Thursday, August 3, 2023

Exodus 2.2 - Letting Go of Pharaoh

Since our last post, perhaps you now better understand that some new habits were unwittingly acquired by the Hebrews during their sojourn through Egypt which were hard for them to break. There are also some new and better habits that were and have been difficult for them (and some of us) to acquire. But these are necessary new and better habits for our survival and well-being. You’ve even learned how your connection to GOD (or lack thereof) impacts climate change.


Some of you have even asked yourselves why Moses changed Hosea’s name to Joshua before he and the eleven other chosen captains of their respective tribes surveyed the “Promised Land”. (Numbers 13:16) That question often arises. But few explore it. I will.

 The name Hosea means “salvation” in Hebrew. The name Joshua means “Yah saves”. 

See the difference?  Moses did. 

Moses could foresee Joshua’s leadership abilities. But great leadership requires humility.

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Great prophets ordained by God can see into the future and take the path that leads to the best possible end results no matter how long it takes. They can foresee obstacles and try to avoid them when possible, except as it pertains to one’s long term development and better outcome.


Though we don’t see it in Joshua’s outer leadership. His “hidden ego” says something different.  GOD shows us a glimpse of the meeting in Zechariah Chapter 3.

Joshua is encouraged (or reminded) that the living LORD GOD Almighty is the only true Saviour and Redeemer, and there is no God besides Him. But Moses also sees  another man coming down the line; “Jesus” whose name also means Joshua who will need reminding too. 

That was Joshua’s (post Moses) era. This is Caleb’s.

You don’t hear about Caleb as much because Caleb wholly cleaves to God. Caleb connects rather than leads. There is only Almighty GOD.

The Hebrews coming out of Egypt not only saw great miracles, but they heard the Voice of God. When
you hear it, you never forget it.  GOD “invited” the Hebrews to listen and follow the Voice of GOD directly. But they refused. They were not yet mature enough.

It was and always is a matter of the "heart". It's true and meaningful heart connection to God that is required. (Leviticus 26:41, Jeremiah 9:26, Ezekiel 44:7, Deuteronomy 10:16) When we make other organizations or people our gods, there is no space for the humble yet all powerful God to flow in our lives.

In modern society, we will learn (if not already) that even technology was created for the Creator of the Universe. The main goal is to facilitate the spread of truthful knowledge of God in the earth. Each person must come to know the Creator for him or herself. It’s personal. 

There is a certain space within every person that only God can fill. Some call it purpose. I call it the soul.  In reality they are one.  Find and nourish it, and everything starts to click. 

Some call it the still small Voice. You can access it more easily during Shabbat. (the Voice of Shekina  - the Holy Spirit). 

The Hebrews were fed the word of God through Moses. The goal was for them to learn the Laws of God and study the scrolls (scriptures) directly for themselves. The goal is the same today.

Our readers have demonstrated that they are able to “cleave to” the living God by studying the scriptures on their own or in a study group daily. It’s a new and yet powerful habit for many. It’s especially so if you have small children. It’s a habit that will do you and them good for life. Literally.

Rather than going against the grain (it's never intentional but often necessary- like squeezing in the Book of Haggai🤗), we will flow with the current parashat reading in most synagogues this month which is the Book of Deuteronomy (Devarim).  The Book of Deuteronomy contains the Laws of God.  

Moses is giving a summary, and some say loving rebuke of his experience and lessons with the Hebrews before his departure from a stiff necked (stubborn) generation. I see it as Moses’ closing remarks to Almighty God. As in, please remember what I have tried to teach your people when you bring me before your throne for my own review (judgment). 

 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. Deuteronomy 10:16

Many teachers can relate to Moses to some degree. At some point, every good teacher must let go.

Every student must be tested to see if he or she has learned and can progress to the next level or not. You want everyone to pass the test. In school, many will. In this divine test many do not even though it is an open book test. But with the desire to learn or be better, many do move forward at their own pace... eventually.

I have heard people say, there is no test. I assure you; there is. That’s how we grow!

It’s also the very reason most Jews have not seen Moshiach. They keep repeating the sins of their fathers in a ritualistic manner. If it’s not in the written Torah, question it. 

Want to read it with fresh eyes? Read it with your children. Be the student.

Everything is written there for a reason. Some things got lost in the oral translations and commentaries.

You start to ask, “why do I believe that to be so?” “Let me seek out the answer for myself.”

