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בס”ד

Parashat Vaetchanan

It is very sad that people who claim to be followers of Messiah cannot accept the teachings of Scripture and prefer to follow after the thoughts of man. More and more I hear believers speak about a two state solution to the tension / conflict in the Middle East. One needs to know that there are many problems in the Middle East and the conflict between the Israelis and the “Palestinians” is just one of them. People act like that because Jewish people are returning to the land and settling in the exact places that prophecy demands (see Isaiah 54:1-3) that this is a problem. True believers should see this as a blessing and a sign that Messiah’s return is near.

In our Torah portion this week we read, “When HaShem your G-d will bring you to the Land to which you come to inherit it, and many nations will be thrust away from before you-…” Deut. 7:1. As it was 3,500 years ago so too now. The solution is simple, the Bible is speaking about a transfer. That is, any person(s) who do not want to live in a Jewish state should sell their property and leave. The Middle East has many other nations, so why should the small state of Israel be forced to divide its already small nation into two? In this passage we find that it is wrong to enter into an agreement with any nation about this, but simply act on the authority of the Word of G-d: “… you shall not enter into a covenant with them…” Deut. 7:2

I realize that this sounds most radical to the majority of people in the world, sadly also to most believers, but time will prove this to be the right action. Daniel chapter 9 warns that a covenant will be made that will bring about Israel’s worst suffering. This is the outcome when G-d’s people act as politicians rather than His servants. What I like about this section from Deuteronomy 7 is that although the nations that were displaced were stronger than Israel—Israel  prevailed! Why? Because G-d blesses the people who keep His word.

I shared this view with an observant Jew recently and He disagreed with me. He said that some actions were fine long ago, but not now. I asked him if he had a daughter and he responded yes. I said would you permit her to marry a man who was not Jewish. He loudly responded absolutely not. He even said that his daughter must marry a Jewish man who took Judaism very seriously like he did. Then I asked him why he felt this way. He said the Torah taught this view. I asked him where. He wasn’t sure.  I then read from Deuteronomy 7:3, “You shall not intermarry with them (foreign people); nor shall you give your daughter to his son, and you shall not take his daughter for you son…” Deut. 7:3. He said yes that is the place, is not the Torah clear enough in regard to this teaching? I responded yes, just as clear as it is concerning its teaching concerning the land in the two previous verses that you say are outdated.

I understand that non-believers will not have an opinion based upon the word of G-d, but it saddens me that more and more believers are seeing the Land of Israel and the issues related to it from a worldly perspective rather than from the inerrant Word of G-d.
Shabbat Shalom.

בס”ד

Parashat Devarim

This week we begin the fifth of the five books of Moses, the book of Deuteronomy. In many ways this book is a repetition of Israel’s history in the wilderness. Sometimes one must understand his past to move forward and that is the purpose of this book: Israel must understand its past in order to move forward and take possession of the Land that G-d has given to them. Due to the lack of faith and obedience, only Joshua, the new leader of the people and Caleb were allowed to enter into the Land. In speaking of Caleb, Moses said, “…because he followed HaShem wholeheartedly” Deuteronomy 1:36.  This phrase is somewhat different in the Hebrew, it reads literally, “…because he fulfilled after the L-rd.” I realize that this does not really make sense in English, but let’s look at it more closely.

The entire verse (see Deut. 1:36) makes reference to the Land upon which Caleb walked. Rashi says this is a reference to Hebron (see Numbers 13:22). Caleb had been to Hebron when he spied out the Land with Joshua and the ten other spies. Hebron was the burial place of the Avraham, Yitzhaq, and Yaacov. These men were known for their faith. True faith is not just knowing G-d’s will but desiring to fulfill it. This is what Caleb wanted to do. This phrase (”…because he fulfilled after the L-rd.”) makes reference to the fact that Caleb fulfilled G-d’s will because he desired to pursue after the L-rd. That is the key point. People who are pleasing to G-d are those individuals who want to fulfill G-d’s will not because of the desire to be successful, but because they know it will bring the closer to G-d.

What motivates you to serve G-d? For some it is what they can do before other people. They see service to G-d as a way to lift themselves up before the people around them. Others seek to serve G-d because of a position or role they will assume. This gives them a sense of purpose or belonging. There are many other reasons why people dedicate their lives to G-dly purposes, but if the purpose is not to draw close to the living G-d and experience His love, then you have missed what spirituality is all about. It is an ongoing personal experience with G-d that will cause an individual to be transformed into a vessel which G-d will used to bring Him honor.

