Understanding the Torah Portion Re'eh

Aug 25, 2024

Lecture on the Torah Portion: Re'eh

Introduction

  • Topic: Torah portion "Re'eh" meaning "to see."
  • Focus: Understanding what we and God see through us into the earth realm.
  • Audience Engagement: Shout-outs to global viewers.
  • Announcement: Request for support for live translation services.

Opening Prayer

  • Gratitude for God's power and love.
  • Reminder of God's mercy, referencing Moses' intervention.
  • Prayer for forgiveness and guidance back to God's commandments.
  • Emphasis on humility and seeking God's presence.

Main Themes

Deuteronomy Chapter 11 Context

  • Focus: The importance of following God's commandments.
  • Cultural Significance: "Watered it by foot" refers to Egyptian irrigation using human treadmills.
  • Supernatural Trust: God provides rain; reliance on God rather than human effort.

Observations on Relationships

  • Struggles in relationships may indicate "Egypt" (old mindset) still present.
  • True freedom comes from reliance on God's provisions rather than self-effort.

Crossing into Promise

  • The Israelites' journey illustrates partnering with God.
  • Encouragement to take steps of faith and observe God's supernatural actions.

Obedience to Commandments

  • Key Verse: Love God with all heart, mind, soul, and strength.
  • Promise: Obedience leads to God's blessings, like rain for the land.

Avoidance of Pagan Practices

  • Instructions: Destroy pagan worship sites and images.
  • Modern Application: Identify and remove "carved images" in our lives (idols of security).

True Worship

  • Worship God in His way, not as other nations worshiped their gods.
  • Importance of aligning worship with God's expectations.

Specific Instructions

Tithing

  • Principle: Tithing as an act of reverence and fear of God.
  • Connection: Giving as part of worship and acknowledgment of God's authority.

Clean and Unclean Foods

  • Parallels to Leviticus chapter 11; dietary laws reiterated.

Sacrifice and Praise

  • Concept: Sacrifice of praise as the greatest gift to God.
  • Practice: Living a life full of joy and praise, regardless of circumstances.

Conclusion

Encouragement

  • Message: Life is a test for promotion in God's kingdom.
  • Call to Action: Be a giver, find ways to serve and bless others.

Closing Blessing

  • Prayer: For peace and God's guidance.
  • Reminder: Embrace God's presence and power by stepping off the "water wheel" of self-effort.

Next Steps

  • Upcoming Event: Live broadcast exploring the month of Elul.
  • Call to Action: Engage with the community and participate in spreading God's love.

These notes summarize the key points from the lecture on the Torah portion Re'eh, emphasizing the importance of obedience, reliance on God, and the rejection of pagan practices. It highlights practical applications in relationships, worship, and daily living.