Devarim 30 (Deuteronomy 30)
Devarim 30 speaks of a future time when Yisrael will be scattered among all the nations. In the future, Yisrael will bring to remembrance the words of Torah and will obey all Yehovah has said and commanded. We will repent of our rebellion. When that occurs, Yehovah will bring us back to the land and circumcise our hearts. The curses will then be on our enemies and we will increase in the land. If at that time we obey God’s voice and all that is written in Torah, we will prosper in all we do. Today, He tells us to choose life or death; to choose His ways or suffer the consequences of rebellion.
Yehovah is used 18 times in Devarim 30 in 20 verses.
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In the Future
In the Future
Devarim 30:1
1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call to mind among all the nations, whither Yehovah your Redeemer has driven you,
With only a few months away from entering the land, Moshe tells the people that they will be expelled and scattered throughout the nations. This should be a bit unnerving. They have not even entered the land and Moshe tells them they will not remain in the land. It is almost a hopeless situation. It is similar to what Yehoshua tells the Children of Yisrael in Yehoshua 24:19-20.
19 And Yehoshua said to the people, You cannot serve Yehovah. For He a holy Redeemer; He a zealous (qanno) God (el); He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20 If you forsake Yehovah, and serve strange redeemers, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He has done you good.
When they heard this, they did not despair. They told Yehoshua in Yehoshua 24:21.
21 And the people said to Yehoshua, No; but we will serve Yehovah.
They declared they would serve Yehovah and they did. They are remembered as the generation that served Yehovah.
When faced with an impending doom, one should not despair. They should do something about it. They should act now to turn the tide of future events.
The first generation that entered the land took these words serious, Shofetim 2:7.
7 And the people served Yehovah all the days of Yehoshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Yehoshua, who had seen all the great works of Yehovah, that He did for Yisrael.
Not long after this, it is recorded in Shofetim 2:10-11.
10 And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them, which knew not Yehovah, nor yet the works which He had done for Yisrael. 11 And the Children of Yisrael did evil in the sight of Yehovah and served Baalim.
It seems that it did not take long before there arose a generation that did not know Yehovah. It probably took a few generations before this happened. During that time, few had a copy of Torah. Most understood Yehovah and Torah on the basis of what was handed down from the previous generation.
Today, even though many have a copy of the entire Bible in their common language, many still depend upon what is handed down from the previous generation. After several generations of handing down, doctrine becomes offset from Scriptures. Many of us follow beliefs handed down by our parents. We depend upon those before us to enlighten us as to the meaning.
Although many of us have changed denominations, we still depend on the knowledge of others. Often that knowledge depends on a previous generations’ knowledge. Few of us have really taken the time to search out Scriptures completely on our own. Many of us would be surprised to find out, we follow doctrines that are rooted in nonbiblical sources. This is why we need to reset or realign our beliefs with the Word as often as possible. We cannot simply believe what we are told. We need to incorporate the advice of Paul, 2 Corinthians 13:5.
5 Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Yeshua Messiah is in you, except you be reprobates?
We must carefully examine what we believe and ensure we have not drifted too far from the Word. This can be more difficult than many of us imagine. However, there is no excuse for a lack of knowledge, Hoshea 4:6.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to Me. Seeing you have forgotten Torah of your Redeemer, I will also forget your children.
Here we are 3500 years later and we must ask ourselves, have we repeated the mistakes of the generations that failed to obey? Or are we the generation that returned to His voice and the written Word He handed down?
This will determine if we are the generation that will return to the land in fulness.
Whether we have returned physically is not the question. It is whether we have returned to the Spiritual Kingdom in these last days that is important.
We Left Him for Another
We Left Him for Another
Devarim 30:2
2 And shall return to Yehovah your Redeemer, and shall obey His voice according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart, and with all your soul;
When we return to Yehovah our Redeemer, it must be with all our heart and soul. We must obey His voice as in the days from the beginning. We cannot freely pick and choose what we will do. We must obey His voice and all that is written in the newness of the Spirit.
