November 9, 2024: Parashah Torah Portion Lech-Lecha - "Go Forth"

Shabbat: November 8th, 2024 at sunset until November 9th, 2024 at sunset.

Scriptures:

Torah Portion: Genesis 12:1-17:27

Haftarah (Prophets): Isaiah 40:27-41:16

Brit Chadashah (New Covenant): Romans 4:1-25; Galatians 4:21-5:1; Hebrews 11:8-10

Message by: Elihana Elia

The message in Lech Lecha—“Go forth”—is one of faith, obedience, and stepping into the unknown with trust in God. This call is foundational in our spiritual journey, teaching us how to respond to God’s call in our own lives today.

1. Faith and Trust in God’s Promises:

In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham to leave everything familiar and promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and make him a blessing to others. Just as Abraham responded in faith (Hebrews 11:8), we, too, are encouraged to trust God’s promises, even when we cannot see the outcome. For example, we might face difficult decisions where the path is unclear. Like Abraham, we can lean on Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

2. Leaving Behind the Old Life:

When Abraham left his homeland, it symbolized leaving behind his old identity to step into a new calling with God. As believers in Yeshua, this mirrors our spiritual rebirth (2

Corinthians 5:17) as we turn from past ways and embrace a life directed by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:22-24 calls us to “put off the old self” and to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This means choosing to live in a way that reflects our new identity and purpose in Messiah.

3. Walking by Faith, Not by Sight:

Abraham’s journey was one of walking in faith without knowing the details. Today, we are similarly called to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This can apply to many areas of our lives, such as pursuing a calling or enduring a season of uncertainty.

Romans 4:20-21 reminds us that Abraham “did not waver in unbelief regarding the promise of God” but was “fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.” We, too, are called to rely on God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances seem challenging.

4. Being a Blessing to Others:

God promised to make Abraham a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2-3), a promise that finds fulfillment in Yeshua, the ultimate blessing to all nations. Today, we are called to be conduits of God’s love and blessings to those around us. In Matthew 5:16, Yeshua says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and

glorify your Father in heaven.” This call to be a blessing challenges us to actively seek ways to serve others, reflecting God’s goodness.

5. Covenant Relationship with God:

The covenant God establishes with Abraham (Genesis 15) is a model of God’s faithfulness and commitment. In Yeshua, we are invited into a “new covenant” (Luke 22:20), a relationship sealed by His sacrifice. As believers, we are reminded of our identity as part of God’s family, secure in His promises (Galatians 3:29). In practical terms, this means living with confidence in God’s love, knowing we are chosen

and loved (1 Peter 2:9-10).

In essence, Lech Lecha reminds us that God’s call involves leaving behind what is comfortable, trusting Him fully, and embracing His promises, even when we

cannot see the way forward. This journey mirrors our life of faith in Messiah,

where we are invited to trust, obey, and walk into His promises with courage and

purpose.

Torah Reading Summary from Genesis 12:1–17:27

This passage includes some of the foundational events in the life of Abram (later renamed Abraham), starting with God's call to him in Genesis 12:1–3.

1. God’s Call to Abram (Genesis 12:1-3):

God calls Abram to leave his homeland in Ur of the Chaldeans and travel to an unspecified land that God will show him. God promises Abram three key blessings:

• He will become a great nation (the people of Israel).

• He will be blessed, and through him, all the families of the earth will be

blessed (a reference to the coming of the Messiah, through Abram's

descendants).

• His name will be great, and through him, the nations will be blessed.

2. Abram’s Journey (Genesis 12:4–13:18):

Abram obeys God's command and travels with his wife Sarai (later Sarah), nephew Lot, and their households to the land of Canaan. Along the way, they face various challenges, including a famine that leads them to Egypt, where Abram tells a half-truth about Sarai being his sister to protect himself.

After returning to Canaan, Abram and Lot’s wealth and livestock grow so large that they need to separate to avoid conflict. Lot chooses the fertile land near Sodom, and Abram settles in Canaan, where God reaffirms His promise.

