Parasha Bechukotai: Day 7—Shabbat

Vayikra/Leviticus 26:3-27:34

The value of man has nothing to do with his self worth or the increase of wealth or the intellect he accumulates. The value placed on man by YHVH has nothing to do with these estrangements, either. As a matter of fact, the valuation placed upon man by Elohim has the worth of the minerals and fertilizing potential by which he is made. There is no real or lasting value in regard to man or humanity when measuring by human standards. Thus the humbling prospect of being worth a mere three to fifty shekels based on labor potential is wrought from human interaction and rebellion from the Creator. Since man chose to rely upon his own flesh for provision and posterity, YHVH deals with man based on those terms through language and languishing.

The preacher wrote that all is vanity. To rise early, to stay up late, to toil, to do anything is vanity. All has been done before an all will most certainly be repeated. Vanity! Solomon new Torah and the value of what YHVH place on man. Moreover, his choice to delve into all kinds of adultery, idol worship and other worldly endeavors did not gain him any spiritual advantage. As a matter of fact, it caused the kingdom of Israel to be torn in two and his soul was thus jeopardized. With all the wisdom the Father had granted Solomon, he still lingered around temptation and compromised his faith for the sake of experiencing the world and its lusts.

This was not new to Solomon, however. Adam did the same by choosing the forbidden fruit over YHVH's explicit instructions. Furthermore, this is the definition of rebellion. Sin is completely joined to doing what is known to be wrong. YHVH told Noach that man is corrupt from his youth up. He knows the workings of man's heart and knows the totality of his days. His estimation of worth does not hinge upon career acrobatics or intellectual prowess. These are some of the elements that contribute to pride in the first place. The Judge of all men values man based on the fall from His abode and communicates with him based on that pride and insolence.

Fortunately, man's evaluation of worth only begins at this point. The Father looks upon man with a different set of standards that are higher than man's ways and deeper than man's thoughts. The true evaluation takes place spiritually. It begins with the ransom price which is far greater than any amount of shekels and continues to a point of completion and fulfillment through love and everlasting companionship. As YHVH, our Father is the Creator, the Judge, the Advocate and the Ransom for all of those who keep His Covenant. When Israel is joined to the Creator through Yeshua, the paid Ransom price through His death, then he is one with Him.

The Creator cannot despise Himself, just as we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. The Father's hope is that we would live as one body being joined to Messiah. Therefor, the spiritual value of the elect is beyond the measure of what can be counted on earth. It transcends the imagination of riches and is accounted in terms of a helpmate. None of us joined to our earthly counterparts would want harm to befall them; nor can the be replaced with money or fortune. The same is true of us as YHVH's helpmate. His riches in Yeshua are great indeed and those are superimposed onto us as we live in Yeshua, dead to our old works and old man.

All that is worth anything is found in YHVH or through His presence as Yeshua. The reprimand of disobedience should be found in the valuation of a man's life. Like being sold into slavery in an open market, our sins and past lives prove that none are worthy of YHVH's love and each has fallen fallen from His glory. Due to the nature of YHVH and His inability to cut Himself off, we who are found in Messiah have been raised to a place of kingship and righteousness. Our bondage to sin has been renounced and we are now bound to the Creator as His future Bride. One who is worthy of more than shekels—we are now worth of His love through the blood of Messiah.

Dwell upon Revelation 5:9-10, ""Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for YHVH with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

Parasha Bechukotai: Day 6

Vayikra/Leviticus 27:29-34

Vayikra 27:29 seems most harsh when contrasted to a set apart life that each Covenant member must keep. Those that would sacrifice themselves for the sake of any conviction would certainly be considered a martyr, yet these would not necessarily commit suicide for the sake of righteousness. The exception of this could be the story of Massada, but cannot be substantiated as such since Josephus' writings are the only account we have. The act of martyrdom is not really what this passage of Torah has in mind. While Israel may not fully comprehend this text in this age, it is certain that Messiah does understand it and totally fulfilled it.

 

Nevertheless, we are admonished to "Let the redeemed of YHVH say so!" As Yah's redeemed people, we must live our lives out loud, in private, in public, as living stones. Sometimes the persecution in obedience brings on the death of the flesh, particularly in the third world countries where persecution and martyerdom have run their course throughout history. We who live in the western hemisphere have been more fortunate than most. We have lived out exile from the Land and Israel in relative ease. Yet, the day is coming, says YHVH, that the whole world will go under tribulation. During those days we must ask ourselves if we truly are the redeemed of YHVH. If so, are we prepared to suffer the trials of our faith? Just as in the days of Moshe, when the children of Israel underwent the beginning of sorrows along with the Egyptians, we, too, must endure the beginning in sorrows during the last days of normal life on earth as we know it.

