TheVulnerable

The title of this week's Sabbath reading portion is Ki-Teitze, or "When you go out" in English, and covers Deuteronomy chapters 22 through 25. The title is taken from Deut. 21:10: "When you go out to war against your enemies...". However, this Sabbath portion has almost nothing to do with war, so why was that verse chosen by the Holy Spirit to title this Sabbath portion? We'll hopefully see something special about it. Much of this reading portion from the Torah deals with kindness and morality. When we consider it, though, morality at its root is based in kindness. Immoral thoughts and behavior debase the human body, soul, and spirit with its unkindness. Immorality cuts and slashes at the very core of the individual, and serves the dying flesh rather than God. As we begin our reading, the LORD tells His people that "they must not hide themselves" on the occasion when a kind act should be shown to a neighbor (Deut. 22:1-3). The LORD then says to His people through Moses: "You shall not see your brother's donkey of his ox fall down along the road, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely help him lift them up again (qum - rise up, be raised up, to raise up, fulfill, establish)." (v. 4). Both the donkey and the ox are beasts of burden. They either carry or pull the burden so a person does not have to do it. The donkey is hamor/hamar, which means "troubled, be in turmoil, red, to seal up or cover up with pitch, to glow with redness" The covering of pitch in the meaning of the Hebrew, reminds me of the sealant used on Noah's Ark. This is where we get our meaning behind "atonement", which is the covering of blood for the remission of sin. The ox is the Hebrew word and root sor/sur, which refers to strength and boldness, as well as to travel, to go, and to turn. Paul compared to oxen those who ministered the Gospel to others. He even said that it is not for the oxen's sake that it is mentioned in the law of Moses (see 1 Cor. 9:8-12, 1 Tim. 5:17-18). A simple kindness shown to a neighbor has even more far reaching significance in the Spirit. Jesus said that when anyone does a kindness for one who belongs to Him, you are doing Him the same kindness (Mt. 25:31-46). And here in the law, we see the far reaching fruit of kindness that Jesus taught. In this reading portion, the law of Moses speaks of those who do kindness to someone who is beholden to you, that one will bless you :and it shall be righteousness to you befote the LORD your God." (Deut. 24:10-13). In the opposite manner, if you do not show justice and kindness to someone who is dependent upon you, if that person then cries out to the LORD against you, it will be sin to you. (Deut. 24:14-15). The LORD observes how we treat those who are in a more vulnerable circumstance or position, than we are. There is another group mentioned for special consideration and purposeful kindness in this Sabbath reading, and also previously in the law. These three are repeatedly mentioned together: the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow (Deut. 10:17-19, 14:28-29, 16:11-12, 14, 24:17-22, 26:12-13). In these various verses, the LORD told His people to show kindness to this group of three because He, God, loves them. He said to bless them so that all the work of our hand would be blessed as a result. He even told His people to share the tithe of the third year increase with this group as well as with the Levite (Deut. 14:28, 26:12). Previously, the LORD had specified that the tithe belongs to the LORD (Lev. 27:30), and was to be given to the Levite because this would be their inheritance (Num. 18:21-28). Yet, this group of three, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, were also to be given a share of the tithes from the third year increase of all. This group of three was to have a part in the third year priestly portion. This all is very unusual, so we have to pay attention, and ask, "Why?" There are many pitiable, sick and needy people to whom kindness can be shown, so why does the LORD put such emphasis on the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow specifically? One answer may be found in the meaning of the Hebrew words and roots used for each. If we look at the meanings of the Hebrew in English, this is the picture of the three that is formed for us: "stranger, one living out of his own country (see Jn. 8:23), stand in awe, afraid, dread (see Lk. 23:41-44), turn aside from the way (see Isa. 53:6), gathered together/orphan, lonely (see Mk. 1:35, Lk. 22:41), bereaved of a father (see Isa. 53:4, Ps. 22:1, Mt. 27:45-46/Mk. 15:34)/desolate house, desolate palace, a state bereft of its king (see Mt. 23:37-39), solitary, forsaken (see Isa. 53:3), discarded, dumb mute, put to silence, tie fast or bind the mouth, simile of the silence of a sheep led to slaughter". The Hebrew root word, alam, connected to the word "widow", refers to being silenced like a sheep is silent when led to slaughter. Isaiah also refers to this when prophesying of the Messiah, which is Jesus, who will die for the transgressions of others: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth." (Isa. 53:7). We also know that Christ was identified