The Tanach (Old Testament Bible) is a living book. It is a Book of Instruction (Torah). The Torah is a Divine Teacher. Society will eventually need to return to its pure language (pre-Babylon early Hebrew)  to reap the full benefits of Torah and so many other hidden secrets.

Unlike man, you can read the Tanakh as many times as you need for your own personal comprehension. Ask as many questions as necessary for you to understand. It will not grow tired of you. You will only get wiser, but never wiser than the Creator of all that is, was or shall be (YHVH) . I think we’ve all learned that by now.

In the first exodus, Moses went down into Egypt and asked Pharoah to “let my people go” so they could go serve the living GOD. During this modern-day exodus, those who will can finally “let go of Pharoah” and cleave to the living GOD. It was always in our hands to do so. 

Who or what is your "Pharaoh"? Is it gambling, drugs, porn, credit card debt, a cruel boss, a job that does not fulfill your God given purpose, an adulterous affair, lying, stealing, cheating? You get the idea.

It takes many forms. But it's the same serpent. Let it go. Stop embracing it.

It starts off small. It almost seems "helpful" at first. Then it's like a monster that's out of control. Let it go.

Rather than asking God for help, Adam and Eve tried to conceal their error in judgment. Rather than leaving after the famine, the Hebrews felt "indebted" to the Pharaoh for "saving"  them from potential starvation. 

Let it go. Leave your Pharaoh. (Isaiah Chapter 31) Trust God.

In reality, the story of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt has occurred many times in many various forms. They should have asked God what to do. 

Sarah prayed. Therefore, Pharaoh could not shackle her when Abraham told him she was his sister.

Rebecca prayed. Therefore Pharaoh could not shackle her when Isaac told Pharaoh she was "his sister." 

Abraham and Isaac both experienced temporary economic crises. Their most valuable assets were their beautiful wives. But GOD is better than that.

They prayed. God made a way. They left with more than they had when they first came. So it is today. 

Who or what is your Pharaoh? You must first make up your mind that you are done with it. 

"LORD help me." It's a short sweet and powerful effective prayer. 

Society in general is already watching the decline of the old “super powers (nations)” based on false gods (mostly old white men who want to rule the world). And we are witnessing the rise of the inevitable Messianic Era.

The Messianic Era was already preordained by GOD in the beginning. The Messianic era only awaited Messiah and humankind to acknowledge their divine own connection for their survival and an abundant and meaningful life. (See Jeremiah 17:7-8)

As you read your daily bible portions, you build your city above (super consciousness). GOD actually builds your city, but you participate by being in connection daily.

You transform from constant doing to being in a constant state of calm awareness and trust that everything works out for the good. Your partnership is with GOD in everything you do.

God connects your spiritual house above and your vessel on earth below (Hebrew letter VAV – the nail – picture star of David) until you begin to see the fruit of your own orchard. It becomes your surroundings.

If you like it, keep it. Nurture it.  If it’s not good, change it with God’s help.

It eventually becomes your home in the world to come. The actual work is done here on earth.

The well-done divine dwellings also provide a goodly vessel for the Creator to dwell peacefully amongst interconnected peoples on earth. You’re on earth but living at a higher level.

There is no cheating. There are no short cuts.

Some people just comprehend faster than others. You still have free will.

You have a living Book of Instruction (Torah). Your wellness (health, wealth, relationships, business, finance etc.) depends on how well you apply it in your daily life.

We can foresee the inevitable end of certain industries (plastics, coal, certain areas of science and technologies etc.) as it pertains to the long-term negative impact on people and planet. Those industries, arts, sciences and businesses etc. in alignment with GOD will flourish. They will have a positive impact on people and planet.  

Soon you will apply what you learn to all your decision making. You are an active participant in your own destiny. That is one of the rare luxuries of this planet we call earth. 

"Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time." Deuteronomy 4:40

Today's suggested reading is the Book of Deuteronomy. However long it takes for you. You can certainly read at least 1-3 chapters per day. Right? You’ve got all month. But read daily. (I started to give you portions, but then I wrote this post and decided that would be wrong.)

Mazel, Bracha and sweet Shalom,

LeTicia

Shema Yisrael. Adonai Eluheinu. Adonai echad.

Hear O’ Israel. The LORD our GOD is one LORD. 

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Watch My Love is One TELL THEM! Part 4: The Real Moshiach Tree or Treason? free on Vimeo.

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