Order in the Court

      Earlier in Deuteronomy, most of the instructions given were for individuals—how one needs to live a godly life. These chapters give instructions on how Israel should live as a society—what we would call "civil and criminal law." For example, there are laws for judges and the court system (16:18-20; 17:8-13); laws for the selection of a king and his rule (17:14-20); laws about different cases of murder (19:1-13, 21; 21:1-9); even laws governing warfare (20:1-20). 

      Israel was a theocracy—a country ruled by G‑d's Law. We live in a country that is governed by man's laws [in this case, the US Constitution]. Does this section of Deuteronomy have anything to say to us? You bet!! If we uncover the underlying principles, then we can apply them to our situation today. How? We must begin by understanding that the L‑rd showed concern for every aspect of Israel's life. He promised that if Israel followed His commandments, their national life/society would be in order and that He would bless them. 

      The same holds true for us—as individuals and as a body of believers. As we follow the L‑rd's principles, He will put our life in order and bless us. Our challenge is how to correctly apply the Word to our situations. 

      Is it possible for us to take the USA and transform it into a country that lives by G‑d's laws? In a limited sense, yes. Yeshua commanded us to let our light shine (Matthew 5:14-16) and of course that includes the political arena. From time to time, believers make a real difference—for example, William Wilberforce, the man who caused slavery to be abolished in England, was a believer. 

      But we need to remember that even Israel, which was governed by the L‑rd's law, didn't follow the Torah very well. We know from the Prophets (Isaiah, Micah, etc.) that G‑d's Laws will truly be followed only during the 1000-year rule of Yeshua on the earth (the Millennium). What will make the difference then is that the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon Israel and there will be a nation-wide spiritual restoration (Zechariah 10:12).

Where did Isaiah 53 go?

            The Haftarah portion for this week is taken from Isaiah 51:12-52:12. The Haftarah portion for next week is taken from Isaiah 54:1-10. Why is Isaiah 53 omitted from the weekly Haftarah readings? The leaders of traditional Judaism want to avoid a sticky discussion about Yeshua, as Jewish people prepare for the High Holidays. Did you know that up until the 12th Century, Isaiah chapter 53 was interpreted by the rabbis as referring to the Messiah? From then on, rabbinic opinion interpreted it as referring to Israel. During this High Holiday season, let's pray that the scales will be lifted from the spiritual eyes of Israel.