The unfortunate thing about Devarim 30:2 is that it is referring to the fathers and the children. This will not happen until the Millenium in a future resurrection if it ever happens.
Devarim 30:3
3 that then Yehovah your Redeemer will turn your captivity, and have compassion upon you, and will return and gather you from all the nations, whither Yehovah your Redeemer has scattered you.
If we return to Yehovah, He will turn our captivity. He will have compassion on us. He will gather us from where we have been scattered.
What is interesting in all this and throughout the Bible is, it is always described as us returning. It is never that God left us for another. Further, the captivity is not always referring to us in an oppressed land. There is a captivity and oppression worse than the pharaohs of Mitzrayim or even when we were in Bavel. It is the story of the prodigal son all over again. It was the prodigal son that asked in Luke 15:12.
12 And the younger of them said to father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls. And he divided to them living.
It was not long after that the trouble started for the son, Luke 15:13.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Not only did the son waste his life, it got worse for him, Luke 15:14-15.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
After we have left Yehovah, we waste a greater portion of our inheritance. Instead of returning home, we often join ourselves to the nations. We become employed in their world. We do their work thinking all along it will prosper us. When in reality, we go deeper and further away from the home we once knew. In the end, we only prosper them in their world and place ourselves in a cruel oppression. This is the condition of many of us. We are so far from our home, we do not even know what our home is. We need to come to the end of ourselves and return in full repentance.
We can only do that when we start from the beginning and search out for ourselves. We cannot return unless we know the first thing that we must do. We must find the way back to Him. But if we will begin the journey with all our heart and soul, He will show us compassion and start to gather us. But we must continue to make the journey regardless. Remember He did not leave us, we left Him. We put ourselves in captivity.
Uttermost Parts of Heaven
Uttermost Parts of Heaven
Devarim 30:4
4 If of your be driven out to the outmost of heaven, from thence will Yehovah your Redeemer gather you, and from thence will He fetch you.
This Scripture tells us just how far Yehovah is willing to go to bring us back. However, this is not simply some place on earth. It expresses a future hope for many of us. Moshe spoke of this in Devarim 18:15-19.
15 Yehovah your Redeemer will raise up to you a Prophet from the midst of you, of your brethren, like to me; to Him you shall hearken; 16 according to all that you desired of Yehovah your Redeemer in Chorev in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of Yehovah my Redeemer, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And Yehovah said to me, They have well which they have spoken. 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like to you, and will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak to them all that I shall command Him. 19 And it shall come to pass, whosoever will not hearken to My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require of him.
This is referring to the Prophet like Moshe. The one that would come in the future. The one that all would have to hearken to. It is the same one that Peter spoke of in Acts 3:19-22.
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and He shall send Yeshua Messiah, which before was preached to you. 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of Restitution of All Things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moshe truly said to the fathers, a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brethren, like to me; Him shall you hear in all things whatsoever He shall say to you.
There is coming a time in the future when all will hear the Prophet like Moshe. This is Yeshua. If one will not hearken, then Acts 3:23.
23 And it shall come to pass, every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
If one is unwilling to bow the knee, then they will be destroyed. They will cease to exist. However, many will hear Him that day. They will hear Him without all the confusion and deceit that has come upon us in the last 3500 years. Many will hear. They will finally find the rest and joy they were looking for. These will move on in repentance and reconciliation with Yehovah.
Circumcise Our Hearts
Circumcise Our Hearts
Devarim 30:5
5 And Yehovah your Redeemer will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will do you good, and multiply you above your fathers.
For those that have turned to Yehovah with all their heart and soul, Yehovah will bring them into the land.
We have to understand that what happened in 1948 was a foreshadow of the true fulfilment. Today although many are back in the land of Yisrael, the land is surrounded by enemies on all sides and there are enemies in the land. This too is the state of spiritual Yisrael. In the future, the borders will be secure and Torah will be the only law of the land. It the future, the land will be ruled by Yeshua. There will be no group of elected officials. It will be the chosen, the ones that God has placed in charge over the land. When all this happens, the land will prosper and we will multiply beyond our fathers. We will see the fulfillment of Bereishis 22:15-18.
