Parsha “Nitzavim” (Deuteronomy (29:9-thru chapter 30) is the parsha that Mark Call almost always says is not only a vital, undeniable, and not-yet-fulfilled, prophecy of our future, but contains the most succinct two-word summary of His Torah in the Bible.

And it begins with that enigmatic introduction, “Nitzavim,” or “you are standing” – all of you, THIS DAY, before YHVH your El…

…and here we are now, THIS DAY (ha yom) doing exactly that – again.

The Erev Shabbat reading begins there, and the specifics, to set the stage:

During the Sabbath Day midrash, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa begins with a theme that has been on many of our minds this last week or two, and the phrase “doctrines of demons,” from Paul’s first letter to Timothy, 4:1.

It is certainly encouraging that Charlie’s execution/martyrdom has encouraged many people to look at his lifetime body of work, and his testimony for faith in the Living Elohim. No doubt many – particularly young and college-aged people – are considering a ‘turn’ toward the teachings of Scripture.

And yet, Mark suggests, the popular reaction of just “go back to church,” is but a pitiful small step in what might be the right direction. After all, many LEFT ‘the church’ because of it’s demonstrated, Scripturally-condemned, failure to “teach my people the difference,” between the holy and profane, clean and unclean. Simply returning to what already failed, and got us here, is not a real solution.

And yet, Deuteronomy 30 gives us both a clear razor for Truth, and a bold promise of why we MUST turn!

Warning: Some will be offended. YHVH certainly made the reason for His anger, and our continued exile, abundantly clear. But so is the Promise.

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash: