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Weekly Parashah |
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| Torah: Gen. 28:10–32:3 | Haftara: Hos. 12:13–14:10 | Brit Chadashah: Mt. 3:13–4:11 John1:19-51 |
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| Vayetzei (And he went out) |
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Scripture: |
Genesis 28:10–32:3
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Torah |
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Jacob’s Ladder From Heaven10 Then Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. 11 He happened upon a certain place and spent the night there, for the sun had set. So he took one of the stones from the place and put it by his head and lay down in that place. 12 He dreamed: All of a sudden, there was a stairway set up on the earth and its top reaching to the heavens—and behold, angels of God going up and down on it! 13 Surprisingly, Adonai was standing on top of it[a] and He said, “I am Adonai, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your seed. 14 Your seed will be as the dust of the land, and you will burst forth to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed—and in your seed. 15 Behold, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land, for I will not forsake you until I have done what I promised you.” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.+28%3A10%E2%80%9332%3A3&version=TLV |
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Scripture: |
Hosea 12:13–14:10
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Haftarah |
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| 13 Now Jacob fled to the field of Aram, when Israel served for a wife— yes, he kept watch for a wife. 14 So by a prophet Adonai brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophet he was kept. 15 Ephraim has provoked bitter anger, so his bloodguilt will remain on him— his Lord will repay him for his contempt. No Other Savior13 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hos.+12%3A13%E2%80%9314%3A10&version=TLV |
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Scripture: |
Matthew 3:13–4:11
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Brit Chadashah |
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The Heavens Open at Yeshua’s Mikveh13 Then Yeshua came from the Galilee to John, to be immersed by him in the Jordan. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be immersed by You, and You are coming to me?”15 But Yeshua responded, “Let it happen now, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” So John yielded to Him.16 After being immersed, Yeshua rose up out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Ruach Elohim[a] descending like a dove and coming upon Him. 17 And behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased!”[b] Overcoming Temptation with God’s Word4 Then Yeshua was led by the Ruach into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After He had fasted for forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. 3 And when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are Ben-Elohim, tell these stones to become bread.”4 But He replied, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”[c]5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and placed Him on the highest point of the Temple. 6 “If You are Ben-Elohim,” he said, “throw Yourself down. For it is written,‘He shall command His angels concerning you,’[d]and ‘upon their hands they shall lift you up, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone.’”[e]https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mt.+3%3A13%E2%80%934%3A11&version=TLV John 1 : 19 – 51John’s Witness to Israel’s Leaders19 This is John’s testimony, when the Judean leaders sent kohanim and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”20 He openly admitted and did not deny; he admitted, “I am not the Messiah.”21 “What then? Are you Elijah?” they asked him.“I am not,” said John.“Are you the Prophet?”“No,” he answered.22 So they said to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”23 He said, “I am ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of Adonai,”’[a] as the prophet Isaiah said.”24 Now those sent were from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, “If you’re not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet, why then are you immersing?” 26 “I immerse in water,” John answered. “Among you stands One you do not know, 27 coming after me, whose sandals I’m not worthy to untie.” 28 These things happened in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was immersing. Behold, the Lamb of God29 The next day, John sees Yeshua coming to him and says, “Behold, the Lamb[b] of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the One about whom I told you, ‘He who comes after me is above me, because He was before me.’ 31 I didn’t know Him, but I came immersing with water so that He might be revealed to Israel.” https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John1%3A19-51&version=TLV |
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Parashah in 60 seconds |
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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
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Ensures teachings are consistent with core beliefs.
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Provides a clear framework for interpretation and application.
2. Personal Integrity and Authenticity
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Fosters integrity and authenticity.
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Builds trust in spiritual guidance.
3. Cultural and Contextual Relevance
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Ensures guidance is relevant and meaningful.
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Recognizes unique needs and challenges.
4. Fostering Spiritual Growth
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Provides a roadmap for spiritual development.
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Encourages deeper exploration and engagement.
5. Unity and Community Building
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Promotes unity within the congregation.
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Avoids divisions and conflicts.
Part II: The Imperative of Prayer, Preparation, and Public Availability
Prayer: Seeking Divine Guidance
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Aligns theological beliefs with God's will.
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Opens the heart and mind to divine revelation.
Preparation: Crafting a Thoughtful Framework
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Ensures a well-thought-out and comprehensive understanding.
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Demonstrates responsibility and accountability.
Public Availability: Transparency and Accessibility
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Fosters transparency and builds trust.
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Makes information accessible to all.
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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.