15 And the messenger (malak) of Yehovah called to Avraham out of heaven the second, 16 And said, By Myself have I sworn, said Yehovah, for because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only. 17 That in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which upon the sea shore; and your seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 and in your seed shall all the nations of the land be blessed; because (eqev asher) you have obeyed My voice.
Devarim 30:6
6 And Yehovah your Redeemer will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love Yehovah your Redeemer with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live.
Not only will the land prosper, Yehovah will circumcise our hearts. We will no longer pursue the foolishness of the world. We will pursue Yehovah with all our heart and soul. We will desire His Torah. It is at this, time we will see the fulfillment of the New Covenant, Yirmeyahu 31:31-34.
31 Behold, the days come, says Yehovah, That I will make a new covenant with the house of Yisrael, and with the house of Yehudah. 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Mitzrayim; which My covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says Yehovah. 33 But this the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisrael; after those days, says Yehovah, I will put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Redeemer, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yehovah. For they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yehovah. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
In the New Covenant, Yehovah will put the Torah in our hearts. However, so many who claim to be His, fail to follow Torah. Is it because their hearts are not right or are they not His? In the future, when He circumcises our hearts we will all understand why.
Devarim 30 tells us that He circumcises our hearts so we will live. As we continue, it will be clear to live is to observe Torah. Something we all need to understand and pursue with all our heart and soul.
In the future, Yehovah will circumcise our hearts, but what about today?
Circumcision for Believers
Circumcision for Believers
Today, many are averse to the idea of circumcision. They base this on Galatians 5:1-2.
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Messiah has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say to you, that if you be circumcised, Messiah shall profit you nothing.
Yet Paul also tells us in Romans 3:1-2.
1 What advantage then has the Yehudim? Or what profit of circumcision? 2 Much every way. Chiefly, because that to them were committed the oracles of God.
It seems on one hand, circumcision will profit nothing. Then in Romans, circumcision profits much in everyway. So which is it?
And if circumcision profits nothing, then why did Paul circumcise Timothy in Acts 16:1-3.
1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra. And, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father a Greek. 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Yehudim which were in those quarters. For they knew all that his father was a Greek.
If it profits nothing, then there would be no reason to circumcise Timothy. However, some believe that Paul circumcised Timothy to please others. However, it was Paul that stated in Galatians 1:9-12.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any preach any other gospel to you than that you have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Messiah. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught, but by the revelation of Yeshua Messiah.
By Paul’s own admission, he did not do things to please others. Further he tells us in Romans 3:8.
8 And not, as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say, Let us do evil, that good may come? Whose judgment (krima) is just.
Paul never believed that the ends justified the means. Paul would not do something that was in contradiction to God just to please others. And neither should we. That is the worse type of hypocrite. We should never do something we do not believe in to gain advantage over another. As a matter of fact, we should never do anything to gain advantage over another.
So the question is, why in Romans 3 is circumcision profitable, yet in Galatians 5 it will profit nothing? It has to do with the simple fact that in Galatians 5 they were being compelled to be circumcised. The people were not doing it because it was put in their hearts. They were circumcising because they were being told it was required for salvation. This was not true.
Yet Paul makes statements we need to consider. Such as Galatians 5:11.
11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Paul was in favor of circumcision; however, he was not in favor of compelling an individual to be circumcised. They should be led of the Spirit. This is why Paul tells us about Titus in Galatians 2:3.
3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
Most assume that Titus was not circumcised. To believe that is to misunderstand Paul’s intent. Titus was circumcised; however, he was not compelled. Just as Timothy was not compelled either. Timothy was given a choice, either be circumcised or do not come with Paul. Both Titus and Timothy were circumcised.
Paul tells us in Galatians 6:12-14.
12 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Messiah. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Yeshua Messiah, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.
