"And he sent"
Gen. 32:4 - 36:43; Hos. 11:7 - 12:12; Matt. 26:36 - 46
5768
In this week's Parsha we read the history of Josef and his dreams. We read about his relationship with his father and his brothers. We are introduced to the beginnings of Israel's involvement with Egypt leading up to the enslavement of the Nation. There is so much in this week's Parsha that I could spend weeks writing without covering the entire Parsha. However, I would like to focus today on the first line of the Chapter 37."Ya'akov continued living in the land where his father had lived as a foreigner, the land of Kena'an.". I want us to notice that even though Jacob's father Isaac lived in the Promised Land he always lived there as a foreigner. Jacob dwelt there as a citizen. Jacob lived fully in the promises of G-D. He went further then his father did in this relationship. I want to encourage each of us to live within the things of G-D knowing they are ours. It is important that we strive to enter farther into the things of G-D. We must continue to dig deeper, to walk closer then when we began. Serving G-D is about walking not about just standing. We inherited a heritage now it is time for us to build upon what we have so that we will leave those who come behind us something to inherit that they might dwell within.
5767
When we read this week's Parsha we find the events leading up to Yaakov's wrestling match. As we read this section of Scripture we learn something of great value. This is that the names given within the Holy Scriptures are not just monikers given to identify one person from another, it is much more than that. The names given describe the character of the person. In this case we find Yaakov (the Supplanter) which perfectly describes the character demonstrated by Yaakov. However, after Yaakov wrestles with G-D we find a name change is made and the Character of Yaakov was also changed. This truth is further defined as we look closer at Gen 32:29 'And Yaakov asked him, and said: 'Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.' And he said: 'Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?' And he blessed him there.' Here we find Yaakov asking G-D to tell him His name. G-D's response is to ask Yaakov in paraphrase why do you ask my name? I have just changed your character. In other words G-D asks Yaakov who but G-D can change who you are. This lesson is one that we all must understand. When we become believers in Yeshua as our Messiah we are Born Anew, we become a new creation,our character is changed by G-D. It is not by our power, it is by His power. We should also understand that as Talmidim of Yeshua the way we act or live is supposed to demonstrate His character. Looking all the way back to creation we hear G-D speaking and saying we would be made in His image and likeness. Another way to say this is when people see us they should be able to see G-D's character and nature.
5766
As we read this week’s Parsha we find a different Jacob then we knew in last week’s Parsha. He is returning home, as HaShem has told him to, and when he stops to pray in verse nine, he reminds G-D of His promises to him instead of questioning G-Ds ability to fulfill His promises. Not only does he remind G-D of His promises to him, he also lets G-D know that he understands that G-D’s blessings are not given because of Jacob’s worthiness to receive them but because G-D loves us and will fulfill His promises to us. Jacob goes on to thank G-D for keeping His promises up until this time. When we as believers come to situations in our lives where we need the help of G-D in a supernatural way, we must first look at the promises that G-D has made to us in His word. If our situation falls into a category that is a promise from G-D, let us first realize that He does not owe us anything. Next, let us look in our past and see His continual provision in our lives. Then and only then can we remind G-D that even though we are not worthy to ask for this need, He has promised to provide and He is always faithful. Are we?