This Shabbat examine yourself and ask why are you doing the things you are? What or better yet who are you pursuing? If it is not Yeshua the Messiah then you are not the type of person that G-d desires. There is good news however! G-d allows one to turn from sin and embrace Him. He even helps us do just this. Every person needs to take a self inventory now and then. More than likely now is the time. David prayed this very same thing in Psalm 139. Why not pray this psalm and begin the journey back to a right and growing relationship with the G-d of Israel. I will be making that same journey. Shabbat Shalom.

בס”ד
Parashat Masei

The Apostle Paul writes to the congregation in Rome, “For the gifts and calling of
G-d are irrevocable” Rom.11:29. Therefore when G-d gives the Land of Israel to the descendants of Jacob, then this promise is valid even today. In this week’s Torah portion HaShem says to Moses in the plains of Moab, by the Jordan at Jericho,

“…when you cross the Jordan to the Land of Canaan you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the Land before you; you shall destroy all their places of worship and graven images and you shall destroy all their high places. You shall possess the Land and you shall inhabit it, for to you have I given the Land to possess it!
Numbers 33:50-53

The word of G-d is very clear in regard to this issue; the Land of Israel is G-d’s gift to the Jewish people. So why is it that so many people who say they believe the Bible is the word of G-d, are in favor of dividing the Land up between two nations? The answer is simple, their anti-Semitism out weighs their commitment to the Holy Scriptures. People need to realize that topics such as abortion, homosexual rights, and Israel are not political in nature; they are Scriptural issues to which the Bible speaks  in a most clear manner. Politicians have taken hold of them in order to do the work of the enemy.

Recently I was listening to an individual speak about the “plight” of the “Palestinian” people. Whenever one uses this phrase he is referring to the suffering of those in Judea and Samaria who are not Jewish. There is a subtle inference that the cause of these people suffering is the Israel government and the Jewish people. Two important points that need to be stated: why does not the media speak of the suffering of Jewish people in these same areas who suffer at the hands of terrorists? Who have to live in communities with heavy security, whose children have to travel to school in bullet proof buses with a military escort? While their “Palestinian” counterparts live in communities without any security whatsoever. Whose children can play without any fear of their Jewish neighbors harming them?

I am not ignorant or unsympathic of the suffering of these individuals, but one should attach blame to those who are guilty. It is not the Jewish people, but the “Palestinian” leadership that use the hundreds of millions dollars that both Israel and the world gives to assist the “Palestinian people” to buy weapons and line their own pockets. Can anyone forget the fact that Yasir Arafat had an estimated Billion dollars in foreign bank accounts when he died.

G-d loves all people in the same manner. Non-Jewish people are free to continue to live in Judea and Samaria, in Haifa and Yafo, and in the Galilee and the Negev only if they recognize Israel’s right to exist and obey the same laws that every Jew has to obey. If not, would it not be better for them to be driven from the land? Why is it that the settlers (8,000) who lived in Gaza were forced to leave their homes as well as those who live in Samaria (4,000) were physically removed from their homes? Why anti-Semitism! It is unfortunately alive and growing. I applaud those in the Church who stand with Israel I just wish the number was larger.

It also bothers me when they talk about the so called refugee camps of the “Palestinians”.  First of all, one needs to remember that in 1967 Israel was attacked by its neighbors. Jordan joined in the war even though Israel had done nothing to justify their involvement in the war. Israel took control Judea and Samaria so that it could maintain its security; otherwise Israel would have a border just north of Tel Aviv to almost Haifa of 6-10 miles in width. The quality of life for all in Judea and Samaria has deteriorated greatly in the last 15 years. Why? Because administration of much of this area has been given to the Palestinian Authority.

If one continues to ignore the facts and blame the Jewish people, if one continues to deny the Jewish people their rights to the Land and lobby for a “Palestinian” state, and if one thinks that this state will bring peace to the region; then such a person rejects the teaching of the word of G-d and holds positions that are rooted in a unwarranted dislike for G-d’s chosen people.

בס”ד
Parashat Mattot
In this week’s Torah portion we learn a lesson about Kashrut. Kashrut is the laws concerning keeping the dietary laws. Not only what you eat is relevant, but also the vessels that you use to cook the food and serve the food. Many people believe that the Biblical instructions concerning what one may eat and what is forbidden have been repelled. Many offer Acts chapter 10 as the proof text for such a view. Proper exegesis of this passage demonstrates that such a use of the text is unwarranted.

