Tuesday Sep 03, 2019

What the Torah is Not - The Torah Series

Matthew Vander Els from Founded in Truth Fellowship presents a teaching that seeks to clarify the true nature and purpose of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). He emphasizes that the Torah is often misunderstood, leading to it being either ignored or misused. This teaching aims to correct these misconceptions and invite listeners to engage with the Torah in a more meaningful way.

Misconceptions About the Torah

A common mistake is viewing the Torah as simply a divine checklist of commandments that fell out of heaven. While the Torah does contain laws, it is much more than just a list of dos and don'ts to appease God. Reading the Torah as only a checklist can lead to frustration, especially when encountering seemingly obscure passages like those in Leviticus detailing sacrifices. People might wonder about the relevance of such laws to their modern lives.

Another misunderstanding arises when the Torah is treated as a comprehensive legal code providing specific answers for every situation in life. The speaker points out that the Torah itself indicates this is not the case. There will be situations for which no direct law or statute exists. Instead, the Torah is meant to provide a foundation for developing divine wisdom within a community, allowing leaders to make just decisions even in unforeseen circumstances.

Furthermore, the Torah should not be used as a weapon to judge others or to elevate oneself as more righteous. Throughout the ministry of Yeshua, he encountered people who misused the Torah in this way, focusing on outward adherence to rules while neglecting the underlying spirit of love, mercy, and justice. Reducing the Torah to a mere checklist can foster arrogance and self-righteousness, obscuring the true mission of God.

What the Torah Truly Is

The Hebrew word "Torah" actually means instructions, which is more intimate and educational than simply "law." These instructions are designed to teach and guide people in how to live as a God-ordained community. The Torah is not a static piece of legislation but is alive and breathing, offering an invitation to become part of God's story.

The Torah begins with a narrative, starting with creation and following the story of humanity and God's interaction with it through figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, leading to the Exodus from Egypt. This story continues for 70 chapters before the Ten Commandments are given. Understanding this narrative context is crucial for grasping the purpose of the commandments, which are part of this larger story of God's mission to dwell with humanity.

The intention behind the commandments is paramount. Taking the example of building a parapet around a roof (Deuteronomy 22:8), the speaker explains that the goal is not to strictly adhere to building codes but to avoid negligence that could lead to bloodshed. This principle extends to modern life, such as wearing seatbelts or putting safety locks on cabinets. The intention of the Torah transcends generations and cultures.

Even the concept of the 613 commandments in Jewish tradition, derived from discussions in the Talmud, was not intended as a simple checklist for appeasing God. Ancient rabbis engaged in extensive debates about the meaning and application of these commandments, even attempting to summarize them into foundational principles. Ultimately, Yeshua summarized the entire law and the prophets into two great commandments: love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.

Love is presented as the essence of the Torah. Obeying the ethic of the Torah is not primarily about personal righteousness but about being a receptacle for God's love and impacting the world through that love. Without love, simply checking off boxes of religious practices is meaningless. The purpose of the Torah is to show the world the character of God through the lives of His people.

Application for Everyday Life

Seek the intention behind God's instructions in the Bible, rather than just focusing on literal interpretations.
Develop divine wisdom by understanding the underlying principles of the Torah, allowing you to make godly decisions even in new situations.
Love God with your whole being as the primary guiding principle in your life.
Love your neighbor as yourself, recognizing this as the second great commandment that fulfills the law.
Embody the spirit of love, mercy, and justice in your interactions with others, rather than using the Bible to judge or elevate yourself.
Focus on serving others and meeting their needs, reflecting the heart of Yeshua.
Actively participate in God's kingdom by showing love and care for those in need, such as orphans and widows.
Examine your heart to ensure it is aligned with God's will, rather than just focusing on outward religious practices.
Recognize that true obedience is about God impacting the world through you, demonstrating His existence and love.

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References

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