Author: John J Parsons

Parashat Shelach-Lekha Podcast…

John J Parsons

Our Torah portion this week (Shelach-Lekha) is a “heavy one” since it focuses on the Sin of the Spies and the subsequent failure of the people to trust that God would care for them. The people’s lack of bittachon (trust) in God is the most serious sin recorded in all the Torah, even more serious than the sin of the Golden Calf. This is confirmed by the testimony of the New Testament, which presents the fate of the Exodus generation as the dire warning of apostasy for those who claim to follow the Messiah (Heb. 3:7-4:2).

In this audio discussion on the weekly Torah portion, I discuss issues of faith, courage, and finding meaning for your life in the will and love of God. Trusting in God’s personal love for you presupposes that you are worthy to be loved and that there is a divine inheritance reserved for you. This gives you real courage to go take possession of the divine promise as its rightful heir…

 

Shalach Audio Podcast:

Trusting God’s Providence…

John J Parsons

The Scriptures reveal that creation is “teleological,” which means that it is “going someplace” and that there is order and purpose to our existence. Your life is not adrift in a random universe that is destined to ultimately fade away but is grounded in the Divine Mind and Will that personally supervises and pervades all things. A lack of emunah (faith) has been likened to a passenger flying on an airplane who doesn’t believe there is a pilot in the cockpit… Faith in the LORD believes that a single supreme, all-knowing, all-powerful and benevolent spiritual Power directs all things, and that God is the beginning, middle, and end of all conscious meaning, truth, and substance, as it is written: כִּי הַכּל מִיָּדוֹ הַכּל בּוֹ וְהַכּל לוֹ הוּא, “For from him and through him and to him are all things” (Rom. 11:36). A life of faith in the one true God imparts the blessing of shalom (inner peace) and assures the heart that all shall be made well by the love of God. Everything God does is for the very best, and there are no exceptions to this truth (Rom. 8:28).

Read more “Trusting God’s Providence…”

The Paradox of Moses…

John J Parsons

Our Torah portion this week (Naso) ends with these words: “And when Moses went into the Tent of Meeting (i.e., Mishkan) to commune with the LORD, he heard the Voice (הַקּוֹל) speaking to him from above the mercy seat (i.e., kapporet: כַּפּרֶת) that was upon the Ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; and there He spoke to him” (Num. 7:89).

Now Moses was truly an extraordinary and wonderful person — Israel’s first great prophet, priest, and king. His life can be divided into three great distinct periods of 40 years each. First, he was raised as an Egyptian and lived as a prince of Egypt (the Egyptian period); second, he fled to the land of Midian where he became a shepherd and encountered God in the desert (the Midianite period); and third, after the great deliverance from Egypt, Moses led the people back to Sinai where he 1) became the mediator (priest) of the covenant between God and Israel, 2) legislated the various laws of the Torah, and 3) received the prophetic vision of the Tabernacle, the future exile, and the ultimate glory of Zion.

Notice, however, that Moses was extraordinary in the sense that he transcended the entire system of religion that was later established as “Judaism.” First, as the great legislator, Moses stood outside of the law, serving as its voice of authority. Second, as the high priest of Israel, Moses instituted various sacrificial rites before the laws of sacrifice were enacted. For example, he instituted the Passover sacrifice in Egypt (Exod. 12:1-11), and when the people later reached Sinai, he offered blood sacrifices to ratify the terms of the covenant (Exod. 24:8). Moreover, he ascended the mountain and received the prophetic vision of the Sanctuary before the priesthood had been instituted in Israel (Exod. 25:8-9). And even after the laws of the priests were enacted and the Tabernacle was erected, Moses was allowed to go before the very Holy of Holies to hear the Voice of the LORD, even though technically speaking this was forbidden, since Moses was not a kohen (i.e., descendant of Aaron).