3. God’s Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15:1-21):

God appears to Abram in a vision, reassuring him of the covenant and making specific promises. God promises that Abram’s descendants will inherit the land, and He makes a formal covenant with Abram by walking through the divided animals, a ritual of stablishing solemn promises.

4. The Birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-16):

Sarai, unable to have children, gives her maidservant Hagar to Abram to bear a child. Hagar conceives and gives birth to Ishmael, but tensions arise between Sarai and Hagar, leading to Hagar fleeing. God speaks to Hagar, assuring her that her son will become the father of a great nation.

5. The Covenant of Circumcision (Genesis 17:1-27):

God changes Abram’s name to Abraham ("father of many nations") and Sarai’s name to Sarah ("princess"). God promises that Sarah will bear a son, even though both she and Abraham are very old. This child, Isaac, will be the heir to the covenant promises. Abraham and his household are commanded to practice circumcision as a sign of the covenant, and all male members of his household, including Ishmael, are circumcised.

Key Themes:

• Faith and Obedience: Abraham’s willingness to follow God's call without knowing the full details of the journey exemplifies faith and obedience.

• God’s Promises: God's covenant with Abraham is central, not only to the future of Israel but also to the entire world, as through Abraham, all nations will be blessed.

• Covenant of Circumcision: The command to circumcise marks a key moment in God’s relationship with His people, signifying their unique identity and relationship with Him.

The message in Lech Lecha—“Go forth”—is one of faith, obedience, and stepping into the unknown with trust in God. This call is foundational in our spiritual journey, teaching us how to respond to God’s call in our own lives today.

STAND IN HIS PROMISES - “LECH LECHA”

Haftarah Summary from Isaiah 40:27–41:16

This Haftarah passage is a message of comfort and encouragement for the Jewish people, who are in exile, awaiting the deliverance promised by God.

1. God’s Comfort and Power (Isaiah 40:27-31):

The prophet begins by reminding Israel that even though they feel abandoned, God has not forsaken them. God is everlasting and all-powerful, and He gives strength to the weary. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, rise up with wings like eagles, and run without growing weary.

2. The Sovereignty of God (Isaiah 41:1-7):

God addresses the nations, calling them to consider His sovereignty. He challenges them to remember how He has raised up leaders in the past to carry out His will. The nations are powerless against His will, and those who oppose Him will be defeated.

3. God’s Promise to Israel (Isaiah 41:8-16):

God reassures Israel that they are His chosen people, and He will help them. He promises to strengthen and protect them, even when they face difficulties. The promise of deliverance is rooted in God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham.

Key Themes:

• God’s Sovereignty: The passage emphasizes God's supreme control over all nations and His ability to deliver His people from any situation.

• Encouragement and Hope: Even in exile, Israel is reminded that God is with them, offering strength and renewal to those who trust in Him.

• God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant: God will fulfill the promises made to Abraham, and His chosen people will be upheld and protected.

Here’s a revised summary of the New Covenant readings from a Messianic

Jewish perspective, focusing on how they relate to the Jewish context and

the fulfillment of God's promises through Yeshua (Jesus), the Jewish Messiah.

Brit Chadashah (New Covenant) Summary from Romans 4:1-25

In Romans 4, Paul presents Abraham as the foundational example of justification by faith, which is a central tenet of the Messianic Jewish understanding of salvation. Paul emphasizes that Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, was justified before God not by following the Mosaic Law (which would come much later) but by believing in God's promises. This is significant because it shows that righteousness comes from faith, not works—this principle applies equally to both Jews and Gentiles in the body of Messiah.

Paul stresses that just as Abraham trusted in God's promise to make him the father of many nations, so too are Jewish and Gentile believers in Yeshua (Jesus) counted righteous when they believe in God's promise of salvation through the Messiah. The righteousness of Abraham is fulfilled in the Messiah Yeshua, through whom both Jews and Gentiles are united. Just as Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6), so is the faith of those who trust in Yeshua today.