The ones Paul is referring to in Galatians were compelling others to be circumcised. We are not to compel others to do anything. It is their choice.
Let us go back to Romans to understand why circumcision profits much in every way. If we back track a little, Paul explains. Starting with Romans 2:25.
25 For circumcision verily profits, if you keep the law. But if you be a breaker of the law, your circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Paul states if one is circumcised and keeps the law, it will profit them. However, if they do not keep the law, it will be as if they were uncircumcised. Based on this, most would not get circumcised because of Galatians 5:3.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Most do not want to keep the law. Mainly because, they do not understand the intent and the spiritual power of Torah. They assume that if they are not circumcised, then they are not required to keep the law, Torah. Further they also believe that they do not have to get circumcised. They would continue with Galatians 5:4.
4 Messiah is become of no effect to you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace.
They say that as long as I am not circumcised, I do not have to keep the law. They forget the circumcision of Colossians 2:11.
11 In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Messiah.
Messiah circumcises all born-again believers, Romans 15:8.
8 Now I say that Yeshua Messiah was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises to the fathers.
If one is not circumcised into the faith, they may misunderstand salvation altogether. This is the circumcision of the Spirit. There is also a circumcision of the soul and body. For these, most follow these in sequence.
When reading Galatians, one must understand that it was not about people who were freely circumcised. These people were being compelled to be circumcised as a requirement of salvation and being accepted into the body of believers.
When one uses Galatians as a justification for not keeping the law, they are misusing Scriptures. The law will not save us, only Messiah can save us. Torah, the law, is what we do afterwards. This does matter.
Paul continues with Romans 2:26.
26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
This is a change for most. Uncircumcision refers to a non-Jewish born individual. If a non-Jewish born individual keeps the righteous requirement of the law, their uncircumcision will be counted for circumcision. This is something we all need to understand, because this is in opposition to what most believe. Paul is not encouraging circumcision, he is encouraging that we keep the righteousness of the law. This is keeping Torah in the newness of the Spirit.
It begs to ask the question, why do people think Paul is against the law, when he tells us it is better to keep the law? Possibly the few that read their Bibles do not understand Paul. And many just repeat what they hear and not the truth of the Bible.
Paul goes on to state in Romans 2:27.
27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision does transgress the law?
Those who keep the law will judge those who do not. It is not about circumcision, but one who keeps Torah will eventually get circumcised of their own free will. There is more to this than meets the physical eye.
Paul finishes up with Romans 2:28-29.
28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither circumcision, which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise not of men, but of God.
It appears the one that keeps the law will be considered a circumcised Jew. Further, their heart is circumcised. Heart circumcision comes from keeping Torah in the newness of the Spirit or righteous requirement. This is the circumcision of the soul the heart. It makes sense that those in the future whose hearts are circumcised will keep the law, Torah. This is why Paul states in Romans 3:1-2.
1 What advantage then has the Yehudim? Or what profit of circumcision? 2 Much every way. Chiefly, because that to them were committed the oracles of God.
Circumcision does profit one. However, it will not profit you, if you do it expecting to be rewarded. The one whose heart is given over to God would circumcise freely. This is what Paul is telling us. If you do not want to do the Torah, then probably your heart is not circumcised and is not given over to God. You may find out in the future, you have a stoney heart and were very deceived. This deception leads to the hardening of the heart. If your heart is hardened, then you are in a far country on your own.
It is time to open our eyes to what Paul is telling us. We need to pursue circumcision of the heart.
Curses
Curses
Devarim 30:7
7 And Yehovah your Redeemer will put all these curses upon your enemies, and on them that hate you, which persecuted you.
In the latter days, when we return to Yehovah with all our heart and soul, the curses will be on our enemies. The very ones that hated the people of Yehovah and persecuted them, Yehovah will place the curses on them. This includes the curses of Vayyiqra 26:29-32.
29 And you shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall you eat. 30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcasses upon the carcasses of your idols, and My soul shall abhor you. 31 And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries to desolation, and I will not smell the savor of your sweet odors. 32 And I will bring the land into desolation. And your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.
