Kedoshim:   

Preface:

     An opening footnote: Many of you may have noted in light of Passover, I got ahead of myself last week in writing on "kedoshim." So, in light of this fact, we will examine this week’s portion of "kedoshim," which mean "holy," even further this week.

        With that said, the more I read through the torah, the more that I am convince that contrary to conventional wisdom, the Torah (Law) was not done away with. The main reason people think otherwise, is people are told the law was abolished. In turn lay people and even pastors, don’t even read it. Why should they, when they have reasoned, the law was done away at the foot of the Cross.

         Nevertheless Yeshua stated, "if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me." {John 5:46 } What Yeshua is saying here, Moses in writing the law, alluded to Him, and I want to briefly show you, how he did so in this week’s torah portion.

          You shall not sow your vineyard with different kinds of seed, lest the yield of the seed which you have sown and the fruit of your vineyard be defiled. You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. You shall not wear a garment of different sorts, such as wool and linen mixed together. Deut 22:9-11

         Note how this is a reference to the forbidden mixtures that I alluded to in {Lev 19:19 } last week, for example. If someone were to sow two different type of seed in their field, the field would be defiled, and of no use, for example.

       Have you ever witnessed, running peas, plaited with corn? If not, the vines of the running peas, will run up the corn stocks. Or have you ever witnessed, a corn stock growing to itself in a pea patch? I asked these questions, because it was a Jewish custom when seeds were mixed, and this happened, the entire field was burned, because the field was defiled.

         Now read {Matt.13: 24 - 30 and 36 - 43} about a bad seed {the tares} being sown among the wheat. That said, remember the law of forbidden mixture, which prohibited the mixing of two different species of seeds. In the parable of the tares, Yeshua thematically links the wheat to the sons of the Kingdom and the tares to the sons of Satan When the enemy sowed a different seed among the wheat, he created the tares, which was a forbidden mixture. Clearly Yeshua had the law of forbidden mixtures in mind, in teaching this parable.

          Back to the Jewish custom of burning the entire field, upon learning that two different seeds, were sown together. If a single corn stock appeared, in a pea patch, the entire pea patch was set ablaze. Why? Simply because the Almighty said, the field contain forbidden fruit. How is burning a field mixed with seeds, thematically related to the parable of the wheat and the tares?

         Well, Yeshua said of the tares, they are sons of Satan’s, and Satan sowed them. {Matt 13:38 } Therefore, the tares will be cast into the fire, upon the Messiah’s return. {Matt 13:40 }

         On this note I find it interesting that the Greek word for iniquity "anomia" means "lawless." In turn the New King James version reads, "the Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice{ lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire.} There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."  Matt 13:41-42

       So, the tares then are "lawless" individuals, who have rejected the Lord’s commandments. In doing so, they are depicted, as being "lawless." This falls right in line to what Yeshua said, because Yeshua said, "if you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15

          I know the following statement, wouldn’t be receive well in many Churches. Though it should be pointed out, those {tares} individuals, who have rejected the law, runs the risk of aligning themselves up with Antichrist. Why do I say this? Well, the Antichrist is depicted as being, " a "lawless" individuals" too. {2 Thess 2:8} Namely because the law, was handed down by G-d and Antichrist will oppose anything of G-d’s.

        Moving on Yeshua said, "do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." {Matt 5:17 } The sages alluded to the hidden meaning in the scriptures, as being the sod level. This is significant, because the Greek word for fulfill, "pleroo," means "to complete." I mention this fact because Yeshua in teaching the parable of the tares. Fulfilled the law of forbidden mixtures to it’s fullest. By shedding light on the spiritual meaning of the law of forbidden mixtures, which alludes to His coming. How?

         Well, Yeshua in teaching the parable of the tares, related to us the intangible or sod meaning of the law of forbidden mixtures. Alludes to Yeshua’s second coming, and how the tares {the lost} will be thrown in "she’oh" {hell.} Hence in doing so, Yeshua fulfilled the law, by diverging to us the deeper meaning, of the law of forbidden mixtures.

         Though, if you buy the notion that the law was abolished, then you will fail to discern just how munch of Yeshua’s teachings was, nothing, but Him fulfilling the law to it’s fullest.

         In this week’s torah portion, the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them:'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." Lev 19:1-2

         In light that the Lord commanded the children of Israel "to be holy." Have you ever been ripped off by someone, who claimed to be saved? If so {Lev19:11} states, "you shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another." In turn that person, broke the law and in doing so profane himself.

          That said, an ambassadors represents not only his country, but his’ President, or king too. In turn anything that he does un tasteful or unlawful, reflect badly on his nation and the person he represents.

         I mention this fact, because whenever a believer, ripped a non believer off, it reflect on badly on the King too. Why?

           Well the word "holy," means "set apart." I alluded to this fact, because whenever a person transgressed the Lord’s commandment by stealing, no longer are they "set apart." Because that person’s action, is that of a profane person, which is the oppose of holy.

