Devarim - "Words" Deuteronomy 1:1 - 3:22

I have heard it said, "Monday morning quarterbacks never lose a game".  For the first generation of Hebrew children, they had completely lost their game.  As we would likely say it today, "it's time to check the film and see where we went wrong".  Paul put this "film check" in the context of Words (Torah) so we might not lose the next game.

"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come."  1 Corinthians 10: 11

Game film review would be of no use to those that came out of Egypt.  For, all had perished in the wilderness.  Even Moses and Aaron didn't make it.  Only Joshua and Kaleb survived to enter the promised land.  In the case of this Torah portion, Moses is addressing the second generation of those that left Egypt.  It is this second generation that has the opportunity to review the game film of their father's demise.

The obvious outcome of their film review was better than their fathers.  For, it caused them to prosper many generations beyond that point.  Yet, they refused to completely take the land, and still do today.  They allowed themselves to be polluted with the pagan ideals of the peoples they were to dispossess from the land.  Although they possessed the land as YHVH had told them, they still had a problem fully trusting in Father's way of taking it, eventually getting kicked out of the land.

Today, we are faced with the same set of game circumstances as faced by our ancestors.  The remnant of our generation is  bound for the Promised Land just as those that went before us.  Yet, the faithful of our generation will take up residence there forever, where death will never again torment us.  Therefore, it behooves us to study the game film (Torah) very carefully, and get it right this time.

The main question of the tests before us challenges our belief and faith in YHVH regarding the ten wilderness tests I referred to with my comments on the last portion of Numbers.  Further, it requires us to divest our lives of ALL rudiments of Egypt (the pagan world we live in).  This includes coming out of the false religion of Christianity and, if necessary, leaving behind family members that insist on clinging to its teachings.

We have been commanded to thoroughly and completely take the land.  That day will come for the faithful remnant of YHVH.  Yet, just as for those Moses led, there will be battles before we actually enter the land.  Those battles are concerned with both physical and spiritual consideration on a personal level.  There is no choice.  To achieve victory, we MUST engage in these battles.

Contrary to popular Christian teaching, we WILL NOT be suddenly spirited out of this world with a "rapture".  Rather, we WILL go through the tribulation described in Scripture.  We WILL face hunger, thirst, and fear.  We WILL be shunned, hated without a cause, and chased from "pillar to post".  We WILL even face the prospect of extermination, by the hand of modern day Hitlers.  Even so, we must persevere in these battles.  If we truly believe in YHVH, we WILL prevail.

If we are to be among those that walk alive into the Promised Land with Yeshua, we will be successful in the spiritual part of our end-time game.  We WILL believe completely in His leading.  Our trust in Messiah WILL be without compromise.  We WILL learn well from the many mistakes of our ancestors.  When we enter our Promised Land of eternal rest, the victory WILL be complete.  The final score will be: Remnant 10 (as in tests), the enemy 0 (as in skunked).

Va'Etchanan - "And I Pleaded" Deuteronomy 3:22- 7: 11

As I consider what to write for this portion, I look back to the "Devarim" portion and realize I may have overlapped both portions.  Yet, there is one subject in this portion that speaks to me in particular. "Belief" in Father is of the utmost importance.  We must believe He is the best example possible of a doting Father we will ever see.  It is as the writer of Hebrews says. 

"But without belief it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to Elohim has to believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him."  Hebrews 11: 6 

As Mosheh recounts the bitter tears shed for the loss of his "ticket" to the promised land, we are left to wonder just what it was he did to reap such harsh judgment.  He fell victim to the same malady as do most of us.  We don't listen to the Word of Adonai because we are too busy with our own agendas to heed the warning of Solomon in Proverbs.  

"Trust in YHVH with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; know Him in all your ways, and He makes all your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6   

I have asked many people if they can quote the first commandment of the ten.  Of those that are at least familiar with the list recorded in our Bibles, most answer, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me".  Of course, that is incorrect.  That is the first according to our Christian Bible translators.  Actually, the first and second of that list are put together to make up the second commandment.  The first is as follows.