Those who subscribe to such an interpretation make some very basic mistakes in regard to the methods of proper Biblical interpretation. First of all one must ask, what is the conclusion of the passage? The answer is that Peter was being commissioned to take the message of salvation to the gentiles. The general thinking during this time is that Jews should have no dealing with gentiles, because the gentiles worship many gods and practice idolatry.

The second error that is made concerns the vision that Peter had. First most translators fail to notice an aid which the text gives the reader to help him interpret the passage in a proper manner. When Peter saw the vision the text says,

“And he (Peter) saw the heavens opened and a certain vessel descending unto him, a great cloth, being lowered by its four corners, coming down to earth.” Acts 10:11

I have checked many of the most popular commentaries and found none to have grasped the significance of the phase “four corners”. The great sheet or cloth that is being lowered down from heaven is actually a Talit—prayer shawl. Another name for the prayer shawl is Arba Kanfot. Torah instructs one that he must place a certain type of tassel on the four corners of his garment. These tassel are made in a manner which is to remind one of the commandments of G-d (see Numbers 15:37-41). Hence it is most odd that in a passage where the context calls one’s attention to the commandments of G-d that the conclusion would be a repelling of some of the commandments. Second is that, upon the cloth that reminds one of the commandments, is birds, creatures that creep, and all kinds of other animals. Once again the commentators are quick to say that these animals are unclean. However there is nothing from the text that should lead one to such a conclusion.

The most significant verse is the thirteenth. It reads,

“And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

The commentators never talk about the word “kill” and its significance to the text. The standard view is that Peter refuses to eat because he has never eaten anything unclean which must mean that the animals are all unclean and G-d is commanding him to eat; so now it must mean that one can eat unclean animals. However this interpretation ignores the word “kill”. One must remember that it is not just type of animal one eats which determines if it is Kosher or not, but also how the animal was killed. Because there are special laws in how to slaughter an animal, one may not kill animal unless he has been ordained to do so.

Peter was not referring to the status of the animals when he said, “no L-rd, for I have never eaten anything unclean”. There is absolutely nothing in the text to support these animals were unclean. The text says for example that all kinds of birds were on the cloth and many birds are Kosher. It is clear from the text that the emphasis is on the word “kill”.

Peter had not been ordained to kill an animal and did not know the proper way to do so and therefore any animal he would kill, even one who was permissible would be unclean. Within the text G-d ordains Peter to go to the gentiles and not to eat unclean animals. For one now to derive from this passage a repelling of the dietary laws is exegetically flawed.

In the Torah passage (see Numbers 31:21-24) one learns a lesson not in regard to the animals which may be eaten, but the way that vessels must be prepared if they are going to be used in food preparation or in the serving of food. HaShem informs Moses that certain types of vessels must be passed through fire (heated until white hot) and then water must be sprinkled upon these vessels, while other vessels only need to be immersed in water.

These laws reflect to issues: one a removal of the influence of non-kosher food in the vessels and two the removal of the spiritual impurity.

Kashrut is a most complicated area of study, and one of its basic principles is that these laws are related to spiritual issues and not physical. That means that kosher laws are for the soul and not the body. Hence if one keeps kosher because of health issues, then such a person has totally misunderstood the premise of Kashrut.

בס”ד

Parashat Pinchas

In this week’s Torah portion Moses demonstrates one of the characteristics of spirituality. The natural man is focused on self and sees everything in terms of how something affects him; while the spiritually minded man is able to see beyond himself and places the needs of others before him. Moses had endured a great deal of criticism and rebellion as the leader of the children of Israel. In the forty years of his leadership he had not failed too often. However we all remember when he failed to sanctify the name of G-d at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin (Numbers 20:1-13). Because of this sin, G-d told Moses he would not lead the people into the Land of Israel. As the people traveled on they came to the Mountain of Abarim from there one could see the Land of Israel in a clear manner. Therefore HaShem said to Moses,

“Go up to this mountain of Abarim and see the Land that I have given to the Children of Israel. You shall see it and you shall be gathered unto your people…because you rebelled against My word in the Wilderness of Zin…” Numbers 27:12-14

When Moses heard the second time that he would not enter into the Land he then asked G-d to appoint a new leader who would successfully lead the people (see Num. 27:16-17). Notice how Moses did not think about himself, but immediately considered the people’s condition without a leader. Are you able to put the needs of others before yourself? Loving your neighbor demands just that. Most people struggle with this, but being a proper leader demands this. Many people seek out leadership positions because of self interest and not the interest of the group for which they are responsible.

