Rachel Wolf, 10/17/21

Parashat Lech Lecha from Beresheet (Genesis)12:1-17:27.

Rabbi Michael Wolf

1. Substitutionary atonement through the death of the “only Son”

- Sacrificial love all the way around (John 3:16, John 10:18, 1 John 4:10-11)

-The central Jewish act in history is embodied in the Akedah

2.Substitutionary atonement through the death of the “only Son”

- Sacrificial love all the way around (John 3:16, John 10:18, 1 John 4:10-11)

- The central Jewish act in history is embodied in the Akedah

3. So, rise early and give Him everything

- Today can be the beginning of this year’s most beautiful friendship, to quote a famous film (Luke 10:38-42)

- Put first things first this year, and everything else will follow (Matthew 6:33-34)

Moses knew that the foundation of Torah is Abrahamic faith

Some people separate faith and works

Our righteousness results from faith in G-d’s resurrection power (Genesis 15:5-6, Isaiah 28:16)

The new heart is instantaneous

At what point in time is the doubter convinced and faith activated?         

G-d said it, we believe it, that settles it

The mouth confession seals the deal

It emanates from our spirit   

The most persecuted group in the world right now

Part 1: A Son is Given The events that transpire in Luke 1 constitute a turning point in the story of God’s people Israel. They are replete with references to the promises and hopes of the past and pregnant with the future in which these promises and hopes will at last be fulfilled. Because of the need that each gospel has to, at the outset, establish its direct relationship to the Hebrew Bible, Luke 1 has a remarkably rich and pervasive connection to the Hebrew prophets, including Moses and the patriarchs. We will see that the Son that is promised is, by necessity, a son of Jewish flesh, and not only a son of the Spirit.

Come into the 2020 Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah with washed hands and a mask but remember that it is only God that can wash our heart soul and minds.