“I am YHVH your Elohim, Who brought you out of the land of Mitsrayim, out of the house of slavery."  Exodus 20: 2  

From the Hebrew perspective, the main thrust of YHVH's opening statement is in the form of a command--"Believe in Me".  This is the mistake of Mosheh.  He was too busy being provoked by his rebellious undercharges to listen to and trust in the instruction of Father.  His lack of discretion has caused trouble all down through the ages.

In his first dealing with the issue of water, YHVH told Mosheh to strike the rock (a picture of our smitten Messiah).  However, in this instance, Father told Mosheh to "tell the peopleto speak to the rock".  To this day, the sin of Mosheh has caused many to rely far too heavily upon the teaching of their pastors or leaders when they should be speaking to the Rock for themselves.  It is as Isaiah wrote of our Messiah.

“Oh everyone who thirsts, come to the waters.  And you who have no silver, come, buy and eat.  Come, buy wine and milk without silver and without price."  Isaiah 55: 1  

I am not against sitting under the teaching of any Godly leader.  However, to adequately and properly quench our spiritual thirst and satisfy our hunger for the meat (truth) of His Word, we need to have the resolve of the Bereans.  Otherwise, we open ourselves to a wide array of false doctrines.  Check it out for yourself!

"And the brothers immediately sent Sha’ul and Silas away by night to Beroia, who, having come, went into the congregation of the Yehudim.  Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonike, who received the word with great eagerness, and searched the Scriptures daily, if these words were so."   Acts 17:11

With this statement, YHVH presented grace as the first and only commandment of which our obedience will garner redemption and eventual salvation.  It is truly as John the apostle wrote.  There is no other way!

“For Elohim so loved the world that He gave His only brought-forth Son, so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but possess everlasting life."  John 3: 16

Without a solid grasp of this true, first commandment, it is impossible to adhere to the remaining nine.  All of Torah is written to support and expound upon these ten commandments.  Although grace (unobtainable by any works on our part) is a free gift from YHVH to us, it and the Torah are inseparable.  You can't have one without the other.  YHVH tells us through Jeremiah. 

"I shall put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts.  And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people." Jeremiah 31: 33

As it is now, it was from the beginning.  Since Adam, it has been a matter of the heart.  Although given to Mosheh and written on stone tablets, it has and always will be as Yeshua said through John.

“If you love Me, you shall guard My commands (Torah)."  John 14: 15

“If you guard My commands (Torah), you shall stay in My love, even as I have guarded My Father’s commands and stay in His love."  John 15: 10 

It is as simple as an act of love and deep gratitude that we strive to keep every aspect of His Torah.  Because Yeshua "first loved us", and presented Himself as our Sacrificial Lamb, we owe Him our obedience to His Torah.  We are not our own.  We are bought with a price.

The "commands, judgments, and right rulings" of Torah, including grace, is everlasting.  Because I love Yeshua dearly and have such gratitude for His unmerited blessing of redemption, I will do my best to adhere to His commandments.  Do you love Him enough to do the same?  Do you love Him enough to teach your children His ways?  

I find it fitting for me to close my comments on this portion just as did Mosheh closes this portion.  

“And you shall guard the commands, and the laws, and the right-rulings which I command you today, to do them."  Deuteronomy 7: 11 

Ekev - "On The Heel Of" Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25

As Mosheh recounts the commandments of Torah from the mountain to this point in Devarim, we see a commom theme--keep the commandments of YHVH.  This portion is no exception to that trend and goes on to identify those that are required of Father to obey His Torah.  This little truth might go unnoticed with only a surface look at the Scriptures.

From the beginning of Devarim, Mosheh is speaking to the congregation as if they were actually at Horeb when the mountain shook, causing rocks and trees to tumble and cattle to calve--all at the sound of Father's voice roaring down the mountain.  Mosheh says the following from the proceding portion.   

"And it came to be, when you heard the voice from the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, that you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes and your elders."  Deuteronomy 5: 23 (My emphases added)

Mosheh is not speaking to those that stood below the mountain to see and hear the majesty of our Elohim.  Those of Mosheh's audience in Devarim never stood below the mountain, a vast majority not even born at the time. His audience consists of the children of the generation that was brought out of Mitzryim.  Yet, Mosheh repeatedly tells them to say, "...when I was brought out of Egypt...", "...when I stood at the mountain..."

