Sweetness of the Scroll Recap #2

Here is the second recap for Sweetness of the Scroll.  These are simply thoughts and insights from the weekly Torah portions.  We will continue Sweetness of the Scroll on social podcast media, Spreaker. 

Vayera (And he appeared): Genesis 18:1-22:24

Drop: It is important to have a “tent of meeting” or miskan (tabernacle/sanctuary) to host the Presence of God.

The first verse of this Torah portion (parashat) speaks of the LORD appearing to Abraham in his tent.  In Jewish tradition, Abram is honored for his hospitality demonstrated during this divine encounter.  In the previous chapter of Genesis, you read how Abraham and his whole house had ratified their covenant with Yahweh through circumcision as he was instructed. Abraham may not have even been fully physically healed when “the three men” visited him.  Abraham was in his tent when the LORD appeared. Through scripture we know that the Father has always wanted to have fellowship with man.  First in the garden and now He appears to Abraham and they have fellowship- a “tent of meeting”.  Later, after Israel sinned against the LORD with the golden calf, Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp and he met with God in a tent. (Exodus 33:7).  This became the tabernacle of meeting for Israel. (Exodus 33:7,8).  There the LORD spoke to Moses face to face.

Recently, the movie War Room, emphasized the importance of a consecrated place to meet with God in prayer.  After reading this parashat this truth was established in me in a different way.  Under the new and better covenant we are the tabernacles of the Spirit of God.  We are now the “miskan” and yet I still believe that a place to meet with God is relevant. Most of my time with the Lord is spent in my bedroom, since I don’t have extra space for a war room.  However, since then I have taken a small area of my bedroom (which is a nice size) and set it apart like my own personal tent of meeting. In Jewish tradition, the prayer shawl, or tallit is to serve this same purpose.  We are now the temple of the Living God and as we take time to spend time, consecrated time in a consecrated place I chose to believe that we become His habitation. We will host His Presence in a tangible way. Amen and so be it.

Chayei Sarah (The Life of Sarah): Genesis 23:1-25:18

Drop: We are sent ones, apostles, just like Eliezer sent out by our Lord. Shaliach=sent one (apostle)

My perspective about our gifts from the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit is changing.  Religious circles have taught that these gifts are for the few not the many.  Scripture says it is the traditions of men that make the word of God of no effect.  In this Torah portion is the story of Eliezer, Abraham’s servant finding a wife for Isaac.  Eliezer is sent out as a representative of Abraham’s house, and is given authority to act on Abraham’s behalf.  The Hebrew word used in this account is translated as apostle or sent one. Anyone sent out with authority and a mission is an apostle like the disciples.  Jesus commissioned the disciples and in turn they acted as apostles in their world.  It makes me wonder where would the church be today if believers accepted the original definition of apostle and not the traditional teachings of the past.  Apostles and those being sent out did not stop with the twelve disciples…

The gifts and callings of God are without repentance.  They are not for the elite among us. They are given by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in accordance with His will, yet they are for whosoever will. That means to the one that believes! 

Toldot (Generations): Genesis 25:19-28:9

Drop: Digging Wells... Finding Living Water for the Generations

In this Torah portion, Isaac has an encounter with the LORD after redigging the wells of his Father Abraham.  There are several accounts in Isaac’s life recounted here that remind us of his father, Abraham.  There was a famine, a relocation, a lie and a king name Abimelech.  I think this speaks to how one generation affects another generation either positively or negatively.  However, after Isaac experiences the conflict over the wells and had to keep digging one well after another, then the LORD appeared.  Just when he could have gotten discouraged, the LORD confirmed His promise.  The Father knows when we need to hear from Him.  So after finding and redigging his father’s well and discovering his own well it was as if Isaac established the generational blessing for those coming after him.  He worshipped the LORD at the place where he received his promise.  He pitched a tent. He dug a well.  When we overcome obstacles in our lives through the power of the promise of God, we secure living water for the generations that come after.  We discover the living water by standing in faith against opposing forcing trusting in the One who promised.   Then we can begin to experience the blessing that comes to the generation who chooses to believe and to obey.  Isaac was blessed because he obeyed when the Lord said don’t go down to Egypt. He sowed and received a hundred fold return. He kept digging despite the opposition and loss, then he received, because he waited for the LORD to work on his behalf. His testimony according to King Abimelech…” We have certainly seen the LORD is with you”. 

Vayetze (He went out): Genesis 28:10- 32:2

Drop: Dream Sleep…sleep and dream

In this Torah portion is Jacob’s dream of the ladder to heaven.  Jacob falls asleep and dreams.  Here is dream sleep again! Genesis 28:12 reads, “Then he dreamed, and behold a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven…”  This scripture is referenced often when teaching on prophetic or spiritual encounters.  Remember that Jesus has made a way for us through his own blood on the cross and we have access to the heavenly places.  Now that may seem a little far fetched for some, but I would consider that this is Jacob who is under the old covenant and actually has a few character flaws and he receives a covenant promise through his dream.  The prophet Joel speaks about the outpouring of the Spirit and how dreams and visions will increase.  Don't you want to exercise your faith for more dreams and visions? I do!  If you haven’t been paying attention to your dreams, maybe you should start.  If you haven’t been resting well, rebuke the enemy and press into deep sleep and rest. Let's agree with the Word and believe the Spirit wants to give more dreams and visions to God’s people.  Sweet dreams!

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