 

The portion that YHVH sets apart is for His purposes. He has future plans to set apart a remnant of believers from all the tribes of Israel to be His witnesses upon earth during the darkest and most tribulational times in history. The ten plagues that judged Egpyt will be repeated in severity and intensity as man walks out judgment during the great and terrible tribulation. Those that are called by His Name and sealed are walking out judgment even now. Their lives should remind those around them that Yeshua is alive and His Word is active in the here and now. These will be shielded from great sorrows and severe pangs during the end of time, as they will be provided all their needs according to YHVH's riches and glory in Yeshua Messiah. Even through death between now and the end, the lives of those that are set apart, called out, do not belong them, but to Messiah who died as the One set apart for all. If rejected as the chief corner stone, the rejectors will perish, on earth and for eternity. If accepted, then those who believe will be part of that great Stone being one in Messiah.

We, as the living, breathing, teaching and talking stones of Yeshua are praising the Father with our actions and speech. The commandments of old, that were written on tablets of stone and presented to the children of Israel as the Covenant are the same as what the Ruach has written upon our hearts. Just as the originals were crushed by Moshe when he saw the idolatry of Israel, we are crushed upon Yeshua, the Stone the world rejects. Moreover, we are raised anew with Him as new tablets, new creatures where upon the renewed Covenant is revealed in Creation. This has to be so that we identify with Yeshua and are identified with Him.

It is true that Messiah suffered as man and died at the hands of Israel, Jews, gentiles and pagans. As much, He was the One that has been set apart from the beginning and was foretold to die on behalf of all that are set apart in Him. He could not be ransomed by man or Himself, for He destined Himself as the redemption price for His whole household.

We are part of that house. We are part of the great and awesome Stone that is was, is and will continue to be raised as a living Tabernacle of praise for the Father. Death had no hold on Messiah. As such, death has no hold on us as believers in Yeshua and Covenant Keepers. Since the grave has no power over the elect, let us look to the day when every knee will bow and tongue confess just Who Yeshua is. He is our everlasting Life and the King of Righteousness—the Gate that we enter into for the sake of fleshly death and eternal resurrection.

Dwell upon 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "For the love of Messiah controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf."

Parasha Bechukotai: Day 5

Vayikra/Leviticus 27:22-28

What belongs to YHVH is His, regardless of where it originated here on earth. The field and all that it grows, the man and all that is derived from his loin and all animals that belong to man. Each aspect has value and each can be devoted to the Father as a vow is made. At further length, if a vow is undertaken, then the vower must make good or be guilty before the Judge of all mankind. Each vow made is to be fulfilled by the means stated.

This leads to some question of the value of the believer's word. While it should be assumed that no careless word should be spoken by one's lips, most ideas, statements and agreements are made flippantly, at best these days. It is easy to say "I promise" or "I will do so and so when..." Statements made as simply as "I will call you tomorrow" go by the wayside by so many. It should not be like this. The consequences of taking a vow to the Father are understood to be solid jesters of what WILL happen.

It may seem like blackmailing the Creator when we suppose to order Him around. Making blanket arrangements with Him such as, "If you will bring me wealth, then I will tithe 50% of all that you give me" are dangerous if made without heartfelt intent and commitment. It is like bribery if looked upon with these sub-standards. However, the idea of making a plea using a vow can be very serious. Say someone is on the precipice of a bridge, having fallen over the edge and in real danger of plummeting to certain death. Calling upon the Name of YHVH and asking for salvation is quite certain for many of Israel. Making that call with a promissory note is quite more.

If someone were to say to us, "If you will help me change this tire in time for my very important meeting, I will give you 10% of the money I make from this deal," most of us would take at least a second look at the proposition. Some would jump at the opportunity to have more income. Hopefully, some of us would even respond to the opportunity to merely help another brother in need. Quite certainly, YHVH does not need our material inspiration to act on our behalf. Yet, if we are ready to give up something sacrificially in order to gain help and attention, it makes sense that this a type of worship that only our Father is worthy. It has meaning and the heart of man is only known by the Father as to the vows meaning, purpose and value. In other words, it is the quality of the heart from which the vow is made that determines the response and value of the quantity being vowed.