By speaking to this second generation as if they were the first, Mosheh portrays the eternal and everlasting nature of YHVH's Torah.  It was given to the first generation from Mitzryim and became incumbent upon every generation from that time, even upon our generation.  Those that truly believe in and love Messiah will still WANT to keep His Torah.

It should once again be made clear that keeping Torah in NO way, shape, or form earns our redemption.  It is by the grace and mercy found through the mighty hand of YHVH our Elohim.  It is clearly as Paul told the Ephesians.

"For by grace are we saved through faith, and that not of ourselves.  It is the gift of YHVH, not of works lest any man boast."  Ephesians 2: 8-9

Keeping of the Torah is based solely upon the first commandment of the ten, "believe in Me".  Once we believe (trust everything we are or hope to be) in Messiah, we are then free to exercise our gratitude in allowing Him to grow us by His Holy Spirit teaching us Torah.  By so doing, we edify Paul's continued comments to the Ephesians.

"For we are His workmanship created unto good works".  Ephesians 2: 10

Mosheh also simplifies the Torah in how it is to be obeyed.  He conveys the Torah of YHVH to the people and tells them not to "add to, take away from, or diminish"it.  

Pharisee and Jewish tradition includes oral tradition with the 613 laws of Torah.  For example, Mosheh only gave six laws regarding Sabbath.  Oral tradition balloons that handful of laws to over 1500.  Christian leaders of today blasphemously discard the entire Torah even to saying "God is finished with Israel".

Herein lies the controversy.  Our Jewish brethren make a meticulous effort to keep the whole of what they consider Torah.  Yet, they don't recognize Whom the Torah so eloquently spoke of--Messiah Yeshua.  On the other hand, our Christian brethren gladly accept Messiah but totally discard his Torah--in effect creating a new, false religion.

Then, Mosheh tells the people not to "diminish" Torah.  From the beginning, Torah was to be "written upon the heart".  It is to be observed in gratitude with the whole heart.  Those that keep Torah with any other motive are guilty of"diminishing" Torah--making it of lesser value.

Here is the order of the matter.  Earnestly from the heart start by keeping the first commandment, "Believe in (Messiah)".  Don't do as our Jewish brethren.  Meticulous keeping of Torah didn't get Mosheh into the promised land.  I guarantee you will NEVER keep it as good as did he.  Only Joshua and Kaleb made it, because they believed the word of YHVH.

Don't do as our Christian brethren and discard Torah.  To discard (take away from) Torah is to be cast into "outer darkness" at the least, or not being allowed to enter the kingdom at all.  Don't diminish Torah by just going through the motions.  Don't pick and choose the parts of Torah that suits your chosen lifestyle.  Do it ALL from the heart or don't do it AT ALL.      

Those that follow Torah from the heart are those that love Messiah and keep His Torah for the same reason.  They don't add to, take away from, or diminish (lowly esteem) His jewels of freedom.  They are simply sons and daughters of Abraham (Hebrews, not Jews or Christians) that sincerely try to find out what Mosheh said and then DO IT.  I close my comments with the very encouraging words of David regarding the Heart of Torah.

"The fear of YHVH is clean, standing forever; the right-rulings (Torah) of YHVH are true, they are righteous altogether.  More desirable (are they) than gold, than much fine gold; and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb."  Psalms 19: 9-10 

Re'eh - "See!" Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17

The title of this portion is "Re'eh" which means "see".  When in a two way discussion on any subject, the meaning of Re'eh is usually manifested in statements such as "I don't see it that way", or "That's the way I see it".  This portion begins with YHVH placing before us a choice that doesn't end with an "agreement to disagree".  Rather, we find it is "Father's way or the highway".  

"See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, when you obey the commands of YHVH your Elohim which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commands of YHVH your Elohim, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other mighty ones which you have not known."  Deuteronomy 11: 26-28

Father tells the people through Mosheh to place the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Eybal.  The mountains together are called "shoulders" and is the inspiration of the cartoon of a man with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other.  The obvious begged question is, "Which voice will you listen to?"  