For Messianic Jews, this reinforces the belief that the Torah (the Law) serves to guide, but it is faith in Yeshua that brings justification. This does not abolish the Law but shows that Yeshua is the fulfillment of what the Law pointed to: righteousness by faith.

Key Themes:

• Righteousness by Faith: Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua.

• The Promise to Jews and Gentiles: The promise to Abraham of a vast spiritual family finds its fulfillment in Yeshua, and believers in Him—both Jewish and Gentile—are part of that promise.

Summary from Galatians 4:21–5:1

In Galatians 4, Paul compares Sarah (Abraham’s wife) and Hagar (Sarah’s maidservant) as symbols of two covenants. Hagar, the mother of Ishmael, represents the old covenant of the Law, while Sarah, the mother of Isaac, represents the new covenant of grace through the promise of God. The old covenant, represented by Hagar, is seen as one of slavery because it was based on works and striving, while the new covenant, symbolized by Sarah, is based on the promise of God that brings freedom.

Paul uses this allegory to argue that the Galatian believers—Jewish and Gentile—are not to return to the bondage of the Law (symbolized by Hagar), but instead to embrace the freedom that comes through faith in Yeshua (Isaac being the child of the promise). This freedom is not a rejection of Jewish identity or the Law, but the understanding that Yeshua is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham, and through Him, believers have been made children of God.

For Messianic Jews, this passage underscores that while the Torah (the Law) was given to guide Israel, it was always meant to point to the Messiah. Yeshua fulfills the promise made to Abraham, and through Him, both Jews and Gentiles are no longer bound by the works of the Law but are heirs to God's promise through faith.

Key Themes:

• Two Covenants: The Old Covenant (of works through the Law) and the New Covenant (of grace through faith in Yeshua).

• Freedom in the Messiah: The freedom that comes from being part of the covenant of promise, symbolized by Sarah, through faith in Yeshua.

Summary from Hebrews 11:8-10

In Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” the author speaks of Abraham as the ultimate example of faith, showing how his journey as a sojourner and pilgrim was an act of faith in God’s promises. Abraham left his homeland, not knowing where he was going, because he trusted that God would fulfill the promise to give him the land and make him the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). But even in the land of promise, Abraham lived as a stranger, looking forward to the city with foundations, the eternal dwelling designed by God (Hebrews 11:10).

For Messianic Jews, this is a powerful reminder that Abraham's journey of faith mirrors the journey of all believers in Yeshua. Though we live in this world, our true home is the eternal Kingdom of God, which we look forward to through faith in Yeshua. Abraham’s faith was rooted in God’s promises, and this is ultimately fulfilled in the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people forever.

The passage in Hebrews emphasizes that the promises God made to Abraham were not fully realized in his lifetime, but they find their ultimate fulfillment in the Messianic era, which is inaugurated through Yeshua. Believers today are spiritual descendants of Abraham through faith in the Messiah.

Key Themes:

• Living by Faith: Abraham’s example of faith, trusting in God's promises even when he didn’t see them fully realized, is a model for Messianic believers.

• Looking Forward to God’s Kingdom: Abraham’s faith in the eternal city points to the Messianic Kingdom—the future fulfillment of all God's promises in Yeshua.

• Spiritual Descendants of Abraham: Through faith in Yeshua, all believers (Jew and Gentile) are considered children of Abraham and heirs to the promises.

Summary of Key Themes:

• Faith in Yeshua as the Fulfillment of the Covenant: The Torah, prophets, and writings all point to the Messiah, and Yeshua (Jesus) is the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The New Covenant in Yeshua brings both Jews and Nations into the promises given to Abraham by faith.

• Righteousness by Faith, Not by Works: Just as Abraham was justified by his faith, so too are all believers—Jews and those of the Nations - as One New Man - Israel, Bride of Messiah—justified by faith in the Messiah. The works of the Law (Torah observance) do not justify anyone; instead, faith in the Messiah is the key to righteousness and salvation. But the Torah is very important, as those who are BORN AGAIN will show fruits of Teshuvah repentance by obedience to Abba’s Word.