several times as "the Lamb", and "the Lamb of God" (Jn. 1:29, 35-37, Rev. 5:4-14, 13:8, 1 Peter 1:19-20). It is interesting to know that when sheep are sheared and when they are slaughtered, they are leaned on their hip or haunch. They then become silent and docile in something that is called "tonic immobility". The scripture notations above all refer to a prophecy concerning the Messiah, particularly from Isa. 53, or a specific fulfilment during the ministry of Jesus. To me, the fact that these three persons, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, also are allowed to receive a portion of the priestly tithe (Jesus is our High Priest - see Heb. 7:26, 8:1-2), gives us another prophetic promise of Christ within the law of Moses, who was called "the prophet of God" like none other since (Deut. 34:10-12). In another reading portion from this week's Sabbath, Ki-Teitze, or "When you go out (to war)", Isaiah 54 has a powerful prophetic word from God for "the widow". Not only is the LORD prophesying to a widow, but a barren widow, which makes the widow's situation even more vulnerable to rejection (v. 1-4). Not only will the barren widow bare more children than a married woman, but her husband will be the LORD, Himself, the Redeemer. The widow was forsaken and refused, but the LORD will show "everlasting kindness" in His mercy, and His kindness shall not depart from the widow, nor His covenant of peace. He will beautify the formerly barren widow with precious jewels, and in righteousness (v. 11-14). It is the awesome kindness of God that accomplishes this. This is also speaking of the redeemed people of God, both Jew and Gentile: redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (1 Pet. 1:18-19), who was led to slaughter in silence. In another portion from this Sabbath, Jer. 22, the Word of the LORD is delivered to the King of Judah, who is occupying David's throne, but he is not a just king as his father, Josiah, had been: "Thus says the LORD: 'Execute judgment and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do not wrong, and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place...But if you will not hear these words, I swear by Myself', says the LORD, 'that this house shall become a desolation (see above in the Hebrew meaning under "stranger, fatherless, and widow").'" (Jer. 22:3,5). Josiah's son, Shallum/salam (meaning retribution, fee, reward, make an end of), the king of Judah, was then judged by the LORD: "Your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness, for shedding innocent blood, and practicing oppression and violence." (v. 17). The LORD said that this king would die in captivity, and never see his homeland of Judah again (v. 11-12). By greed he ruled unjustly, and took advantage of the vulnerable, those weaker than he was (v. 13). Even when we "go out to war", we are still to remember God's special love for, and commands regarding the vulnerable, whom He loves, for the vulnerable are under the spiritual identity of "the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow", which is Messiah/Christ Jesus and His gathered people. In another portion from this Sabbath, Proverbs 30:4, we read these questions being asked by Agur (meaning "gathered (see above Hebrew meaning under stranger, fatherless, and widow), assembler, to gather in, to harvest, to collect"), the son of Jakeh (meaning "blameless, obedient, pious"): "Who has ascended into heaven or descended? (see Eph. 4:9-10). Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? (see Mark 4:35-41). Who has established all the ends of the earth? (see Acts 1:6-8, Acts 13:47-48). What is His name, and what is His Son's name,if you know?" (see Lk. 1:34-35, Lk. 4:40-41, Jn. 1:48-49). The One (Agur) who harvests, collects and gathers into God's assembled people, is asking if we know the LORD's name, and His Son's name. If you would like to know more about the great kindness of the LORD and His Son, to those who are vulnerable, or if you are in circumstances that have caused you to feel vulnerable, you can pray with me: "Father God, You have great love and kindness for all, but especially towards those who are vulnerable. We are all vulnerable, in need of You, seeking Your forgiveness and favor, and gathered together to You, for we all, like sheep, have gone astray. You have hidden the identity of Your Son, Messiah, Jesus, among the weak and vulnerable represented by the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. He came to earth as a babe, of the most dependent and vulnerable, yet He was the Word of God in the flesh, filled with grace and truth, of whom You said, "This is My beloved Son". Help me to understand, by Your Holy Spirit, the lovingkindness to be extended to the vulnerable in Your name, and in Your Son's name, Jesus. Lord, I pray for those today who are feeling vulnerable, in dread, rejected, or deserted. Enlarge their dwelling in You, and cover them with Your precious jewels, and pronounce over them: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper", because their righteousness comes from YOU, according to Your Word (Isa. 54:12). I ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus, AMEN."

