|
Weekly Parashah |
|||||
| Torah: Deut. 29:9(10)–30:20* | Haftara: Isa. 61:10 - 63:9 | Brith Chadashah: Lk. 24:1–12 Jn. 12:41–50 |
|||
| Nitzavim (Standing) נִצָּבִים |
|||||
Scripture: |
Deuteronomy 29:9(10)–30:20*
|
Torah |
|||
|
|
You Are Standing Before the Lord9 “You are standing today, all of you, before Adonai your God—the heads of your tribes, your elders, your officials, all the men of Israel, 10 your children, your wives, and the outsider within your camp (from your woodchopper to your water carrier). 11 Each of you is to cross over into the covenant of Adonai your God that He is cutting with you today, and into His oath. 12 “This is in order to confirm you today as His people. So He will be your God, just as He promised you and just as He swore to your fathers—to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. 13 Not with you alone am I cutting this covenant and this oath, 14 but with whomever is standing here with us today before Adonai our God and with whomever is not here with us today. 15 “Indeed you know how we dwelt in the land of Egypt and how we crossed through the nations that we passed through. 16 You saw their detestable things and their idols —wood and stone, silver and gold—that were with them. 17 Beware in case there is among you a man or woman, or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from Adonai our God to go serve the gods of those nations. Beware in case there is among you a root producing poison and bitter fruit. 18 “Now when someone hears the words of this oath and in his heart considers himself blessed, thinking, ‘Shalom will be mine, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart’—thus sweeping away the moist with the dry— 19 Adonai will be unwilling to forgive him. For then the anger of Adonai and His jealousy will smoke against that person. So all the oath that is written in this scroll will settle on him, and Adonai will blot out his name from under the heavens. |
||||
Scripture: |
Isaiah 61:10 - 63:9 |
Haftarah |
|||
|
10 I will rejoice greatly in Adonai. My soul will be joyful in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me in a robe of righteousness— like a bridegroom wearing a priestly turban, like a bride adorning herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes things sown to spring up, so Adonai Elohim will cause justice and praise to spring up before all the nations. https://www.bible.com/bible/314/ISA.61.TLV Watchmen for Jerusalem1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness shines out brightly, and her salvation as a blazing torch. 2 Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name, which Adonai’s mouth will bestow. 3 You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of Adonai, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 4 No longer will you be termed “Forsaken”, no longer your land termed “Desolate”. Instead you will be called, “My Delight is in Her” and your land, “Married”. For Adonai delights in you, and your land will be married. 5 For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons will marry you. As a bridegroom rejoices over a bride, so your God will rejoice over you. 6 On your walls, Jerusalem, I have set watchmen. All day and all night, they will never hold their peace. “You who remind Adonai, take no rest for yourselves, 7 And give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 8 Adonai has sworn by His right hand and by His strong arm: “Surely I will never again give your grain as food for your enemies, nor will foreigners drink your new wine, for which you have labored. |
 |
||||
Scripture: |
Luke 24:1–12
|
Brit Chadashah |
|||
|
|
Women Visit the Garden Tomb1 Now on the first day of the week, at daybreak, the women came to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone had been rolled away from the tomb; 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Yeshua. 4 And while they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you search for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but He is risen! Remember what He told you when He was still in the Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be executed, and on the third day rise up.” 8 And they were reminded of His words. 9 And when they returned from the tomb, they told all these things to the eleven and to everyone else. 10 Now it was Miriam from Magdala, Joanna, the Miriam of Jacob and others together with them who were telling these things to the emissaries. https://www.bible.com/bible/314/LUK.24.TLV John 12 : 41 – 5041 Isaiah said these things because he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless many, even among the leaders, put their trust in Him. But because of the Pharisees, they were not confessing Yeshua, so they would not be thrown out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God. 44 Yeshua cried out, “Whoever puts trust in Me believes not in Me but in the One who sent Me! 45 And whoever beholds Me beholds the One who sent Me. 46 As light I have come into the world, so that everyone who trusts in Me should not remain in darkness. 47 “If anyone hears My words but doesn’t keep them, I do not judge him; for I came to save the world, not to judge the world. 48 The one who rejects Me and doesn’t receive My words has a judge; the word I spoke will judge him on the last day. 49 For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is life everlasting. Therefore what I say, I say just as the Father has told Me.” |
||||
Parashah in 60 seconds |
|||||
00 The reason to write my Theology
The Importance of Theological Underpinning in Pastoral Teachings: A Comprehensive Perspective
Introduction
Within Article Zero of the series on theology, I would like to introduce the reason for this writing.
Theology, the study of the divine and religious beliefs, practices, and experiences, is the backbone of any religious teaching. For a pastor, the theological ground from which he or she teaches is not just a matter of personal belief but a guiding principle that shapes the congregation's spiritual life. This article explores why it is essential for a pastor to provide this theological underpinning for the congregation and the importance of prayer, preparation, and making it publicly available.
Part I: The Significance of Theological Underpinning
1. Consistency and Clarity in Teaching
-
Ensures teachings are consistent with core beliefs.
-
Provides a clear framework for interpretation and application.
2. Personal Integrity and Authenticity
-
Fosters integrity and authenticity.
-
Builds trust in spiritual guidance.
3. Cultural and Contextual Relevance
-
Ensures guidance is relevant and meaningful.
-
Recognizes unique needs and challenges.
4. Fostering Spiritual Growth
-
Provides a roadmap for spiritual development.
-
Encourages deeper exploration and engagement.
5. Unity and Community Building
-
Promotes unity within the congregation.
-
Avoids divisions and conflicts.
Part II: The Imperative of Prayer, Preparation, and Public Availability
Prayer: Seeking Divine Guidance
-
Aligns theological beliefs with God's will.
-
Opens the heart and mind to divine revelation.
Preparation: Crafting a Thoughtful Framework
-
Ensures a well-thought-out and comprehensive understanding.
-
Demonstrates responsibility and accountability.
Public Availability: Transparency and Accessibility
-
Fosters transparency and builds trust.
-
Makes information accessible to all.
-
Serves as an educational resource.
Conclusion
The theological ground from which a pastor teaches is a vital aspect of spiritual leadership. It provides consistency, fosters integrity, ensures relevance, promotes spiritual growth, and builds community. Defining and sharing this theological underpinning is a sacred task that requires prayer, preparation, and a commitment to public availability.
In a world where individual perspectives and interpretations can vary widely, and spiritual guidance is often sought and scrutinized, these principles serve as a compass, guiding both the pastor and the congregation toward a shared understanding of their faith. It is a reflection of the pastor's commitment to the spiritual well-being of the community he or she serves, and a testament to the profound responsibility that comes with the calling.
By understanding and articulating this theological foundation, a pastor can lead with clarity, authenticity, and relevance, nurturing a faith community that is united, engaged, and growing in their spiritual journey. It underscores the multifaceted role that theological underpinning plays in pastoral teachings, reflecting the complexity and significance of the pastor's role in guiding and nurturing the faith community.