• Spiritual Inheritance: Through Yeshua, all believers become part of Abraham’s spiritual family, heirs to the promises of God through faith in Messiah Yeshua.

• The Freedom of the New Covenant: While the Torah is holy and good, it is through the Messiah that believers experience true freedom from sin and death. This freedom allows for a new way of living—by the Holy Spirit, in relationship with God—and obedience to His Word!

• Looking to the Eternal Kingdom: Just as Abraham looked forward to the eternal city (the Messianic Kingdom), so do all believers in Yeshua. The promises to Israel, fulfilled in Messiah, are not only for the present but for the future—when God will establish His kingdom on earth.

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS...

We are at a pivotal moment in history—both politically and spiritually. As the recent election results unfold, we recognize the profound importance of the United States’ relationship with Israel. For those of us who believe in the promises of God, our commitment to Israel is not just a political stance but a biblical calling. Yet, while we stand with Israel, we are also called to fulfill a higher purpose: to proclaim the Gospel of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah to the nations, and to reach a harvest of souls.

The Importance of Supporting Israel

In this ever-changing political climate, it’s crucial that we continue to stand firm in our support for Israel. As the Psalmist declares, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6). Israel is at the heart of God’s redemptive plan, and we, as believers, are called to bless and support the Jewish people and the land of Israel. This is not just a political responsibility—it is a divine mandate.

As the world faces increasing turmoil, the need for strong alliances and unwavering support for Israel has never been greater. We must pray for peace, wisdom, and God’s protection over Israel. And as we pray, we must also take action.

Reaching the Harvest: A Call for Your Support

While standing with Israel is paramount, we also face an urgent call to reach the lost with the message of Yeshua, the Savior of the world. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37). We believe that faith-based media—TV programs, music, and digital platforms—are powerful tools for spreading the Gospel and bringing souls into the Kingdom of God.

That’s why we are asking for your support in an important initiative to expand our outreach efforts. We are in the process of launching a new TV program, producing faith-based media, and creating music content that will proclaim the love and truth of Yeshua the Messiah to a world in desperate need of hope. But we cannot do it without you.

Why Your Support Matters

As you know, creating high-quality media takes resources, and this vision is urgent. Your donation will directly support:

• TV Program Production: Reaching millions with the message of Yeshua and the importance of supporting Israel.

• Faith-Based Media: Producing movies, documentaries, and shows that reflect the truth of the Gospel and the significance of Israel in God’s plan.

• Music Production: Sharing the Gospel through powerful worship and faith-based music that touches hearts and opens lives to the Messiah.

• Podcasts

• School of Prophets & School of Ministry: Educating ministers in the Restoration

By investing in these projects, you are not only helping to advance the Kingdom of God but also ensuring that the message of salvation through Yeshua is broadcast across the nations. Your partnership will help us to reach people who may have never heard the Gospel and may never step foot into a church or synagogue.

How You Can Make a Difference:

1. Pray for Our Mission: We need your prayers as we move forward with this important ministry. Pray for favor, resources, and divine guidance.

2. Donate to Our Vision: Your financial support is crucial to making this vision a reality. Whether you give a one-time gift or set up monthly support, every contribution is an investment in the Kingdom of God.

3. Share the Vision: Help spread the word. Share this newsletter with friends, family, and others who might feel called to support this mission.

A Final Word: The Urgency of the Hour

The time is now. We are living in the final days, and the harvest of souls is at hand. Just as we must stand with Israel, we must also stand together to spread the Good News of Yeshua the Messiah. This is an urgent matter—souls are at stake, and the need is greater than ever.

We are grateful for your partnership in prayer and financial support. Together, we can make a powerful impact, not just in supporting Israel, but in reaching the lost with the Gospel message of salvation through Yeshua.

Thank you for standing with us. May God bless you richly, and may He continue to bless Israel and the work of His Kingdom.

Shabbat Shalom!

In His Service,

Elihana Elia & Dr. Hadassah Elia and team at RONI International Alliance, Lev

Echad One Heart Messianic Congregation & Restore Israel