It is curious to note that the word for "blessing" is in the singular form, while the word for "curses" is in the plural form and suggests "evils".  There is only one path to receive blessings.  Yet, there are many ways to incur the curse.  The writer of Proverbs has some good advice regarding this choice.

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."  Proverbs 14: 12

"Trust in YHVH with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; know Him in all your ways, and He makes all your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6

The Torah of YHVH is repleat with the idea of "keeping His commandments".  It's eternal nature is quite evident.  It is there and presented in a way that even children can clearly understand.  The question is not a matter of understanding.  It is one of personal choice to hold on to our ways or subordinate to YHVH's ideals.  This post is written for the edification of the Torah pursuant, not to persuade the Torahless to repent.  Although repentance can still garner grace, it is as John wrote in Revelation.

“He who does wrong, let him do more wrong; he who is filthy, let him be more filthy..."   Revelation 22: 11a (The Scriptures 1998)

My comments are not for the Torahless.  Rather, I convey my thoughts to those that are sincerely open to the idea of keeping Torah, but haven't quite sold out to it.  My hope is that my comments will help increase your faith and help you "go from strength to strength", to become more righteous in Father and more set apart in Him.  For these, it is as John concludes his thought in v. 11.

"...he who is righteous, let him be more righteous; he who is set-apart, let him be more set-apart."  Revelation 22: 11b (The Scriptures 1998)

For those that sincerely desire a closer relationship with Father, Mosheh outlines five specific items of which our alignment with YHVH will move us forward in His blessing and grace.  They are choices about YHVH, who we listen to, about what we eat, how we deal with our money, and how we worship YHVH.

Our choices regarding YHVH specifically center around the second of the ten commandments, "You shall have no other gods before Me..."  If one has truly adhered to the first commandment, "believe in Me", then this one should be a no-brainer.  It necessarily follows that one would put Father first in their lives and keep all of His commandments, because they love Him.  "Another god" doesn't have to be an idol such as a statue of wood, clay, or metal.  It might be a career, family, personal desires, or anything that stands between you and YHVH.

Moseh presents choices about who we listen to.  If a religious leader does "signs and wonders" but doesn't teach and do "love the Lord", "follow the Lord", "fear the Lord", "keep His commandments", "listen to His voice (the one from the mountain)", "serve YHVH", and "cling to YHVH", he is a false prophet.  Do not listen to this teacher.  He will lead you into following after false gods, or "false representations" of the one true God.

Mosheh talks about opposition from family members when we choose to closely adhere to the Torah of YHVH.  A tremendous amount of pressure can be put upon a person from other family members.  Yet, we are told by Messiah to leave family members behind if necessary or "we can't be His disciples".  This opposition also includes communities (congregations).  Even if alone, stand up and walk away from fellowships or churches that don't walk according to the seven qualities above of a true prophet or teacher.

Mosheh encourages the "righteous and set apart" in their walk with Father regarding the subject of what we eat.  Contrary to popular Christian teaching, the dietary laws of the Torah are STILL in effect.  If one wants to be more righteous and set apart, then pork and seafood items are no longer considered food for us.  If we wish to have the blessing of physical health and strength, adherence to this dietary list is imperative, even in the face of ridicule.

I have heard a one-liner in criticism of a preacher talking about money that says, "now, you've quit preachin' and gone to meddlin'".  For me, tithing and giving to YHVH has been a no-brainer for many years.  Yet, I no longer abdicate my God given responsibility to be a personal steward of His money. For years I have been taught to just give it to the church or ministry.  Now, I do it Father's way--look for the widow and orphan first, then care for the true prophet or teacher (the Levite), and finally to the common storehouse.

The fifth choice Mosheh places before us regards how we worship Father.  I was brought up and well indoctrinated in adherence to the winter and spring holidays, including the decorated tree, the man in the red suit, the egg hunt, and traditional ham.  There is NOplace in Scripture that instructs such things.  What IS according to Scripture is Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Shavuot (Pentecost), and Feast of Booths (Sukkot).  ALL the Christian teachings of the holidays is an idolatrous and blasphemous mixture called Baal worship.  Stay totally away from it.

