July 2, 2022: Haftarah – 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22

This week’s Haftarah portion is 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22. Listen in as Dr. Jeffrey Myers as he tackles the topic of rebellion, and how to guard ourselves from allowing it to take form in our lives.

Follow along in the AUDIO PODCAST, by clicking on the play button below, and reading along with the notes, as you listen to today's Haftarah:

Lion of Judah Speaks: Haftarah Portion – 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22

Shalom Mishpocha,

In I Sam 12:13-15 we are confronted with the revelation of YHVH—Who He is, and His perspective on what is righteous and what is not. The Torah challenges our own manufactured picture of YHVH, because it is natural to create our own view of who He is, in a way, creating Him in our own image. As we study His Word we are constantly confronted with Yah’s holiness, and that His holiness is far greater than we think. We must know and accept Yah as He is—as He has revealed Himself to be. So, when we are willing to allow the truth of His glory to penetrate our spirits, we then begin to understand Who He is and serve Him the way He desires and deserves.

The children of Israel wanted to follow the ways of the nations and have a king for themselves. Yah wanted them to trust and rely on Him to be their only King, to lead and guide them as a Father and His children. They wanted a physical king like the nations and Yah allowed them to have one. A lesson is about to be learned! Samuel gave the warning… if they and the king disobey it won’t go well with them. Our eyes should always be on the One and True King! Yes, He has given us people of authority to help guide us but YHVH is the one our eyes need to be focused on. He is the One that can lead us into a life of holiness. He is the only One able to reveal Himself of His absolute holiness and to bring us to the understanding that He never fails to keep His promises. Yah will go the full extent to accomplish His Will in our lives and keep us from perishing.

What kind of heart do the Children of Israel exhibit? What is their heart condition? We find the answer in their actions, which is also revealed in the Torah portion in the lives of Korach and his followers. Just like both narratives, we have to one extent or another participated in rebellion against HaShem. What happens to be foreign to us, is Adonai’s point of view when rebellion rises to the forefront. We generally know and understand Who He is but all too often willingly forget. We want to believe that Adonai does not like rebellion but understands when we slip into it. We want to hold on to the fact that He knows we are human and we’re still learning—growing! What we don’t want to believe is that Yah views rebellion as an abomination—it is the highest form of idolatry! The insidious nature of rebellion is when left unchecked becomes the fertile soil out of which every sort of idolatry grows. Rebellion against YHVH’s authority is the seed-bed of idolatry, and it was so from the beginning. We see the fruit of this revelation in the lives of Korach and company and King Shaul and the children of Israel.

We must guard against rebellion and yield, surrender to the Will and purpose of YHVH. YHVH warns us with His Word and protects us by His mercy. When we look at this week’s Torah and Haftorah portions we find some lasting principles for us to use to guard our sanctification.

When we find ourselves discontented with the place in life where Adonai has placed us, we become vulnerable to rebellion.

Let me ask this question, “Do you believe that Yah has, in fact, ordained your way, prepared your path, and ordered your steps?” or “Do you feel where you are and what you are doing does not match your potential?” Remember this, the first seed of heart rebellion is an ungrateful spirit, a refusal to thank Adonai for where He has brought you and the assignment He has given. The antidote for this is the acknowledgement of Yah’s provision and the giving of thanks for putting you in the place of His appointment. We must trust Him and trust that wherever or whatever is our life’s station, we trust He will provide. The Scripture says that a merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones. This giving of thanks develops a spiritual immunity against the disease of rebellion. I Thess. 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Yah’s Will for you in Messiah Yeshua.”

Rebellion occurs when we refuse to accept the authority of leaders whom Yah has appointed. Instead of accepting our failure and disobedience when it arises, we blame-shift, trying to transfer the guilt to someone else. Blame-shifting is a tell-tale sign of a rebellious heart. Repentance is the cure, willingly admitting, first to ourselves, and then to Yah, that what we are experiencing is the result of our own sin, not that of others. Rebellion changes our perspective on how we view everything! In the midst of rebellion, we can no longer see things as they really were. Rebellion turns everything on its head! It is not that we have forgotten where we were but have become blinded by our rebellion. A cataract of rebellion has settled over our spiritual eyes. We need Yah’s eye salve that we can see once again.

Worship is a litmus test for rebellion. Where are you? Is your prayer, praise and worship life stale and without fire? Is the incense on your altar to Yah gone out? Where is your sacrifice and the joy of your salvation? Sometimes rebellion is not outright but festers in the heart and comes upon us by small advances. Do you spend time in prayer? Do you spend quality time with the Master? Are you going through the motions? Is your spiritual life just a performance? We must awaken to our condition because rebellion is infectious. This is why Heb. 12:15 tells us to never allow a root of bitterness exist among us, for it is the means of spreading the disease of rebellion.

Samuel is warning the people about a lack of fear for Adonai, lack of service to Him, and a refusal to obey what He says and warns not to rebel against Adonai’s orders. Where is your priority? Who is your Head? Samuel prophesied to King Shaul and Israel instructing them in the good and right way. Telling them to only fear Adonai, and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for think what great things He has done for you! However, if you insist on doing wicked things, you will be swept away—both you and your king according to I Sam. 12:23-25.

This is a lesson we must learn! This is a word we must pay attention to in order to be what He wants us to be. This is His Word – Let Him be your King!

Shabbat Shalom

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Have a great Sabbath with Adonai and your family.

Shalom Alecheim and give Yeshua praise!