Blessing or Curse~It’s Your Choice
- Posted on AugamTue, 30 Aug 2016 09:16:56 -05002016-08-30T09:16:56-05:0009 17, 2016
- in Bible, God, Hebrew, Messiah, Re'eh, Study, Torah, Uncategorized
- by Hallelujah Girl
A long line of cars wound its way up to the country. The drivers were looking forward to shortening the last part of their trip by taking the modern, wide highway that had recently been constructed, instead of continuing on the old, bumpy country road. But close to the entrance to the highway they were greeted by the curious sight of an old farmer who was waving his cap frantically and screaming at the top of his lungs: “Attention, attention! Take the old road! Branches are blocking the end of the new highway!”
The drivers were skeptical; should they believe the old hillbilly’s advice? Some cars shot onto the new highway, while others continued along the old road.
Those who had ignored the old farmer”s warning suffered a long and wearisome journey. The other end of the highway was indeed blocked, and they were orced to take a circuitous rout that caused them many, many hours of extra delay.
See, I present before you a blessing and a curse. The blessing: that you hearken the commandments of The Holy One, your G~d, that I command you today. And the curse: if you do not hearken to the commandments of the Holy One, your G~d, and stray from the path that I have commanded you today, to follow gods of others, that you did not know. ~Deuteronomy 11: 26-28
The Torah Portion Re’eh (pronounced raw-aw) begins at Deuteronomy 11:26 and continues through chapter 16:17. This portion along with the next two portions contain the bulk of the commandments found in the book of Deuteronomy. Moses begins to put the commandments into perspective. He tells in the opening of the portion you have a choice of blessing or curse.
The title Re”eh, ראה, is made up of the three Hebrew letters reysh, alef, hey. Re’eh is defined as see, behold, advise, cause to, show self, sight of others, surely, think, or view. This word is used in it’s singular form so Moses is speaking to the Children of Israel as a nation, one nation with the ultimate goal of serving the Holy One. Let’s take a moment to look at the picture re’eh creates:
- (ר) Reysh: the head, what is highest, most important, chief
- (א) Alef: the ox, the leader, what is first, The Holy One
- (ה) Hey: Behold, to show, reveal
For those who have only “eyes on the ground” it is time to see the bigger picture. What is the most important is the Holy One and He wants to show you something. He wants to show you what a shema (listen/doing as if your life depends on it) lifestyle is like!
The blessing and curse are not simply promises for the future. People who live a lifestyle of listening to and observing or carrying out the Holy One’s commandments have a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and spiritual growth. These are blessings that we can visibly see. The “set apart” are not like the other nations.
Those who are satisfied with mediocrity, quite content to just move along through life, never expanding or growing, making sure “not to do evil” are not living under the blessings. The Holy One did not just put us here to keep our eyes on the ground. He wants us to soar! To reach great heights!
Each aspect of our daily life we are faced with free choice. Whether or not to obey the Holy One. This involves the choice of whether to bring blessing or curse, life or death, upon ourselves. G~d is not indifferent to the path a person chooses. He counsels us with His Torah. The options: Do His commandments~be blessed, Don’t do His commandments~incur the curse.
The road of Torah and observation of His instructions may seem troublesome, but trust in Him, His commandments will lead you to your Destination~The Kingdom of Heaven! Yes, there will be bumps and curves along the road, but once you are on it it is scenic and pretty comfortable. The path of sin only looks easy and smooth. The obstructions are never ending! Choose wisely!
Shalom, Happy Day!
Hallelujah Girl
Tags: #ReadYourBible #ItsAllAboutYeshua #TorahIsTruth, Behold, blessing, curse, Re'eh, see