NOTICE GIVEN, NOTICE TAKEN

“Lavan answered [Ya’akov], ‘If you regard me favorably, then please listen: I have observed the signs that Adonai has blessed me on account of you.’”
Genesis 30:27

Following the birth of Ya’akov’s first eight sons, and Rachel’s barrenness, Re’uven brought mandrakes to his mother, Le’ah. It was said that mandrakes would assist with fertility. Rachel exchanged her night of intimacy with Ya’akov for the mandrakes, but they did not seem to help. Instead, Le’ah found herself giving birth again. With the addition of Yissakhar, Z’vulun, and a daughter named Dinah, Le’ah believed that Ya’akov would finally love her and look on her the way he still looked at Rachel. But in hearing Rachel’s prayer for a son, He opened her womb and allowed Rachel to birth Yosef.
It was following Yosef’s birth that Ya’akov desired to return to his homeland. He approached Lavan and asked to be sent on his way, with his wives and children. He had served his agreed time of seven years for Le’ah, and an additional seven years for Rachel. But still he had stayed beyond that. He gave Lavan his notice in requesting the ability to leave. Over the years, however, Lavan had taken notice of the blessing that followed Ya’akov, much like the notice taken concerning his father Yitz’chak by Avimelekh. Because of this, Lavan worked to make a deal with Ya’akov that would allow him to remain in the blessing of Adonai as well.
I have mentioned this before, and question it again. When I am in the company of others, do they see and feel the blessing of Adonai on me? I wonder if the markings that followed Ya’akov are the same markings that define me, and therefore bring a begging by others that I remain their friend or in their company. It may be an odd thing to question, but I would like to know that my walk with Adonai is blessing my friends, blessing the company I work for, and blessing my enemies. This is what I strive for. Just like the tale of the king who had the golden touch, I would like to have the ‘blessing touch’. Adonai I pray that others would notice You in me to this same degree as was seen in Ya’akov.

Genesis 30:14-27

THE DECIEVER DECEIVED

“In the morning Ya’akov saw that he was with Le’ah, and he said to Lavan, ‘What kind of thing is this that you‘ve done to me? Didn’t I work for you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?’”
Genesis 29:25

The old saying that what comes around goes around may not be too far from the truth. I would venture to say, though, that Adonai says it a little different. You reap what you sow. Yet still, maybe an even better way to put it is be sure your sins will find you out. With the same trickery that Ya’akov had once played on Esav, now he was getting played. Originally Lavan had agreed that if Ya’akov worked in his field for seven years, he could have the prize of his daughter Rachel. So smitten with Rachel was he, that he worked for those seven years. To him the Torah records they felt like only a few days. When it came time to collect the wages for his tarry, Ya’akov asked for Rachel’s hand in marriage.
When the agreement between Lavan and Ya’akov was made, I am guessing the small print wasn’t read. The small print stated that within the area of Lavan’s clan, the youngest could not marry before the oldest. That would have been good to know. But maybe it was read and just excused, after all he was smitten. Nonetheless, Ya’akov married and took his bride into the marriage chamber. In the morning he realized it was Le’ah he had wed and became upset with Lavan, asking, “What kind of thing is this that you‘ve done to me? Didn’t I work for you for Rachel? Why have you deceived me?” Lavan worked to explain the details of their culture, the fine print, and in the end Ya’akov agreed to finish the wedding week with Le’ah and then marry Rachel the following week in exchange for another seven years of toil.
It didn’t seem to end there, though. The Torah records that Le’ah had weak eyes. Let us not read that wrong. The Hebrew word here is RAK. I have been taught this description of weak eyes means she wasn’t cute. But the true term here is ‘tender’. While Rachel had a sparkle in her eyes, Le’ah had gentleness in hers. But Ya’akov’s heart was for Rachel. Seeing that Le’ah was unloved, lacking sparkle in Ya’akov’s eyes, Adonai opened Le’ah’s womb and hindered that of Rachel. Could we again be seeing the deceiver become the deceived? Was he just doing the marital duties with Le’ah to fulfill an agreement only, and not out of love? If so, it seems as though Adonai was aware of this and closed the womb of the one Ya’akov truly loved. Yet, the battle for Ya’akov’s love and devotion which was proved through the birth of sons was underway.
In time the nation of Isra’el was being birthed just as Adonai had promised, as not only did Le’ah and Rachel engage in the child war, but they brought their maidservants into the battle as well. In just a short time Ya’akov was father to Re’uven, Shim’on, Levi, Y’hudah, Dan, Naftali, Gad, and Asher. However, not one of these sons came from the woman Ya’akov had wanted to marry from the start.
I guess the point that I am working to make in all this is twofold. One, we can never pull a fast one on Adonai. He doesn’t fall for our tricks as easily as we do. He is able to see the heart of man and avoid the cunning tricks we attempt to play. We may think we are getting away with our trickery, much like Ya’akov might have believed, but in the end it comes back around. But another point can be seen in this account as well. Adonai has compassion on those who seem to not be so loved. Having dealt with rejection for years growing up, I sympathize with Le’ah. When I read her story I see how she was not forgotten or unloved by Adonai. This gives me the assurance I need to go forward, just as I hope it does you.

Genesis 29:18 - 30:13

MY HOT…COUSIN?

“Ya’akov told Rachel that he was her father’s relative, and that he was Rivkah’s son; and she ran and told her father.”
Genesis 29:12

Times have sure changed, haven’t they? Back in Avraham’s time men had more than one wife, had concubines, and married family members and it seemed as though Adonai was okay with it. But once you begin reading the New Testament it seems as though Adonai put His foot down and told people that they needed to be the husband of one wife, that having sex outside marriage was sinful, and having a concubine was adultery. I sure cannot answer why times have changed, and I cannot say that Adonai changed since we know He is unchanging. So then I am forced to question if maybe Adonai didn’t have these New Testament rules in place from the start and man did not heed them. Food for thought.
In reading our portion for today, though, we do see that Ya’akov made the journey to the land of his mother’s family. Upon arriving he right away met his cousin, Rachel. In an act of kindness, with nothing attached outside of culture, Ya’akov kissed Rachel and introduced himself. Having been overseas before, I have visited a few countries where they do exchange a greeting with a kiss on both cheeks. This was something new to me when I visited Peru, but more so expected when I visited Europe.
Reading on, however, we see Ya’akov welcomed into his uncle’s home, much like Lavan had seen when Avraham’s servant had visited many years before. Unlike Avraham’s servant, though, Ya’akov is not planing to take a bride and run. Instead Ya’akov began to work for Lavan and after about a month of free labor was offered payment for his work. It is at this time that we first read not only of Lavan’s firstborn, Le’ah and her weak eyes, but also of Rachel’s beautiful features. It appears as though Ya’akov is smitten – with his cousin.

Genesis 29:1-17

THE NEXT PIECE

“’Your descendants will be as numerous as the grains of dust on the earth. You will expand to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. By you and your descendants all the families of the earth will be blessed.’”
Genesis 28:14

The promise given to Avraham that continued through the prayer of Yitz’chak when he prayed for his wife’s barren womb was now taking its next step through Ya’akov. Following his leaving, Ya’akov headed out toward Haran. As night fell he rested his head on a rock and began to dream. Seeing a ladder resting on the ground with its top reaching to heaven, Ya’akov watched angels ascending and descending. In the next instant, Adonai was standing next to him, giving him this promise.
“Your descendants will be as numerous as the grains of dust on the earth. You will expand to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. By you and your descendants all the families of the earth will be blessed. Look, I am with you. I will guard you wherever you go, and I will bring you back into this land, because I won’t leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
The awesomeness in this promise is that it matches exactly with the promise Adonai once gave Avraham. To Avraham Adonai promised he would be a father to many nations (Gen 15:5). Now to Ya’akov the promise continued in that his descendants would be numerous like the dust of the earth. To Avraham Adonai promised that his descendants would be foreigners in a land not theirs (Gen 15:13-16). Now to Ya’akov the promise was said again that He would bring them back to the land after they had been dispersed.
The next piece was in place, the next part of Adonai’s plan was in motion, and the next heir to take the promise forward had been told what was to come. So with a vow, Ya’akov took the rock that he had rested his head on and made an altar to Adonai.

