Roots of Faith

These are some of my notes for the Torah portion this week.  

This week’s Torah lesson begins with a story about Moses sending out leaders from every tribe (except Levi) to explore the land of Canaan.  They are often referred to as “spies”, but the Hebrew word “tur” literally means to seek out or explore.  Their purpose is to bring back information - specific information requested by Moses and so in a way, they are to “spy out” the land.
 
Chapter 13:4-15 gives the names of these leaders.
 
Two of these leaders (interestingly enough…one from Judah and one from Ephraim) bring back a good report while the others give an “unfavorable report” (see 14:32). They are to search out and report on the following:
 
1. What is the land like?
2. Are the people weak or strong?
3. Are they few or many?
4. Is the land good or bad?
5. Are the towns walled or not?
6. Are there trees or not?
 
And finally they are told to “be bold” and bring back some of the fruit of the land (13:17-20).
 
The reconnaissance mission takes them 40 days.  Caleb, the leader representing the tribe of Judah and Hoshea, the leader representing the tribe of Ephraim (whose name is changed by Moses to Yehoshua - 14:16) bring back the good report.
 
There is a lot of clamor in the camp as the “spies” relate what they saw.  Caleb quiets the people before Moses and tries to encourage the people to take possession, but again this week we find the people complaining and even desiring death or a return to Egypt rather than the prospect of pushing onward into the land of promise.
 
I find that the allure of what one knows can be very distracting to people in the quest. The unknown is not the popular choice for most, and slavery can be difficult to shake off. People can grow comfortable in the most uncomfortable situations.
 
The valiant two give the people their best arguments to move ahead.  They tell the Israelites that the LORD is with them and warn the people not to “rebel against the LORD”, but this only brought them threats of stoning (14:5-10)!
 
God is angered by the poor choice of the people and wants to destroy them, disinherit them and start over with Moses (14:11-12).  Moses intercedes for the people reminding God of His very nature. Notice what he says -
 
“Let the power of the LORD be great in the way that you promised when you spoke, saying: The LORD is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (hesed), forgiving iniquity and transgressing, but by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children to the third and the fourth generation.” This becomes a repeated description of God throughout the Bible (see Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 86:15, 103:8, 145:8, Joel 2:13, and Jonah 4:2). One should study these words closely.
 
God listens to the voice of Moses and agrees to forgive (14:20) but then says something quite remarkable. He swears that “the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD”. We read elsewhere of this global mission. I understand this to mean that the taking of the land was to be the beginning of something incredible. Israel’s mission would be manifested from this promised land. From there they would become a Light unto the nations! Here we read that the “glory of the LORD” would fill the earth. Notice the following passages from the prophets:
 
KJV Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
 
KJV Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
 
This is the goal and meaning of history - it is the manifestation of God’s Kingdom on earth.
 
God is persuaded by the intercession of Moses, but the penalty of unfaithfulness will be paid in full.  These leaders had “spied out the land for forty days” and brought back a bad report and so they would now bear their iniquity - a year for every day! They would learn God’s displeasure and would die in the wilderness. Ironically, this is what they had requested (14:2).
 
Chapter 15 describes various offerings that were to be offered when they did finally cross into the land. In 15:14-16, we read that the alien who resides with Israel shall do as the Israelites do. They are to have and keep the same ordinances as every natural Israelite. See also verse 29 for the same idea dealing with “atonement”.
 
The torah reading ends with a passage requiring the wearing of “fringes - tzittzit” on the corners of their garments(15:37-41). See also Deuteronomy 22:12.
 
This Torah reading offers some insights into what is expected of those who find themselves in a leadership role among the people of God. Our faith in God must be strong. Even when things look ominous, we must keep our eyes on God and not allow circumstances or situations to influence our walk with God, or keep us from fulfilling His commands.
 
We should seek to intercede for the people of God. Moses learned to reason with God based upon “knowing” his character. This week’s lesson contains an excellent description of God’s character. We should learn it by heart!
 
We also learn that God gives us challenges that He will help us through. These may seem impossible, but they often put us in a place to be a light to those around us. Have faith and be bold. Stand on God’s word and you cannot fail.
 
A valuable lesson is communicated in this Torah portion that is often overlooked. Forgiveness does not free us from the consequences of our sins. We must often bear our iniquity - and this sometimes takes years to play its course.
 
I hope that you will take the time to read and study this Torah portion. There is much to be gleaned and I have only scratched the surface. Shalom and good reading!
 
Ross K. Nichols
www.RootsofFaith.org

I wanted to post some of my notes this week related to my personal study of the weekly parsha called Be-Ha’alotcha (translated, “When you put up”). It has some key points and some of the most interesting - though seemingly unconnected stories.