These five things are just the basics.  They are not inclusive of all the Torah.  Yet, faithful and loving adherence to these items will insure a steady progression toward being more righteous and set apart and open the door for greater understand of His Torah.  The choice is yours to make.  Rest assured, however, that a choice WILL be made.  You'll either make a choice "as you see it" or "as YHVH sees it".  

There is no "fence riding".  I made the choice "as He sees it".  It cost me a wife, and maybe my children.  Yet, I have Father's blessing because I was obedient to His calling.  The cost for me was truly great and painful.  Even so, the "blessing" is well worth the price.  If necessary, are you willing to pay that price too?  One thing is for certain.  They will never join you if you continue to coddle them (ride the fence). 

Shoftim - "Judges" Deuteronomy 16:18- 21:9

This portion is entitled "Shoftim" which means "judges".  Reflection upon the instructions within this portion cause a great deal of humility to come over me.  In asking myself the question, "What do I know about YHVH?", I come to realize how little, if anything, I know about Him.  In actuality, I probably know just enough to trust everything I am or can be to His infinite wisdom.  In considering my thoughts on this portion, I first thought of the following words of Messiah through Matthew.

"Do not judge, lest you be judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged.  And with the same measure you use, it shall be measured to you."  Matthew 7: 1-2

When I read Father's instruction through Mosheh, I find how unqualified I am to be a judge over anyone.  In fact, according to Messiah, I have no right to enter into judgment over any of my fellow brethren.  I'm too busy trying to take the "beam" or "plank" out of my own eye.  Oh, how pleasant it would be within the camps of the righteous if we would be single minded--taking care of business at home before meddling in accusation, judgment, and exclusion of our fellow brethren.

Mosheh continues through this portion to discuss the qualifications of kings, priests, and a prophet.  Equally, I am humbled in these areas.  Although my life may bear some small resemblance to the characteristics of these men, I remain pitifully short.  I am left with nothing but to humbly defer to the authority of Messiah and His merciful judgments.  It is for Him as Matthew says.

"And YHVH came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'"  Matthew 28: 19

While there may be many men that have some of the attributes of these four office holders, there are far fewer that fulfill even the minimum of qualifications,  There are even fewer that may excel in just one of these offices.  There is only One that excels in all four--and, no one is greater.  He is the Messiah spoken of so eloquently and prophetically through Isaiah.

"And a Rod shall come forth from the stump of Yishai (Jesse), and a Sprout from His roots shall bear fruit. The Spirit of YHVH shall rest upon Him--the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of YHVH."  Isaiah 11: 1-2 

When I read this list of the seven Spirits of YHVH, beginning with the Spirit of YHVH Himself, I am forced to realize just how small and finite I am.  Likewise, all men that consider them selves against this list of attributes should re-think any personal ideas of grandeur they may harbor.  It is an awesome responsibility to assume the office of judge, king, priest, or prophet--and NEVER to be taken lightly.

There is a curious set of words used by Mosheh in 16: 20.  He says, "Follow righteousness, righteousness alone..."  Another version says, "Justice, justice you shall pursue".  There is a major idea to be learned from Torah.  There are NO redundant expressions in Torah.  It is as Mosheh says, "every word is for (our) survival".  There are two very different words used in this instance for "righteousness (justice)".

The first "righteousness" or "justice", means just what it says.  The second word means"righteously" or "justly".  In other words it says, "Pursue justice in a just manner".  As it is with any society that wishes to be and remain free, that society's judges must follow all the rules themselves. It once was the same in the USA.  Now, the pervasiveness of corruption among our judges is evident.  With this in mind, it won't be long until YHVH hands out His judgment on our judges, and this nation, according to Matthew 7: 1-2.

There is a dual prophesy within this portion that most gloss over, thinking it is another point of redundancy.  It seems even the translator of this version has made the same mistake.  My emphesis is added to show the mistake.  The author has capitalized both words, "Prophet", and the related pronouns of the second.  Clearly, there are two different prophecies and prophets--one "like God", and one "like Mosheh".

