16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go hrough the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s  sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. (Mat 19:16-30 KJV)  

The Unrighteous Shall Not Inherit the Kingdom  

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1Co 6:9-11 KJV)

Workers of Lawlessness

Depart From Me Ye Workers of Lawlessness  22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (anomia–lawlessness). (Mat 7:22-23 KJV)

The Saints Keep Yah’s Commandments  

12 Here is the patience (the hupomone–the endurance) of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12 KJV) .

  Is Torah-Keeping Necessary For Salvation? Leviticus 19:1-20:27  

• 19:2–YHVH required us to be holy as He is holy–and then He proceeds to inform us how we are to walk out that holiness. Holiness has to do in large part with our relationships: how we relate to YHVH and how we relate to one another. The other aspect of holiness that we should be aware of (that which is actually capitalized upon by Christians) is imputed holiness and righteousness unto us by YHVH. These mitzvot are as important as keeping the Sabbaths, the food laws and the Feasts of YHVH. These tap into the purity aspects of our Faith and as we all know, purity is so uber important to YHVH. So important is the purity of Yah’s people that in violations of most of the associated mitzvot, the violators are either condemned to death at the hands of the people of the nation or by the ultimate hands of Father. These are moral, holiness laws that most of us ignore for whatever reason. Are you guilty of violating any of these mitzvot? (Love for YHVH)

• Verse 3–We are to “reverence” (yare–fear) our parents and keep (shamar–guard) His sabbaths. Messianic teacher Tim Hegg points out that when we teach our children to love and respect and obey us (i.e., reverence)  as parents: to submit to our authority over them; the child learns the principle of submitting to the authority of YHVH in their lives–not doing their own pleasure on the Sabbath, but that of their Heavenly Father. We now live in a society where our children have not be taught to honor and reverence and love us as their parents. Therefore they go out into society–into public, and have no understanding whatsoever that they are supposed to submit to the authority of YHVH or reverence the Creator of the Universe. That’s why its so easy for today’s youth to desecrate churches and dishonor people of Faith and their ways. They’ve not received proper education in the ways of Torah. The churches of Babylon abandoned Yah’s Torah roughly 2,000-years ago. So there’s no longer any understanding of the critical importance associated with loving and reverencing YHVH in all we do (i.e., in every aspect of our lives), nor is there any importance given or passed down to our children on the importance of loving one another as we love ourselves. “The relationship of love between each other (in this case between child and parent) advances us in our abilities to love YHVH.”

• Verse 4–-We are not to “turn after” (OKE) or “turn to” idols nor are we to cast metal gods for ourselves.

• Verses 5-8-We are to offer our peace offerings in the proper and acceptable way, in accordance to the ways Father outlined to us earlier (ref. Lev. 7:16, 17). Violating the instructions for properly dispensing this offering is viewed by YHVH as an abomination and the consequences is that the offender is to be cut off from His people. Such offerings are viewed by YHVH as “holy” and when they are improperly handled by us, we are profaning that holy thing and Father does not take this profanation of His holy things lightly (ref. 22:15; Num. 18:32).

• Verses 9-10–We are to not to harvest all of the produce of our land, but leave the portion the remains for the poor and for the sojourner/foreigner/stranger/alien/immigrant (ref. Deu. 24:19-21; Lev. 19:9; 23:22; Exo. 23:11). It was always Yah’s intent that foreigners and those less fortunate than most in society, be accepted as part of the larger community. They were not to be ignored or made to feel less than the rest of society.

• Verse 11–Depending on the English translation you read, there appears to be some noticeable variations to the rendering of this verse: All translations are consistent with YHVH prohibiting stealing; but when it comes to “dealing falsely or lying to one another” (KJV), the CJB calls out defrauding and lying to one another; the LEE calls out denying another their property that happens to be in our hands and lying to one another;  the LXX calls out bearing false witness as an informer against one’s neighbor; the NAB calls out deceiving or speaking falsely to one another; the NJB calls out dealing deceitfully or fraudulently with one another; the NLT calls out cheating one another. And the rest of the translations all pretty much fall within one of these listed renderings. It would thus appear reasonable to conclude that what Father was trying to convey to us was that we must be transparent and righteous in our dealings with one another: both in our personal and business lives (ref. Exo. 20:15; Lev. 6:2; Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9). 