It begins with instructions for the “putting up” of the menorah, and speaks of the “purification of the Levites”, who according to the literal reading of the Hebrew (8:16) are “given, yes given” to YHWH.

There is allowance made for a “make up” Passover for those that were on a journey or impure when the Pesach of the first month was kept.

In Chapter 9, we read an interesting point that “there will be one statute for you (pl) and for the stranger and for the citizen of the land”. I love this idea. There are many out there that place artificial distinctions between Israel and humanity. It is my opinion that all of the world will be instructed into the “Way of YHWH”. Indeed this is the reason for Israel serving as a nation of Priests, being given a charge to be a light to the nations, etc. One only has to read Isaiah chapters 2 and 56 (for example) to see that this is the goal for humanity.

Chapter 9:15-23 we read of the cloud and how it guided the travels of the Israelites. I had not noticed it in previous readings of this text, but the movement of the cloud and the reaction to this move by the people following, are closely associated with their obedience to the “word of YHWH” (mouth might be a better rendering).

Chapter 10 deals with the reasons for the sounding of the trumpets and the order of travel for the tribes.

Chapter 11 switches gears on us. Here we meet with much complaining by the people. They long to return to Egypt. I guess this had me thinking. Often, I meet people who have left their “spiritual Egypt”, but for one reason or another they begin to crave the things that they had there. The provision of God begins to lose its flavor and they want to return. These complaints are “bad in the ears of YHWH” and His anger is flared - and subsequently we read that it was bad in Moses’ eyes. The people still direct their complaints to the man Moses and not to God. In this week’s lesson we see that despite Moses’ humility - he is becoming a bit tired. The people lash out at Moses and he unloads on God. He feels that he is carrying the burden alone and asks God to kill him if things continue as they are. I think that it is interesting to note that God does not react…or should I say over-react to Moses when he makes this comment. In fact, he seemingly ignores his drama altogether and just resolves the issues at hand. Often, I think we take comments of others and over-react causing more problems rather than setting forth solutions. This can be a lesson to us all. God does not chide Moses for his exaggerated remark, He merely sets things straight. Read it and see how God “fixes” the problem!

In verse 20 we find that God informs Moses what he should relate to the complainers. If they want what they had in Egypt, then that is what they shall get. Not just a taste of what they had, but enough that it will run out of their noses! It should be noted that this is a result of their “rejecting YHWH”. This is very similar to the later demand for a King like the nations. Often, I find that God fulfills the request of His people, even when they are in rebellion. He allows them what they ask for in order that they will realize what they have done and return to His ways. Be careful what you ask for!

This Torah reading also contains some interesting points on the imparting of the Spirit. Chapter 11:1-18, and 24-25 reveal the solution to Moses carrying the whole burden alone. God takes some of the Spirit that is upon Moses and shares it with the “70″. They prophesy as an indication that the Spirit is on them, but then it says that they did not do so again (v.25). One is reminded of the story in 1 Samuel 10. Of particular note is what is recorded in 1 Samuel 10:6 - When the spirit comes upon you…you will become a different man! How true is this? When people claim to be spirit filled and continue to practice their ungodly behavior, one has to wonder if their claims are true. When Moses is informed that some are in the camp prophesying and that he should make them stop - he says that he wished all YHWH’s people were prophets. This is important. Too often leaders want to be in charge and have others in servitude to themselves. Not so with Moses! Yeshua said that this is the way Gentiles think. Many churches are full of this in their pastor adoration! We should all learn from this. An interesting play on words that shows up in the Hebrew comes next. Moses has just asked the YHWH “put his Spirit on” the people so that they could all be prophets. In the very next verse, the “Ruach” does indeed travel to the people, but translated as “wind”, the Ruach from YHWH brings the quail that the people craved! Be careful what you ask for!

In Chapter 12, we find Aaron and Miriam complaining against Moses. This is a remarkable story! God calls them into account for their challenge against Moses. He would later ask them, “Why did you not fear to speak against my servant Moses?!” We should learn from this that one should be very cautious when speaking words against the meekest man on all the earth. God spoke to him, mouth to mouth and he saw the “form of YHWH”! For her part in this, Miriam is afflicted. I find it very instructive to read the prayer that Moses offers on her behalf. I have been in prayer meetings with many over the years where people petition God with many words. Yeshua talks of this repetitious prayer practice. Do we think that we must go on and on for God to hear us and answer? Moses says 5 Hebrew words and God acts. “God, please heal her please.” We should learn from this. So this is my summary of the Torah reading for this week. Study it and learn from it.