"YHVH your Elohim shall raise up for you a Prophet (like Me) from your midst, from your brothers.  Listen to Him, according to all you asked of YHVH your Elohim in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, let me not hear again the voice of YHVH my Elohim, nor let me see this great fire any more, lest I die.  And said to me, what they have spoken is good.  I shall raise up for them a (Prophet like you) out of the midst of their brothers. And I shall put My Words in (His) mouth, and (He) shall speak to them all that I command (Him)."  Deuteronomy 18: 15-18

The first "Prophet" clearly is our Messiah.  He came once to first do the work of redemption.  He is very soon returning to complete the process with judgment--balanced perfectly as in "mercy and justice have kissed".  Even the best of men could not hold a candle to the perfection with which Messiah handles the two concepts together.

The second "(p)rophet" is clearly a man "like (Mosheh)".  This is the man like Mosheh YHVH will raise up to lead the remnant into the greater exodus.  The identity of this man is still to be determined.  When this man is revealed, we will know him because we know from Torah what Mosheh was like.  In addition, we will have the outpouring of the Holy Spirit for confirmation.

The time is upon us to gather the remnant for our journey to the Promised Land.  We are on the brink of that great trek.  In 20: 1-4, Mosheh imparts words of encouragement for this great people.  He tells of the armies greater than ours that will diligently try to "take us out".  Yet, he says, "don't lose heart".  As YHVH did to pharaoh of Egypt, He will do even more miraculously with our enemies.  It is time for us to prepare for the battle by getting our affairs in order--fixing our hearts upon the instruction of His Torah.  Then,"stand still and see the salvation of the Lord!"

Ki Teitzei - "When You Go Out" Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

In reading this portion, I am reminded of the comments of Messiah Yeshua concerning the two greatest commandments of the Torah.  Most of us quickly lay claim to obeying the first--love God with all our being.  Yet, we don't go much beyond lip service in keeping the second--love our neighbor as we do ourselves. 

As an example, it's like I once heard a taxi driver friend of mine tell me after a hard day on the job..."I'm going home, kiss the cat, and kick the wife".  I think I knew my friend well enough to know his statement was just a humorous attempt to release a little of his stress.  Yet, all too often, we have a rough day at work and greet our spouse at home by kicking them with unkind words, a grumpy attitude, or even a cold shoulder.

There are many examples each of us face or personally manifest every day concering acts of unkindness.  As for me, there isn't a more stressful position than driving for a living, as I did for 18 years as a taxi driver.  The stress of maneuvering through heavy city traffic for 12 hours a day and dealing with rude passengers and other drivers puts an enormous strain on practicing the ideals of kindness detailed in this portion. 

I have long since moved on from that job.  Yet, whether in other jobs, just out and about, or at home, I have found similar opportunities to strengthen my attitude of kindness.  I have not always won the battle between kindness and meanness.  Yet, with His strength, there has been a lot of improvement.  The act of being kind or mean is a deliberate choice of the heart.  In either case, a continued choice to act in kindness or to be mean brings a person to the point of addiction.  It becomes an inseparable part of their lives.

It was this portion that caused me to begin wearing "tzitzits" on my belt all the time.  Although SueJean made them very attractive, I don't wear them for show.  I wear them for ME.  I wear them to remind me to "keep His commandments"--especially those concerning kindness.  So now, even when a part of me wants to drag a guy out of his car and "slap some sense into him" for passing several cars and my 54 foot rig on a rain slick highway--in a no passing zone--I just remember the tassles on my belt, take a deep breath or two, and thank my loving Father no accident occurred.

The title of this portion is "Ki Teitzei" and means "When you go out".  In the true sense of this meaning, this portion begins from the time we put our clothes on in the morning.  Even before this time, there should be a kind word or action on our lips for our spouse.  Then, when we go out into the world, our attitude will be one of kindness toward everyone we meet.  For the rude and destesable, there will be little or no response.  Eventually, the practice of this attitude will turn into a prayer for these unfortunate souls.  For all my readers, I leave this Aaronic blessing of kindness.

"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel.'  Say to them: 'The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.'"  Numbers 6: 23-26

Ki Tavo - "When You Enter In" Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:9

As with all other instructions of Mosheh, the central theme of this portion regards keeping Torah.  This portion takes that theme and expounds upon what happens when Torah is obeyed or not.  Twelve specific curses are detailed at the end of chapter 27.  The first 14 verses of chapter 28 deal with specific blessings, while the remainder of the chapter deals with the seriousness of one's choice to disobey, devalue by way of just going through the motions, or making it null and void altogether.

