Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, December 13, 2021
Shalom,
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Mon 13-Dec-2021 9th of Tevet, 5782
Ge 48:10-16 1 Sa 26-27 Ps 66 Lk 1:1-25 (2 Co 7)
This week we are reading the final Torah portion of Genesis. Every time we finish a book of the Torah (or finish studying any other book of the Bible for that matter) it is a special occasion. In traditional Judaism, such a special occasion is reason enough to raise a glass of schnapps. At Shomair, that’s one Jewish tradition we avoid. There is another Jewish tradition connected to finishing a book of the Torah that we have adopted. As the last word is read, we all speak three words, “Chazak, Chazak, V’Nit’cha’zek.” It means “be strong, be strong, and we will be strengthened.”
Why is this a custom? Who decided that we need to ask the Lord for strength as we finish a book of the Torah? I don’t know “who,” but I do know “why,” and it’s connected to the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
When we read the Word of God, we are planting His seed in our hearts. Yeshua explains His own parable in Luke 8. Luke 8:11 “Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.” What is Satan’s self-ordained assignment? To steal the seed God is planting before it can bring for the fruit of righteousness. We say “Chazak” as a prayer against Satan’s mischievous assignment.
Better get ready, it’s coming up this Saturday.
Week 51
Memory Verse: 1 John 4:10 This is love—not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atonement for our sins. 11 Loved ones, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
251 12/16 Monday: 1 Peter 3-4
252 12/17 Tuesday: 1 Peter 5; 1 John 1
253 12/18 Wednesday: 1 John 2-3
254 12/19 Thursday: 1 John 4-5
255 12/20 Friday: Revelation 1