Torah Portion Re’eh – Creating Sacred Spaces
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Haftarah: Isaiah 54:11-55:5
Besorah: Luke 24:33-49
Av 27, 5784 | August 31, 2024
In this post we’re diving into the Torah portion Re’eh, which means “see” or “behold. In this passage, Moses lays out a choice before the Israelites: a blessing if they obey God’s commandments and a curse if they turn away. But at the heart of this portion is the focus on “the place Adonai your God chooses” (Deuteronomy 12:5) — a clear reference to the Temple, which plays a central role in the spiritual life of Israel. The Haftarah from Isaiah continues to speak of God’s comfort and His promises to His people, while the Besorah (Gospel) in Luke reveals Yeshua’s powerful words and actions concerning the Temple in Jerusalem.
Let’s dive deeper into these readings and discover how the themes of the Temple and God’s presence can speak to us today.
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Torah Portion: Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)
1. The Choice Between Blessing and Curse
Moses begins by presenting a choice to the Israelites:
“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse” .
Deuteronomy 11:26 TLV
The blessing comes from listening to and following God’s commandments, while the curse results from turning away to follow other gods. This choice is significant because it sets the stage for the central theme of the Torah portion—the importance of worshiping God in the way He has prescribed and at the place He has chosen.
What stands out here is that Moses doesn’t just offer an abstract choice. He links the choice directly to obedience and the specific place where God’s Name will dwell. This is the heart of the matter: true worship must align with God’s instructions, both in how and where it is carried out. By choosing to obey and worship at the Temple, the Israelites are choosing life, blessing, and the presence of God among them.
2. The Significance of the Temple: A Place of Unity and Divine Presence
Moses repeatedly emphasizes the importance of going to “the place Adonai your God chooses” (Deuteronomy 12:5). He instructs the Israelites to bring their offerings and sacrifices there, not to any place they see fit. This centralization of worship is not merely about convenience or logistics; it is about maintaining purity and unity in worship.
The Temple is a powerful symbol of God’s presence. It is a place where Heaven meets Earth, a tangible reminder of God’s desire to dwell among His people. It’s a unifying force for the nation, a single location where all Israel is to gather, bring their offerings, celebrate the feasts, and seek God’s guidance. This unity in worship is crucial because it reflects Israel’s unity as a people chosen by God to be holy and distinct.
The Temple also serves as a reminder of God’s provision and faithfulness. When the Israelites bring their firstfruits, their tithes, and their offerings to the Temple, they acknowledge that everything they have comes from God. It’s a way of recognizing that their blessings are directly connected to their obedience and relationship with Him.
3. Temple Worship and Daily Life: Aligning Our Lives with God’s Presence
In Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Moses speaks about tithing and caring for the Levites, the strangers, the fatherless, and the widows. These instructions show that worshiping at the Temple isn’t just about rituals; it’s about how we live our daily lives. The Temple, as the center of worship, reminds us that our relationship with God should permeate every aspect of our lives.
Moses is teaching the Israelites that worship and obedience go hand in hand with justice, compassion, and generosity. When we align our lives with God’s presence—when we live in a way that honors Him, serves others, and reflects His love—we create a living Temple in our hearts. In this way, each of us becomes a dwelling place for God’s Spirit, a place where His love and righteousness are made manifest.
Haftarah: Isaiah 54:11-55:5
1. God’s Comfort and the Future Glory of Jerusalem
The Haftarah portion from Isaiah begins with a vision of restoration:
“Afflicted one, storm-tossed, unconsoled, behold, I set your stones in antimony, lay your foundations with sapphires”.
Isaiah 54:11 TLV
Here, God speaks to Jerusalem, a city that has faced much hardship and suffering, promising a future where it will be decorated with beautiful stones and shine with glory.
This imagery is powerful. It’s not just about physical beauty; it’s about transformation and renewal. God is taking something broken and making it whole again, something ordinary and making it extraordinary. The promise of a renewed Jerusalem parallels the Temple’s significance in Re’eh. Just as the Temple was a place of God’s presence and glory, Isaiah’s vision points to a future where God’s presence will be fully realized in Jerusalem once more, bringing peace and righteousness.