Our word should be given at more than face value, given that today's ever shrinking human value is worth about as much as the inflationary dollar. Each word, each promise or even indication of action should be looked upon as a declaration with our integrity at stake. Moreover, it is not our own integrity that each of us, as Israel, represents, but it is the character of Yeshua that we represent with each action or lack thereof. 

When Elohim looks upon those that are His and hears random, careless words, vows and utterances made without intent of follow through, why should He give heed to vows made to Him? It is like practicing Torah while in diaspora. We may not be in the Land of Israel, but that is by no means a valid excuse to negate Yah's Word. Each step of righteousness, regardless of where they are taken (expect those explicit to tabernacle worship and so forth) are steps made that bring the Covenant keeper closer to his Creator. Likewise, each word spoken and held as a truth to be kept is assurance that we are trustworthy and capable of keeping vows made to the Most High.

The Creator spoke into existence the entire universe. He spoke the Word and declared the Covenant. He does not lie or sit idly by while not fulfilling all He has spoken. When we come to Him as Israel, we are to keep our part of the Covenant, as well. It is the highest vow we take upon our lips. Just as Israel said that they would do all that YHVH told Moshe at Mt. Sinai, it is like we are standing there with them taking the same vow when we profess Yeshua and call Him our Elohim. From this highest vow to daily statements made in passing, we are accountable for each word we speak. We must stand up to do all that we say and be prepared to pay each vow made. In this, our faithfulness is proved to, both, man and Yah.

Dwell upon Psalm 50:14-15, "Offer to Elohim a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High; call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."

Parasha Bechukotai: Day 4

Vayikra/Leviticus 27:16-21

Any time that any part of what rightfully belongs to YHVH passes into other uses or other's so-thought possession, it must be redeemed. Furthermore, that which the Father gives to His beloved as tenants or stewards must be redeemed when sold to another. It is up to the former owner to want to be a steward for the Father, otherwise, the possession reverts to the Father's possession in custody of His priests.

This may seem convoluted, but it is where we, as believers, are found. The world has rejected us, even after it assumed ownership of humanity after the fall. When we come back to YHVH, the world wants nothing to do with His possession or the Light it bears. As such, the redemption price to be paid goes unpaid until Messiah took care of the redemption of all who would call upon His name and believe.

The believers of this day often lolly-gad around as fallow ground waiting to be cultivated or utilized. The world has robbed them of nutrients and good soil so that their earthly usefulness is null. The physical/natural purpose of the Jubilee and Sabbatical years is for replenishing of those rich minerals used for fruit bearing and cultivation.

 

Yeshua declared that we as His followers are considered the "salt of the earth". Salt is a mineral found within the earth. It is mined from the earth and used for a variety of purposes. However, the widest known purpose of salt, particularly, in the day when Yeshua said this, was used as a preservative. We are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb so that we can be preservation to the those who are lost and dying. We are consecrated to be ambassadors of His Kingdom while living upon the earth. Our Jubilee is realized through the finished work of Messiah upon the execution stake. Through Him we are bought back and reinstated back to Him.

 

Whatever state in which He may find you, when your heart is opened to His redemption plan, is the place from where He will restore you to His original intention of your existence in His abode. Albeit, your restoration may take a lifetime of His intervention; yet, what is a lifetime in comparision to eternity? The most dangerous place in this interium we call time is to lose our saltiness. The preservation of our souls is what keeps us alive in a decaying world around us. Our lives influence those around us and creates a thirst of His righteousness, just a salt creates a natural thirst. Our effectual prayers help preserve those who are need who are without intervention. But most of all the Ruach Ha Kodesh within us preserves our spirits in the midst of body which is fading away—and eventually will go back to the dust of the earth.

 

Those that are preserved are considered a remnant that YHVH has for Himself. With this in mind, the nations of the earth will come up to Jerusalem during the thousand year reign of Messiah. The land that they will transverse from will be theirs on lease from YHVH during that time, just as all the earth is to humanity now. Jerusalem and the land of Israel will be the everlasting remnant of property that forever belongs to YHVH's people, even His priesthood. All of Torah reminds us of cycles that go around and always lead to the Father. His remnant will inherit a remnant of land that is retained for them. Likewise, that land is saved for them for use and abode. Just as in the Garden during Adam's early life, that land will be a Paradise on earth that is to be cultivated by Elohim's helpmate.

We are the salt, the minerals, for that place of dwelling. It will feed and nurture us as the epitome of Yeshua as we will worship Him and build Him up. This cycle points the trueness of YHVH and His preservation power in our lives and for the sake of the Land. In that day, the land, and us, will be married to Messiah. We will be one with Him and His Land as we were created to be. In that day, the fulness of redemption for land and man will be complete.

