In our Torah portion this week, Moses is instructed on how to do fellowship offerings.  Again God gives detailed instructions about the offerings.  This portion also talks about the fat of the animal and how it is to be burned up.  Those of you who grill know how the fat will make a lot of smoke when it burns.  The Bible tells us that God enjoyed to sweet aroma of the sacrifice.  The JPS Bible says to make the fire smoke.  Burn up the fat!  Be passionate about your worship and service!  Come visit us this week to see how to burn the fat and make it smoke.

 

(ps.  the sermon will not be talking about diet and exercise.)

In this week’s Torah Portion we are beginning the Book of Leviticus (Vayikra).  God give Moses instructions regarding the sacrificing of animals.  The Bible says that the smell of the sacrificed animals on the altar is a pleasing aroma to God.  How does that relate to us today since we no longer offer sacrifices?

The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved children; (2) and walk in love, just as Messiah also loved us and gave Himself up for us as an offering and sacrifice to God for a fragrant aroma.

Today it is the sacrifice of bulls or goats, but the sacrifice of living a life that is centered on Yeshuah HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) that is a pleasing aroma to God. The entire fifth chapter of Ephesians gives us some pointers as to how to live a Yeshua centered life.  Come out this Shabbat to Tree of Life Messianic Congregation to hear more.

 

When the last Torah Reading Cycle began, we decided to go to a triennial cycle.  In other words, rather than reading through the entire 5 books of Torah each year, we will complete the cycle every three years.  This allows us to study the portions in a more detailed manner each week.