• Verse 12–We are not to profane the Name of our Elohim by falsely swearing (Heb. of “shaba”–declaring or making an oath) by His Name (ref. Exo. 20:7; Lev. 6:3; Mat. 5:33; Jas. 5:12).

• Verse 13–This is another one of those verses that depending on which English translation you’re using may have a different meaning: the KJV says that we are not to defraud nor rob our neighbor nor are we to hold back wages from a hireling; the ESV, CEB, NET, NAU and RSV tells us not to oppress nor rob one another; the LEE tells us not to withhold anything that belongs to our neighbor nor rob him; the LXX instructs us not to injure our neighbor neither to rob him; the NAB and NJB  tell us not to exploit our neighbor nor commit robbery; the NKJV instructs us not to cheat nor rob our neighbor while the NLT and NRS commands us not to defraud our neighbor; the OKE tells us not to overbear nor coerce our neighbor. And just as in verse 11, the rest of the translations falls somewhere within these select translations. Bottom line: Father demands that we treat one another fairly and not take or keep that which doesn’t belong to us either by hook or crook (Ref. Deu. 24:14, 15; Mal. 3:5; Mar. 10:19; Mat. 20:8; Jam. 5:4).

• Verse 14–We are not to curse/revile/insult those who are deaf nor put an obstacle in the path of those who are blind among us. Instead, we must learn to fear (Heb.–Yare–reverence) our Elohim, YHVH (ref. Deu. 27:18; 1 Pet. 2:17). For if we learn to treat the least of us in the community with respect and reverence who we see each day, proper reverence and treatment of the Most High who we cannot see will come all the more naturally to us.

• Verse 15—If we are called to participate in legal matters, we are not to render unjust judgment, nor are we to favor the poor or the rich. Instead, we are to judge justly (righteously; fairly) our neighbor (ref. Deu. 1:17; 16:19; Exo. 23:6; Lev. 19:35; Pro. 24:23).  No society can survive for long when deceit is allowed to reign as a norm. All members of Yah’s Torah-based society were subject equally to the regulations and statutes contained in Torah, regardless one’s station in life (cf. Mar. 12:25-37; Luk. 14:13, 14; Joh. 13:16).

• Verse 16–We are not to participate in the slandering of our neighbor, nor are we to stand against our neighbor on trumped up, false charges that endanger his or her life (ref. Mat. 26:60, 61; 27:4; Exo. 23:1, 7). 

• Verse 17—We are not to harbor hatred within us for something that our neighbor may have done to upset us. To avoid incurring sin because of the matter, we must frankly reason (ESV) with our neighbor and in so doing, put the matter to as swift and end as possible (ref. Mat. 18:15; Luk. 17:3; 1 Joh. 2:9-11; 3:15). 

• Verse 18—We are not to seek revenge against nor harbor grudges against members of our nation/our Faith; our congregation. We are instead to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (ref. Mar. 12:31; Mat. 22:39; Luk. 10:27; Mat. 5:39, 43, 44).

• Verse 19–Two part mitzvah: (1) We are to keep YHVH’s statutes/rules/regulations; and (2) we are not to mix or intermingle animal breeds (cross-breeding animals), plants (planting mixed seeds); nor fabrics (woolen with linen) (ref. Deu. 22:9-11). 

• Verse 20-22–A man who engages in sexual relations with a bondslave woman (i.e., she has no freedom of her own) who is betrothed to another man, an inquiry is to be conducted and non-lethal punishment rendered. The offender must bring a trespass offering before YHVH and the ministering priest shall make atonement for his trespass.  The breaking of the betrothal is a breaking of the oath that Yah is an active participant in (since a betrothal involves Yah as witness). Thus this would be an offense against Yah’s holiness. A guilt offering was therefore required. 

• Verses 23-25–When we will have taken possession of the Land and have planted fruit trees and the trees begin to bear fruit, we are to not eat of that fruit for 3-years. In the 4th year, the fruit of those trees will be considered holy unto YHVH. They must be offered unto YHVH. But in the 5th year, we could begin eating of the fruit. This would ensure the trees productivity. 

• Verse 26–-We are not to consume anything with blood nor are we to practice divination or fortune-telling (the KJV calls this observing times–“‘anan”). 

