LOOKING BACKWARD

A Lesson from Torah.

(Deuteronomy_8:2-3)
The central message is: Remember! Faith begins without certainty, but as life unfolds, every day brings evidence to support it. When we trust that an eternal, spiritual world surrounds us, our conviction in its reality grows stronger than our belief in our own existence.

It is good to look back and see the way. It becomes clear that the thread of Divine purpose connects the many-colored moments of our lives.

Deu 8:15 who led you through that great and awesome wilderness – fiery serpents and scorpions and thirst – where there was no water, who brought water for you out of the flinty rock,
Deu 8:16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, in order to humble you and to try you, to do you good in the end,

The repetition in Deu_8:15 and Deu_8:16—"Who led thee" and "Who fed thee"—emphasizes that where Yehovah Elohim leads, He also provides.

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Guidance from Yehovah Elohim always comes with care. Those who let Him lead will not lack.

Look back on the past! Its sins and backslidings—leave them behind forever. Rise to newness of life. Its discipline was meant to chasten and strengthen us. Its trials reveal Yehovah Elohim’s power to deliver us in trouble.

This glorifies Him. Remember the wilderness of loneliness, the fiery serpents of temptation. Think of the manna that always fell and the water the Rock always gave.

Deu 8:17 you then shall say in your heart, ‘My power and the strength of my hand have made for me this wealth!’
Deu 8:18 “But you shall remember יהוה your Elohim, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, in order to establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is today.

Deu_8:17-18 teaches humility: wealth, honor, or influence are not reasons for pride. Our abilities are not the source of praise; recognize the true source. Thank Yehovah Elohim, remembering that He gives power and opportunity for a clear purpose.

Will you not pledge yourself to serve and worship Him?

As you climb the hill and start down the other side, you may not know what lies ahead. It is hidden in the mist. Do not fear. Tighten your girdle. Put your hand in His. Walk with Him and be His tool to bless the world.

By Rabbi HaTzair M. Francisco Arbas