The festival of Shavuoth has just passed. I pray that like the ancient Israelites, we receive the Torah afresh. Put these words in your heart. Be humble, seek God and keep your prayers simple. Plead with God on behalf of others - even when they do wrong to you. Moses wished that all of God’s people were prophets and that He would put his spirit on all of them. I pray that as well.

 Have a great week. Shalom, Ross

I pray that this note finds all of you in good health and searching for the good way among the Ancient Paths where you will find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16).
 
I am writing this letter in an attempt to communicate some important things going on with me at this time. I feel that it will resonate with what some of you may be going through as well.
 
Many of you know that I am employed as a manager in the paper industry. I was recently promoted to a position of increased responsibility within the organization. This is how I support my family and so the demands of this job are not a variable over which I have any control at this time. I am blessed that the job is Monday through Friday and so I am off on the Sabbath. This has allowed me to work my job and fulfill my role as a congregational “leader” / Bible Teacher with Roots of Faith. My job at the paper mill requires that I work extremely long hours. For the past couple of years I have managed to work these hours and to prepare and deliver a weekly lesson every Saturday morning from the “Synagogue without Walls”.
 
Working 60+ hours per week, being on call, preparing a weekly lesson, delivering the lesson, editing the recording and posting the class as a podcast and answering emails from many wonderful people who are searching for the truth requires a good deal of time. Life is complex and I realize that I am not alone in my dealing with the “cares of this world“, and so this is not meant to be a pity party. In fact I can do all of the above and still find time to sleep. The problem is that I have neglected a very important part of ministry - my own family!
 
Many of you are aware that I am blessed with a beautiful family. My wife Bridget and I have been married for nearly 22 years. February 14th is our wedding anniversary. We first dated in the 10th grade. I spotted her at her locker one day while sitting in Geometry class - I never was good at math anyway. Something inside whispered to me that she was the girl for me. We dated for some time….she broke up with me at some point and then she came back to her senses and I won her back in our senior year. We have been together ever since. We now have 6 wonderful children. Our two oldest children (a son and a daughter - Ty and Callie) are in college. Our oldest son Ty is married to a wonderful Godly woman (Kathryn) and they have a son, our first grandchild, Asher. The third (another daughter - Emily) graduates from High School this year. Our three younger children are 14, 10 and 6 - all boys (Zachariah, Seth and Tobias).
 
I often get letters from people asking me what they should do with their children in regards to adopting a Torah based lifestyle. They are asking me for direction and advice. I have to admit that while studying and learning for the past two decades I have done very little to teach my own family of these things. In a busy family such as mine, my wife has taken on the incredible task of raising our children while I poured over the books.
 
Of late I have been praying about direction for Roots of Faith and recently while preparing a lesson for my weekly webcast on Saturday morning the words of Genesis 18:19 jumped off the page at me in a very strong way. The very purpose that God chose Abraham was so that he would command his children and his house after him that they observe the way of Yehovah - to do virtue and justice! Here it was staring me in the face. The plan of God is that we teach our children to observe the Way of Yehovah. Every morning and evening for the past year I recited the words of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21 and Numbers 15:37-41). In both of the passages from Deuteronomy there is a statement that we should teach these things to our children. It finally sunk in. The very roots of Abrahamic Faith are to pass these teachings along to our children. I have taught people over the internet that I have never met. My classes have reached those in other states and even other countries, but I have not invested the same amount of time and energy into my own family.

I have been doing some soul searching of late and it has caused me to reevaluate my priorities. This is why I am writing this letter. I feel a need to inform all of you of the decisions that are the result of my evaluation.
 
In a nut shell, I need to re-direct until I can bring things back into a proper balance.
 
So what does this mean for you and for what we have begun at Roots of Faith. I insist and desire that things continue along the path that we have begun. My friends and “extended family” at Roots of Faith will continue to meet every Sabbath in the synagogue. Remember that Acts 15:21 says that Moses of old hath THEM that preach him every Sabbath in the synagogue. I have stressed to my group that this is not, nor should it ever become the Ross Nichols Show. Yes, I love to teach and will do so again, but have to prioritize things. The Roots of Faith family is full of mature and seeking souls that desire to study to show themselves approved unto God. This is an excellent opportunity for some of the natural leaders to step forward. I would ask that those of you who have been part of the synagogue without walls to continue to log in and listen every Saturday morning at 10:30 Central and even join in the dialogue that the group has made a part of what this is all about. It remains on track with the vision that I feel God gave me early on. To my knowledge there is no place that allows people to openly participate in the ancient art of dialogue. I have not abandoned them or any of you. I will be in close communication with my local group often. They have all become my closest friends in the world and we now love and respect each other deeply.
 