• Verse 27––We are not to cut our hair (the text describes it as cutting off our hair at the temple area) nor mar the edges of our beards. Obviously this is a prohibition against attempting to style men’s head and facial hair in like manner to that of the pagan nations who did so in observance and worship to their gods. Today, we see all types of hair and bear styling that is designed to fit the zeitgeist, which I contend to be nothing but straight-up paganism. Goatees continue to be in vogue as is balding our hair or cutting patterns into our hair. These things defy the natural order by which Father put forth in the world and He demands we conform to the order that He established (Lev. 21:5; Deu. 14:1). 

• Verse 28–Similar to verse 27, Father prohibits us from cutting our bodies in memory of the dead, which today is manifested by body piercings and body studs and such. Such things have paganistic origin and are forbidden. Same goes with tattoos. Although it is chic or popular to get a tattoo among both the young and middle aged of our society and culture, it is nonetheless forbidden. Sadly, even so-called Christians fall into the trap of getting tattoos with whatever Christian symbol they fancy, thinking by their doing so, they bring honor and glory to Yah. That of course could be nothing further from the Truth. These in fact dishonor Yah by defying Father’s natural order. Furthermore, tattoos and body piercings are a form of worship whereby the offender turns their worship to the created order (i.e., their bodies) and Abba does not in anyway condone such heinous behavior (Lev. 21:5; Deu. 14:1). 

• Verse 29–-We are not to prostitute our daughters. Interestingly, this prohibition would seem directed to parents who would seize upon a disgusting opportunity to either capitalize upon their daughter’s bodies. But I believe Father is commanding us to see this thing from a much broader sense. It seems Father is saying that we are not to tolerate prostitution in our society whatsoever. In other words, we are to raise our daughters in such a way that they learn respect for themselves and we as parents honor them for the precious gifts they are to us and to the world. It’s so easy to see this mitzvah as focusing on those rare instances where sick parents prostitute out their children for money. And as abominable as that is (and it certainly applies to this mitzvah as well), this mitzvah goes even further by instructing us to not put our daughters in such a position in life such that they dishonor their bodies nor bring shame to the Land upon which Father has blessed us to reside. (Training and exposure to worldly zeitgeist leads to prostituting our daughters because they are being trained to follow the ways of the world and dishonor themselves and YHVH in their deportment and dress. For prostitution brings utter shame to a land/region/city/etc (Deu. 23:17, 18; cf. 1 Cor. 6:15). 

• Verse 30–We are to keep Abba’s Sabbath(s) and treat Yah’s Holy Place with reverence and respect (Lev. 19:3; 26:2; Mat. 21:13; Joh. 2:16). Sabbath appears to be plural in this verse strongly suggesting that we are to keep Abba’s weekly Sabbath as well as all of His other established holy days of rest and convocation. 

• Verse 31–We are not to consult so-called spiritual-mediums nor diviners or sorcerers. Doing so leads to our defilement (reference last week’s post entitled, “Torah’s Forbidden Sexual Relationships”) . So against such persons who practices these things was Father that in these succeeding passages He required their executions (Lev. 20:6, 27; Exo. 22:18; Deu. 18:11). Again, syncretism is not to be tolerated whatsoever. 

• Verse 32–We are to give respect to the elderly directly and in public. The passage specifically tells us to rise up in their presence. We certainly don’t see such a thing today in our society. I’ve taken public transportation on a number of occasions and have witnessed young people not give up their seats on the crowded vehicle to the elderly. We’ve witnessed how the elderly are mistreated and in many cases injured by the young simply because we’ve failed in teaching our children this simple but powerful mitzvah. And Father ends this verse simply by stating you are to fear your Elohim, I am YHVH. (Treat elderly folks as if they were your biological father, and you will naturally have greater respect for your Heavenly Father.)

• Verses 33-34–We are not to mistreat strangers that sojourn among us. We are instead to treat strangers/sojourners as if they are native born, remembering that we were once strangers and sojourners in Mitzrayim (Exo. 22:21; 23:9; Deu. 10:18, 19; 24:14-17).  Indeed, the foreigner or sojourner element here in Torah was a clear foreshadowing of the gathering of the nations unto YHVH through the New Covenant. (Extends over into our fellowships and congregations: treating visitors with respect and honor.)

