07.26.08 - Matot Summary

Motze Shabbat was a blast! Thanks to everyone that came and participated. We had 35 people show up this time! Yee-haw!

Some points to remember from our discussion on Matot (Tribes):

1. Before we take on a vow or oath or make a commitment, we need to appreciate the full magnitude of what we are binding ourselves to. Sometimes VOW = OW.
   
2. Once we’ve made a vow or oath or made a commitment, we need to do everything possible to implement it. Sometimes, it’ better not to make a vow then to make a vow and not pay up (Ecc. 5:4-8).
   
3. In Matthew 5:33-37, Yeshua HaMashiach is describing “Carnal Believers”. Don't swear by His Name to make impressions, prove a point, coerce, etc... Your word should be good enough; don’t vow, let your yes be yes, your no be no.
   
4. The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben put their flocks before their children (Num 32:16); they were the first to be taken into captivity—Yikes! Get your priorities straight!
   

Shavuah Tov! Have a good week!

- Pastor Michael




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07.26.08 – Matot

07.26.08

Matot - Tribes

Torah: Numbers 30:2-32:42
Haftarah: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3
Apostolic Scriptures: Acts 9:1-22
Related Scriptures: Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Matthew 5:33; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

Topic:

Making vows requires a maturity and understanding by the person making the vow of the importance and seriousness of the responsibility they are obligating themselves to. (that was a mouthful)

If a young woman makes a vow, her father can annul the vow if he finds it unreasonable. (Num 30:3-5)
If a married woman makes a vow, her husband can annul the vow if he finds it unreasonable. (Num 30:6-15)

1. If a vow can be ‘broken’ by a young woman’s father (her authority) and a vow can be ‘broken’ by a married woman’s husband (her authority), then what principle can we derive from this? Hint: Why do you think Moses specifically instructed the leaders of the tribes regarding vows?

2. Why were the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben instructed to lead the way into the land (Num 32:1-42)? What were the conditions given to them regarding their request? How can we relate this to the principles of making vows?

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07.05.08 - Chukat Summary

Wow. I had a great time last Motze Shabbat. Thanks to everyone that came over and contributed to the discussion. Great meeting!

Some points to remember from our discussion of Chukat:

1. If God isn’t angry, why should we be?
2. If He says speak, speak and don’t strike.
3. The journey can wear you down and cause you to complain—be sure you are not complaining against Hashem or His servant.
   
4. Don’t make hasty vows. Messiah said not to make vows at all (Matthew 5:33-37).

Shavuah Tov! Have a good week!

- Pastor Michael