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The following is related to both Tishah B'Av and this parashat Vaetchanan. An idolatrous heart withdraws itself from God's Holy Presence (Ezek. 8:6)...
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"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him would not perish, but have everlasting life...." Most of us are familiar with John 3:16, the great summary verse from the New Testament that explains the meaning of the redemption of Yeshua in light of the "bronze serpent" (נְחַשׁ נְחֹשֶׁת) that was lifted up upon a stake. When the people gazed upon the judged serpent they were delivered from the curse of death (see Num. 21:8-9). Yeshua explained to Nicodemus that just as that serpent was lifted up in judgment, so He would become accursed and lifted up, so that all who looked upon him in faith would live (John 3:14-16).
Now there is another "3:16" passage in Scripture that is powerful and relevant, especially for those who realize that the judgment of God is happening in our world today and yet seek comfort from the LORD during this dark time. The passage is from the Book of Malachi:
"Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In His presence, a Scroll of Remembrance (סֵפֶר זִכָּרוֹן) was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his Name. "They will be my people," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת). "On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.
"For indeed the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant evildoers will be chaff. The coming day will burn them up," says the LORD of the Armies of Heaven. They will be consumed-- roots, branches, and all. But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness (שֶׁמֶשׁ צְדָקָה) will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture" (Mal. 3:16-4:2).
Amen. the LORD watches over his remnant... In his vision of the fall of the Temple in Jerusalem due to the apostasy of the people, the prophet Ezekiel overheard the LORD commissioning a mysterious "man clothed in linen, with a writing case at his side, saying, "Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark (lit. a Tav, תָּו, which resembled a cross) on the foreheads of the people who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it." But to the others he said in my hearing, "Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity... but touch no one on whom is the mark" (Ezek. 9:2-ff).
The Man clothed in linen is Yeshua our Lord (Dan. 10:5-6, Rev. 1:11-16) and God has set his seal of ownership upon those trusting in him. This is the "sign of faith," Alef-Tav (את). The Holy Spirit within our hearts serves as pledge and a witness of that which is to come (2 Cor. 1:22). God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity" (2 Tim. 2:19). The day draws near, chaverim: Let us be ready to meet our King.
Hebrew Lesson
Malachi 4:2 reading (click for audio):
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