11.10.24 ~ Self-Discovery

Good morning!

Happy 1st day of the week! 

As we've seen in our zoom calls this week and each of the studies, the timing of every Torah portion is always significant in our lives with multiple, practical lessons. Abraham's multiple stop journey to his calling was filled with life lessons for himself (Gen. 12:1-3) and us, his seed (Gal. 3:16, 27-29). 

To look at Abram's journey of self-discovery (Lekh Lekha), we find his first stop in Haran/barren, hot wilderness, where the soul with its appetites, emotions, and desires run hot; it's a soul that is motivated by something bigger than itself. Contrary to the thoughts of some, the Spirit doesn't want to quench this soul/nephesh driven life. Huh? Why not, you ask?  Because the soul is the heat-source of motivation from the beginning (Psa. 139:13-16); however, the Spirit does want the soul to be kept 'cool' under its control (Prov. 17:27), which Abram demonstrates beautifully as he makes/asah 318 disciples that eventually help him in the battle with the Kings; rescuing Lot (Gen. 12:4,5; chapter 14). 

When He came to Canaan(Gen. 12:5-7), we learned valuable lessons about Abram's ability to disciple and win souls (Prov. 11:30). For example: When the individual bows in humility under the spiritual head of Messiah Yeshua, the soul will take on a light yolk (Matt. 11:28-30). Abraham presented the Truth in such a way that the servants bowed humbly to the spiritual influence. On the flip side of that coin, if a soul lives undisciplined, then the Lord will use the Canaanites to bring out humility in a forceful way (Matt. 23). It was here, in voluntary humility that  Abram built an altar to the Lord for worship (Gen. 12:7). 

All of us, speaking of me, myself, and I, have experienced the soul's desire to drive the man through its lust and passions. It wants to dominate and control others. It's geared for self-preservation and survival. When it's unrestrained it can lead to a domineering, controlling behavior that does little to make/asah souls. Instead of freeing the captives to hear the Word, the passion driven man uses his energy to bring the free individual into captivity. 

Shechem/shoulder is the part of the body associated with government and bearing a burden (Isa. 9:4-6; 10:27; Matt. 23:4). When the soul is in charge, instead of bearing the burdens of teaching/nafshim, the role is reversed and the burden is placed on those it was designed to serve. This is not an easy test for Abram or us, his seed! Shechem is a life-long test of leadership; acquiring the responsibility of leading others. The leadership position has a way of bringing to the surface the depths of the soul; as we see clearly when Simeon and Levi use their position to trick the Shechemites into circumcision and then slaughtering them (Gen. 34). 

The oak in Moreh/teaching was a place, as demonstrated through its name, that was all about instruction, wisdom and strength. In the land of Canaan, where a lot of commerce takes place, Abram had to rely on the strength of God's Word to handle the challenges he would face in the market. This was a challenging time in Abram's life because he was experiencing transitional challenges within his own marriage along with a  famine in the land that drove him to go southward into Egypt (Gen. 12:10). 

Abram, not completely aware of God's plan for his life, nor fully in tune with his relationship with Sarai, employed her to take on the role of sister, instead of wife, for his own self-preservation (Gen. 12:12-13). Not a good mentality towards his wife, especially in Egypt/Mitzraim. 'Egypt' is not a good place to hang out when the fires on the home front aren't burning bright. The appetites of the flesh and possessive impulses will add heartache to your house and those around (Gen. 12:17).

Unrestrained passion, a fragmented soul of sexual acquisition and the temptation to deceive others for self-preservation is a powerful force that needs to be curbed by the cool waters, the 7 Spirits in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:10-13; Isa. 11:2,3). That's why this journey for Abram and us is called Lekh Lekha. It asks us the question deep into our heart if we will sacrifice those we love to preserve our own life or comfort? Will sexuality become a stumbling block? It's a test for Abram and all his seed!

Once out of Egypt, Genesis 13 tells us that Abram and Lot acquired/mikneh great wealth in Egypt. As money often does, it produces quarreling among the brothers. In unity, the land will support all that God provides in blessing. In contention, there is only the choice to separate. Lot chose the well watered plains that resembled the Garden of Eden and Abram dwelt in the high plains of Mamre/strength or fatness in Hebron/join in association (Gen. 13:1-13, 18).

It was here, after Abram separated from Lot that God did His ultimate preparation in the Land of Mamre/fatness. God was preparing the strong teacher for a test that would come in the future in Genesis 22; simultaneously while Lot pitched his tent towards Sodom where he would find a constant barrage of soulical desires. 

In Mamre/fatness, Abram made confederation with two non-believing individuals (Gen. 14:13,14). This confederation with Abram was a God-send! These non-believers were used to catalyze Abram's action in rescuing Lot utilizing his 318 men (Gen. 14:14-15). The rescue didn't come without its challenges; as seen with Abram's grief from the King of Sodom/burning (Gen. 14:16-17, 21-24). 

The Sodomites/burning were burning examples of every appetite unrestrained. They desired to increase, add, and pile up acquisitions without helping the poor and needy (Eze. 16:49-50). While Lot did desire acquisition, like Abram, he did not neglect the needy, which is perhaps why he was spared from the destruction (Matt. 25:31-36)??

Though there was conflict with Abram and the King of Sodom, after the warfare was won,he experienced a foretaste of Messiah with Melchizedek, King of Salem/wholeness and peace, when he acquired the bread and wine of blessing (Gen. 14:18). And so too will it be for those who overcome (Matt. 26:29). 

As we see, while scratching the surface with Abram's journey, the goal of our journey (1 Cor. 9:22-28) is that each individual should acquire and personalize the seedling lessons of each location, which makes a spirit, soul, and body completely equipped (1 Thess. 5:23) and perfectly suited to be blessed and to bless the Earth (John 8:39). This journey, like all things in life, is not perfect and it will require course adjustments along the way.

Lekh Lekha is all about learning who you are in a relationship and surrender to the work of the 7 Spirits (Rev. 4:5; Isa. 11:1-2; Rev. 1:20) keeping our hot soulical desires cool by the 7 Spirit waters of Eden. And, like Abram, you may not see the Land yet, but the Father's guiding you. In time, we also will be able to call Him the God Most High, Possessor of Heaven and Earth (Gen. 14:19).

Have a great work week!
Shalom!

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