ACTIONS DONE IN SPITE

“Now Esav saw that Yitz’chak had blessed Ya’akov and sent him away to Paddan-Aram to choose a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he charged him, ‘You are not to choose a Kena’ani woman as your wife.’”
Genesis 28:6

When I was in high school I began to have feelings for a girl. I knew she wasn’t right for me, but I threw aside all the warnings and ventured out in a relationship with her anyway. In many ways, I see how I did it all in spite. Coming from a family where my parents pushed us to live right and obey Adonai’s word, I quite honestly got tired of being good. I was the one that people looked at as being too good, too spiritual, and too white. So I began to rebel. I began to step out into things I knew my parents didn’t approve of, and this relationship was one of those things. I look back now and wish I could erase that part of my past, slap myself upside the head, and give myself a stern talking to, but I can’t. I can only take the lessons learned and by Adonai’s grace, not repeat them.
What causes us to act out in spite? Rules are set for our protection yet still we push through them. In the end they only prove to make us look foolish. But in that moment, when anger and independence take charge of our lives, we see the ability to take revenge and move on it. This anger is not a righteous or holy indignation, however, but rather it is us being given limits that we do not want. In the close of this week’s Torah portion of Genesis 28:5-9, we see an illustration of this fact.
Esav has had one pulled over on him again by Ya’akov posing to be him and receiving his father’s blessing for the first born child. Now with a vow to get revenge on his brother, Rivkah shares with Yitz’chak that she wants her son to find a wife from her brother’s clan as she is tired of the Hitti women in the land they are now living. They were not worshipping the same God that Adonai had commanded. Yitz’chak and Rivkah push Ya’akov out of the home with the command to head for the home of Rivkah’s brother, Lavan (Laban). But Esav, who also knew of this command and of this conversation, went out in spite and married from the tribe of Yishma’el, his uncle. Adonai had already pushed these people away because they were not part of the promise, but Esav in spite welcomed them back in through marriage to Machalat (Mahalath). In spite, in his way of revenge toward his parents, he did the exact opposite of what he knew was right under Adonai’s standards.
So how different are we from Esav? I would venture to say not very different. Like Esav we grow weary of second fiddle. We get tired of seeing the rug pulled out from under us because of deceit and trickery. But let us not forget two things. One, Adonai takes vows seriously. Although done in trickery, a vow was made between Ya’akov and Esav that exchanged the birthright for soup. While Esav may have agreed to this, thinking it was a joke, or because he was just so famished, Adonai saw it etched in stone. But secondly, we cannot expect to walk under Adonai’s blessing if we fail to do His will. The actions that Esav took done in spite only proved to hurt him. Yes, his parents were probably upset that he continued to take wives that were not part of Adonai’s plan, but I question if they were not more upset that he did this in hopes of getting even with them.
Going back to my high school days, while I was acting out and trying to make my parents look the part of the fool, it was I who was foolish. It was I who made the mistake, acted in spite, and have had to answer to for my actions. I may have caused a bit of frustration for my parents in my choice, but I have had to live with the regret of my actions. Done is spite, done in the heat of the moment, done in an attempt of revenge, the only person I managed to hurt was myself. This story of Esav and Ya’akov is in the Torah as part of the history of the nation that would come, but let us not read it simply as history. We all have the ability to become like Esav and act out in spite. But we all should refrain, for our spiteful actions will only hurt us.

Genesis 28:5-9

BLESS ME FATHER

“Esav said, ‘His name, Ya’akov [he supplants], really suits him – because he has supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright, and here, now he has taken away my blessing!’ Then he asked, ‘Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?’”
Genesis 27:36

Ya’akov had deceived his father by playing the part of Esav. In so doing he took Esav’s blessing as the firstborn. But this robbery of birthright had started back in Genesis 25 when for a bowl of lentils, Esav sold what was his. Now, however, Esav expected to have his reward. The revelation of what he had was becoming clear. True, Ya’akov had been devious in obtaining the birthright and in obtaining his father’s blessing, but once given away Esav could take it back.
When the moment was right, Ya’akov approached his father with the familiar smell and feeling of Esav. Yitz’chak blessed his son, assuming that it was Esav, and proclaimed that Adonai would make him lord over his brother, possess the kinsmen as servants, and be sustained with grain and wine. When Esav learned of this, he responded to his father, “Have you not saved any blessing for me?” But what was left for Esav? What was left for the one who had so easily gave up what had once been his? The only remaining blessing that Yitz’chak could muster was, “You will live by the sword and serve your brother. When you shake loose you will sake the yoke off your neck.
It seems kind of unfair really, that Ya’akov would be blessed for being a deceiver. But when does Adonai always do what we desire? Are not his thoughts better than ours, and his ways not the ways we would choose? The story may not be in Esav’s favor, but as I read it I see once again the mistake that I too can easily give up in following the ways not pointed out by Adonai. I do not want to myself missing out on the blessing that is rightfully mine because of a hunger for sin, much less a hunger for food.

Genesis 27:28 – 28:4

BREAD AND LENTILS COME BACK AROUND

“Ya’akov (Jacob) approached Yitz’chak his father, who touched him and said, ‘The voice is Ya’akov’s voice, but the hands are Esav’s hands.’”
Genesis 27:22

In Genesis 25:29-34, we read the account of Esav coming in from the field, famished, and asking Ya’akov for a bowl of stew. Ya’akov agreed to this desire, but not without a catch. In a trade for bread and lentils, Esav sold his birthright which he showed little value for anyway. It is here in today’s section of the Torah that we find this birthright come up again.
As Yitz’chak grew old his eye sight began to fade. In addition to his eye sight fading, Yitz’chak was also concerned that he may pass away soon. It was for this reason that he called Esav to him, wanting to bless him before he passed. With the charge to bring him some game in exchange for what would be his final blessing, Esav went into the country. Hiding just far enough away, though, was Rivkah. Quickly she found Ya’akov and announced to him that his father was going to pronounce a blessing on Esav. She wanted this blessing to fall on Ya’akov instead, so she told him to go into the flock and retrieve two choice kids.
Coming back, Rivkah cooked the lamb and gave it to Ya’akov to serve to his father. But because his father had trouble with his eye sight, he seemed to rely on other senses. Touch and smell would be the two used for this specific meeting. When Ya’akov spoke, Yitz’chak heard Ya’akov. When Yitz’chak smelled his son, and felt his arms, he figured it was indeed Esav.
Who would have thought that a bowl of lentils could bring someone down? Who would have suspected that the rights as a first born son would so easily be given up? And yet don’t we do the same with sin? For the fee of giving into sin we in essence give up our birthright. Adonai, forgive me for the times I have given in so easily for what I know will not last.

Genesis 26:30 – 27:27

THE VISIBLE HAND OF ADONAI

“They answered, ‘We saw very clearly that Adonai has been with you; so we said, “Let there be an oath between us: let’s make a pact between ourselves and you that you will not harm us, just as we have not caused you offense but have done you nothing but good and sent you on your way in peace. Now you are blessed by Adonai.”’”
Genesis 26:28-29

Just yesterday we read of a scuttle breaking out over wells that Avraham had dug prior to his death. It was a deep subject. But when Yitz’chak came to reclaim what belonged to his family he found the wells stopped up and filled with dirt. At this, he was told to leave the area by Avimelekh. Was the action taken by the P’lishtim based on jealousy? In Genesis 26:13 we are told that Yitz’chak became rich and prospered more and more. It is possible then that the stopping of the wells was based on the people of the land not seeing the same increase and blessing as Yitz’chak was. Still, it could also be based on the fact that the people coveted. Seeing what Adonai was doing for Yitz’chak could have made the people covet Yitz’chak’s land. The way to get that land that was already showing signs of prospering was to get Yitz’chak and his people off it.
This portion of the story makes me chuckle, I will admit. I think it amusing to see that the very people that told Yitz’chak to move away were now the very people coming back to him and asking him to make a covenant, or pact with them. They saw Adonai’s hand on him when he was there, and in some ways I am sure they all benefited from his being there. This was true with the Ark of the Covenant, where we read that in a failed effort to try and move the Ark, David had it remain for three months in the house of ‘Oved- ‘Edom the Gitti. While it was there, Adonai blessed the household and all he had (I Chron 13:14). So could it be that the people of P’lishtim recognized the same thing?
By forcing Yitz’chak to move away, I wonder if the people set themselves up for hard times. History shows this to be true. When the law was passed to separate church and state, removing not only prayer, but the Ten Commandments from being posted in public schools, the affects that followed showed an increase in everything negative. Removing Adonai from the equation always sets downfall into place. So then I cannot help but think that removing Yitz’chak, who carried with him the blessing and promise of Adonai, brought for the P’lishtim a path paved with one destroying factor after another. And I cannot help but think that it is because of this truth that Avimelekh came back to Yitz’chak to make a covenant. He wanted back in; he wanted to be under that blessing once more that Yitz’chak walked under.
I have to ask myself a few questions here. First, am I walking under the same blessing as Yitz’chak? I know that Adonai has a path for me to walk in and that He loves me, but am I walking in His covering of blessing? Do I find myself removing the very piece that holds the blessing, and then wondering why I am falling into destruction at every step? Have I removed Adonai from my city, telling Him he is no longer welcomed? I sure hope not. But the great thing is, Genesis 26:30 states that Yitz’chak prepared a feast. The next morning, Yitz’chak and Avimelekh swore to each other. There was no more fighting breaking out during their time. This gives me hope, because even if I have removed Adonai, the covenant can still be made in my asking for His forgiveness. A banquet is held and we come under His protection and blessing once more. I tell you the truth, there is no other God I want on my side than Adonai, no other feast I want to be seated at than Adonai’s, and no other blessing I want to know than that which Adonai gives.

RECHOVOT

“He went away from there and dug another well, and over that one they didn’t quarrel. So he called it Rechovot [wide open spaces] and said, ‘Because now Adonai has made room for us, and we will be productive in the land.’”
Genesis 26:22

It was because Adonai blessed Yitz’chak so greatly that the Philistines envied him. When he planted crops the harvest would be returned a hundredfold. His animals became fruitful and multiplied. And it seemed that everything he touched was blessed by Adonai to the point of being untouchable. But seeing Adonai’s hand on Yitz’chak caused jealousy to arise in the hearts of the Philistines in whose land Yitz’chak was an alien. This then caused the Philistines to plug up wells once built by Yizt’chak’s father, Avraham. Maybe still not getting the full point, it finally took Abimelech saying, “Move away from here,” before Yitz’chak finally moved away.
It seemed like no matter where he moved to, these jealous Philistines and men of other tribes still followed him. And no matter what he did to provide for his clan and himself, trouble always came looking for him. When out in the valley, after digging a new well named Esek, the herdsmen of Gerar came to quarrel and eventually stole his well. Yitz’chak’s response was to dig a second new well which was named Sitnah, but it too was taken from him. It was after this, then, that Yitz’chak moved on from there. He moved on and dug a third well. Seeing that no one was challenging him for the rights to this well, he named it Rechovot, meaning wide open spaces. It was here that Adonai allowed him to flourish
Have you ever noticed that what Yitz’chak went through we also find ourselves going through? Let me explain. The enemy’s number one goal is to prevent us from being blessed by Adonai. He knows that once we are in sync with Adonai, nothing can stop the tidal wave of blessings that will be poured out over us. This in a way is the fact of digging a well. In going deeper in our relationship with Adonai we are in essence drilling for the fresh water from which we can drink and be filled. But the enemy comes to fill up our well, covering it with the dirt and debris of sin. As we find ourselves thirsty for a true drink still, we dig again only to have the well be covered up again.
But notice that Yitz’chak did not give up in his search for fresh water. Instead he moved on from there. His desire for a drink without the bitterness or dust flavoring his water was so strong that he continued to dig and dig. And this time his digging paid off as the enemy did not follow and did not fill in his wells.
While this may be a physical story about a well, it is a spiritual representation also of our lives. Again, the enemy does not want us to drink deep of Adonai or of His blessings. But we cannot allow him to continue to cover up our wells. Those who are truly thirsty for a relationship with Adonai will continue to dig and ultimately find that fresh water and fresh relationship with Him. So the question I ask is how thirsty are you? Are you thirsty enough to keep digging even when your wells continue to be filled in? The wide open spaces of a relationship with Adonai may be found in the next well dug. But if we do not move on and continue to dig, we will never find the water we long for. So then dig, my friend, dig.

FOLLOW THE LEADER

“The men of the place asked him about his wife, and out of fear he said, ‘She is my sister.’ He thought, ‘If I tell them she’s my wife, they might kill me in order to take Rivkah. After all, she is a beautiful woman.’”
Genesis 26:7

Haven’t we heard this story before? In Genesis 12:19, Avraham tried the same thing. In order to save himself from being killed because of his wife, he told a half truth in saying that Sarah was his sister. In agreeing to this idea, Sarah was married by the Pharaoh only to be found out as Avraham’s wife and released by the Pharaoh in fear of what Adonai would do. Now Yitz’chak was in the same position. However, instead of his wife being his sister, she was his cousin. And yet still, it was because of fear that this lie was made.
Yitz’chak followed in the ways of his father. This is both a bad and good thing. It is bad in the essence that he lied in this instance, but good in the essence that in many other areas he followed the faith of his father. This, though, is where I question myself. As my earthly father passed about a year ago now, I find myself still questioning if I am walking in the same faith that he charged me with. I also question if the legacy I am working to leave for my children matches the legacy he left for me. In a greater scope, I find myself questioning if I am walking in the ways of Adonai. Am I leaving a legacy for my children that reflects His ways? I know for a fact that my children see, and unfortunately follow in, my mistakes, but I want them to more so follow after Adonai, for He is the true leader.

Genesis 26:6-12

POWER OF PRAYER

“Yitz’chak prayed to Adonai on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. Adonai heeded his prayer, and Rivkah became pregnant.”
Genesis 25:21

I remember well the first miscarriage that I endured. It was in August of 2000. Just a month before I was looking at a pregnancy test handed to me and trying to make sure I was reading it correctly. The idea of being a father was making me the happiest man in the world. But the joys were short lived. Soon she began to have pains and we found ourselves at the doctor’s office only to find that the baby would not be coming after all. The days that followed the miscarriage went from bad to worse as we worked through an array of emotions, even after just a month of expectancy. Since this time I have had the joy of a son, the pain once again of another loss, and the joy again of a daughter. I look at my children, though, and view them as answers to prayer. It was back in college that I began to have a strong desire to be a dad, and after many prayers I have come to walk out the answer to that prayer.
For Yitz’chak and Rivkah, I feel it might have been the same. Instead of dealing with miscarriage, however, they dealt with a barren womb. The two did not have a chance to date and learn about each other’s past. They didn’t have the ability to learn of one another’s medical past. When they were introduced to each other, following the servant bringing Rivkah back from the homeland, they went into the tent and wed. But now, shortly after, they found themselves in a position where children were not coming. So what was the action taken? Yitz’chak prayed.
Yitz’chak had seen the faith of his father, Avraham. He had seen Adonai work His miracles as he himself had been a miracle. So in learning that they would be unable to have children, Yitz’chak prayed to Adonai on behalf of his wife and asked that her womb be opened. Adonai heeded his prayer. Soon after Rivkah became pregnant and gave birth to not one child, but two. But I want you to notice something in this fact. The enemy was at work. Avraham had been promised that he would be the father of many. Avraham had in all eight sons. But only one of those sons was the true promised son. But now the true promised son from whom the promise would continue was faced with the fact that his wife was barren. Right there the promise could have ended, the devil could have won, and Adonai could have been named a liar. But, Yitz’chak prayed.
This speaks to me because there have been times when I have been told a promise and only have seen a small portion of it come to pass. It has created in me doubt at first, but also the desire to continue to pray for the completion of the answer. As Adonai is not one who will go back on His word and be made into a liar, it would serve us to do well to pray for the completion of what He has said. There is power in prayer, so let us not forget to lift a prayer up to Him and see what barren places in our life He will also restore.

