Torah Commentary Archives
Ki Tetze (When you go out)
Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19
Isaiah 54:1-10
Mark 10:2-12
Luke 20:27-38
1Tim 5:17-18
Protecting the Back of the Pack
As I read through these middle chapters of Deuteronomy I sometimes want to put my head back and say, “Well duh!” For me, I find many of the instructions here are common sense. I really cannot think of a time in my life that I needed to be reminded to not wear a dress or makeup! Then I recall something simple, yet profound, a friend said, “If common sense is supposed to be so common, then why isn't it?” While watching the news it is rather evident that there are many folks across this world in need of reading these verses and putting them into practice in their lives.
Why are these instructions difficult for so many people? The very simple answer is no relationship with Yeshua, no Torah, no life!! Torah teaches us about taking responsibility for our actions. Consider it this way. Let's say your ox walks through a hole in your fence and falls in a ditch. You ponder the issue. The blame goes to the ox for walking through the hole in the fence and falling into the ditch. Then you consider maybe a demon spooked the ox which made him run through the hole and into the ditch. The obvious issue is not what the ox did wrong, but the fact you needed to fix the fence. Had responsibility been taken the ox would not be in the ditch!
For the prepper at heart think about the verse that asks you to include a trowel in your pack. How do feel when you realize what the trowel is needed for? Wait, you want me to use that trowel? Do you shutter at the idea that you might get it dirty requiring you to clean it? Are you wondering why someone else can't clean up the mess you made in the camp? Do you avoid taking responsibility?
The Torah also teaches us what is referred to as the “Golden Rule.” It is amazing how many people actually think the words “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is really a verse in Scripture. No, it is not a verse of Scripture, but it is a principle derived from It. Things like not charging a brother or sister interest, respecting others physical and spiritual boundaries are all instructions taught in these Torah portions.
We find an interesting turn at the end of chapter 25 in Deuteronomy. It speaks of Amalek and how he attacked the Hebrews from the rear. Now who was in the rear for him to attack? It was those who were exhausted and straggling behind. We wonder who dropped the ball here to allow this attack to happen. We question, “Why are these people at the back of the pack with no one protecting them?”
It is very easy to engage in finger pointing over the obvious errors contributing to one's superiority complex, but that is not edifying to the body. Instead, would it not be better to ask the Ruach to reveal if we are unknowingly making those same mistakes today? We need to evaluate who the exhausted and the straggling are in this generation to seek Yah in how can we help guard and protect them.
I run into people constantly in my travels who when asked, “How are you?” give the typical response of “Fine.” I love the definition of that word from a favorite movie that uses it as an acronym for “Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional”. Sadly, I find, that is how many people in our congregations feel, but are unwilling or embarrassed to admit it. We need to establish communities where people feel safe to share what is going on in their lives. Let us be more proactive to take the time to reach past the typical Shabbat greetings and find out just how “Fine” others are doing. What we may find is a person who is exhausted from the fight and ready to just lie down and quit. May we not lose another soul to Amalek for his prize!
Who might we consider as the ones straggling behind? There could be a variety of answers. I want to focus on one group, our YOUTH. How many of our youth are straggling behind today without notice? Many have grown up learning how to tie tzitzit during Sukkot, the evils of decorated trees and eggs, follow the dietary laws, and yet they are straggling behind losing interest. Why are they losing interest? Is it because they do not see reality of relationship with HaShem and others being lived before them?
I grew up in church. I did not learn the same things our children are learning. Instead of tying tzitzit, I learned how to make crosses out of popsicle sticks how to make ornaments and paint eggs. Like many youth today, I did not see the reality of relationship with HaShem and others. I straggled behind for many years of life and became prey to Amalek.
May we each take these instructions of Torah “Common sense” and imprint them on our hearts to a level above common. Let us bring to life the verses of the bird and the egg to instruct our youth about responsibility, Father's provision and the awe of a creation He has entrusted us to honor. May our youth see and experience through us a joyful relationship with our loving Father. I pray as we do we would no longer find them straggling behind, but rather enthusiastically engaged, helping others who are exhausted and in need of a hand.
One day the memory of Amalek will be blotted out of history. Until then let us make sure we are guarding those whom he may be trying to pick off because we have allowed them to become easy prey. It is a responsibility Torah teaches for all ages.