Podcast Episode: Learning to Leave Well Enough Alone – Thoughts and Reflections on Torah Reading 24
In this episode of the Messianic Torah Observer, Rod Thomas delves into Torah Reading 24, titled “Learning to Leave Well Enough Alone.” Rod reflects on Genesis/Beresheit 26:12-35, where Yehovah reaffirms His covenant with Isaac/Yitschaq, promising blessings, land, and descendants. Despite Isaac’s obedience and prosperity, he faces challenges from the Philistines, who envy his success and fill the wells his father Abraham had dug. Isaac’s journey of re-digging and naming these wells symbolizes his faith and connection to his father’s legacy.
Rod discusses the significance of wells in biblical times, not just as sources of water but as markers of territorial claims, divine provision, and social gathering places. Naming wells was a way to commemorate agreements, establish ownership, and symbolize divine blessings. Isaac’s encounters with the Philistines over wells highlight the importance of peace and trust in Yehovah’s promises.
Rod encourages listeners to reflect on their own spiritual wells and how they respond to adversity. He emphasizes the importance of seeking peace, trusting in Yehovah’s covenant promises, and walking in faith and obedience. The episode concludes with a reminder to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in Yehovah’s blessings, even in the face of challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Yehovah’s covenant promises to Isaac/Yitschaq.
- The significance of wells in biblical times.
- Isaac’s journey of re-digging and naming wells.
- The importance of peace and trust in Yehovah’s promises.
- Reflecting on our own spiritual wells and responding to adversity.
Scripture References:
- Genesis/Beresheit 26:12-35
- Numbers 23:19
- Ephesians 2:12-16
- Romans 11:17
- Luke 14:25-35
- Matthew 5:10-12
- Matthew 6:19-20
- Romans 12:14-21
Tune in to this insightful episode and deepen your understanding of Torah Reading 24 and its relevance to our covenant relationship with Yehovah.
The In’s and Out’s of Covenant-Justice and Mercy-STAR-18
Many of us view covenant as an exclusive club or culture that belongs to God’s elect and those who find themselves outside of covenant are doomed to be outside of God’s blessings and provision. But the truth of the matter is that God operates in ways that are often foreign to us and that defy how we believe God should operate. In today’s Torah Reading discussion, we discuss the in’s and out’s of covenant and how God’s justice and mercy define how He will interact with those who are in covenant versus those who are outside covenant.
Abraham and the God (Yah) Culture–Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections 15
This week’s Torah Reading touches on a number of relevant themes that include righteousness, justice, reverence, hospitality, boldness, laughter, theophanies and covenant. But the one theme that stands out most is culture. In this installment of TMTO’s Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections, we explore each of these themes, in particular the theme of culture. What is the God Culture/the Hebrew Culture? What was Abraham’s role in that Culture? And what does that culture have to do with us today?
El Shaddai-The Mothering Side of our God-STAR 14
Seems we have been indoctrinated to view God exclusively from a “Fathering” perspective. But could one of God’s revealed names be indicative of a “Mothering” side to the Creator of the Universe? In this installment of TMTO we explore and discuss the power and meaning of El Shaddai.
Yehovah-The God Who Sees-STAR 13
In our reading today, we’re led to think and reflect on the themes of:
● Trusting Faith
● Respect
● Patience & Perseverance
● Responsibility
● Honor
● The Spirit Realm Intersecting with the Physical Realm
● Promise
● Sonship
We Must Operate at Abraham’s Trusting Faith Level-So How Do We Get There? STAR 12
Today’s Torah Reading discussion will touch upon a great many themes that include operating in a trusting faith; the righteousness of Elohim; obedience to Yah’s instructions; divine protections and rewards; and the wisdom of challenging or questioning Yehovah.
Our Example of Abraham Being a Friend of God-STAR-11
The circumcised heart of an individual—contrite and broken and humble in spirit—is the one thing that captures Yah’s attention and places him or her in contention for being chosen as His friend and ultimately His child. If our heart ain’t right, we ain’t going to be chosen to enter into an obedient covenant relationship with Yehovah, much less a friend or child of His.
The Righteousness of God Rests Upon the Faithfulness of Yeshua Messiah
Indeed, the Righteousness of God is the place where faith and obedience come together through the Person and Ministry of Yahoshua Messiah. His faithful obedience to Yehovah becomes our faithful obedience, even unto death.
The Abrahamic Covenant Holds the Key to God’s Plan of Salvation-STAR 10
The Abrahamic Covenant is the essential element of this week’s Torah Reading. We find in our discussion that the Abrahamic Covenant holds the key to God’s Plan of Salvation. Shabbat Shalom.
Hanukkah-Truth and Spirituality Versus Traditions of the Rabbis
Many within our Faith Community will be celebrating Hanukkah this week. But is their celebration aligned with the Truth and Spiritual Reality of the Holiday or rather on the Traditions that revolve around it.
The Towers and Nimrods of our Life that Separate us From God
This week’s Torah Reading is based upon the Tower of Babel story. This story may cause us to reflect and think about those towers in our lives that cause us to be separated from God.