|
Vayigash (And Came Near) 31 December 2011 (Genesis
44:18-47:27)
In Genesis 44:18 we read “Then Judah
came near him”. In this portion Joseph reveals himself to his
brothers. It was Judah who made an impassioned Speech on behalf of
his brother Benjamin. It was Judah who showed his great respect and
concern for his father. Judah’s exposition and love touched
Joseph’s heart. It was also prophetic in that the two tribes of
Judah and Benjamin became one. When Joseph revealed his true
identity, he immediately wanted to know the condition of his
father. What is the lesson to be learned here? Relationships are
filled with pain. Heartbreak and Sorrow is the price of love.
Forgiveness is the oil of healing. Joseph forgave his brothers,
because he had confidence that God was at work to bring good out of
a painful situation.
Vayechi (And He Lived) 7
January 2012 (Genesis 47:28-50:26)
In Genesis 47:28 we read, “Jacob lived in the land of Egypt
seventeen years.” He experience comfort & peace in knowing
that everything God does is for the best. Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons
Ephraim & Manasseh. Before he died Jacob pronounced a prophetic
blessing upon his children. God had revealed to his servant the
whole future of the tribes of Israel. Jacob disqualified his first
three sons and turned to Judah. Judah became the forerunner of King
David out of whose seed the Messiah would come. Vayechi is the
perfect ending to Genesis because it is about being alive. Out of
the Torah comes life.
Shemot (Names) 14 January
2012 (Exodus 1:1-6:1)
Exodus 1:1 begins with “These are the names of the sons of Israel
who came to Egypt with Jacob”. In the book of Exodus are found the
seventy- two names of God. We also have the names of Moses mother,
father, sister, brother, the midwives Shuah and Puah; Moses wife
and sons; and his father-in-law. Yet the Name of the Pharaoh in
Egypt is not given. At the burning bush Moses asks God, What is
your name? As followers of Judaism we never pronounce the sacred
name of God. The sacred message of the name is that “God does not
change”. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God’s
nature never changes although everthing else in the world is in
constant change.
Va’era (And I Appeared)
21 January 2012 (Exodus 6:2-9:35)
In exodus 6:3 we read “And I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
as God Almighty”. In this portion we have the first seven of ten
plaques. We also have the Passover Haggadah revealed to us in the
four cups of wine: (1) “I will bring you out from under the burdens
of the Egyptians”; (2) “I will deliver you from this bondage;” (3)
“I will redeem you”; and (4) “I will take you for my people, and I
will be your God.” God uses the Exodus experience to re-establish
His name and to reveal the powerlessness of the Gods of Egypt.
There is no one like our God who can do all things, including giving
us victory over our enemies. |