Isaiah’s prophecy reassures us that no matter how desolate or broken our circumstances may appear, God has a plan to restore and rebuild. He sees value and beauty where others see only ruin. He is the master builder, and His promise to transform Jerusalem into a city of splendor reflects His desire to transform our lives into vessels of His glory.
2. An Invitation to Abundance and Life
Continuing in Isaiah 55:1, we hear a beautiful invitation:
“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the water, and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!” .
Isaiah 55:1 TLV
This isn’t just a call to physical sustenance; it’s an invitation to experience God’s abundance and grace.
God’s invitation to come and drink freely speaks to the generosity and openness of His heart. Just as the Temple was a place where people came to bring offerings and receive God’s blessings, here, Isaiah portrays a God who invites all to come and be satisfied—not with earthly goods, but with His spiritual riches. The water, wine, and milk symbolize the fullness of life that only God can provide.
What a beautiful reminder for us today! In a world where we often strive to earn or achieve our way to satisfaction, God’s message is clear: His grace is a gift. We don’t need money or status to receive it; we just need an open heart. We’re invited to come, take part, and be filled with His goodness.
3. The Everlasting Covenant: David’s Example of Faithfulness
Isaiah 55:3 speaks of an everlasting covenant, invoking the “faithful mercies shown to David”. David, a man after God’s own heart, represents faithfulness and the intimate relationship God desires with His people. The Temple, established during Solomon’s reign (David’s son), became a central symbol of this covenant relationship.
By mentioning David, Isaiah connects the promise of abundant life and restoration with the covenantal faithfulness of God. The Temple, the covenant, and God’s promises are all tied together in this vision of restoration. God’s faithfulness to David becomes a template for His faithfulness to all of Israel—and, by extension, to us.
God’s covenant with David was more than a promise; it was a commitment to be with His people, to guide them, and to bless them. As we reflect on this, we’re reminded of our own call to faithfulness. Just as God was faithful to David and his descendants, He remains faithful to us. He invites us into a covenant relationship where we, too, can experience His steadfast love and mercy.
Besorah: Luke 24:33-49
1. Yeshua Appears to His Disciples: A Moment of Revelation
In the Besorah portion from Luke, the disciples are gathered in Jerusalem, discussing the events that have taken place. Suddenly, Yeshua appears among them and says, “Shalom Aleichem!” (Luke 24:36). Understandably, they are startled and frightened, thinking they’ve seen a ghost. But Yeshua reassures them, showing them His hands and feet and inviting them to touch Him to see that He is indeed alive and real.
This moment is filled with both fear and joy. The disciples are experiencing something extraordinary—Yeshua, who was crucified and buried, is now standing in front of them, alive. The place of this revelation—Jerusalem—is significant. It’s the city of the Temple, the heart of Jewish worship and identity. And now, it’s also the place where the resurrected Messiah reveals Himself to His followers, confirming everything He had taught them.
Yeshua’s presence among them brings peace, but it also brings a deeper understanding. He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, explaining that everything written about Him in the Torah, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled (Luke 24:44, TLV). This isn’t just a teaching moment; it’s a transformational experience that prepares them for their future mission.
2. The Temple as a Symbol of God’s Presence and Promise
Yeshua’s appearance in Jerusalem ties back to the significance of the Temple. Just as the Temple was the dwelling place of God’s presence, Yeshua’s presence among His disciples represents the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell among His people. Yeshua is the living Temple, the embodiment of God’s presence, glory, and holiness.
When Yeshua breaks bread with the disciples, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him (Luke 24:35, TLV). This act of breaking bread isn’t just a casual meal; it’s a deeply spiritual moment that reveals Yeshua’s identity and His connection to the Temple’s symbolism of God’s presence. In this moment, the disciples experience the divine revelation of Yeshua as the Messiah who bridges Heaven and Earth, just as the Temple once did.
The Temple was a place where sacrifices were offered, and forgiveness was granted. Now, through Yeshua’s death and resurrection, the ultimate sacrifice has been made, and the Temple’s role as the center of atonement is fulfilled in Him. The disciples are coming to understand that God’s presence is no longer confined to a building; it is now fully revealed in Yeshua, who is with them, teaching them, and sending them out.