I mention this because some Jewish people stumble over the fact that Yeshua, who was from the tribe of Judah, served as Israel’s High Priest of the New Covenant. Of course this issue is addressed in the Book of Hebrews, where the role of the Malki-Tzedek priesthood is ascribed to King Yeshua (Heb. 5:6-11; 7:1-19), but it is important to realize that Moses himself foresaw the coming of the Messiah as Israel’s great prophet, priest and King (Deut. 18:15-19; John 5:36). Indeed, just as Moses himself was “outside” the law by serving as Israel’s priest but nevertheless was commissioned by God Himself, so also with Yeshua, who instituted the sacrifice of His blood as the Lamb of God and who went directly before God’s Throne to intercede on our behalf.

Like the patriarch Joseph before him, Moses was a “picture” of Yeshua in various significant ways. Though he was a Jew from the tribe of Levi, he appeared as a “prince of Egypt” to his own people and was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians (Acts 7:22). And though he was God’s chosen deliverer, Moses was initially rejected by the Israelites and then turned to the Gentiles, taking a “foreign” bride. After being severely tested in the desert, he was empowered by God’s Spirit to become Israel’s deliverer for their hour of great tribulation. Indeed, both Moses and Yeshua were “sent from a mountain of God” to free Israel; both revealed the meaning of God’s Name; both spoke with God “face to face.” Moses was sent from (physical) Mount Sinai in Midian; Yeshua was sent from a spiritual “Mount Zion” in Heaven (Heb. 12:22). The New Testament relates that Moses and Elijah later met with Yeshua to discuss His “departure,” literally, “His Exodus” (τὴν ἔξοδον αὐτοῦ) that he would accomplish at Jerusalem to redeem the entire world (Luke 9:30-31).

 

Hebrew Lesson
Deut. 18:15 reading (click):

 

 

 

Moses foretold of the coming Messiah who would resemble him in many distinctive and remarkable ways. For more on this subject, see “Moses’ Prophecy of the Messiah.”

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Trust in Difficult Days…

John J Parsons

We are living in times of difficulty leading up to the coming of our Messiah, Yeshua, and therefore we all need courage and grace to persevere. When Andrew Murray was bedridden and sick, he advised another sufferer using these words: “In time of trouble say: “First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this straight place; in that I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child. Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last, In His good time He can bring me out again – how and when He knows. [Therefore] let me say I am here, (1) by God’s appointment; (2) in his keeping; (3) under His training; and (4) for His time.”

Deep within I discover that I can bless the Lord, losing sight of myself and my fears as I affirm my deepest purpose and heritage: “My (boundary) lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me” (Psalm 16:6). Though I might have felt bereft and even tempted to curse my estate, by God’s grace I am made able to give thanks and to bless, even in the midst of my troubles and pain: “I will bless the LORD who has counseled me; my conscience disciplines me in the night” (Psalm 16:7). Therefore שִׁוִּיתִי יְהוָה לְנֶגְדִּי תָמִיד – “I have set the Lord always before me” – especially in desperate moments when I can barely endure – since I have learned that “because he is at my right hand, I shall not come undone” (Psalm 16:8). God gives me strength to renew my hope: therefore “my heart is made glad, my whole being rejoices, and my body shall rest in trust” (Psalm 16:9).

 

Hebrew Lesson

 

 

When I feel hopeless, I seek hope; when in pain, I seek strength; when in despair over besetting sins, I yearn again for a place I can call home… In the midst of these things, my heart wonders whether my suffering has come because I deserve it or somehow “need” it. I reason that it may make sense that God extends special care for his favored ones, for those who are righteous and who seem free from the vexation of despair, but does it make sense for me, one who is undone, broken, alone, and unworthy? My heart protests that this is not the whole story of my life, and that more to be said. I need God and I know that he cares for me. I recall his promises to heal, to bind up the broken of heart, and extend his comfort for our afflictions. Might pain herald the advent of something new to come? Might there be a deeper beauty and surpassing grace going “through the wound” instead of objecting to it?

