The sages note that the phrase “lekh-lekha” (לֶךְ־לְךָ) is used in two places in the Torah: first, when God asked Abraham to leave everything behind to go (lekh-lekha) to a land where he would become a great nation that would ultimately bless the world (Gen. 12:1-3); and second, when God later asked Abraham to go (lekh-lekha) to the land of Moriah to offer up his beloved son as a burnt offering sacrifice (Gen. 22:2). There is a connection.
In the first case note that after Abraham left his homeland God led him to land of Canaan, directly to a “teaching tree” (אֵלוֹן מוֹרֶה) in Shechem (see Gen. 12:6). Some have said this “teaching tree” symbolizes the wisdom of Torah, the tree of life (עֵץ־הַחַיִּים) that brings happiness to those who take hold of it (Prov. 3:18), though it also symbolizes the cross of Yeshua, as we shall see.
Yeshua said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We cannot create the new birth by means of moral reformation, since the divine life is a miracle from above and not the result of human agency or aspiration (John 1:13; John 3:6). If we “live in” Yeshua we will bear fruit – our spiritual connection or “union” with him is sufficient for every good work, but only fruit that derives from the life of Messiah will abide (1 John 2:17). Good works are a necessary consequence of regeneration in Messiah, but by themselves they are insufficient and something more is needed (Matt. 7:21-23). Therefore the Scriptures point to the salvation of God and his grace as the efficient cause for the miracle of newness of life: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” (Titus 3:5); “for by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves (τοῦτο οὐκ ἐξ ὑμῶν), it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8); “so if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace” (Rom. 11:6).
“Because you are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Gal. 4:6). Note here the Spirit does not cry out using “esoteric” or magical names for God, nor does the Spirit refer to one of God’s many titles based on the divine attributes, but instead uses a term of intimacy and profound trust. After all, the word “abba” (אַבָּא) is not so much a name for God as it is a claim about who you are — it is a confession that you belong to the Lord as his beloved child…
Some people assume that they are entitled to prosperity, good health, and happiness during their lives, and they are offended if they fail to attain these worldly ends. The apostle Paul admonished us to think spiritually about the meaning and purpose of life, particularly in light of omnipresent suffering… He wrote that our “momentary affliction” (θλῖψις) – that is, the cares and troubles of this life – work within us to attain an “everlasting glory beyond all comparison,” and therefore we should focus not on present circumstances but on the deeper purpose, promise, and providence of God (2 Cor. 4:17-18). The visible fades away, the spiritual endures; our mortification leads to everlasting life, and that which is hidden will be manifest…
Yeshua forewarned of the moral depravity that would pervade mankind just before the time of his return: “Because lawlessness (i.e., ἀνομία, from -α (‘not’) + νομος, ‘torah’) will be increased,” he said, “the love of many will grow cold (i.e., ψύχομαι, ‘be extinguished’)” (Matt. 24:12). Note the link between Torah and love: true love requires respect for God’s authority, for without that the divine image is disfigured and desecrated. Likewise the Apostle Paul said the “End of Days” (אַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים) would be marked by “times of peril” (καιροὶ χαλεποί) because people would become increasingly narcissistic, self-absorbed, infatuated with their own self-importance, abusive toward others, disrespectful to elders, ungrateful, heartless, unforgiving, without self-control, brutal, treacherous, and so on (2 Tim. 3:1-4). When Paul said “times of peril,” he used the same word (χαλεποί) that described the character of the demonaics mentioned in Matthew 8:28. Therefore, in light of the spiritual war that rages all around us, it is vital that we remain firmly rooted in what is real by taking hold of our identity and provision as children of God.
Contrary to the vain philosophy of this fallen world, the essence of love hates what is evil; just as it is hateful to be “tolerant” of what is wicked… Followers of Yeshua must love the truth and abhor the lie. Tolerating (or indulging) sin in a world ripe for judgment is a tacit form of “collaboration” with the enemy… Indeed, the only thing regarded as intolerable in the devil’s world is the objection that people have a supposed “liberty” to sin. But the LORD is clear on this point: those who call evil good and good evil are subject to divine wrath and judgment.
Regarding the pagan holiday of “Halloween,” remember that there is no “spell” or evil incantation (i.e., nachash: נַחַשׁ) effective against Jacob, there is no sorcery (i.e., kesem: קֶסֶם) against Israel. At this time it must be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘Look at what God has done (מַה־פָּעַל אֵל)’ [Num. 23:23]. No weapon formed against God’s people shall prosper (Isa. 54:17), and the curse of the wicked is powerless against the tzaddikim (Prov. 26:2). Ein od milvado (אֵין עוֹד מִלְבַדּו) – God is the only true Power (Deut. 4:35; 1 Chron. 29:11; Rev. 4:11). Satan is an impostor and a foiled usurper. As Yeshua told his followers, “Behold I give to you authority (ἐξουσία) to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy (καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσαν τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ ἐχθροῦ), and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Like Balaam and Haman, all who curse God’s people or attempt to foil His plans will be upended… Hallelujah and Amen.