Genesis 25:16 – 26:5

YISHMA’EL

“This is how long Yishma’el lived: 137 years. Then he breathed his last, died and was gathered to his people.”
Genesis 25:17

In Genesis 21, following the birth of Yitz’chak, Avraham sent out Hagar and Yishma’el from his camp. Traveling through the desert with her son, Hagar came to a point where she could take no more. Placing her son under a bush, she walked a little further so that she could cry out to Adonai. He heard her pray in regards to her son and comforted her, giving her promise concerning his future as well. As we read of the end of Yishma’el’s last days we read of the promise come true.
Yishma’el is recorded to have had twelve sons (Gen 25:13-15). We should not be confused with the twelve tribes of Israel which were birthed out of promise as opposed to intervention, however, but we should not forget the relationship in Adonai’s promise. As Avraham prayed for Hagar and his son in Genesis 17, Adonai declared that this line too would also be great. Although no king would stem from Yishma’el’s line, twelve princes were declared. Here we see the provision for those princes as we read of the sons of Yishma’el.
If Yishma’el was not the promised child, why then would we concern ourselves with his legacy following Avraham sending him out? I can see three reasons off hand. The first is that Yishma’el was his son. The second I see is because it is Yishma’el’s line that we read of in Isaiah 60:7 where N’vayot and Kedar are named specifically. But the third reason I see, and maybe the most important for us, is that once again we see Adonai as a promise keeper. In securing to Avraham that He indeed would watch over his son, Adonai once again kept His promise. This should only prove to us that Adonai keeps his word.

AVRAHAM’S LAST DAYS

“Then Avraham breathed his last, dying at a ripe old age, an old man full of years; and he was gathered to his people.”
Genesis 25:8

When we hear the account of Avraham we tend mainly to think of the promised child, Yitz’chak. However, the Bible records that Avraham had eight children all together. Jogging our memory we can probably recall Yishma’el, birthed from his days with Hagar. But following the passing of Sarah and the marriage of Yitz’chak and Rivkah, Avraham married once more. Avraham took a wife in his old age named K’turah. Thru his marriage with her came the sons Zimran, Yokshan, Meden, Midyan, Yishbak, and Shuach. These are names we do not hear often. In a quick glance, Zimran is said to have become to patriarch of the Zimri named in Jeremiah 25:25, and Midyan became the father of the Midianites who were later defeated by Adonai’s hand in Gideon’s life.
At Avraham’s passing, the Torah records both Yitz’chak and Yishma’el once again coming together to bury their father. With Avraham passing at the age of 175, this would tend to make Yishma’el the age of 89 and Yitz’chak the age of 75. These men themselves were already advanced in years compared to the average length of life today. But in keeping with their father’s wishes, they buried him alongside Sarah in the cave of Makhpelah. Then, as the Torah states, a new legacy was formed. The baton was passed as we read, “After Avraham died, God blessed Yitz’chak his son…”
Adonai’s promise of making Avraham a father of nations was kept in his eight sons, but the true blessing fell to just one.

Genesis 25:1-11

ELECH!

“They called Rivkah and asked her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ and she replied, ‘I will’”
Genesis 24:58

As we wrap up the account of Rivkah leaving her family, we find a moment in the Torah where there seemed to be doubt. The doubt, however, was not with Rivkah, but rather with her family. After they collected the dowry of silver and gold, together with clothing, the men stayed awake and drank into the night. In the morning, however, when the servant was ready to make his way back home, Rivkah’s mother and brother made a plea that the girl remain able to stay for a few more days. The servant stood his ground, though, and a compromise had to be found. With such a weighty decision they chose to ask Rivkah what she would rather do.
Rivkah was asked if she would rather stay at home for ten more days or leave her family now to venture on the back of a camel straightaway to a foreign land to meet her recently, yet unseen, betrothed. Her response was, “Elech.” When asked if Rivkah would go with this servant of Avraham’s, she responded, “I will go (Elech).” Just as Avraham had moved out in faith from Ur and by faith believed that both he and his son would come back down from the mountain, so now the same faith was being seen in Rivkah. Knowing not what lay ahead, she agreed to go with the servant and said, “Elech.”
In Hebrews (Messianic Jews) 11:1, we read that “faith (trusting) is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see.” Rivkah was trusting Adonai. She had heard the words of the servant concerning his task and his prayer, she had heard the confidence in his voice, and her faith had been charged. So now she stepped out in that faith in agreeing to go with the servant. This strikes me because we see right from the start her level of faith.
It strikes me also because I question myself. When Adonai asks me to step out in faith I do not always obey. My answer isn’t always, “Elech.” I want it to be. I find myself like the disciples who so often were rebuked because of their lack of faith. This is a character of me that I desperately desire to change. I want to be one that is confident in faith like Rivkah was, and who when asked for a decision to stay or go forward in faith always responds, “Elech.” How about you?

Genesis 24:53-67

COMING FROM ADONAI

“Lavan and B’tu’el replied, ‘Since this comes from Adonai, we can’t say anything to you either bad or good.’”
Genesis 24:50

Over the past two days already we have been looking at Genesis 24. This is the account of Avraham sending out his servant in hopes that a wife for Yitz’chak would be found. As the servant came into the land of his master’s kinsmen, he sat to pray. But even still, as he was praying, Rivkah came to the well. Meeting the steps that the servant had just prayed, the servant took out a gold nose ring weighing one-fifth of an ounce and two gold bracelets weighing four ounces. At this Rivkah ran off to her home.
The story could have ended right there. For all the servant knew, perhaps the young lady was scared by the proposal. Not yet had the servant mentioned he was on a mission concerning Yitz’chak so for all she knew the servant could have been asking her hand in marriage for himself. But it didn’t end. Shortly after, Rivkah’s brother, Lavan (Laban), came out to see this stranger and welcomed him into their home. Straw and fodder were prepared for the animals, feet were washed for the servant, but when a meal was prepared the servant interrupted and asked that before he eat, he share his story.
The people of B’tu’el’s house heard the story, the mission as to why the servant had come. They heard about the prayer that had been prayed and about the answer that had come forth. But to be fair, the servant asked if indeed Rivkah could return with him, or if he should continue his search for a wife for Yitz’chak. The response given by both Rivkah’s father and brother was, “Since this comes from Adonai, we can’t say anything to you either bad or good.”
Because the words the servant had prayed, because the response the servant had received, because the whole outcome had come from Adonai, nothing could be spoken against it. What a great lesson for us. There is a plan set out that Adonai has for us. It is true we have freewill, but in many cases this end result has been laid out for us. It comes from Adonai. And since it comes from Him, nothing can be said against it. While the enemy may come to knock us off the path and sway us to the side, he truly has no authority. Nothing can be said either good or bad against the steps Adonai has already set in motion. Let us not forget the power of the words, deeds, and plans that Adonai has set in place.

Genesis 24:27-52

YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS

“Before he had finished speaking, Rivkah the daughter of B’tu’el son of Milkah the wife of Nachor Avraham’s brother, came out with her jug on her shoulder.”
Genesis 24:15

While standing beside the spring where the women came to draw water, Avraham’s servant prayed a prayer, asking Adonai for success in his mission. Sent to find a wife for Yitz-chak, the servant only wanted Adonai’s choice as opposed to just any woman walking by. But in this passage is found one of my favorite verses. "Before he had finished praying, Rivkah (Rebecca) the daughter of B’tu’el son of Milkah the wife of Nachor Avraham’s brother, came out with her jug on her shoulder.” (Gen 24:15). I love this verse because it shows us how involved Adonai is in our future and how active He is in our prayer life. For the servant, all that he had prayed and requested of Adonai, he found Rivkah was and did. Unknowingly, she was the answer to the prayer.
When I read this portion I cannot help but have my eyes opened to just all this provision includes. Avraham's request of the servant was that she would agree to come back with him. The servant had to find a woman, receive both her and her parent's permission for marriage, have her agree to leave her family, have her family agree to let her go, and then do all this on a blind date. Unlike today when we can at least see a picture when on-line dating, the servant had no picture to show Rivkah. But still, Adonai provided and Rivkah and her family agreed.
So what is the message that is on my heart today? It is simple...Adonai will supply. I can look back and see the many times that Adonai has supplied for me. When my marriage went bad and I was asked to move out, Adonai supplied furniture for me. When my car gave up, Adonai supplied a car for me. When I was lonely, Adonai supplied a friend for me. When I needed a little extra cash, Adonai supplied overtime for me. I feel bad, because sometimes I take Adonai for granted. But then I see stories like this and am reminded that because He loves me, He takes care of all my needs.
I am reminded of Philippians 4:19 which reads, “And my God will completely furnish all your demands according to His glorious wealthy abundance in Christ Jesus.” Adonai will take care of everything; there is no reason for us to panic. As easily as He answered a prayer that was still in the process of being prayed, so He also can answer our prayers before we finish praying. Adonai loves us enough to care for us. We won't always get what we want, but He will be sure to give us what we need. There is hope in this because this applies to all of life. I have learned to throw away my list of what I want in the future and begin to ask Adonai to supply what I need. In trusting in Him, I will find myself in good hands.

Genesis 24:10-26

UNDER THE THIGH

“The servant put his hand under the thigh of Avraham his master and swore to him concerning the matter.”
Genesis 24:9

Avraham was growing old and following the passing of Sarah, he requested of his servant that a wife be found for his son. The servant would go back to the land from which they came in order to find a wife for Yitz’chak. He wouldn’t marry just anyone for Adonai has announced that they were to stay within the land of Avraham’s birth. The servant agreed to this task being asked of him and made an oath with Avraham. Either he would bring a wife back, or he would be released of his oath if the woman did not wish to come back. Following the oath he was on his way.
I have said it before, and I will probably continue to say it, but oaths are meant to be taken seriously. Adonai takes the oaths we make with Him seriously, but He also holds us to the oaths we make with others just as serious. So then, when the servant placed his hand under the thigh of Avraham, instantly his word became his bond.
In looking to determine why the hand would go under the thigh as an act of sealing a bond, I found that it was all about culture. For these men this action physically was no different than us today shaking hands after a business deal or pinky swearing as children. Despite how it is sealed, the real issue is that we carry out that which we are bound to. In this bond specifically, the servant was being held to either bringing home a wife for Yitz’chak, or being released if the found wife was unwilling to return. But again I state, oaths are meant to be taken with great caution and the matter sworn to rightly understood. Why so? As stated in Matthew Henry’s Commentary for this portion, “because it is a snare to devour that which is holy, and, after vows, to make the enquiry which should have been made before.” In other words, not keeping our vow opens the door for the enemy.
Failure to accomplish that which was vowed was permissible, but only if the woman found refused to follow. But failure to try after the covenant had been made would have been an ill fate for the servant. This is a fate I do not want to see us in. I do not want to see us in a place where we fail to keep our agreements with Adonai. I urge you then to repent for broken oaths made with Adonai and people, and to use caution go forward in making oaths, be it business deals, marriage vows, or what have you. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.

Genesis 23:17 – 24:9

MOTHER SARAH

“Sarah lived to be 127 years old; those were the years of Sarah’s life.”
Genesis 23:1

Within the Torah, many ages are given. For example, we know that Adam lived 930 years and then he died (Gen 5:5). Metushelach lived to be 969 years old (Gen 5:25). Noach was 950 years old when he passed (Gen 9:29). But within the Torah only one woman’s age is named. In Genesis 23:1 we read that Sarah was 127 when she passed. Why in all the Torah is Sarah the only woman whose age in named? As I was studying this portion of the Parashah, which is titled Hayyei-Sarah (Sarah’s life), I read this and began to consider the following. In doing so, does the Torah distinguish Sarah as the matriarch? Sarah was not only the mother of Yitz’chak, but in birthing him she was also elevated to the status of the mother of all those who believe in Adonai.
We see this same idea in the title given to Avraham. We know that Father Avraham had many sons, but we also know him as the father of our faith. It was his bold move to venture away from the land of Ur and follow on the path that Adonai led him on. By faith he journeyed, and waited for his son, and then once having him was willing to believe in Adonai when asked to sacrifice him. But there were also tests of faith that Sarah had to go through. She first had to believe that what Avraham was hearing was truly Adonai’s voice. But she also had to believe that the promise of Avraham having a son would indeed come through her. And she had to believe that when the men of Adonai came and said that at this time next year she would have a child, that she truly would have a child.
To each person a trial in their faith will come. But once that trial is met, celebration is found. For Sarah, her trials concluded with the celebration of a title. Her challenges were no less than Avraham’s. So then, I believe it is only right for her to be called the mother of our faith, and that her age be given as the only woman in the Torah.

Genesis 23:1-16

DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAIN

“Stay here with the donkey. I and the boy will go there, worship and return to you.”
Genesis 22:5

Avraham had one more trial to walk through to gain his title as the father of our faith, however. Sometime later Adonai called to Avraham and asked him to sacrifice his son. Now understand, Yishma’el was already gone and Yitz’chak was the only other son that Adonai had given to Avraham and Sarah, and now Adonai was asking Avraham to sacrifice him. The Torah doesn’t record Avraham wrestling with Adonai in this matter. In fact, the very next verse tells us that early the next morning Avraham got up, gathered his things, and set off to the region of Moriyah with Yitz’chak and two servants.
They reached a point on the third day of their journey where they saw in the distance their destination. The region of Moriyah is believed by some to be the first point in which Adonai created; the middle of the landscaped earth if you will. This idea is based on the fact that as the navel is the center of the body, so Israel is the center of the world. Jerusalem is in the center of Israel and the sanctuary the center of Jerusalem. The holy place is then found centered in the sanctuary and the ark in the center of the holy place. What then lies before the holy place? It is the Foundation Stone. As the region of Moriyah sits where the Dome of the Rock now is, it may be safe to conclude that Adonai was calling Avraham back to where life first began as another lesson concerning faith.
Avraham looked back as his servants and made a statement that deserves our attention. Avraham looked back at the servants and said, “Stay here with the donkey. I and the boy will go there, worship and return to you.” The NIV states more bluntly, “we will come back to you” (Gen 22:5). Did you catch it? Avraham said ‘we’ will come back. How could he say ‘we’ knowing that Adonai had told him to sacrifice his son? Should he not have said ‘I’ will come back? No, because he had learned, be it the hard way when waiting twenty-five years from his first promise from Adonai concerning Yitz’chak’s birth, that Adonai can do anything when we have just even a little faith. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Avraham now saw himself physically taking his son up the mountain, but by faith, walking with his son back down the mountain.
Avraham did not back down from this command of Adonai. When asked by Yitz’chak where the lamb was, Avraham responded that Adonai will provide. Together they reached the place Adonai had told them about and began to build the altar. Then, in a great act of obedience to Adonai, Avraham bound his son and laid him on the altar. With his knife ready, and probably through petition and tears, Avraham took his position for the sacrifice.
It is in this moment that perhaps Adonai was asking Avraham if he loved Him enough to give up his son. The same question can be asked for an event that happened close in proximity many hundreds of years later. It was around the Moriyah region that later Yeshua, the lamb that took away the sin of the world, would also be bound and given as a sacrifice. While Yitz’chak’s sacrifice would not have saved the world, that of the Messiah did.
A voice called out, “… Don’t lay your hand on the boy! Don’t do anything to him! For now I know that you are a man who fears Adonai, because you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” (Gen 22:12). Adonai took note of Avraham’s obedience and faith. The only son given of a promise to Avraham and Sarah was not forsaken from God, and for that Adonai re-stated to Avraham that he would indeed be blessed, barak (Gen 22:17). In the end, Avraham and Yitz’chak both came down the mountain that day, just as by faith Avraham had seen.

