Thoughts on the Torah Portion ... by Hannah

Shalom Y'all!

We've come up with an idea that we're going to try out ... some of us children are going to take turns sharing our thoughts about the weekly Torah, Haftarah and Brit Chadasha portions. It's my turn this week and I think Tommy will take a turn next week, so here goes ...

In the Torah (Genesis 47:28-50:26), we read about Israel (Jacob) and his death and in the Haftarah (1Kings 2:1-12), we read about King David just before his death. In Genesis 49:10, Israel prophesies that "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Part of this prophecy is fulfilled through David's kingship, as he is a descendant of Judah and of course it is also fulfilled in Yeshua - the King of kings, who was also a descendant of Judah. In the Brit Chadasha (Luke 4:31-5:11), we read about several of the many miracles that Yeshua performed - examples of the power that YHWH gave to Him ... and ultimately the Kingly authority that He held (and holds!).

I think the one verse that stood out to me more than any of the others, was when Joseph was speaking to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, and said; "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." It is very similar to Romans 8:28, where we read; "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

When the enemy tries to harm us (often using other people in the process), remember that YHWH will work it all out for the best. Sometimes we do not understand how difficult situations are working out of the best. In the story of Joseph, we get to see the end results. I'm sure that Joseph did not understand "the good" that YHWH was bringing to pass, throughout those years of being kidnapped, sold, falsely accused, imprisoned and forgotten ... but once it was all over, he could see YHWH's plans and purposes. May we always remember this in every difficult situation that we face and always "praise Him in the storm"!