As we are returning to Yehovah, the places of worship of the enemies of Yisrael are falling apart. Many wonder why? They have too long scoffed at the God of Yisrael. He is returning for His people and bringing the enemies a curse. Further in Vayyiqra 26:33.
33 And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you. And your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.
This is just the beginning of the inevitable end for these people. No wonder the world is a mess today.
Return in Full Repentance
Return in Full Repentance
Devarim 30:8
8 And you shall return and obey the voice of Yehovah, and do all His commandments which I command you this day.
After God circumcises our hearts in the latter days, the people of Yehovah will do two things. They will obey the voice of Yehovah and do all His commandments.
One should not miss what is Yehovah’s desire. His desire is for us to listen to His voice and obey His commandments. When we desire to do this, He will bless us.
He is looking for our return as the father looked for the return of the prodigal son. But before the son could return, he had to fulfill Luke 15:16-17.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat and no man gave to him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
First the prodigal son had to come to the end of himself. He had to realize that without God, he was unable to prosper in the world. The best the son could do without God was barely make a living. When he came to the end of himself, he had to do the following, Luke 15:18-19.
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you, 19 and am no more worthy to be called your son, make me as one of your hired servants.
After the son comes to the end of himself, he has to repent of his stubbornness and independence. This is the very thing many of us refuse to do. We are unwilling to admit we are wrong. We may come to the end of ourselves, because we are weary. However, we hang onto many of our foolish ways. We are still trying to return without leaving the world behind.
Finally, the son had to fulfill Luke 15:20-21.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son.
After we have come to the end of ourselves and willing to admit we were wrong. When we get over our stubbornness and fierce independence. When we realize how much we need Yehovah. We must return in a state of continuous repentance and actually repent. We must turn from our life of the world and ourselves, and turn to Him. We must be completely willing to serve and serve Him. When we do this, we will see the blessings.
Devarim 30:9
9 And Yehovah your Redeemer will make you plenteous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your cattle, and in the fruit of your land, for good. For Yehovah will again rejoice over you for good, as He rejoiced over your fathers.
When we return in complete repentance, willing to serve Yehovah; He will bless us. This is when we will see the increase in the land. This is the time when the beast will return, the foreigner to strangers and strangers become a part of Yisrael. They will see that the people of Yisrael are blessed when they return. Then they too will want to join us.
Devarim 30:10
10 If you shall hearken to the voice of Yehovah your Redeemer, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the Torah, if you turn to Yehovah your Redeemer with all your heart, and with all your soul.
This will occur when we:
· Listen to the voice of Yehovah.
· Obey His commandments and statutes in Torah.
We need to do this with all our heart and soul. Just like Messiah did in Tehilla 40:8.
8 I delight to do your will, My Redeemer. Yes, Your Torah within My heart.
And as He fulfilled Yeshayahu 42:21.
21 Yehovah is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake; He will magnify Torah and make honorable.
This is what Yeshua did and it is what we need to do. When we do this, many will understand Yochanan 5:46-47.
46 For had you believed Moshe, you would have believed Me. For he wrote of Me. 47 But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe My words?
We will then understand that to understand Yeshua, we must understand Moshe. Then we will know for certain what Yeshua’s words meant when He said in Yochanan 4:22-24.
22 You worship you know not what. We know what We worship. For salvation is of the Yehudim. 23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. For the Father seeks such to worship Him. 24 God a Spirit. And they that worship Him must worship in Spirit and in Truth.
We will know that all our foolish ways only produce dead works. We must come the way of Yeshua, the way of the Yehudim. We must have our hearts circumcised. We too must be like Yeshua; we must obey His voice and perform His commandments and statutes. We must serve Him if we are to see these blessings in the latter days.
Word is Close to Us
Word is Close to Us
Devarim 30:11
11 For this commandment which I command you this day, it not hidden from you, neither it far off.
Moshe tells the people that the commandment is not hidden from them. It is in plain sight. All one has to do is listen to Yehovah’s voice and obey His commandments.
Unfortunately for many of us, it is a hidden truth. Few of us truly understand the word. Many of want someone else to do the work for us. This was true in Shemos 20:18-19.
18 And all the people saw the voice (qol), and the lightnings, and the voice (qol) of the shofar, and the mountain smoking. And when the people saw, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said to (el) Moshe, Speak you with us, and we will hear. But let not Redeemer speak with us, lest we die.
They did not want to go through the cloud. It is the same for so many today. Few want to put in the time and effort on a continual basis.
Today many claim to have a personal relationship with God, but they do not obey His voice and they do not observe His commandments. We cannot have it both ways. We cannot have a relationship with God on our own terms.
If we are to have a relationship with Him, we must do it on His terms. We must pursue Him with all our heart and soul. And we must continue in this all the time. We can never relent or else we will slip back into our old habits.
The commandments are close if we pursue on His terms and walk in His terms. He established the covenant. We can only choose to obey or rebel.
Devarim 30:12-13
12 It not in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, that we may hear it, and do it?
The commandment and Yehovah is not far from us. But we have to leave our world behind. So many will pursue after God on their terms. They travel to the end of the earth to hear someone or read books on others’ experiences. Experience that may not be true. Before we trust anyone’s experience, we must consider their obedience to Yehovah. This goes back to Devarim 13:3-4.
3 you shall not hearken to the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams. For Yehovah your Redeemer proves you, to know whether you love Yehovah your Redeemer with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after Yehovah your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him, and cleave to Him.
It is true that Yehovah wants a personal relationship with us. However, He is limited by things like Chavaqquq 1:13.
13 Of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity. Wherefore look You upon them that deal treacherously, hold You tongue when the wicked devours more righteous than he?
It is not so much that God cannot look upon evil, evil cannot stand before God. It will be burnt up. Moshe had warned the people in Shemos 20:20.
20 And Moshe said to (el) the people, Fear not. For the Redeemer come to prove you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that you sin not.
We cannot be before God if we continue to walk in our sinful ways. We must be like the prodigal son. We must leave the world and our sins behind if we are to come before Yehovah. Then and only then will we see the fulfillment of Luke 15:22-24 in our lives.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on feet. 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill; and let us eat, and be merry. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
When we return on His terms, then we will see the fulfillment. Moshe tells the people.
Devarim 30:14
14 But the word very nigh to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.
We must first draw near to Him if we are to know His word, Hebrews 10:22-23.
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of faith without wavering; for He faithful that promised;
We must come clean of our sins and walk in faith to Him. If we draw close in repentance, He will draw near to us.
Ignorance of Torah
Ignorance of Torah
Paul helps to clarify this in Romans 10:1-2.
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Yisrael is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
We will not see the blessing if we continue in the ignorance of Torah, Romans 10:3.
3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.
Over the years, we have foolishly submitted to the traditions of men and false worship. We have tried to establish a righteousness outside of Torah, Romans 10:4.
4 For Messiah the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes.
Many think that they can establish their own righteousness outside of Torah and this will bring them to Messiah. They believe that if they love Him on their terms, it is sufficient. That is a false belief taught by those who would have you remain far from Messiah. Paul tells us in Romans 10:5.
5 For Moshe describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them.
The righteousness of the law, Torah, is what draws us near to Messiah. If we do Torah, we will live in Torah. Obeying Torah brings blessing and draws us close to God. Therefore, everyone should want to live in Torah. Living in the law, Torah, means we draw close to walking with Messiah, Galatians 3:24.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to Messiah, that we might be justified by faith.
As such, if you find yourself far from Messiah; then probably you are far from obedience to Torah. If you want to return to Messiah, it must be done through Torah and obeying His voice.
There is no other way to return to Yehovah except through His Torah. Our ignorance has only increased the sin and rebellion that is before us. It is all coming back to us, Romans 10:6-8.