Genesis 22:1-24

I SWEAR IT

“Avraham said, ‘I swear it.’”
Genesis 21:24

Currently I am a single father of two children. It has been my desire to find a wife but dating overall has not gone very well for me. So as I was praying about this next season of my life I felt as though Adonai was prompting me to take a year off from dating. In agreeing to this leading, I wrote out and signed my name to a simple contract between Adonai and I. Although simple in wording, the truth is that I have signed it, therefore placing myself in a bond with Adonai. If I fail to keep my word and go against what I have stated I will do, I break the contract. But from other details of my past and other times when I have made an agreement and failed to keep my end, I have seen just how seriously Adonai looks at a covenant.
Avraham made a covenant. When approached by Avimelekh (Abimelech) and Pikhol (Phicol) in Genesis 21:22-34, Avraham was asked if he would swear concerning his behavior. The men had heard that Adonai was with Avraham in all he did. As a result, they wanted to swear with Avraham that he would show them kindness and treat them fairly. They wanted to make sure that Avraham would not try anything sneaky and misleading to the people of the area. So then, Avraham swore to this request. Following an incident at the well which Avraham’s camp had dug and Avimelekh’s men had seized, Avraham then stepped into a covenant. Bringing with him sheep and cattle, Avraham and Avimelekh made a covenant (Gen 21:27). Because of seven female lambs specifically, the place was named Be’er-Sheva, meaning well of oath.
As I said earlier, Adonai looks at covenants seriously. When Yeshua taught in Mattityahu (Matthew) 5:33-37, he spoke of the importance of keeping your word. The fathers, or the saints of old, taught us to not break an oath and to keep our vows with Adonai. Yeshua went one step further and encouraged us to let our yes be yes and our no be no (Matt 5:37). Making a pact with Adonai is smart, but breaking that pact is not. Our word should be our bond and not just a cliché. Avraham was blessed not only because of his faith, but because he kept his word. Let us do the same.

Genesis 21:22-34

SEND OFF

“Avraham got up early in the morning, took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child; then he sent her away. After leaving, she wandered in the desert around Be’er-Sheva.”
Genesis 21:14

Finally Yitz’chak, the son of promise, had been born. Along with his birth, however, came the mockery. During a great banquet to celebrate Yitz’chak’s growth and weaning, Sarah caught a glimpse of Hagar and Yishma’el making fun of her son. This behavior angered Sarah and caused her to take her concerns to her husband. Distressed, Avraham took the concerns before Adonai and received the instruction to not take this lightly, but rather to send Hagar and her son on their way.
I sometimes wonder how Avraham felt in that moment. In reality, Yishma’el was his son. For fourteen years prior to Yitz’chak being born, Avraham must have taken pride in Yishma’el, spoiling him and such. But now he was being asked to send him off. Early in the morning he awoke, gave bread and water to Hagar, and said his goodbyes. Watching them travel till they were no longer in sight, what was Avraham thinking?
We have a better understanding of what Hagar was thinking. Traveling through the desert she came to a point where she could take no more. Placing her son under a bush, she walked a little further so that she could cry out to Adonai. He heard her pray in regards to her son and comforted her, giving her promise concerning his future as well. Yet even though she was all alone in the desert, she was not alone at all. She was still within Adonai’s hands, still within His reach, and still within His love.
The point I want to make today is that we are never outside of Adonai’s reach. We are never too far gone, too far displaced, or too deep in the desert that Adonai cannot speak to us and comfort us. It was after her crying out that it is recorded that Adonai opened her eyes to allow her to see a well of water. In some ways this seems like the capping of a promise made to Hagar concerning her son. And as such, perhaps in some ways it is a capping of what Adonai has told us. Perhaps we too are in the desert and find ourselves crying out only to hear His voice of comfort speak to us of our future, opening our eyes. If so, then take in the view, approach the well, and fill your skins with the water as you drink deep.

Genesis 21:5-21

NO LOOKING BACK

“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a column of salt.”
Genesis 19:26

The first family dog that I can remember growing up was Tandy. Tandy was a golden retriever mix that had been a birthday gift for my dad. She came from the shelter as a cute little furry puppy and instantly found a place in the family. Outside of the memories of playing together in the backyard, I also remember that she would jump up on and over the fence. Now please understand that our backyard fence was about four feet tall, so it was easy for her to escape. This in fact is what she would do many nights. In the morning we would wake up to knocked over trash cans in the area of where she had ventured off to during the night. It was only a matter of time before neighbors began to complain.
A decision had been made by my parents that rather than building a taller fence, we would look to find a new home for Tandy. Now, just a few years later, we were headed back to the shelter to offer her up for adoption once again. I was saddened. Of course I understood as best I could as a youngster, but it still took a toll on me. With Tandy bathed and ready to go, I got in the car with my mom and we took the long tearful drive. When we arrived at the shelter, I walked with her back to the boarding area for one last hug. The lady assisting assured me that she would be in good hands and that a new owner would be found soon. But as I got back on my feet, and headed to the door, I turned to take one more look. I did not want to let her go.
I share this emotional memory with you not to make you cry, but rather to bring up a point. There are times when looking back to say goodbye is fine, as in the case with Tandy or when saying goodbye to loved ones. But then there are also times when we look back not to say goodbye, per se, but rather because we do not want that season to be done. Let me explain.
In Genesis 19, two angels of the Adonai arrive at S’dom with the charge of evacuating Lot and his family before the upcoming destruction. But of the sin that harvested within S’dom and “Amora, Adonai made the decision to rain burning sulfur on the cities. Because of Avraham’s plea, Lot and his family were to be spared. Lot gathered his wife, daughters, and attempted to gather the daughters’ pledged men, but the men thought it was only a joke. With time short, Lot then left with only his wife and girls. They quickly set out for the small city of Tzo’ar as Adonai’s fury began to fall.
Only one major demand was made of Lot and his family. “Don’t look back.” It sounded easy and able to be accomplished, yet unfortunately it was not obeyed. As we read in verse 26, Lot’s wife looked back. For her punishment, she became a pillar of salt. It is hard to say why she looked back. Theologians have different answers. Maybe she looked back because she remembered something at home. Perhaps she looked back to see if others had realized it was not a joke and were now following. But for now, let us say that she looked back because she did not want to give up the sin of the city. We know little about Lot’s wife, but I am concerned that if Lot was so quick to offer his daughters to the perverted people (Gen 19:8), could he have also at one time offered his wife? Or could it be that although maybe not a member in that lifestyle, she was still curious as to what she may be missing? I cannot answer that.
What I can answer for is for myself. How many times has Adonai told me to flee from a sinful place to a place of safety? How many times have I come before Adonai to say I am sorry for my sin, only to be involved in it again within a few days? I am no better than Lot’s wife. I should be a pillar of salt as well. I then ask myself, where is it I have stopped? Have I ran to the hills and away from the danger as Adonai has commanded me? Or have I started out toward the hills, but then decided to look back because I did not want to truly let go? We have read it before, “The wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23). Lot’s wife learned this first hand. Let us not learn the same way. Let us not look back in longing for our sin, but rather embrace the eternal life that Adonai offers to a sinner, saved from destruction, and moving forward.

Genesis 19:21 – 21:4

THE COST OF COMPROMISE

“So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, ‘Hurry and get out of this place, because Adonai is about to destroy the city!’ But his sons-in-law thought he was joking.”
Genesis 19:14

Compromise is normally looked at as a good thing. In marriage, when both parties cannot agree on the same thing, compromise can be the tool used to ensure that a mutual agreement is made. Webster defines this concept of compromise as a settlement of differences by arbitration or consent. But there is a second definition for the word compromise as well. Webster defines this word also as a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial. This is a definition I have found myself fall into more often than desired. It is in those times when our character or stance is no longer valid and our compromise seems to be the root cause.
While I could sit here and give you examples from my own life, I think it is wiser for us to see this through Adonai’s word. What greater a story of compromise and its cost than that of Lot. However, when we look at the story we may not catch it right away. It all started in Genesis 13. At this time Lot went with Avram as they journeyed away from Ur. As both men’s status was growing, so were their possessions. When the ground was no longer able to provide for both of them, they decided to compromise, or make a settlement, and part their ways. Avram went west toward Kena’an (Canaan) and Lot east toward S’dom and “Amora.
It is following their split that the Bible records, “…Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near S’dom. Now the men of S’dom were wicked and were sinning greatly against Adonai” (Gen 13:12b-13). Skipping ahead, we find Lot sitting at the gateway of the city (Gen 19:1). Notice how Lot had moved from near S’dom to at S’dom. Gradually over time, Lot began to compromise or give concession. When the men of Adonai came to take Lot away at Avraham’s request, they found him living within the city. And what is more, the evil lifestyle of the people had encompassed around him. Seeing these men, and the offers being given them by the sexual townsfolk, Lot offered his daughters to the city. What kind of person offers his children to be raped and mistreated purposely? The kind who has compromised. But here is the piece that really grabs my attention. When Lot went to warn the men who his daughters were promised to, they laughed him off (Gen 19:14). The clout that Lot may have had in chapter 13 was gone by chapter 19.
As I considered this and looked into it myself, I saw the reason he was laughed at. The man Lot had once been was gone. He failed to take his stand against the enemy and now instead was living among the enemy. Perhaps he was laughed at because the sons-in-law had never seen Lot take a true stand for Adonai. Now here was Lot, warning against judgment and they responded as if it was a joke. Lot’s compromise cost him his sons-in-law.
Seeing this revelation, my eyes were opened. What are my children, and others, seeing from me? Am I being looked at as sold out for Adonai, or a guy who has compromised and nothing I say has value? Am I a hypocrite? Lot lost his place as the man of the family when he compromised; I do not want to fall into the same trap. And maybe Lot was worshipping Adonai, but then I question if it was all in secret. One thing I want my children to see in me is that Adonai is not a secret. I want them to see me reading my Bible, praying, worshipping Adonai, and taking a stand for Him. I don’t want it to be a show; I want them to see the real thing. Some of the greatest childhood memories I have are of my mom sitting on the couch every morning with her Bible in her lap, eyes closed, praying. Will my kids be able to say the same of me? I refuse to compromise in negative fashion but rather choose to stand my ground. Who is with me?