        In turn the sages understood the commandment, "you shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him," (Lev 19:13 ) as a prohibition against dishonesty. We will examine this insight further later.

         Though Moses went on to say, "you shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD." {Lev 19:14 } We are not to cuss anyone so, why does the law, single out a deaf person? Well, the answer lies, within the sod level, for example.

          A deaf person is liken unto a dead person, in that neither one can hear. Now lets take this analogous a step further. A deaf person is liken unto a lost individual too, in that a lost person can’t understand anything spiritual. Though this doesn’t give us the right to become angry and cuss them.

       In wrapping up the meaning to the prior verse. Remember a spiritually dead person, can’t understand anything spiritual, for that matter neither can a new born believer grasp, certain things ether. Making it possible then, for a person to place a "stumbling block," which is a false teaching before a new born believer, causing them to trip and fall.

      After the Lord announced through Moses, not to place a stumbling block, before a blind person. He said, "you shall fear your G-d, for I am G- d." What are to make of this?

        Well the Greek word for offenses, "skandalon," mean "stumbling block." This is significant, because Yeshua said, "woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense mean {the stumbling block} comes! {Matt 18:7 } Plainly Yeshua was alluding to the law in {Lev 19:14 } here.

         Yet, I recently heard a preacher states, "Jesus came in order to introduce a whole new gospel." Upon hearing this, I shook my head. Because in doing so, he unknowingly cast a stumbling block before several individuals, who shook their heads in agreement.

         Yeshua alluded to the law in 95% of His teachings. Yet, here is this preacher stating, "Jesus came in order to introduce a whole new gospel." When in fact Yeshua came in order to redeem mankind from his old sin nature, not to "introduce a whole new gospel," for example.

        Yeshua was the Lamb that Abraham prophesied of in {Gen 22:8 } Yeshua was the ram caught in the thicket in {Gen 22:13 } that Abraham sacrificed. Yeshua was the Passover lamb in {Ex12.} Yeshua was the lamb that was sacrificed as a "tamid," or daily offering, mourning and evening. {Ex 29:39& 41}

        On this note, remember upon seeing Yeshua. John the Baptist, who was a Levi priest stated, "behold the Lamb of G-d." {John 1:29 } The fact that John the Baptist was a Levi priest, is significant because when he stated, "behold the Lamb of G-d." John acting as a Levi priest verified, the Lamb of G-d," was worthy to be sacrifice.

          Moving on, Yeshua was the scape - goat that carried away the people’s sins in {Lev 16:21 } Yeshua was the Red Heifer, without a spot or blemish in {Num 19 } that purified the people of their sins. Finely Yeshua was the person hung on a tree, as a thief for our sins. {Duet 21:23} Yet this preacher stated, "Jesus came in order to introduce a whole new gospel."

         With that said, remember Yeshua said, "do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill." {Matt 5:17 }

            When Yeshua died on the Cross, He fulfill the law in that each of these things that I alluded to, are in the torah, and were fulfilled on the Cross. Besides that remember in 95% of Yeshua’s teachings, He was alluding to the law. Hence to say Yeshua came to "introduce a whole new gospel, is totally false, and is casting a "stumbling block" before the spiritual blind, who sadly don’t know any better.

         What did the Lord think of this preacher statement? Well Yeshua stated, "it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones." {Luke 17:2 } Clearly He isn’t please!

         Moses went on to say, "you shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him." {Lev 19:17 } You may recall that I stated last week, we have the right to rebuke someone, upon being wronged by them. Yet the Sages tell us that "people who accuse others of shortcomings are themselves guilty of the same flaws." Implying that we should refrain from rebuking someone. So, how are we to rebuke someone, who wronged us?

          Whenever we do, we shouldn’t have any malice in our hearts. Because upon rebuking them, our anger will be easily discern, in the tone of our voice and will not be recieve.

         Back to the preacher who stated, "Jesus came in order to introduce a whole new gospel." Well Yeshua stated, "moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother." { Matt 18:15}

         Now this teaching doesn’t sound new to me, because clearly it is thematically related to {Lev 19:17 .} Though if you don’t read the law, on the basic that the law, which is G-d’s word is irrelevant. Then I guess, {Matt 18:15 } it would sound new to you.

         Then Moses said, "you shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD." Lev 19:18

      Clearly the youngest sought vengeance, for his older brother refusal to share a toy car with him. In light of this I’m remindful that Paul stated, "repay no one evil for evil." Rom 12:17

      Remember when the youngest, refused to allow his older brother to play with one of his cars. How seeking vengeance, led to a fight. Well Yeshua stated, "I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." {Matt 5:39-40 } So, is Yeshua revealing a new teaching here?

           Clearly Yeshua’s teaching, is thematically related to {Lev 19:18 .} Yet, we are told, the law is done away with. Well, if the law is done away with, then Yeshua’s statement in {Matt.5:39 - 40} is irrelevant. I say this, because there is no disputing the fact, Yeshua’s statement is based on {Lev 19:18 ,} which is the law.

