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Torah Portion “Nitzavim” “All of you are “Standing” today in the Presence of the Lord your God” Deuteronomy 29:10
In dramatic fashion, Moses gathers together all the people – leaders, tribes, elders, officials, children, wives, and strangers in the camp, from wood cutter to water drawer - to renew their covenant with God before entering into the land of Israel. He warns them that their future depends on their faithfulness to it. If they break their faith and their promise, they will suffer defeat, devastation, and exile. Yet even then, the covenant and God’s word would remain. Even during exile, if the people return to God, (make teshuvah- to turn) He will return to them and help them to return to the land. The choice will always be there. Therefore, we are guided to “choose life, that you and your children may live“ Deuteronomy 30:19
In this season of ELUL, the King of Kings is in your field, we are reminded to “Turn back to God” (to make teshuvah) as we enter Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year, and to confess and repent - and to those we have hurt over the past year, to ask for forgiveness so relationship can be restored. Is there someone you need to call this week? Just a thought!
“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not in heaven, so that you have to ask, “who will ascend into heaven to get it so we can listen to it and obey it? “No! is it beyond the Sea, that you have to ask, “who will cross the sea to get it so we can listen to it and obey it? “No, the Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. Verse 11 to 14.
What God is saying to us today is, I am so close to you when you keep covenant with Me, and My benefits are awesome. “You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country, your kids will be blessed, your kneading basket (your dough$$) will be blessed, you will defeat your enemies, everything you put your hand to will be blessed if you keep these commands of the Lord, the Lord will grant you great success and you will no longer be the tail but you will be the head” Deuteronomy 28. That is an awesome deal! You will be exalted, healthy, fruitful, prosperous, victorious and have God’s favour.
It goes on, you do not need to climb a mountain to find My Presence. I am right here with you - around your table, with your children, when you are resting, when you are playing, when you are reading the Word - I am with you, I am listening to you, listening to your debates, I am with you always even to the end of the age. I am nearer than a brother. I need no cathedrals or churches, or monasteries which are beautiful as all these things are, but I am accessible for everyone everywhere - whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, if you are willing to open up your heart to Me – I am here for you.
Shabbat Shalom