Receiving what you give…

John J Parsons

From our Torah portion this week (i.e., Naso) we read: “Each one shall keep his holy donations: whatever anyone gives to the priest shall be his [לוֹ יִהְיֶה]” (Num. 5:10). This is the spiritual principle that what we give away is what we possess, and as we measure, so will be measured back to us again (Luke 6:38). The sages comment that being selfish, acquisitive, and power-hungry are drives common among the animals, but what makes a man unique is his ability to sacrifice himself for others. Giving tzedakah, then, is an inherently spiritual act, and ultimately only that which we give to others in love will be kept as holy. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21).

As you believe, so you will receive (Matt. 21:22). This is the “like for like” principle of faith. Forgive us as we forgive; judge us as we judge; love us as we love; make us righteous as we take hold of righteousness, give us courage as we believe, and so on. As Isaiah said to Ahaz: “If you will not be firm in faith, you will not be firm at all” (Isa. 7:9). Your “amen” echoes the “amen” of heaven: “Let it be done for you according to your faith” (Matt. 9:29).

Instead of refusing to judge others (in the name of tolerance), or judging them in terms of their worth, we are commanded judge people favorably by using a “good eye” (עַיִן טוֹבָה). As it is written in the Torah, “in righteousness judge your neighbor (בְּצֶדֶק תִּשְׁפּט עֲמִיתֶךָ)” (Lev. 19:15). Notice that the word translated “righteousness” is tzedek (צֶדֶק), a word that includes the heart motive of “charity” and love. We are commanded to give tzedakah (צְדָקָה, “charity”) not just because it is “right,” but it is right because it is based on God’s love and care for others. Something is righteous, in other words, because it expresses the truth about God’s love. We could read this commandment as “in love judge your neighbor.” Our judgments should be based on compassion, empathy, and care for others – never as a verdict about someone’s worth and status before God. We see with a redemptive eye, and that means seeing the potential of others and their inherent worth as God’s children.

Lord, help me receive what you give and give what I have received, for love’s sake. Amen.

 

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Parashat Naso Podcast…

John J Parsons

Our Torah portion for this week (i.e., parashat Naso) includes the famous blessing that Aaron and his sons (i.e., the priests) were instructed to recite over the people of Israel: “The LORD bless you and guard you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26). The Hebrew text of the blessing begins with three words, is comprised of three parts, invokes the divine Name three times, and is therefore appropriately called “the three-in-one blessing” (שלוש בברכה אחת). Notice that the words are spoken in the grammatical singular rather than plural because they are meant to have personal application, not to be a general benediction over a crowd of people. The phrase, “The LORD lift up His face toward you…” (יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ) pictures the beaming face of a parent as he lifts up his beloved child in joy… The repetitive construction of God “lifting up His face” (יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיך) suggests that God’s compassion now flows outward to the child in superabundant grace. Undoubtedly Yeshua recited this very blessing over his disciples when he ascended back to heaven, though of course He would have spoken it in the grammatical first person: “I will bless you and keep you (אני אברך אותך ואשמור לך); I will shine upon you and will be gracious to you; I will lift up my countenance upon you, and give you my shalom” (Luke 24:50-51).

 

Podcast:

Why Shavuot Matters…

John J Parsons

The holiday of Shavuot (חג השבועות) is called “Pentecost” in Christian tradition. The Greek word Pentecost (πεντηκοστή) means “the holiday of fifty days” that refers to the 50th day after the crucifixion of Yeshua when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and when Peter first proclaimed the truth of salvation in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-43). The Torah teaches that Shavuot is a major biblical holiday (it is one of the three “required festivals” of the LORD, see Exod. 23:14-17; Deut. 16:16) and therefore it behooves us to understand its significance as the climax of Passover itself — ‘the endpoint’ of the redemptive experience. Indeed, just as the blood of the lambs smeared on the door posts led directly to Sinai 50 days later, so the crucifixion of Yeshua led directly to the descent of the Holy Spirit to empower His followers to serve God under the new covenant of Zion.

