A Better Question
Out of the 53 parshas, this may be one of the most influential. In this week's reading we see the conclusion of the Exodus from Egypt, the beginning of the Hebrew Calendar, the Passover established and, some would say, the official making of the Nation of Israel.
Moses is directed by G-d to go into the “belly of the beast” and tell Pharoah to let the people go because THE G-D is against him. Pharaoh had elevated himself to god status and the G-d of creation was going to humble him.
We can see that the heart of this pharaoh and all like him is self-centeredness. Being self-centered is a curse that many of us have lived under. Some have willingly partnered with this evil and the results are predictably bad.
Over the years a cottage industry was created called the self-help movement. This movement eventually had to change its language and become the personal growth movement. While we all agree that each of us needs growth in our relationship with G-d and others, we must resist the temptation to find this growth while focusing on ourselves.
Is it wrong then to ask the questions: Who am I, what is my purpose, what are my needs and desires? May some better questions are: What or who is the source of who I am? Who am I? G-d, what do you want me to do?
As you read this week's scriptures, examine your own heart and ask the following questions:
Who is the source of who I am?
G-d, who am I?
G-d, what do you want me to do?
Here are some scriptures for further study.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship—created in Messiah Yeshua for good deeds, which God prepared beforehand so we might walk in them.”
Psalm 139:13-16 For You have created my conscience. You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am awesomely, wonderfully made! Wonderful are Your works— and my soul knows that very well. My frame was not hidden from You
when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was unformed, and in Your book were written the days that were formed— when not one of them had come to be.