As for me, I will seek to restore some balance in my home life. I want to take a deep breath, sweep my wife off her feet again (she probably wants me to begin in the kitchen with the broom), re-connect with my family and in the process I know in my heart that the movement will be advanced in many ways. By living the Torah way and walking it with my family I will establish a model (with God’s help) that I can then share with all who care to learn. I am to make this my new focus. The Roots of our Faith are tied closely with families following the Way of Yehovah!
 
I will continue to think globally but must make things right in my own tent first. I hope to find time to send out study notes on the weekly lessons, participate more in the Dialogue list, and even make some audio and video teachings from time to time.
 
I hope and pray that you all understand my reasons for pulling back for a while. By allowing me this time, I will be able to be part of what God is calling this generation to do. The last verses of Malachi are most instructive in this regard. We are told to remember the Torah of Moses, and informed that Elijah will return before the coming great and terrible day of Yehovah to turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to the fathers. The result of not uniting the heart of fathers with sons brings a curse. I seek to re-unite my heart with the hearts of my wife and children - as well as the rest of my family.
 
Thanks to all of you for your continued support of what is going on in the synagogue without walls. Please continue to support this ministry. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, I will be posting some video teachings from our archives of past teachings on the new Bible teaching network (www.Arba4.com). I have a video up now and we are currently working on editing enough video for the next several weeks. If you have not checked this site out, I encourage you to do so. I also have some upcoming speaking engagements that I will be telling you about as the time approaches.
 
I pray that balance and harmony become a focal point for all of us. The results have the potential to change the world - one family at a time. I will teach my children to pray and show them what a good and Godly family man looks like.
 
Much shalom and many blessings - from my study, Ross Nichols

Shalom to all!

This week I have been flooded with insights while preparing my lesson. I simply can’t wait until this Saturday morning’s class. We are living in exciting times. This week, while leaders from all over the world convened in Annapolis, Maryland to discuss among other things, the future of Jerusalem, I have been busy studying what God’s word has to say about it.

You shouldn’t be surprised to find out that there is a great difference between what various political leaders have in mind and what God sets forth in the Bible through His prophets.

You may however be surprised to learn that the ancient Triennial cycle reading from the Law and the Prophets to be read this Saturday, speaks directly about this subject.

In this week’s Torah reading (Genesis 12 and 13) as well as the Prophets reading (Joshua 24) we read very clearly that God gave the land of Israel to Abram and his seed, specifically through Isaac and Jacob.

In my estimation, the return of the Jewish people to the land promised to the patriarchs in our day, is a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. This return of Israel to the “promised land” is perhaps the most prominent theme in the Hebrew Prophets, mentioned in over 40 major sections of the texts. As I have pointed out before, God’s restoration of Israel to the promised land is the one thing that He will do with “all His heart and all His soul” - Jeremiah 32:41.

One should take note that God calls this small and highly contested land - “my land” in Joel 3:2.  Jews, Christians and Moslems all lay claim to it in all or in part, but this week’s class will make clear that the “title / deed” was promised by God to a single family - Israel!

It is commonly referred to today as the “Holy Land”. (See Zechariah 2:13 for the one time in the Bible where this name is used to refer to “the Land” of Israel).

In my studies this week I found one passage to be most incredible. Popular translations don’t do justice to this passage and so I have translated it myself in order to render it more closely to the original Hebrew. It may seem awkward in English, but this literal rendering is much better I think. In Deuteronomy 11:12 we find that this land is;

“a land which the LORD your God searches her continually: the eyes of the LORD are on her, from the beginning of the year and until the end of the year.”

Think about that! Can you imagine God searching this land continually throughout the year with His eyes? The image I get is of a guard looking up and down this strip of land from a strategic viewpoint!

Don’t think for one minute that this subject is not of extreme importance for a proper understanding of the Biblical revelation. I only wish that I could get this message to those world leaders, participating in the current “peace talks” who claim this Hebraic heritage as their own. Surely at some point, sitting in church or synagogue, they have heard this message in some form. I would especially like to call their attention to what the prophet Joel had to say about the subject that they now consider.

In the third chapter of Joel we read:

KJV Joel 3:1 For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

The word translated here as “parted” is the Hebrew word chalaq. It means to divide or apportion! That the very judgment of all nations is brought about because the nations “scattered Israel” and “Parted MY land” is reason to give pause when considering what is going on “in the news”.

There will be a handout of maps for this Saturday’s class. I will have copies for those that attend, and will have a link to a pdf of the document on the main page of my website by Saturday morning so that those listening in can see this land as viewed from heaven. I would also encourage you to look at the maps in your Bible this week. Most good study Bibles have maps. The best maps, in my opinion, are those published by Oxford.

You will not want to miss this week’s class - The Holy Land - God’s gift to Israel

Here is a map according to the boundaries defined by God in Genesis 15!