Righteousness – VaEtchanan – August 9

What is the foundation for our righteousness?

In this week’s Torah Portion, Moses continues to remind this second generation of Israelites of the commands of God. In Deuteronomy chapter five Moses reiterates the Ten Commandments along with the conditions surrounding the events when God spoke to the people from the mountain.

Then in chapter six, Moses says that righteousness is linked to a careful observance of these statutes and commandments (Deut. 6:24-25). Religious Jews today are still trying to carefully obey all the laws and commandments as written in the Torah in order to obtain the righteousness of God.

In the New Testament, both Zacharias and Elizabeth were considered righteous before God because of their careful observance of the commandments of the Lord (Luke 1:6).

When a Jewish religious scribe asked Yeshua what commandment is the foremost of all, Yeshua responded by quoting from a few verses in this week’s Torah Portion (Deut. 6:4-5). Yeshua began by quoting a phrase which has become the creed of Judaism “Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one” and then continued by saying love God and love your neighbor (Mark 12:28-31). Yeshua also stated that in these two commands, which are intertwined, depend the whole Law and the prophets (Matt: 22:40).

Are we still obligated today to carefully observe the Law to obtain righteousness?

What is the foundation for our righteousness today?

Since the beginning of time a right standing with God was based on listening to the voice of God and obeying Him (Gen. 2:16-17). Abraham is the pillar example of this when he believed God and it was counted righteousness to him (Gen. 15:6).

Today it is no different. We still need to listen to the voice or Word of God and believe in Him.  It is through belief in Yeshua today that we have righteousness with the Father (John 14:6) and thankfully Yeshua fulfilled the Law for us (Matt. 5:17).  This does not mean that the whole Old Testament Law is negated, but rather that we need to understand it through the teaching of Yeshua (John 15:12-17).

Let us be among those who hear the voice of God today (Mark 9:7) and be found righteous by doing the works that the Father would have us to do (Matt. 25:46).

Shabbat Shalom!

Return to Torah Portion Homepage