Yeshua gave a wonderful example of a leader in John 10.  In this passage He spoke about the Good Shepherd, who is willing to lay down his life for the sake of the sheep that were entrusted to him (see verse 11). Are you prepared to place the wellbeing of others before yourself; even if it means you losing your life? This is exactly what the apostles did in order to be faithful to their calling. Most of the first century leaders lost their lives, many in a horrific manner. Such a commitment is rare today, but there are those who serve in such a way. What causes one to be able to become this type of leader? Love; a love rooted in a proper understanding of the extent G-d was willing to go in order to redeem them from the consequences of their sin.

Why not ask G-d to show you where you are spiritually? Have you matured to the point where you are able to place others before yourself? A good test for determining this is to ask yourself how you feel when other people succeed. If you can truly rejoice in the good things that happen to other people then you are on the right track. However, if the success of others makes you feel unhappy about yourself and causes a sense of feeling inferior, then you are not ready for leadership.

Moses’ replacement was Joshua. It is most telling that these two men were very close friends. Moses did not think Joshua failing in his role would make him seem a better leader than him. Such a thought never entered his mind. Rather Moses only thought about one thing: assist Joshua as much as he could, because the wellbeing of the people Moses loved, the Children of Israel, depended on Joshua’s being a success. In conclusion ask yourself what type of leader you would be?

בס”ד

Parashat Balak

In this week’s Torah portion we meet a gentile prophet named Balaam. Even though G-d gave him visions of truth and knowledge about His plans and purposes, Balaam did not respond to the L-rd in a faithful manner. This shows that one can have great insight into the Scriptures but still fail G-d if one does not submit to what G-d reveals to him. In this lesson we are not going to focus on Balaam’s rebellion of leading Israel into idolatry at Baal Peor (see Rev. 2:14 and Ex. 24:25-25:3), but the prophecy that Balaam received concerning Messiah.

Numbers 24:16 informs us that Balaam saw a vision of G-d,

“Says the one who hears the sayings of G-d and knows the knowledge of the Most High G-d, who sees a vision of Shaddai (the G-d Who is all sufficient) while falling (into a trance), but with eyes uncovered.”

It is clear from this verse that Balaam is seeing a vision of the One True G-d. Yet all scholars agree the actual prophecy is of Messiah. This point underscores the point that Messiah is G-d Who visited His people in bodily form to redeem us personally. The context of this prophecy is G-d defeating the enemies of Israel. The prophecy says,

“I see him (Messiah), but not now; I will behold him, but not soon- A star has went out of Jacob a scepter-bearer has risen from Israel…” Num. 24:17

This passage reveals that one of the signs of Messiah’s coming is a star. This is why the wise men who were from the east (Babylon) knew that when they saw a star over Israel that Messiah had come,

“At the time that Yeshua was born in Bethlehem of Judah in the days of Herod the king sages came to Jerusalem from the east. They asked: ‘Where is the King of the Jews which was born? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him’.” Matthew 2:1-2

It is important to note that these wise men were Jewish scholars who observed the lights in the sky not for astrological purposes rooted in the occult, but to maintain the Biblical calendar. Remember that G-d said,

“…there will be lights in the heavens to distinguish between the day and the night and they shall be for signs, and appointed times, and days, and years.” Gen. 1:14

When these Jewish scholars saw a new light in the sky they immediately associated it with Balaam’s prophecy. This light resembled a star, but was not literally a star or a comet as some have said. Rather it was a miraculous event that G-d caused to take place. Careful study of the related text shows that the “star” led the sages to Israel and then disappeared for a time and then reappeared and led them to Bethlehem. A literal star or comet could not do this. It is important that one understand that G-d put the light in the sky and directed it in such a manner for the sages to find the Messiah. The uniqueness of this event shows that man cannot be redeemed by the natural; rather only by the supernatural grace which comes through the incarnation. Light in the Scriptures is often understood as illumination. Although one does not today have a star to lead them to the truth of the Messiah, there is the illumination of Holy Scripture that will accomplish the same results if one allows G-d to speak to him through the power of His word.

בס”ד

Parashat Chukat

Success and prosperity is something we all want. The problem is when one does not understand what true success and prosperity are. Success is when one does not allow the enemy to become the focus of one’s life with all of his distractions. When one remains committed to the things of G-d and despite problems, hardships, and suffering one continues to worship G-d—then he will be successful. It is vital that one realize that all the attacks of the enemy are aimed at one objective: to stop you from worshipping the L-rd. Regardless of what happens each day, if you continue to praise the L-rd—you are successful. Prosperity is of course related to success, but is somewhat different. Prosperity is when you have all the resources you need to carry out the will of G-d. Prosperity is not something you achieve, but something you receive from G-d, often times by means of other individuals.