3. Commissioned as Witnesses: A New Temple of Living Stones
After revealing Himself and explaining the Scriptures, Yeshua commissions His disciples: “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48, TLV). He tells them to stay in the city until they are clothed with power from on high, preparing them for the coming of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).
This commissioning is significant because it shifts the focus from a physical temple to a spiritual mission. It is important to realize that this did not replace the Temple that stood. We see instances throughout the New Testament that the Temple remained a focus and the disciples and apostles, who were Jews, still took part in the Temple rites. This is an extension not a replacement.
The disciples are now called to be witnesses, to spread the good news of repentance and forgiveness in Yeshua’s name to all nations, starting in Jerusalem. They are to become a living Temple for the nations—living stones built upon the foundation of Yeshua, filled with the Holy Spirit because the gentile nations would not have been part of the Temple in Jerusalem. So Yeshua is extending the reach of God’s presence so that all nations could know Him, not negating the Temple.
Yeshua’s instructions remind us that we, too, are called to be witnesses. We are the living temple, carrying God’s presence with us wherever we go. Our mission is to share His love, His truth, and His grace with the world. Just as the Temple was a light to the nations, we are called to be lights in our communities, shining brightly with the love of God.
Connecting the Teachings: The Temple, God’s Presence, and Our Mission
The readings from Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and Luke all center around the theme of the Temple and the presence of God. They challenge us to consider how we live out our faith, how we make space for God’s presence in our lives, and how we share His love with the world.
1. The Temple as a Place of Worship and Revelation:
- The Temple was a place where people encountered God, received His instruction, and offered their sacrifices. Today, we are called to create spaces—both physically and spiritually—where we can encounter God, learn from His Word, and offer our lives as living sacrifices.
2. Restoration and New Life:
- Isaiah’s vision of a restored Jerusalem and Yeshua’s resurrection both speak to the theme of new life. God is always in the business of making things new, whether it’s a city, a people, or a heart. How can we be open to the new things God wants to do in our lives?
3. Becoming a Living Temple:
- Yeshua’s commissioning of the disciples to be witnesses is a call for us to be a living temple—a dwelling place for God’s Spirit, reflecting His presence to the world. This is our mission: to be a people through whom God’s love, grace, and truth are made known.
Practical Applications
1. Create Space for God’s Presence:
- Dedicate time each day for prayer, Scripture reading, and reflection. Just as the Temple was a place of meeting with God, make your time with God a priority, creating a personal sanctuary of worship.
2. Embrace God’s Restoration:
- Reflect on areas in your life where you need God’s healing and restoration. Invite Him into those areas, trusting that He can bring new life where there has been brokenness or despair.
3. Be a Light to the World:
- Look for opportunities to share God’s love and truth with others. This could be through acts of kindness, sharing your testimony, or simply being present with someone who needs support. Remember, you carry God’s presence with you wherever you go.
Reflection Questions
- How can you create a personal “temple” in your life—a space where you regularly meet with God and experience His presence?
- Isaiah’s vision of a restored Jerusalem is one of hope and renewal. How can you embrace God’s promise of restoration in your own life, especially in areas where you feel broken or weary?
- Yeshua appeared to His disciples in Jerusalem, the city of the Temple, and opened their minds to the Scriptures. How can you be more attentive to God’s voice and guidance in your daily life?
- The disciples were commissioned to be witnesses of Yeshua’s resurrection. How can you actively share the message of God’s love and forgiveness with those around you?
- What does it mean for you to be a living temple today? How can you reflect God’s presence in your actions, words, and relationships with others?
My Final Thoughts
The Torah portion Re’eh, the Haftarah from Isaiah, and the Besorah from Luke offer us profound lessons about the Temple, God’s presence, and our role as His witnesses. As we reflect on these teachings, let’s commit to creating spaces in our lives where God can dwell, to seeking His restoration and renewal, and to being faithful witnesses of His love and truth in the world.
NEW Kids Mussar on YouTube!!
I have been wanting to start a Mussar program (developing spiritual traits) for kids ever since I started the adult program but health issues preventing me from being able to focus on it. Well, the time has come! I recently launched Mussar for Kids on YouTube where we have songs about different traits that young children can listen to with animated video to go along with it! I would love it if you would check it out, like, subscribe and share so we can get more biblical teachings out there for kids!
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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.