickery and deceit. Esau is so disappointed that his brother tricked him and got the blessing. And can you blame him? But in his anger, he says he will kill him. Jacob runs away. This kind of reminds me of what happens when we sin and how sin can “snowball” into more serious results. However, when Jacob flees to Laban, he does meet Rachel, the love of his life. The point is that Jacob deceives his father and then has to run away for fear of his life. Has that ever happened to you? You played a trick or lied to someone and the whole thing got worse? If that has happened try and rectify it all quickly. 

Challenge: 

Did you ever want something so bad that you were willing to lie to get it? We are supposed to be “lights” to the rest of the world. This story is a reminder to be righteous and to depend on Hashem for the outcome of a need. Present your request before Him and wait. What if Jacob had not tricked his father? How would this story have ended? Would he still somehow have received the blessing? Things to ponder about. The challenge today is to think about how you can be a “light” to your friends and family. And then do it.

Reading #6 - Genesis 27:28–28:4

27:28 Elohim give you of the dew of the sky,

    of the fatness of the earth,

    and plenty of grain and new wine.

29 Let peoples serve you,

    and nations bow down to you.

Be lord over your brothers.

    Let your mother’s sons bow down to you.

Cursed be everyone who curses you.

    Blessed be everyone who blesses you.”

30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had just gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 He also made savory food, and brought it to his father. He said to his father, “Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison, that your soul may bless me.”

32 Isaac his father said to him, “Who are you?”

He said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”

33 Isaac trembled violently, and said, “Who, then, is he who has taken venison, and brought it to me, and I have eaten of all before you came, and have blessed him? Yes, he will be blessed.”

34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, my father.”

35 He said, “Your brother came with deceit, and has taken away your blessing.”

36 He said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now he has taken away my blessing.” He said, “Haven’t you reserved a blessing for me?”

37 Isaac answered Esau, “Behold, I have made him your lord, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants. I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What then will I do for you, my son?”

38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have just one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, my father.” Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

39 Isaac his father answered him,

“Behold, your dwelling will be of the fatness of the earth,

and of the dew of the sky from above.

40 You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother.

It will happen, when you will break loose,

that you will shake his yoke from off your neck.”

41 Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

42 The words of Esau, her elder son, were told to Rebekah. She sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. 43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban, my brother, in Haran. 44 Stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turns away— 45 until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send, and get you from there. Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?”

46 Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth. If Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these, of the daughters of the land, what good will my life do me?”

28 Isaac called Jacob, blessed him, and commanded him, “You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. 2 Arise, go to Paddan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father. Take a wife from there from the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. 3 May Elohim Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples, 4 and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your offspring with you, that you may inherit the land where you travel, which Hashem gave to Abraham.”

Toldot - Reading #5

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Reading #5 - Genesis 26:30–27:27

My Thoughts: 

Rebekah and Jacob create a divisive plan to steal a blessing away from Esau. It is one of Scripture’s curious stories. We know Rebekah loves Isaac, but apparently she loves her son more. Enough to want to trick her own husband. What is the lesson to be learned here? I guess I can only look at it this way. What if Jacob would not have stolen the blessing? Yes he may have received less of the inheritance, but I believe Hashem would still have totally blessed the “line of ancestry” through Isaac to continue His promises.

I remember having a client once who told me she was going to go down to Social Services and she was going to lie about something in her life so she could get more free benefits. I gave her a challenge. I asked her to tell the truth and just see what happens. We then prayed that Hashem would bless her. A few hours later I met with her and she was so excited! She didn’t lie but she still received the extra benefits. What a wonderful life lesson!

Challenge: 

Have you recently lied to change the outcome in a particular situation? Or are you thinking about not telling the truth about something because you feel it would help you out? I challenge you to tell the truth, pray and watch what Hashem does! My daughter told the truth about turning down a job to the unemployment bureau. She could have lied and continued to get benefits, but instead told the truth. They stopped her unemployment. But, then the most amazing thing happened! She got a FANTASTIC job! And it pays more than any job she has ever held! She is giving all the glory to Hashem. And so will you!

Reading #5 - Genesis 26:30–27:27

30 He made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 They rose up some time in the morning, and swore an oath to one another. Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32 The same day, Isaac’s servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 He called it “Shibah” Therefore the name of the city is “Beersheba” to this day.

34 When Esau was forty years old, he took as wife Judith, the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon the Hittite. 35 They grieved Isaac’s and Rebekah’s spirits.

27 When Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said to him, “My son?”

He said to him, “Here I am.”

2 He said, “See now, I am old. I don’t know the day of my death. 3 Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and get me venison. 4 Make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat, and that my soul may bless you before I die.”

5 Rebekah heard when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. 6 Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Behold, I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, 7 ‘Bring me venison, and make me savory food, that I may eat, and bless you before Hashem before my death.’ 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command you. 9 Go now to the flock and get me two good young goats from there. I will make them savory food for your father, such as he loves. 10 You shall bring it to your father, that he may eat, so that he may bless you before his death.”

11 Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth man. 12 What if my father touches me? I will seem to him as a deceiver, and I would bring a curse on myself, and not a blessing.”

13 His mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son. Only obey my voice, and go get them for me.”

14 He went, and got them, and brought them to his mother. His mother made savory food, such as his father loved. 15 Rebekah took the good clothes of Esau, her elder son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob, her younger son. 16 She put the skins of the young goats on his hands, and on the smooth of his neck. 17 She gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.

18 He came to his father, and said, “My father?”

He said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?”

19 Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done what you asked me to do. Please arise, sit and eat of my venison, that your soul may bless me.”

20 Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?”

He said, “Because Hashem your Elohim gave me success.”

21 Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.”

22 Jacob went near to Isaac his father. He felt him, and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 He didn’t recognize him, because his hands were hairy, like his brother Esau’s hands. So he blessed him. 24 He said, “Are you really my son Esau?”

He said, “I am.”

25 He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless you.”

He brought it near to him, and he ate. He brought him wine, and he drank. 26 His father Isaac said to him, “Come near now, and kiss me, my son.” 27 He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said,

“Behold, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which Hashem has blessed.

Toldot - Reading #4

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Reading #4 - Genesis 26:23–29

My Thoughts: 

In verses 28 we see that Abimelech says to Isaac, “We saw plainly that Hashem was with you.” Can you only imagine? Isaac had something about him, the way he looked, walked, spoke -- that made others recognize that Hashem is with him! Did they even know who Isaac’s G-d was? Did they know anything about Him? Yet, somehow, some way, they recognize the one and only Elohim of the universe in Isaac. Don’t you wish that others would see Hashem in your life? What a wonderful witness that would be. And how beautiful a life you would have if it was one that reflected the love and purpose of Hashem!

Challenge: 

Think about how you could reflect Hashem more in your life. Is there something you need to change -- an attitude, the way you speak, or how you treat others? I challenge you to really take a hard look at yourself and whatever is NOT a reflection of Hashem, you work hard to get rid of it! And you study His Word more so that you know Him better so that you can better represent His love and Way in your life.

Reading #4 - Genesis 26:23–29

26:23 He went up from there to Beersheba. 24 Hashem appeared to him the same night, and said, “I am the Elohim of Abraham your father. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you, and will bless you, and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.”

25 He built an altar there, and called on Hashem’s name, and pitched his tent there. There Isaac’s servants dug a well.

26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army. 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me, and have sent me away from you?”

28 They said, “We saw plainly that Hashem was with you. We said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and you, and let’s make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, as we have not touched you, and as we have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace.’ You are now the blessed of Hashem.”