In this week’s Torah portion Israel was attacked by the King of Arad. Arad was a fortified city and its king ruled over a large army. The text tells us that a captive was taken by the enemy (Num. 21:1). It was only after Israel suffered a loss that they turned to G-d for assistance. Israel made a vow to HaShem. The vow revealed that Israel wanted to receive nothing from the L-rd’s help other than to fulfill His will for them. There is a special word used in the text in verses 2-3 that means to offer up everything completely to HaShem.

People who are true servants of G-d do not seek something in return for their faithfulness, simply completing the task and pleasing HaShem is enough of a reward. When one serves to get something in return, then the enemy is able to cause one to lose focus on the assignment and chase after the reward. When this happens the enemy is able to manipulate the person into doing his will instead of HaShem’s will. But when one is willing to dedicate everything to the L-rd, then HaShem hears our prayers and blesses our efforts and provides the victory,

“The L-rd heard the voice of Israel, and He delivered the Canaanite, and He destroyed them and their cities. And He called the name of the place khormah.”
Num. 21:3

Careful reading of this verse reveals that it was G-d who did the work and fought the enemy. This is an important point. It reveals that if one continues to serve G-d and worship Him then G-d Himself will deal with the enemy. Therefore we need not be concerned with the power, resources, or actions of the enemy; if we remain faithful to the task that G-d has given us, He will defeat the enemy for us regardless of how strong he is.

Stay focused on what G-d has called you to do. Remember it is your worship of
G-d that Satan is attacking. Continue to praise Him and let the Savior deal with the enemy.  The words of Psalm 91 are most appropriate,

“A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; it shall not come near to you. Only with your eyes shall you behold, and see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the L-RD who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation. There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near to your tent.”

Shabbat Shalom!

בס”ד

Parashat Korach

In this week’s Torah portion we find the verse, “Separate yourselves from amid the congregation, and I will destroy them in a moment.” Numbers 16:21 ‘’

The Bible says that G-d is slow to anger, but eventually His judgment does come. It is important that you and I do not casually associate with those individuals that behave in a manner that brings G-d’s wrath. Moses and Aaron were the leaders of the Children of Israel and had to set the example of whom it was permissible to be around. Due to the rebellion of a few there ran the risk that the whole camp could be contaminated. When G-d instructed Moses and Aaron to move away from Korach’s congregation it was a message to all of Israel to choose whom they would follow.

Throughout one’s life we will be put in situations where we will have to decide in what direction we will go. Be assured that there are serious consequences to the direction we take. With G-d there is guilt by association! Therefore you and I need to prayerfully consider who we are associating with and what type of influence these people have in our life spiritually? It is much easier for others to bring us down than we to lift others up. If Moses and Aaron did not move away from Korach and his 250 followers their rebellious spirit could have gone throughout the entire assembly of the Children of Israel. Therefore when we make a stand not to walk in the ways of the world and those who rebel against G-dly principles we send a strong message to others to give serious thoughts to their behavior.

People are watching you. If they see you do things and associate with things that are against G-d, they will use your improper behavior to justify their sinful actions. It is important that G-d’s people send a strong message that we are called to live a life based upon the principles of the kingdom of G-d and not what is normal behavior for this world. If we fail to do this, then we can play a role in others encountering the judgment of G-d.

Separate yourself quickly from those ungodly influences, because the wrath of G-d will come upon this world.

Shabbat Shalom.

בס”ד

Parashat Sh’lach L’cha

This week’s Torah portion teaches that if one does not walk in faith on a daily basis then at the key moments of one’s life when faith is needed in a big way, this person will fail.  Scholars will tell you that the most significant event of Jewish history was the exodus from Egypt. However I would like to say that the exodus was only the preparation for the main event, which is taking possession of the Land of Israel. In the same way, the death of Messiah is of course of great significance, but it was His resurrection that established our salvation.

HaShem tells Moses that because the people continue to provoke Him and not demonstrate faith, despite all the signs He has performed in their midst, He will destroy them (see Num. 14:11-12). What purpose then would the exodus have accomplished if Israel came out of Egypt only to die on the way? Yes it is the entrance into the Land and taking possession of it that was Israel’s calling. To this end Israel, because of a lack of faith, was totally unprepared to fulfill G-d’s will. In a similar manner G-d has some key things that He wants you to accomplish; however, without faith it is impossible to do them.