Genesis 19:1-20

HOW MANY?

“Avraham approached and said, ‘Will you actually sweep away the righteous with the wicked?’”
Genesis 18:23

This portion of reading from the Torah today is one that we probably all know. It is in this section that we find Avraham in many ways pleading for the life of Lot. Not long ago we read of Lot being carried off by the kings as a prisoner of war. As a result, Avraham chased after the forces and took Lot back, in addition to the others that had been kidnapped. Here again, though, we see Avraham saving his nephew once again. Although not kidnapped, Lot still faced the destruction that was to come to S’dom. Adonai’s mind was made up and fire was about to fall on the city.
Being told this truth, Avraham began to barter for the sake of the city, questioning, “Will you actually sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” In the account of Noach, Adonai had spared Noach’s family because they were righteous. And once again Adonai was bringing judgment. This time Avraham was not in danger of being swallowed up, but Lot was. Because of this a plea was made which started at fifty and ended at ten. Adonai agreed that if ten righteous people were found He would not destroy the city. But as we will see tomorrow, finding even ten was a chore.
I have often read this story and thought, “Would I be one of those found righteous?” In order to answer that I think we need to look at the word righteous used here in the Hebrew. The term is TSADDIYQ (tsad-deek). This word is heard often around the time of Yom Kippur as the believer takes the time to ask forgiveness from Adonai so that he may be presented as clean and righteous. Its actual meaning in the Hebrew is just and lawful in affairs or cause or character. It also means to be justified and vindicated by Adonai. In essence, Avraham was asking Adonai if He would still destroy the city if only ten people whose character reflected the ways of Adonai could be found.
It is no surprise that our own country has slipped away from following Adonai. It is because of this fact that I wonder – if Avraham was to plead for our city, how many would Adonai actually find? Surly ten, right? Maybe one hundred? A thousand? At what point would the line be drawn and destruction come? I am not asking because I think we should live dangerously close to that line, but rather I am asking because I want to stay very far from that line. But it starts with me, and with you. Will Adonai find us righteous? Would the destruction of many come because of my actions, or would my actions bring about salvation from the judgment?

Genesis 18:15-33

TOO HARD

“’Is anything too hard for ADONAI? At the time set for it, at this season next year, I will return to you; and Sarah will have a son.’”
Genesis 18:14

We read in Genesis 17:16 of Adonai once again promising Avraham a son. This time, however, He specifically states that the son will come from Sarah, whose name was just changed, in stating, “I will give you a son by her.” Yet when the three men approach Avraham in Genesis 18:12 to once again share the plans and promises of Adonai concerning His people, Sarah laughed. I cannot help but wonder if Avraham forgot to pass on the message from his previous conversations with Adonai. I mean, seriously, did Sarah not get the memo? For the past 14 years since the birth of Yishma’el, Adonai continued to speak about this promise with Avraham. Now that it was on the brink of happening, Sarah doubted and laughed.
If I may interject here, I would like to add that this response is something that I too have done. There have been instances in my past when Adonai has promised me something. It isn’t that I doubt He can do it, but it is more so that I question, “Why have You wanted till now?” For example, for years I have felt this urge to write a book. I received His promise that I would write and be published back in 1996, when I was in college. I have tried a few times, knowing the topic and title, but in every attempt I failed. By 2006 I had already started and quit a rough draft five times. Then in 2007 I was served divorce papers. I thought at that time that many of the things that I had heard Adonai say or felt He had promised were never going to come about. But as I would spend time with Him, working to be healed from the pains of divorce and who I had become, Adonai began to reinstate His plans for me. Suddenly, what looked to be an empty dream from Adonai, what looked to be a broken promise, was beginning to take shape. On January 1, 2009, in prayer alone just after the ball dropped, I heard Him as clear as day say to me that now was the time. But why did it take so long. In all those failed attempts I was not writing from experience.
I can relate to Sarah. As she looked at her age as the blockage, I looked at my divorce. We both laughed because we both thought we were too far gone. But I love the rebuke that Sarah received, and in many ways that I also received. “’Is anything too hard for ADONAI?” Absolutely not. I have come to realize the same thing that I imagine Sarah learned that day when she was rebuked. Adonai is able to do more than I could ever imagine. And why not; that is His character. Ephesians 3:20 records Paul stating that Adonai is able to do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine because of His power working in us. At that moment when once again the men declared that Sarah would give birth within the year, His power was working. And in that moment when I found myself praying and crying out to Adonai, His power was working.
Sarah did receive her child, and the nation of Israel was one step closer to being birthed, for from Yitz’chak would come Ya’akov (Jacob) to whom the twelve tribes would be fathered. As for me, that night set me into motion. Empowered by Adonai, I found myself unable to put the pen down. I have since written my promised book and am in the revising stages at this time. My own Yitz’chak is in the birthing stages. So then, is anything too hard for Adonai? Absolutely not. I wonder where you are. Has Adonai given you also a promise that has not yet come to pass? And was the promise so big that you could not help but laugh? I tell you, when Adonai speaks concerning us and His plans for us, you can guarantee that it will come to pass. It might not be in our time, but in the time set, our Yitz’chak will be birthed.


Genesis 18:1-14

KINGS OR PRINCES

“’I will bless [Sarah]; moreover, I will give you a son by her. Truly I will bless her: she will be a mother of nations; kings of people will come from her.’”
Genesis 17:16

In this last section of the week’s Parashah, we read of Adonai’s command of circumcision. Avram’s son, Yishma’el, was born not only of Hagar as opposed to Sarai, but also born when Avraham was not yet circumcised. It wasn’t until later when Avraham was 99 that he and Yishma’el, as well as all the other males within the camp, were circumcised. It was also at this time that Adonai changed Sarai’s name meaning mockery, to Sarah meaning princess. As with Avraham, so also it was with Sarah that a name change meant a pivot in the direction of her life. It was also at this time that Adonai spoke that another son would be born to Avraham. This time the son would be birthed by Sarah, and his name would be Yitz’chak.
As I was reading this portion of the Torah, a light bulb came on. In Genesis 17:16, Adonai states that through Sarah’s birth to Yitz’chak, she would become the mother of nations. It was declared that following this line, kings of peoples would come from her. We know that further on down the line the twelve tribes of Israel were birthed. Following these lines further, especially those of Benjamin and Judah, we see the kings that were promised in Saul, David, Solomon, and those who would come after. Compare this to Genesis 17:20 when Avraham is concerned with what will become of Yishma’el. Although Yishama’el is also his son, a promise from Adonai is given, but not quite to the same extent. Adonai declares that this line too will be great, but as opposed to kings, Yishma’el’s line will see twelve princes. Did you catch that? To one will come kings while to the other only princes. Does this mean that Adonai doesn’t care as much for the line of Yishma’el? Not at all. But what it does state, or rather prove, is that the plans of man fail in comparison to the plans of Adonai.
I am learning to be cautious. I am learning more so these days to stop and seek Adonai’s ways. Too many times I have already stepped out in what I thought were good ideas only to find out that I made huge mistakes. I am learning the hard way that my plans are not always right. Instead of stepping out and hoping that Adonai blesses my ideas, I need instead to wait, seek Him, and step where He says to step. In His path is the blessing that I desire to have fall over my life. But the minute I become out of sync with Him, the minute I step out from under His cover, that is when I find myself like Avram instead of Avraham.
Perhaps our biggest challenge is simply that; simply trying to not step ahead of Adonai. I am grateful that there is a whole book full of others like me who have done this. I am grateful that their lessons are recorded for me to read and take into consideration. But it is not enough just to read it. I must apply these lessons. Oh Adonai, how I pray that your words become the lessons I live by as opposed to the stories I read. I pray that I would stop stepping ahead of You and expecting you to bless my ways. May I always find myself walking in Your ways instead.