        Expounding on Yeshua’s commandment, if someone slap us, we are turn the other cheek. In other words, we are not to retaliate. So, what is our course of action, upon being wronged then?

          In biblical days, a bond servant forfeited, all of his’ rights! Thus if someone slaps a bond servant, or wronged him in anyway. He couldn’t retaliate in any manner, because it was left up to his’ master, to retaliate.

         This is noteworthy, because we were all bought for a price. Meaning when we accepted Yeshua as our Lord and Savor. We at that point, became the Lord’s bond servants. In turn whenever someone wrong us, we forfeited the right to retaliate.

        I must confess though, whenever someone wrong me. I got to restrain myself from seeking revenge. Though I rest assure knowing that my Master can and does deal with the guilty party, far better than I. can.

          Moving on Moses stated, "you shall keep My statutes. You shall not let your livestock breed with another kind. You shall not sow your field with mixed seed. Nor shall a garment of mixed linen and wool come upon you." {Lev 19:19 }

         For those who did not read it, I expounded on the meaning of the prior verse, by explaining how the mixing of seeds, are related to end time events, in last week’s lesson. In turn I will spare you, and not repeat myself again.

       Though I have heard it said, often a subject matter in the weekly torah portion, will somehow come to life, during the week. Thus, I witnessed a segment on TV, where a company is retracting tissues from renown race horses, in order to reproduce the animals, by cloning them in the future. One of the horses was the late Barbaro, who won the Kentucky Derby, I believe last year.

        In the segment, they conducted an interview with a company spokesman, and in doing so. He painted a picture of Barbaro, Secretarit, Sea Biscuit and Man of War, all in a prize race. Then he asked, who wouldn’t pay to witness this race? Proving "the love of money, is the root to all evil"  1 Tim 6:10

       While, this indeed would be a dream race, what would it lead to? Nolon Ryan facing Babe Ruth! Wilt Chambling, opposing Shag! Once you allow the Ginnie out of the bottle, where does it stops? Though, it appears the Ginnie is already out of the bottle.

         Moses went on to say, "do not prostitute your daughter, to cause her to be a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry, and the land become full of wickedness." Lev 19:29

       Remember the two angels, who were sent by the Almighty to retrieve Lott and his family, from Sodom and Gomorrah. {Gen 19:1 } Well, upon arriving in the city, the large population of homosexuals of the city, wanted to have their way with the angels, who were lodging in Lott’s house.

       Thus when they came pounding on Lott’s door, demanding that Lott hand them over to them. Lott offered his two daughters as prostitutes to them, {Gen 19:8 } instead of the two angels.

       When this passage was read in Church, I still recall Trish who is a friend of mine, shaking her head and asking me, how could a father make such an offer? Remember Lott chose to pitch his tent in Sodom. {Gen 13:10 - 11 } In spite of the fact that homosexuality, was the rule of the day in Sodom and Gomorrah. In turn "sin begat sin."

       By this I mean whenever a nation, or in Sodom and Gomorrah’s case, a community, chooses to live a profane lifestyle. By forsaking the Lord’s commandments, it’s moral standard become corrupted, or profane. This rule of law, apply to individuals as well.

          Now returning to Trish’s question. In condoning evil, Lott’s moral standard became corrupted to the core. Thus Lott perceived no evil, in making prostitutes out of his daughters. In light of this Solomon stated, "keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." Prov 4:23

        Specking of profane. Remember Moses specking for the Lord stated, "you shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." {Lev 19:2 } So, the Lord commanded the children of Israel to be holy, because the Lord is holy. That said, I remember the first time that I read this commandment. Like many of you no doubt, I asked myself, how can we possible be holy?

          Well one of G-d’s traits that set Him apart, is His holiness, in turn holy means, "set apart." Whereas the opposite of holy is "profane." Now lets take this thought a step further, profane means "ordinary." Meaning the ordinary or worldly person, is profane. So what separates the holy, from the profane?

        Well, G-d’s word depicts His people as being "a peculiar people." {Titus 2:14 } This is significant, because the Greek word for peculiar, "periousios," means "beyond usual." Implying G-d’s elect are beyond ordinary, they’re unusual.

            However when a believer foreshank of the Lord’s commandments, by lying, cheating, stealing, just to name a few. He profane himself, and in so doing, he acts ordinary. Causing the unbeliever to say, I knew it he just like me. Yet, whenever a person "attempt" to obey G-d’s commandments. He is a peculiar person, beyond usual. Set apart, holy.

         In closing, keeping the Lord’s commandments, doesn’t and haven’t saved anyone. Only by Yeshua’s shed blood, is anyone saved period, end of discussion! Though in issuing His’ commandments, the Lord has drawn a line in the sand. Whoever attempt to heed His’ commandments, is holy. And whoever disregard the Lord’s commandments, is profane.

             May the LORD bless you and keep you. May the LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you. May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." Num 6:22- 26

                 He is my defense; I shall not be moved. Ps 62:2