Embracing the Torah: Discovering Life and Rest in Yeshua

 

Summary

As we embark on the new year, 5784, we find ourselves at the beginning of a new cycle, rolling the Torah scroll back from Deuteronomy to Genesis. This is a time to embrace the life-giving wisdom of the Torah, which serves as a tree of life, offering peace and shalom to all who engage with it. Each week, as we delve into the Torah portions, we are invited to discover Yeshua, who is present in every page of God's word. From the words spoken through Moses to the fulfillment in Yeshua, we witness the unfolding of God's heart, nature, prophecies, covenants, and stories of redemption and grace.

Genesis, or Bereshit, marks the beginning not only of the Bible but of our understanding of God's character. It is the cornerstone upon which all scripture is built. As we study Genesis 1, we learn about God's transcendence over time and creation. God, who existed before the beginning, is revealed as a creator, bringing order to chaos and light to darkness. This light is not merely physical but represents revelation, understanding, and wisdom.

The creation narrative reveals the triune nature of God: God the Father, the Spirit hovering over the waters, and the Word, which is Yeshua, bringing life and light. This triune nature is evident in the creation of humanity, made in God's image, both male and female. We are reminded of our unique place in creation, entrusted with dominion and responsibility.

As we journey through the days of creation, we see God's meticulous order and purpose. Each day builds upon the previous, culminating in the creation of humanity and the establishment of rest on the seventh day. This rest, lost in the fall, is restored through Yeshua, offering us a return to the peace and rest found in God.

In this new Torah cycle, let us embrace the appointed times and seasons, recognizing God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan. As we study, may we find new life and revelation, trusting in the Creator who knows and orders all things.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Life-Giving Torah: The Torah is a tree of life, offering wisdom and peace to those who engage with it. As we study it, we are invited to discover Yeshua, who is present in every page, revealing God's heart and nature. This journey through the Torah is an opportunity to find new life and understanding. [00:00]

2. The Cornerstone of Genesis: Genesis 1 is the foundation of all scripture, revealing God's character and nature. It teaches us about God's transcendence over time and creation, and the importance of understanding this beginning to make sense of the rest of the Bible. [03:30]

3. The Triune Nature of God: The creation narrative reveals the triune nature of God: the Father, the Spirit, and the Word, which is Yeshua. This understanding is crucial as it shows how God brings life and light into the world, and how we are made in His image. [08:18]

4. Order and Purpose in Creation: God's creation is marked by meticulous order and purpose. Each day builds upon the previous, demonstrating God's understanding of what is needed for life to thrive. This order reflects God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan. [16:28]

5. Restoration Through Yeshua: The seventh day of creation, a day of rest, is a reminder of the peace and rest found in God. Though lost in the fall, this rest is restored through Yeshua, offering us a return to the divine rest and peace intended from the beginning. [31:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:14] - The Shema and the Beginning
- [03:30] - The Foundation of Genesis
- [04:29] - The Heart of God in Creation
- [05:43] - The Importance of Genesis
- [06:48] - God as Creator
- [08:18] - The Mystery of Darkness and Light
- [12:14] - The Light of Revelation
- [16:28] - Order in Creation
- [17:33] - God Establishes Goodness
- [19:13] - Vegetation and Life
- [20:47] - The Moedim and Appointed Times
- [22:08] - The Seasons and Signs
- [24:22] - The Blessing of Creation
- [25:50] - The Fifth Day and Blessing
- [27:07] - Humanity in God's Image
- [28:23] - Dominion and Responsibility
- [31:15] - The Seventh Day of Rest

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:1-5
2. John 1:1-5

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Genesis 1:1-5 reveal about God's nature and His role in creation? How is this foundational to understanding the rest of the Bible? [05:43]

2. In the sermon, it was mentioned that the Torah is like a "tree of life." How does this metaphor help us understand the purpose of the Torah in our lives? [02:14]

3. How does the creation narrative in Genesis 1 illustrate the triune nature of God, as discussed in the sermon? [08:18]

4. What is the significance of God resting on the seventh day, and how is this rest restored through Yeshua according to the sermon? [31:15]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of God bringing order to chaos in Genesis 1 relate to the idea of finding peace and shalom through the Torah? [06:48]

