Parasha With Passion – Torah Reading Cycle – Week #16
Greetings Beloveds,
In this week’s Torah portion, the children of Israel departed Egypt, witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, drank sweet water at Marah, was served manna from heaven, and fought the Amalekites. What a power packed Torah reading!
In Parashat Beshalach, we read of the children of Israel’s first encounter with the Amalekites after they crossed the Red Sea. According to biblical accounts, Israel’s most notorious arch nemeses were the Amalekites. Our Torah reading recounts that Joshua fought against the Amalekites, under the direction of Moses. The Amalekites were not destroyed in this battle, however, at the end of this war Moses reminded Israel that the Lord would one day blot out the memory of the Amalekites from under the heavens (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).
I enjoy reading the stories of the Tanakh. These stories put my battles into perspective. The children of Israel often defeated one enemy just to encounter another. The physical warfare Israel experienced is much like the spiritual warfare we experience today. However, I am encouraged by these stories. The children of Israel were victorious in battle, withstood their enemies, overcame obstacles, and were triumphant in warfare.
Likewise, as children of God, God has given us the victory over the enemy’s assignments against us. Wherever God is at work, satanic forces are as well. The powers of darkness seek to sabotage and destroy God’s plans and purposes for His children. Yet, greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). We can be confident and courageous. All of heaven is on our side!
Remain Unshakable
The partial government shutdown has caused an unsettling time in our nation. However, as children of God, I believe that we have entered our FINEST HOUR. Beloveds, this is not the hour for hopelessness. This is not the hour for passivity. This is not the hour for prayerlessness.
In this week’s Torah portion, (Exodus 13:17-18) states that God did not lead Israel along the road of the Philistines because the people might see war and want to return to Egypt. Many become discouraged during times of crisis. However, to be battle ready is the mentality of the kingdom of God.
In the Torah, over a period of time, God brought His children into the land of promise. Yet, Israel had to fight to possess it – fight to keep it – fight to maintain it – and fight to preserve it! The children of Israel faced constant resistance from the enemy – yet they overcame!
We are end-time saints! We must be valiant in intercession! We must contend at the level that the Spirit of God demands! In these latter days, everything that can be shaken, will be shaken, so that those things that are eternal shall remain in us (Hebrews 12:27). Let us keep our eyes on Yeshua! God loves valiant men and women who are excited about Him – Amen!
Psalms 144:1
“Blessed be Adonai my Rock— who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
Weekly/Daily Scripture Reading
Torah: Exodus 13:17 – 17:16
Haftarah: Judges 4:4 – 5:31
Shlichim: John 6:25-35; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
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