"Rules, Ordinances"
Ex. 18:1 - 20:23; Is. 6:1 - 7:6; Matt. 5:17 - 32
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While reading through this week's Parsha we come to Chapter 23:20 where G-D says, "I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him, listen to what he says and do not rebel against him; because he will not forgive any wrongdoing of yours, since my name resides in him. " When we read the Bible we find many places where we read of The " Angel of the L-RD". This case in point is important to us as Messianic believers because it has much more depth then the simple reading of the words given. As we read we find that G-D has sent this "Angel" to guard Israel and bring them to the place which He (G-D) has prepared. When we read through verse 21 we find that G-D's name resides within him. Again, the simple reading of this verse leave us with respect for this "Angel" but when we look at these words through the eyes of Scripture and Scriptural meaning we find that the use of the words "name within him" is vital to our understanding of the context and content of these verses. In the Scriptures a name is more then a title; it has to do with Character or nature. Another way to say what this verse says is that The Nature or Character of G-D is within this "Angel." This "Angel" also has the ability to forgive wrongdoings (sin). We know that only G-D can forgive sin so this brings much more meaning to this verse and many others throughout the Scriptures. I will be speaking on this topic this Shabbat during Torah service. I encourage you to come and also to invite your friends.
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This week’s Parsha begins with a list of Mishpatim, or ordinances, that are being established for the nation of Israel. These ordinances deal specifically with what we would call interpersonal interactions. One of the unique things about Biblical Judaism is that it does not involve simply a relationship between G-D and mankind, but also requires a relationship between the people who serve G-D. These ordinances are specifically designed to give the Children of Israel an understanding that one cannot truly love and serve G-D if one does not also love and serve those who love G-D. These ordinances are not a conclusive list of all requirements for people to get along with other people, but rather a list of starting points, with a constant reminder to do unto others as we would have them do unto us written between not only each line but also between each letter. Interwoven in our service of the Almighty is the reality of our service to each other as a part of serving G-D.