Dwell upon Isaiah 62:4, "It will no longer be said to you, "Forsaken," nor to your land will it any longer be said, "Desolate"; but you will be called, "My delight is in her," and your land, "Married"; for YHVH delights in you, and to Him your land will be married."

Parasha Bechukotai: Day 3

Vayikra/Leviticus 27:1-15

Man's worth is not based in shekels or gold or silver. Yet, Torah gives allowance for the value of man based on gender and age. These values are for Israel to realize the importance of vows and what human life is worth from a fleshly standpoint. The idea of valuing life based on any other form could not possibly be determined by any human or one's own calculation. If people are able to view financial status, then certain determinations can be made for taxation and lifestyle justifications. But the population of Israel is not viewed as a taxable revenue source by YHVH or (should not be) by the priesthood. This is clearly delineated as each person from twenty years and up were to give one half shekel as accounting for themselves during a census. The people were not counted, but the shekels in order to determine population amounts.

Self worth and other human valuation is in direct contrast to basic abilities to work and the ability to have a career. The job does not make the man, as tempting as a position or career may be, man does not belong to a job, but to YHVH. Just as the Father's land is merely leased for a period of agricultural time and production, man is leased to various employments for the sake of the curse YHVH spoke over Adam. This does not diminish his spiritual value or worth to the Father, for a possession of YHVH cannot be robbed or removed without the Father's direct consent and will.

This is not an evaluation of worth based on spirituality, physical, emotional or other confines. Rather, it is YHVH's value placed on the flesh of man and his worth in working for another or being redeemed from a purely physical and laborious point-of-view. This is part of the curse being played out, namely that Man has feels compelled to sweat and toil for his food or for the food of others, or in some cases those to which he vows himself. In turn, the valuation placed on all mankind by YHVH indicates a level playing field whereupon each person is equal. Knowledge, power, wisdom, strength have no influence on the worth of plain old flesh and blood.

The monetary limitation of amounts placed on children, teens, women, men and the elderly should serve as a reminder that YHVH is the source for all things, material, food, emotional and health well-being. Those that are being given a vow offering or payment can look to the Father with thanksgiving for that which He provides for them, not to the person's money being given as a means to itself. It feels nice to consider what one's own hands brings in for income or creates for a livelihood. Yet, this feeling is temporal at best and has not lasting presence past death. Inheritance is great and the righteous are promised posterity. These do last past one's own life, but they have little to do with the dead once passed on. They now belong to the next generation as their gifts from YHVH.

The Creator placed humanity within the context of struggle and hardship due to his disobedience and rebellion. For a man that does not belong to the Father or lives his life for the world, the valuation system is a right standing measure of eternal worth. Fortunately, YHVH placed such great worth upon those that would love Him that He gave Himself to be valued and evaluated by men so that His death would bring the riches of Heaven to everyone who calls upon Him and walks in Him.

That value is now our value before the Father in Messiah. The flesh by which we live still has no worth beyond the valuation schedule listed at the end of Vayikra. The old man is to be considered dead and buried, so we should consider it a joy to keep our vows for Him Who is our eternal High Priest. Certainly, the value placed upon Messiah while on earth was nothing in comparison to His worth for all those who are called by His Name.

Dwell upon Philippians 3:8-11, "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Messiah Yeshua my Elohim, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Messiah, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Messiah, the righteousness which comes from YHVH on the basis of faith..."

Parasha Bechukotai: Day 2

Vayikra/Leviticus 26:14-46

The journey through Torah has given understanding of the majority of the feasts. We have learned about the patriarchs, seen the strength of YHVH as He delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, studied the building of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, and observed the beginning sacrifices within that same Tent of Meeting. Thus far, Torah has been an intense ride, full of instructions, commandments, examples and history of our heritage.

Now, we come to a realization that Truth can hurt. As "Christians," we want to be about love; we want to show mercy. We want to be loved and have mercy shown towards us. In the final chapters of Vayikra, however, we see both love and judgment. This area of Torah has been given to us in order to set the standard for obedience and disobedience.

While most in the church would not want to discuss the punishments of walking away from Covenant, we must discuss it. The modern Christian movement has taken the “icky” aspects of the Bible and called them judgmental and condemning. If we speak of them, we are labeled as “being quick to judge" or told that we have lost our love. After all, we are under grace, aren't we?