2. The sermon highlights the presence of Yeshua in every page of the Torah. How does this understanding impact the way we read and interpret the Old Testament? [04:29]

3. In what ways does the creation narrative demonstrate God's meticulous order and purpose, and how does this reflect His sovereignty? [16:28]

4. How does the restoration of rest through Yeshua offer a return to the divine peace intended from the beginning, as mentioned in the sermon? [31:15]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the metaphor of the Torah as a "tree of life." How can you engage more deeply with the Torah to find wisdom and peace in your daily life? [02:14]

2. Considering the foundational nature of Genesis 1, how can you ensure that your understanding of God's character is rooted in this beginning? What steps can you take to deepen this understanding? [05:43]

3. The sermon discusses the triune nature of God. How does this understanding influence your relationship with God, and how can you incorporate this into your prayer life? [08:18]

4. In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's order and purpose, especially when things seem chaotic? How can you remind yourself of His sovereignty in these moments? [16:28]

5. The concept of rest is central to the creation narrative. How can you incorporate a rhythm of rest into your weekly routine to experience the peace and rest found in God? [31:15]

6. How can you actively seek to discover Yeshua in your study of the Torah and the rest of the Bible? What practical steps can you take to make this a regular part of your study? [04:29]

7. Reflect on the idea of being made in God's image and entrusted with dominion and responsibility. How can you live out this responsibility in your community and environment? [28:23]

Devotional

Day 1: The Torah as a Tree of Life
The Torah is described as a tree of life, offering wisdom and peace to those who engage with it. As individuals study the Torah, they are invited to discover Yeshua, who is present in every page, revealing God's heart and nature. This journey through the Torah is an opportunity to find new life and understanding. The Torah is not just a set of laws or stories; it is a living document that continues to speak to those who seek its wisdom. Engaging with the Torah is a transformative experience, inviting believers to delve deeper into the mysteries of God's word and to find Yeshua woven throughout its pages. [00:00]

Proverbs 3:18 (ESV): "She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed."

Reflection: How can you engage more deeply with the Torah this week to discover the wisdom and peace it offers?


Day 2: Genesis as the Foundation of Scripture
Genesis 1 is the cornerstone of all scripture, revealing God's character and nature. It teaches about God's transcendence over time and creation, emphasizing the importance of understanding this beginning to make sense of the rest of the Bible. Genesis sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative, introducing themes of creation, order, and divine purpose. By studying Genesis, believers gain insight into the nature of God as a creator who brings order to chaos and light to darkness. This foundational understanding is crucial for interpreting the rest of scripture and for recognizing the continuity of God's plan throughout history. [03:30]

Isaiah 40:28 (ESV): "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of God's character through the study of Genesis this week?


Day 3: The Triune Nature of God in Creation
The creation narrative reveals the triune nature of God: the Father, the Spirit, and the Word, which is Yeshua. This understanding is crucial as it shows how God brings life and light into the world, and how humanity is made in His image. The triune nature of God is evident in the harmonious work of creation, where each person of the Trinity plays a role in bringing forth life and order. This revelation invites believers to reflect on the relational aspect of God's nature and to recognize their own identity as bearers of God's image, called to reflect His light and life in the world. [08:18]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: How does understanding the triune nature of God influence your view of creation and your role within it?


Day 4: Order and Purpose in God's Creation
God's creation is marked by meticulous order and purpose. Each day builds upon the previous, demonstrating God's understanding of what is needed for life to thrive. This order reflects God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan. The creation narrative reveals a God who is intentional and purposeful, crafting a world that is both beautiful and functional. Believers are invited to recognize the order and purpose in their own lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His divine plan. This understanding encourages a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God is in control and that His purposes will prevail. [16:28]

Psalm 104:24 (ESV): "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."

Reflection: Where do you see God's order and purpose in your life, and how can you align yourself more closely with His divine plan?