Moses sent twelve spies to scout the Land and confirm that it was a good land as G-d had promised. All twelve spies agreed that the Land was good, a land flowing with milk and honey; but ten of them said that they could not take possession of it. Why did the ten feel this way? They looked to the obstacles before them and sized them up in light of their own abilities. Only Joshua and Caleb understood that successfully doing the will of G-d depends upon the L-rd and not upon man alone. Joshua said that failing to accomplish G-d’s purposes amounts to rebellion against Him (see Num. 14:9). He also pointed out that since G-d was with them there was no need to fear. The people lacked faith in G-d and therefore refused to enter the Land.

It is most interesting that in this Torah reading that immediately after this section dealing with the spies and the national failure that G-d spoke to Moses about the biblical commandment of Challah. This commandment instructs the people of G-d to remove a portion of the dough when making bread and set it aside for the priests (see Num. 15:17-21). What is the connection between this commandment and the incident with the spies? The commandment of the Challah reminds Israel each day (bread was made each day of the week except for Shabbat) to live in faith. In a very real way the priests in each community reminded the people of G-d’s presence with them and their responsibilities to Him. Therefore the commandment to give them a portion of the bread caused the people to remember their obligations to G-d each and every day.

It is when you and I walk with G-d on a daily basis in the small things that we will be preparing ourselves to act in faithfulness when the big things present themselves before us. This is why Messiah Yeshua said, “If one is not faithful in the small things, how will he be faithful in greater things?”

Shabbat Shalom

בס”ד
Parashat Beha’alotcha

On the festival of Shavuot we read the Ten Commandments. I would like to suggest in this week’s Torah portion we find the Eleventh commandment- Thou Shall Not Complain! In the book of Numbers and chapter 11 the children of Israel began to complain before the L-rd. G-d heard their complaints and the text says that it was evil to Him and His anger flared up and He sent fire from heaven and the edge of the camp was consumed. Complaining never contributes something positive to a situation. It simply makes a bad situation worse. Complaining is never the result of the Holy Spirit, but is always rooted in the flesh of man.

In this chapter the people complained because they were tired of the Manna which
G-d provided and they wanted meat. The people remembered all the tasty food they ate while in Egypt and wanted it now in the wilderness. Most commentators understand that the food they longed for was really a desire for their previous life back in Egypt. Simply stated, they longed for the sinful lifestyle they had in Egypt. Do you ever long for the sins that you committed prior to coming to faith? Do you sometimes feel that it was easier just to live in the world and not give any thought to the will and expectations of G-d? If so, then this is a sign that you are not experiencing G-d.

Walking with the L-rd is never boring nor is it overshadowed by sin. Walking with Messiah brings joy even in the face of persecution. When you and I long for sin, it is because we want something to fill the void in our life. The void is caused by neglecting G-d and His will. It is very easy for believers to slip away from experiencing G-d. It is important that this event in Numbers 11 took place immediately after the people departed from Mt. Sinai. There they had a mountain top experience with the living G-d. Now they were expected to experience Him in a day to day manner as they began walking with Him. They failed right away.

The same is true for you and me. G-d is wonderful in those rare mountain top experiences, but true spirituality is when we can experience joy and contentment from Him on a daily basis as we carry out the mundane things of life. Just like any other relationship, it takes work! Walking with G-d and experiencing Him is dependent upon one serving Him. Once a believer moves away from His word and commandments he is really moving away from G-d. A void is created and soon, very soon this person will begin to try to fill this emptiness with sin. When one moves away from the spiritual he will begin to long more and more for the carnal things of life.

Satan is very deceptive. Many of these carnal things are not evil in and of themselves. The problem is that one begins to place upon them a significance beyond that which is appropriate. One begins to often distort their use and soon they become an area which begins to consume their thoughts and attention. In other words Satan begins to use the fleshly desires to control our thoughts and behavior.

Why does G-d respond to the children of Israel’s cry for meat in such a harsh manner?

“G-d’s wrath flared and fire of the L-rd burned against them and consumed (the people) at the edge of the camp.” Numbers 11:1

In order to show that sin has a very destructive influence in our life. Remember, complaining is never motivated by G-d. It is rooted in the cravings of the flesh. It will injure not just the one who complains or the one who hears, but it will affect the whole camp. Guard your tongues, for they can bring much suffering to those around you—G-d is listening to your speech!

Shabbat Shalom.