The annual cycle Torah portion reading this week is parsha “Shoftim” (Deuteronomy 16:18 through 21:9) and it begins with exactly what the Hebrew word means: appointment of “judges.” Unlike what we’ve gotten used to now that “lawlessness abounds,” however, they are to judge “righteously.” Thus, in accord with His Instruction, which is what “torah” means.
And as the Erev Shabbat reading says shortly thereafter, “justice, JUSTICE you shall pursue.” What a concept. “Quaint,” even — by woke standards (or lack thereof.)
This is also the portion where the prophecy of a ‘Prophet Like Unto Moses’ — quoted thereafter by followers of the Real Messiah — is promised. Interestingly, only a little bit of study should show that if some claimant “did away with the Law” – that doesn’t fit. For reasons that SHOULD be clear, once our eyes are open.
But there’s much more – as you no doubt expect.
And as Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa points out (again) – the fact that so much of what He says is now not only unrighteously “politically-correct,” but is even said to be, by much of “xtianity,” somehow now ‘done away with’ speaks volumes. But, even more clearly, it’s “tightly integrated.” It all fits together — Divinely, even. And to “add to,” or “subtract from” it exposes that Big Lie.
Which is almost certainly why He was so adamant, and consistent, about keeping ALL of it.
And there’s no shortage of irony in here, too. A real, anointed ‘king’ was told to “write out a copy” of ‘this torah’ in his own hand, and to study it, read from it, keep it, and DO it, “all the days of his life.” So he would remember Who is the real Master. And unlike the “no kings” proponents today, who lust for a two-tiered system of injustice, where the real godlike elite are ‘above the law’ that applies to all the rest — even a king was to ‘fear YHVH.’ What a concept.
But there’s more. No doubt also “done away with,” some would claim. Because “innocent blood” is a major theme. No wonder so many hate THAT part. But perhaps even more so, the command to “put away the Evil from among you!”
Instead, it’s been welcomed in, and is taking over.
“Shoftim: Judges – Justice, Justice – and FAKES; One True Messiah – podcast xxxx”
Service information:
Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked.
Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central)
Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday).
email: mark@markniwot.com
The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.