• Verse 35-36-We are to be honest and righteous in our use of measurements, weights and capacities: in our personal lives and in our business. Father tells us to use just balances, weights and measuring tools (Lev. 19:15; Deu. 25:13-15). Not so much a problem today since computers have taken over much of our calculations. But the spirit of what this is saying is that we must be righteous in how we conduct our affairs at all times. 

• Verse 37–-We are to keep (i.e., “shamar;” guard; heed) all YHVH’s statutes and ordinances and actually do them–walk them out–live them (“‘asah;” accomplish them).

• Chapter 20-–We now enter into the chapter where Abba tells us the penalties for violating the mitzvot mentioned in the previous 2-chapters. And in more cases than not, the offenses equate to either the execution of the offender at the hands of the community members, or the cutting off of the offender by YHVH. 

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In Ephesians 4:17-24, Shaul instructs the Ephesians to now longer walk as the pagan nations do. They are oblivious of their situation as they are dark of understanding and heart. They are by default alienated from Yah. They have no feeling or thought as to the wrong that constitutes their lives. They are essentially slaves to their immoral deeds and they seek out more and more ways to sully themselves–to bring about even greater impurity. As disciples of Yeshua, Shaul reminds, they are no longer of such ways. It would seem that Shaul had some knowledge that maybe some of the Ephesians were practicing varying degrees of syncretism because he adds a little tag line of: “assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in Him, as the truth is in Yeshua.” And then Shaul further reminds them that they are to put off their former corrupt ways and be renewed in the spirit of their minds. To put on a new self that images YHVH in true righteousness and holiness.

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The point Abba is trying to convey to us is Justice is just as important as compassion. In fact, justice demands compassion from the people of YHVH. Without compassion, Torah becomes a whip in the hand of the self-righteous. And Abba never intended this. For Father intends for His set-apart people who keep His Torah to be equally compassionate, forgiving, merciful and kind-hearted. We truly cannot love YHVH and hate our neighbor.

• John 13:35--By this all people will know that you are my disciples. If you have love for one another (ESV). 
• 1 John 3:14–We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
• 1 John 4:20-21-If a man say, ‘I love Yah, and hateth his brother, he is a liar, for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love YHVH whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, ‘That he who loveth Yah love his brother also” (KJV).

   

The two aspects of a set-apart life in Messiah combine to make the perfect disciple. In fact, the two aspects of the set-apart life (Torah-keeping and love for neighbor) were perfectly manifested in the life and ministry of our Master Yahoshua were they not? This being the case then, what are we to do? Do likewise of course. 

Messianic Torah Commentator and Teacher Tim Hegg writes:

“Loving Yah’s Torah leads us to love each other. And loving each other (as Yah’s Torah teaches) helps us to understand how we are to love Yah.”

Thus it is a continuous circle of obedience demonstrated here. 

Conversely, when we hate our neighbor, our ability to properly love YHVH is terribly hindered. How? Loathing and bitterness and hatred for one’s brethren stems from self-centeredness; selfishness; inwardly-focused. Thus there is no ability to then turn to YHVH and expect to reverse that inward-focus. There is no ability to love beyond one’s self. But the true child of Yah is required to love their neighbor as they love themselves. 

Even when justice is meted out in accordance with the requirements of Torah, the heart of the community’s members is broken. There is no joy in seeing a member of the community being taken out or punished for their sins. The joy of YHVH is for each and every set-apart child to live a harmonious life of peace and prosperity that comes with Torah-living.

We must also resist the tug of being judgmental in our living. Being judgmental is a symptom of self-righteousness and inward-focus. And thus the circle of love and obedience is broken as we’ve just discussed when members of our Faith embrace the judgmental lifestyle. 

Another aspect of this Torah Reading that cannot be overlooked is that we cannot disregard Yah’s Torah requirements in favor of our own sensibilities and sense of righteousness. We are not capable of diminishing Yah’s regulations and standards to fit our own standards. We must learn to yield our ways to Yah’s Way with love and compassion. When we learn to die to self and transform our thinking and our understanding of love and compassion to that of Father’s demonstrated grace and love for His human creation (as demonstrated brilliantly through His Yahoshua Messiah), we finally gain a true sense of peace and freedom and joy that comes from loving YHVH and keeping His Ways (i.e., His Torah). 

Shabbat Shalom