Genesis 17:7-26

SUDDENLY

“’As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Avram[exalted father]; your name will be Avraham [father of many], for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you’”
Genesis 17:4-6

Again Avram had the promise. The first time he was told by Adonai that he would be a great nation. This time he was being told his offspring would be too numerous to count. When? And how? As time continued on and his wife continued to be barren and he without a son, doubt settled in. It was then that Sarai, Avram’s wife, came to him with a plan. She had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. Since Adonai was not allowing her to have children, Sarai told her husband to take Hagar as his wife and build a family through her. In Sarai’s mind, it was a well thought out plan, but it still wasn’t the plan Adonai had in mind. Unfortunately, it was this plan that Avram agreed to. Taking Hagar as his second wife, he lay with her and she conceived. From Hagar was born Avram’s first son, Yishma’el (Ishmael).
It is important to note that at this point Avram was already 86 years old when Yishma’el was born. Eleven years had passed since Adonai first spoke His promise to Avram. Eleven years and the plan that Avram worked from was not even Adonai’s plan. Avram had failed in his faith that Adonai would do what He said. Another thirteen years would pass before Adonai would speak with Avram again on this account and begin to move in His plan. At the age of 99, though, Adonai appeared to Avram and spoke as the El Shaddai [God Almighty]. “’As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Avram [exalted father]; your name will be Avraham [father of many], for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you’” (Gen 17:4-6).
It took some time, but Avram, now Avraham, finally found himself in Adonai’s will. It is said that when Adonai’s time and Adonai’s word intersect, that suddenly happens. Avraham found himself now in that intersection. At the age of 99, suddenly was happening. Please hear me when I say that this applies to us also. When we are in His timing, intersecting with His word, we too will find suddenly happening. Regardless of our age or name, His will can come suddenly.

Genesis 15:7 – 17:6

COUNTING STARS

“Then [Adonai] brought [Avram] outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky, and count the stars – if you can count them! Your descendants will be that many!’”
Genesis 15:5

A few years back I bought a telescope for my son. For about the first month or so we were outside every night, looking through the little eye piece and standing in awe of the stars. We even soon after purchased a book that gave an inside scope of what star formations could be seen each night of the year. I was so impressed at how much I could see with the naked eye when I knew where to look, but even more impressed when I looked through the lens. So many stars lie out there, void to the human eye. Yet they were still there, still shining, and still proving a promise.
I remember seeing all these stars, honestly too many to count. Yet in reading Genesis 15:5, that is the challenge Adonai gave to Avram. “Count the stars, Avram. Count them if you can.” Obviously there was no way he could count all of them. Adonai knew this, but He also spoke to Avram confirmation once more that his legacy would be as numerous as the stars. We are fortunate to be able to read on and see the end result. We know that Avram became father Abraham, just like the song tells us, and he did have many sons. But before a single son was born, he was first challenged to count the stars.

Genesis 14:21 – 15:6

TAKE BACK

“When Avram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, who had been born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.”
Genesis 14: 14

Yesterday I wrote concerning Lot, and how Avram had to separate from him. Be it the quarreling between the two men’s servants or the amount of pasture that both had to share, the simple fact was that in order for Avram to walk out in the promise given to him, he had to separate himself from Lot. I wrote that for us Lot may represent a sin or situation that we too need to separate from in our own lives so that we can walk in the blessing that Adonai has for us. I remind you of this because I do not want you to mistake what I am about to say. I am not looking at Lot as a sin, but rather that we may have things in our lives that we need to distance ourselves from. So then in looking at today’s portion, as we see Avram rescue Lot, I am not referencing that we need to take sin back, but more so that there may me other things, Godly things, that we need to take back.
Having been captured as a prisoner of war, Lot found himself wrapped up in the plunder of the four kings, Amraphel of Shinar, Aroich of Ellasar, Kedorlaomer of Elam, and Tidal of Goiim. However, one of the men taken managed to escape and headed straight for Avram to report the news concerning Lot. With an army of 318 men, Arvam went in pursuit of this army in order to retrieve his nephew. When he caught up to the kings, the Torah records that he recovered all the plunder, bringing not only Lot back, but also the possessions, women, and other people which had been taken as well.
John 10:10 tells us that the mission of the enemy is to steal, kill, and destroy. Knowing that this is the enemy’s plan, and seeing him actually do it, I wonder sometimes why we do not fight back. Lot was physically taken as part of the plunder of the enemy, kidnapped and treated as a modern day POW. Yet Avram, who was no part of the situation or town, fought back for his nephew. Avram took the stand against the enemy that we all should take, chasing after the enemy to take back what the enemy stole. He could have brushed it off and said, “Well it was Lot’s fault for choosing to live over there. I gave him the first pick and that was his choice.” But he didn’t. Instead he pursued the enemy and took the plunder back.
I want to encourage you with this account. Yesterday I asked you to think about what you need to separate from. Today I am asking you to consider what needs to be taken back. Take a full account of everything that has been stolen from you. Maybe it is your health, finances, or employment. Maybe your emotional state has been robbed. It could be anything. But do not let the enemy steal it from you. As a child of Adonai you have been equipped with His power and been given the legal right to take back what the enemy has stolen. I encourage you to pursue your enemy then and take back what is yours.

Genesis 14:1-20

SEPARATION

“’All the land you see I will give to you and your descendants forever.’”
Genesis 13:15

Avram had heard it before, a variant of it at least. In Genesis 12:2 he had been told by Adonai that he would be made into a great nation, with his name great and people blessed. Now he was hearing another version of the same prophecy. Adonai was telling him that all the land set before him in every direction, north, south, east, and west, would belong to him and his descendants. And not only would the land be his, but Adonai was also prophesying to him that his people would be as numerous as the dust, too great to even be counted. Avram was receiving confirmation to a word previously spoken to him. But it came with change. There was a weight that Avram first had to part with. The confirmation of Adonai to Avram did not come until first he parted ways with Lot (Gen 13:9). Fighting was breaking out between the two tribes as they shared land and resources and as a result the two had to part ways.
Reading this story so many times from childhood till now, it looks like just another story, another short history lesson, or another use of a page. But this piece of the account needs to be there. If it was absent we would miss the words repeated by Adonai to Avram. If it was missing we would not know how Lot eventually made his way toward Sodom and ‘Amora. And if it was gone we may not catch what I feel Adonai is saying to us right now. What has Adonai spoken to you? What has He placed in your heart just as he did in Avram’s? What prophecy has He given you that has not yet come to pass?
Do you notice that it wasn’t until Lot and Avram split that Adonai confirmed His word? I, myself, have received words of prophecy over the years. Not all of them have come to pass yet, however. Were they just nice fluffy words then that someone spoke, pretending to hear from Adonai? No. I believe they were His words. But I also am beginning to see that they may be on hold because I have not broken apart from my Lot. Avram was not free to be what Adonai called him to be until first he distanced himself from Lot. Just as true, I cannot be what Adonai has called me to be until first I distance myself from the sin that wants to entangle me (Heb 12:1). Sin will hold me down and prevent me from being used in the full measure that Adonai has for me. Honestly, I don’t want to be skipped over because of something that has no lifelong value.
I read this account and I hear it speaking directly to me. I hear it saying to me to separate myself from Lot. I hear it say this is the time to separate myself from the sin that is preventing me from moving out in what Adonai is calling me to. Do you hear it also?

Genesis 13:5-18