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).
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