I once heard a Christian pastor say to me, in defense of nullifying the Torah: "You don't actually think you can keep the Torah, do you?"  The right answer to that question is a resounding "no".  In concluding my answer to this pastor, I said, "But, that doesn't mean I shouldn't try to do the best of my ability".  Sadly, this is what Christian pastors do and teach their followers when they disobey and disavow Torah.  According to this portion,they incur curses for they and their flock.  The twelfth curse listed in chapter 27 applies to them.

"Cursed is he who does not establish the Words of this Torah..."  Deuteronomy 27: 26     

The phrase "does not establish" presents a dual meaning.  It describes a person that both refuses to obey Torah AND establish its eternal authority.  The KJV says, "confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them."  According to this meaning, EVERY person that believes the lie that Torah is no longer valid in our day and acts on that lie is CURSED.  

I was personally well indoctrinated in Christianity for over 40 years.  In that time, every teaching I remember regarding grace and Torah portrayed the implementation of Torahas coming before the age of grace.  Such is a great lie.  It is written of Noah that he "found grace in the eyes of the Lord".  Abraham "believed God and it was counted for him as righteousness".  Then, YHVH spoke directly to Mosheh on the mountain, beginning His Ten Commandments with "I AM the Lord your God (believe in Me)..."  Clearly, Scripture says grace was securely in place even before the fall of Adam.

There is another curious matter concerning the law, and exemplified within this portion.  Throughout Torah, there are specific sacrifices required for unintentional or accidental sin, while there is NOT ONE sacrifice prescribed for willful or premeditated sin.  If a person commits the latter, death is certain--sooner with witnesses or later if done in secret.  Consider vv. 15-26 of chapter 27 for a list of the 12 curses.  Notice that, while each one can have witnesses, all of them have the common characteristic of beingdeliberate and/or in secret.  In the absence of witnesses, YHVH will track the guilty evento the third and fourth generation so they won't go unpunished.

Even so, there is good news.  From the foundation of the world, it was purposed that Yeshua would be the perfect sacrifice for ALL categories of sin--both willing and accidental.  As Mosheh lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, Yeshua was lifted up on His crucifixion stake.  As those that were immediately healed of deadly serpent bites just by looking upon the brass image, we are instantly healed of the deadly "snake bite" of sin just for confessing ALL our sin to Him and receiving His gift of redemption.

Yeshua spoke harshly to the Pharisees (Baptists, Methodists, etc. of His day).  In regards to the Torah of YHVH through Mosheh, the religious leaders of His day piously made cumbersome additions to the simplicity of what Mosheh taught.  Our pious Christian leaders of today simply discard everything Mosheh said as invalid for us.  The following words of Yeshua are as applicable for our ignorant and false modern leaders.

“Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Mosheh, in whom you have set your expectation. For if you believed Mosheh, you would have believed Me, since he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how shall you believe My words?” John 5: 45-47

According to this Scripture, the expectation of the Pharisees was in Mosheh, yet, for esteem from their own fellow brethren, they perverted the true teaching of Mosheh.  For their treachery, Yeshua said it would not be He, but Mosheh that would accuse them before the Father.  The religious leaders of His day didn't believe the words of Mosheh that clearly wrote of Messiah and couldn't believe the words of Yeshua.  Even more so, our false Christian teachers of today distort and lie about the words of Yeshua because they have discarded Mosheh altogether, and incur the accusation of Mosheh.  

According to the instruction of YHVH through Mosheh, the blessings were put upon Mt. Gerizim while the curses were put upon Mt. Eybal.  Of a fact, meticulous keeping of Torah will NEVER garner salvation.  Yet, faithfully pursuing Torah from the heart will garner blessings as He sees fit upon His servant friends.  

As the choice for blessings or curses were put upon these mountains (called"shoulders"), the choice is upon your shoulders--like the cartoon of the man with a little angel on one shoulder and a little devil on the other.  One says blessings while the other lies about the curses and calls them blessings.  The "ball is now in your court".  What will you choose?  Torah of YHVH through Mosheh (blessings), or the lies of Christianity (Curses)?