Ordinances

Although not everyone in the world accepts the Bible as the Living Word of God, there is no doubt that this Book has had an overwhelming influence on every nation on earth. Although the Bible does deal with the nations, it was written by God, revealed to men inspired by the Holy Spirit, for His people. This Sabbath's reading titled Mishpatim deals with the ordinances of justice delivered by God to His people. It is according to these ordinances that His people were to deal justly and with charity towards each other, and any strangers in their midst. Regarding justice, scripture says that God's throne is founded upon it: "You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation (makon - habitation, fixed place, basis, to be firmly established, make ready) of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face." (Ps. 89:13-14). It is these ordinances given by God to Moses many thousands of years ago, and later taught and confirmed so often through the prophets and the words of Christ and the apostles, that a difference was established between God's people, and the people of other nations. Many have written about the Bible being the foundation of our civilization, and the starting point and the measurement of our systems of justice. These are some of the comments written throughout history: "We account the scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy.", wrote Sir Isaac Newton; "That Book, Sir, is the Rock upon which our republic rests.", Andrew Jackson; "The whole inspiration of our civilization springs from the teachings of Christ, and the lessons of the prophets. To read the Bible for these fundamentals is a necessity of American life.", Herbert Hoover; "Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives.", Ulysses S. Grant; "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God or the Bible.", George Washington; "The moral principles and precepts contained in the scriptures ought to form the basis of our civil constitutions and laws...", Noah Webster; "The Bible is endorsed by the ages. Our civilization is built upon its words...", Dwight Eisenhower; "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in those teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.", Calvin Coolidge; "The Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people...Biblical teachings inspired concepts of civil government that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.", U.S. Congress, joint resolution, 1983. The principles of God as written in the scriptures have formed the foundation of our civilization. God has taught, and He expects His people to act, justly (Micah 6:8). The LORD also says: "Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow." (Isa. 1:17). As His people, we take an active role in praying for, and standing for, impartial and righteous justice. It may be that we have neglected our role in standing in the ordinances of God to advocate and intercede for those who are unjustly afflicted. The LORD's ordinances do not tolerate His people taking advantage of others' weaknesses, or to silently allow others to do so. The ordinances of God which we read this week in Exodus Chapters 21 through 24 require that God's people do not abuse or take advantage of the weak, the poor, or the powerless. The LORD issues a stern warning to His people: "You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless." (Ex. 22:21-24). Because we have disregarded the ordinances of God, the widows, or mothers left alone to fend for themselves, and the fatherless have become victims of injustice and mercilessness. David was also unjustly persecuted by King Saul, who was also one of God's people, chosen to fill a position of leadership and power. David described the LORD's reaction when he cried out to God because of his unjust treatment by Saul: "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundation of the hills also quaked and were shaken. Because He was angry. Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it...The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice, hailstones and coals of fire...Then the channels of the sea were seen, the foundations of the world were uncovered at Your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils." (Ps. 18:6-15). David saw in the Spirit that when the afflicted cry out to Him, the LORD hears and responds with great anger. The LORD twists creation inside out to answer the cry of one of His people who has been subjected to injustice. Jesus said of His Father's advocacy against injustice on behalf of one of His people: "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" (Lk. 18:7-8). We see daily, the violence and oppression against those who are not in a position to defend themselves. So many of our children have become fatherless, and all the lies of hell have been directed at them to destroy them before they are even born, and certainly after their birth. Over 20% of fathers in this country, or about 7 million, do not take any part in parenting their children. This amounts to about 19 million children, or over 20% of all children born in this country, who are without any father figure in their lives. This leaves the mother as the single head of the household, most often as a result of divorce, and over 40% of those households live below the poverty level. This "widowhood" and fatherlessness lead to further sad statistics, including a higher than average suicide rate among high school aged fatherless students. The Ten Commandments, with which all are familiar, includes the blessing of the LORD's holy Sabbath rest in His presence not only to ourselves, but to our sons and daughters, and even the servants and animals connected to our households (Ex. 20:8-10). The children are of great importance to the LORD (Lk. 18:15-17), and He will not excuse our apathy in the face of any affliction or injustice towards them. Do not think that God does not hear the cries of the afflicted, and answer them. As God's people, the custodians to whom His ordinances have been given, this week's Sabbath reading contains the command from God that we follow His ordinances of justice and mercy. Jesus wondered if He would find any on earth who are doing so when He returns. Let Him not find us to be part of the problem in the affliction of the defenseless, but part of the godly solution instead, which is the unwavering justice and mercy of God. We were called by these scriptures to be different from the people of the world who do not know God. Our lives are to reflect these ordinances of the LORD. If you are crying out to God for deliverance from injustice, or you know of someone who is, you can pray with me: "Heavenly Father, I cry to You, the Just Judge, on behalf of justice and mercy. You hear the cries of Your people, and You answer from Your sanctuary in heaven. When I have turned a blind eye to those who are afflicted and attacked, please forgive me. Forgive me when I have not prayed on their behalf. Forgive Your people when they favor the rich and the powerful, and take advantage of the poor and the weak. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Who is the Spirit of Righteousness and Truth, and Who leads me in the ways of Your ordinances. I ask You to hear the cries of the afflicted, and send Your help to those, including the strangers, the widows, and the fatherless among us, who have fallen into evil and merciless hands. I ask these things in Jesus' name. AMEN."