6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? That is, to bring Messiah down. 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? That is, to bring up Messiah again from the dead. 8 But what says it? The word is nigh you, in your mouth, and in your heart. That is, the word of faith, which we preach;
The word is before us. It is present in all we do. We are the ones that have walked in a way far from Him. The way to Him and to walk with Him is in the righteous requirement of Torah, Romans 8:4.
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
This is the way to Him and the path we should travel throughout our walk, Romans 10:9-10.
9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Yeshua, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. 10 For with the heart man believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.
We must believe in the righteousness of Yehovah if we are to be saved. When we act on that righteousness our hearts are circumcised and we obey His voice and His commandments. This is what we are called to do. We must return in full repentance. It is right before us. All we need to do is face Him and stop hiding behind our sins. We must come clean and walk His ways.
If we love Him, we should obey His commandments, 1 Yochanan 5:2-3.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not grievous.
It is time to return to the Shepherd of our soul through His righteousness, Torah.
Life and Death
Life and Death
Devarim 30:15
15 See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil;
It is important that we pay very close attention to what is being stated. Moshe is telling us that we chose our own blessings or curses in this lifetime. We can choose between life and good or death and evil.
Of course most would choose life and good. It would be foolish to choose death and evil. However, when we look out in the world, it sure seems as if most chose death and evil. Most peoples’ lives are filled with more evil than good; therefore, they chose death. Whether it is conscious or not, they chose evil. In the future, many will have the opportunity to choose good, but will they?
Devarim 30:16
16 In that I command you this day to love Yehovah your Redeemer, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply. And Yehovah your Redeemer shall bless you in the land whither you go to possess it.
To choose life, we must do the following:
· Love Yehovah our Redeemer.
· Walk in His ways.
· Keep His commandments, statutes and judgments.
If we do the things listed above, this is what will happen:
· We will live and multiply.
· Yehovah your Redeemer shall bless us in the land.
The question we all need to answer is, when we look out in the world have most believers and followers of God received blessings?
Devarim 30:17-18
17 But if your heart turn away, so that you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other redeemers, and serve them; 18 I denounce to you this day, that you shall surely perish, you shall not prolong days upon the land, whither you pass over Yarden to go to possess it.
We can always choose not to:
· Love Yehovah our Redeemer.
· Walk in His ways.
· Keep His commandments, statutes and judgments.
We can choose to:
· Turn our heart away from Him.
· Stop listening to His voice.
· Be drawn away to other redeemers or gods and serve them.
If we do this, we will not prolong our days. We will perish.
Now if you are thinking that this only applied to those that crossed the Yarden, then you are missing the whole point of Scriptures. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:11-12.
11 Now all these things happened to them for examples. And they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Most neglect the Hebrew Scriptures and many neglect His voice. That is a big mistake. No wonder the vast majority of Christians are suffering in the world today and have for almost 1900 years. Many of us failed to learn the lessons of the past. The word is close to us, but we have to listen and obey persistently.
Devarim 30:19-20
19 I call heaven and land to record this day against you, I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live. 20 That you may love Yehovah your Redeemer, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cleave to Him. For He your life, and the length of your days. That you may dwell in the land which Yehovah swore to your fathers, to Avraham, to Yitzchaq, and to Yaaqov, to give them.
It is our choice. It has been recorded throughout creation. Yehovah has given us a simple choice. We either choose life or we choose death. So far it seems that the vast majority have chosen death. For many of us, things do not go well for us. We suffer more that we are filled with joy and peace.
If you want things to go well, make the simple choice to cleave to Yehovah. Just as we are to cleave to our wife in Bereishis 2:24.
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife and they shall be one flesh.
Just as Rut did in Rut 1:14.
14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave to her.
We have to hold tight to Yehovah with all our heart and our soul. We must do this in the face of a world that scoffs at Yehovah’s voice and His commandments. We are to pursue Him with all our heart and soul. We are to keep sight of His movements at all times. If we do these things, then we can honestly say we have chosen life regardless of the outcome.
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