Death is a subject that we generally try to avoid, however, it is a reality of life. One of the main reasons that individuals pursue spirituality and religion is to find an answer to the question of death. Healing, resurrection, salvation, redemption, deliverance, purification, and forgiveness are desires of the human soul but how can they be obtained?
In this week’s Torah portion the remedy for death is in every chapter. In Numbers 19 God gave the children of Israel instructions for the sacrifice of the Red Heifer. Its ashes were to be mixed with water for purification and cleansing from sin. The death of the red heifer brought life to the person who applied the water of purification in the manner in which God commanded.
In Numbers 20, the Israelites complained about the lack of food, about wandering in the desert, and not having water. God commanded Moses and Aaron to speak to the rock in order to have water come out. They disobeyrf God’s command and Moses struck the rock instead. God told Moses and Aaron that as a result of their disobedience they would not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. At the end of chapter 20 Aaron died as part of his punishment for disobeying (Num. 20:24). Disobedience brings death.
In Numbers 21, the Israelites complained against God and Moses again about the situation with the food and not having water. God sent fiery serpents among the people to bite them resulting in death. The people cried to Moses to help them and Moses prayed. God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and to raise it up so that the people might look to the serpent and live. Moses did as God commanded and all who were bitten and looked to the serpent lived.
This week’s Torah Portion reminds us of two Biblical principles:
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Disobedience brings death
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Out of death comes life if combined with faith.
In Romans chapter five, the Word of God instructs us that through one man’s disobedience (Adam) death came into the world and through one man’s obedience and death (the Messiah) came purification and forgiveness of sin.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.” (Romans 5:8).
Let us rejoice this Sabbath in the sacrifice of the Messiah that gives purification from sin and life to all who believe!
Shabbat Shalom!
Torah Reading: Numbers 19:1-22:1
Haftarah Reading: Judges 11:1-33