This week the regular annual cycle followed another double-parsha, but Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa wanted to spend more time on Matot, and instead decided to combine the last parsha of Numbers/Bemidbar into this week, where the “stages” seem to fit better with Moshe’s “introduction” besides. So, Masei (Numbers 33 through the end of the Book) and Devarim (chapters 1 through 3) are this week.
And it’s also a great combination from which to explore some of the ‘stages’ we see today.
First, the Erev Shabbat overview and reading:
The theme of ‘stages,’ shared by both of the readings, is where the midrash begins.
And this one by necessity examines some of the Big Lies Revealed in recent headlines. YHVH, in Amos 3:7 says that He “surely does nothing, unless He first reveals His secrets to His servants, the prophets.” And were also told, through the witness of three separate gospels, that there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed.
And not only are so many things hidden, and lied about, being revealed, but we are rapidly getting to the point where it will be hard to argue that His warnings aren’t UNDENIABLE.
And then what?
There came a point during the first set of plagues where people began to see what was happening, and listen. This week, there’s a strong case to be made that, “It’s time!”
Double parsha Masei/Devarim: It’s Time!
The combined full two-part teaching is here, via Hebrew Nation Radio.