 

 

There are two basic priestly rituals commanded for Shavuot: 1) the waving (i.e., tenufah: תנופה) of the two loaves of (new) wheat bread (called shtei ha’lechem: שתי הלחם), and 2) the offering of peace sacrifices (i.e., korban shelamim: קורבן שלמים). Both of these aspects of the priestly service were fulfilled in the greater sacrifice of Yeshua made on our behalf. Moreover, just as worshipers at the Temple would present bikkurim (בכורים) – their choicest first fruits – and attest to God’s faithfulness before the altar (Deut. 26:3), so we are called to walk in the fruit of the Spirit (פרי רוח הקודש) and to proclaim the message of God’s faithful love for us.

Read more “Why Shavuot Matters…”

Godly Sorrows…

John J Parsons

In this “Daily Dvar” audio broadcast I discuss why God may allow sorrow and affliction in our lives. It’s a difficult topic, of course, and there are no easy answers for why we suffer, though we can frame our concerns in light of the teaching and counsel of Scripture to encourage us to persevere in our faith — even when things are hard for us. I hope you find it encouraging in your journey.

 

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Breathing God’s Name…

John J Parsons

In the Scriptures God’s Name is revealed as YHVH (יְהוָה), which means “He is Present.” The Name is formed from the words hayah (“He was”), hoveh (“He is”), and yihyeh (“He will be”): הָיָה הוֶה וְיִהְיֶה, indicating God’s omnipresence. Note that all the letters of the Name are “vowel letters,” which mean they evoke breath and life. This is the Name revealed to Moses thousands of years before the advent of other religions (Exod. 3:14), and indeed it is the Name associated with the nishmat chayim (נִשְׁמַת חַיִּים), the “breath of life,” imparted to Adam in the orchard at Eden (Gen. 2:4). It is therefore the original Name of God “breathed out” to mankind. The Name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) means “YHVH saves.” There is no other Savior beside Him, there is no other Name, there is no other LORD. “For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Only Yeshua the Messiah can deliver you from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:10).

Many people live in regret over the past or in dread of the future. The Hebrew name of God, the Tetragrammaton (יהוה), means: “He is Present.” We can only find God now, today, at this hour. Today if you hear His voice… Yeshua said, “The kingdom of heaven is within you” (מַלְכוּת הָאֱלהִים בְּקִרְבְּכֶם), that is, is to be found within the heart of faith (Luke 17:21).

The question is asked why the Torah was written without vowels, punctuation marks, and so on. The lack of vowels implies that we must bring breath (i.e., ruach, spirit) to our reading of the words; the lack of punctuation implies that we must be humble and rely on others to help us read with understanding. In other words, we must bring our heart to the reading and be open-minded to receive revelation.

 

 

We need the power of the Holy Spirit to read correctly, and the Holy Spirit reveals the Living Word and glory of Yeshua: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63).

 

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Ultimate Concerns…

John J Parsons

It is written in our Torah: “Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anything that the LORD your God has forbidden you… ‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image (לא־תַעֲשֶׂה־לְךָ פֶסֶל) or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” (Deut. 4:23; 5:8). Literally this refers to the ancient practice of bowing before “mediating forces” of God, often symbolized by art and ritual, as a token of respect or as a means of finding “acceptance” within a group. We are not to imitate such customs of the pagan world around us; on the contrary, we testify of the One True God and repudiate the need for intermediaries between God and man… On a different level, “bowing before an idol” means passively yielding to the world and its ideals rather than submitting to the truth. When we seek to fit in, to feel like we belong, and follow the trends and passions of the crowd, we express idolatry of heart. Most intimately, an idol is a source of desire, happiness, and security apart from the LORD. Your “god” is whatever your heart admires, follows and loves… If you have “other gods” before the LORD, then something is wrong, since we were created by God to find life in Him alone. “Surely you don’t think the Scripture speaks vainly when it says: the spirit which He sent to live in us wants us for himself alone?” (James 4:5) “Grace will save a man… but it will not save him and his idol” (A.W. Tozer). Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry (1 Cor. 10:14).

Read more “Ultimate Concerns…”