It is such a sad reality for those of us that are not Torah-terrorists. Yes, it is true that there are many amongst us that banging people up against the head with the Law. However, there are those of us that speak of Truth so that people will not fall into the torment of what is promised by YHVH for disobedience. We are motivated by the love and Life of YHVH to tell others the difference between right and wrong. We are motivated to tell others of the Covenant to which they profess allegiance.

Personally, we should get no kick out of telling someone that they are eating unclean or that they are not showing the primary sign of the Covenant—Shabbat. It should not make us feel like a hero to tell someone that sin is lurking around the corner waiting for them. Being the bearer of hard, or even sad to the hearers, news should feel awkward or slightly unpleasant. This is not to say that sharing Torah and Messiah should feel bad, on the contrary!  We should love and get excited about telling the good news of how not to rebel or how to walk in the continued sanctification of Messiah. Yes, it probably comes across as being over zealous. The looks come as to say “They're just a bit radical,” or “Calm down, your going to scare them off!” Yet, it is difficult to be still or calm when it comes to the excitement of knowing the Truth that the Ruach haKodesh has shown us to share with others.

What we are really talking about is nothing less than YHVH literally revealing Himself to us. The Creator, Himself, revealing part of His plan to us, personally. All so that we are encouraged in Him and then share that excitement with others that decide to sojourn with us. The Bible songs we used to sing growing up said things like, “This little light of mine” and “not going to hide it under a bushel, NO!” It must have been assumed that this was only intended for preaching Jesus, and not concerned with other, harder Truths or how to walk the lifestyle of a Covenant keeper. After all, that would mean we had judged others.

Well, we should not be sorry if our enthusiasm for wanting my friends and loved ones not to walk in punishment is too much for some people to handle. The truth is, we need to continually, passionately lead others to the Fountain of Life, the Word made flesh, to drink deep and be filled by His Ruach. The pay-off, in turn, is that they would be led back to the statutes and Covenant that is Life to them and us all! If this labels us, as Israel, judgmental, legalistic and/or radical, so be it. Our goal in life is not to please others, but to please the Father. Furthermore, our command is not to pacify others, even believers, but to make talmudim/disciples of the nations. These are the ones that come to Israel as sojourners so that, like us, they are conformed into Covenant Keepers and share in the commonwealth of Israel.

Dwell upon Numbers 15:15-16, "As for the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the alien who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the alien be before YHVH. There is to be one law and one ordinance for you and for the alien who sojourns with you."

Parasha Bechukotai: Day 1

Vayikra/Leviticus 26:3-13

While much of Torah is difficult to do, we must walk in Messiah, step by step. We cannot get ahead of Him and we must not lag behind either. The simple reality of walking in Torah is to be led by the Ruach haKodesh which leads us to walk in Torah. Moreover, the walk and lifestyle of being obedient to YHVH by way of His Torah is to be governed by His Ruach. The application of mercy and the love we show others in our walk is mandated by His Ruach, as well. Just as Yeshua showed mercy to countless including the woman caught in adultery and the thief on the cross.

If we simply keep the commands without knowing Him, then we are still dead men walking out dead works. It takes the heart of YHVH to breath Life into our hearts. The result is a set apart people that are YHVH’s possession acting as His hands and feet, who have nothing of their own, but only do, say, and obey what they hear the Father speak.

This should sound familiar. Yeshua prayed this for us as He knew what His sacrifice would bring to man. His heart’s desire was that we would have the same capacity as He and know the same passion of having Him within us even as we would and are to be one in Him. Yeshua's prayer stated that He was (and is) in the Father.

Yes, walking in Torah can be difficult. It can cause adversity and trials among the sons of man in contrast to those that are called sons of YHVH. But the reward and protection are worth persecution, adversity and tribulation. More importantly, the unity we gain in Messiah is why we obey, not the material rewards or provision. Unity is was brings about supply as Messiah will not deny His Body what it needs. Torah commands us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. As much, Yeshua exemplifies this as His Body unites in Him. The blessing is to be before the Father without spot or wrinkle, while all the added blessings are the Covenant promises exclaimed over and over again in Torah and throughout the scriptures.

Being echad/one with Messiah is where we are truly known by YHVH. It is the place of abandonment by our own selves in that the old man is buried, even prior to death. Messiah recognizes what He created to be worshippers of Him and through Him as this abandonment takes hold. The trials and adversities are the tests sent to us by our Master so that we are continuously judged while on earth. This is a must as Messiah is the judge and cannot judge Himself as unworthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Moreover, this unity us the answer to the High Priestly prayer where we know the Father and He knows us without any of the fallen man getting in the way.

Dwell upon John 17:22-23, "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me."