Day 5: Restoration and Rest Through Yeshua
The seventh day of creation, a day of rest, is a reminder of the peace and rest found in God. Though lost in the fall, this rest is restored through Yeshua, offering a return to the divine rest and peace intended from the beginning. The concept of Sabbath rest is a gift from God, inviting believers to cease from their labors and to find renewal in His presence. Through Yeshua, the promise of rest is fulfilled, providing a way for humanity to experience the peace and restoration that God intended. This invitation to rest is a call to trust in God's provision and to embrace the peace that comes from abiding in Him. [31:15]

Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV): "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."

Reflection: How can you intentionally create space for rest and renewal in your life this week, trusting in the peace that Yeshua offers?

Quotes


It's the time of year in which we get to begin the cycle anew. God has created a life cycle for us and he has given us his Torah that it would be a benefit, it would be life-giving, and within its very pages it would be like the tree of life. It would give wisdom and peace and shalom to everybody who grabs a hold of it. [00:00:31]

So as we continue in this year week by week to the snippets, the small little parts of the Torah that we're going to study every single week, may it be a tree of life to you. May Yeshua, who is found within every page of the word of God, come alive. For when God spoke these words through Moses, until the great fulfillment of Yeshua, we get to see the pages, the heart, the nature, the prophecies, the covenants, the stories, the heroes, the failures, the redemption, the grace, the mercy, and the fullness of God being revealed. [00:58:08]

Now this is very important for us, because when we come back to Genesis chapter 1, it's a chapter. It's a chapter unlike any other chapter in the entire scriptures. It is the cornerstone, it is the foundation by which all other scripture is laid upon. [00:03:11]

And when Moses began to put the ink to the paper and to be able to actually write down the words of the Lord, the story of God, the story of creation, the story of the earth, there's something about the heart of God that we have to have. Because if we don't have the proper lens, if we don't have the proper view, we can really take the entire Torah and all of the scriptures of the Tanakh and the Brit Hadashah and all of the writings, we can take them out of context. [00:03:51]

And the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Now, this is a really strange and marvelous and almost a mystery in and of itself. Before the earth was without form and a void and darkness. Now, what is this darkness? We're going to see this theme repeat itself multiple times. And it's very simple. We think, oh, it's the beginning of time. Yes, it was dark. [00:07:25]

But it's not just any darkness. This darkness is the figurative. Now, you have to understand that the Hebrew people, the Jewish people were very picture minded. The writing itself, the ancient Hebrew is it was almost like a hieroglyph, a pictorial that was trying to reveal something. [00:07:54]

And so we have to understand, like, what is real? What is literal? What is figurative? And this is going to be debating and debating and rabbis and pastors and scientists and scholars. That. Nobody agrees. But what we do know is that in this place that God created in this void, there was a darkness that represented the lack of revelation and understanding of God. [00:08:18]

And that God knows and God created and it's leading to something. And we ask ourselves, what is it leading to? Because in some of these days, something is created. So the next day can happen. And in other things, the next day happens. So the previous day can live and thrive. And so we begin to. See that God himself understands both the flow of time, but also the order in which all things need to be. [00:15:06]

And if God knew that from the very beginning, and if God ordered that from the very beginning, can we have faith and can we have trust that from that day until the day of Yeshua, from Yeshua's day until our day, and from our day until the return of Yeshua, when all things are made new, will we trust the creator? [00:15:42]

And God said, let the earth sprout vegetation and plants yielding seed and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed each according to its kind on the earth. And it was so. Now, this is fascinating here because now we're seeing a little bit different picture that before God created light, there was light. God formed the earth and we created the waters and the dry land. [00:18:41]

And God said, let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. So on the fourth day, something very different happens. It's different than the light of the first day, whereas the light of the first day is a revelation. A wisdom, an understanding of who God is and the fullness of who God is. In this time, we now have time. [00:20:19]

And God made the beast of the earth, according to their kinds and the livestock, according to their kinds and everything that creeps on the ground, according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. But then we come to something that is the most, one of the, one of the most wondrous portions of the entire Bible in verse 26, then God said, let us make man in our image after our likeness and let them have dominion. [00:27:07]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?