Read Time: 7 Minutes
Shabbat Shalom, beloved brothers and sisters in Messiah! This week, we delve into the Torah portion Re’eh, a rich and transformative passage that challenges us to see, behold, and align ourselves with the ways of YAH. Through Re’eh, we are reminded of the strength that obedience to YAH’s commandments brings, the joy that sustains us, and the spiritual fortitude required to overcome trials. The joy of YAH is not just a fleeting emotion; it is our stronghold—a refuge where we find strength in times of trouble.
This article explores the profound truths found in Re’eh, emphasizing how obedience to YAH’s commandments and delighting in His ways unlocks strength, prosperity, and enduring joy. Let us rediscover the cosmic key to overcoming trials and thriving in YHVH’s presence.
Obedience Begets Strength: The Biblical Definition of True Fortitude
In Deuteronomy 11:8, Yah commands, “Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess.” This verse reveals that biblical strength is not derived from physical prowess or worldly resources but from spiritual fortitude—strength that comes through obedience to Yah’s instructions.
The Hebrew word for "strong" here is Chazak, which means to be firm, courageous, and able to prevail against challenges. In the world, strength is often measured by muscle mass, wealth, or self-preservation. However, in Scripture, strength is drawn from sacrifice, submission, and alignment with YAH’s will. It is when we faithfully obey His commandments that we become spiritually robust, able to overcome trials and prevail against the enemy.
Israel’s history demonstrates this principle. When they obeyed YAH’s covenant, they became unstoppable in battle, victorious not because of their own might but because of YAH’s divine intervention. Psalm 44:3 reminds us, “For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance.” True strength is found in submission to Yah, not in worldly means.
The Danger of Disobedience: Weakness and Vulnerability
Disobedience, on the other hand, leads to weakness and defeat. Leviticus 26:14-17 warns, “If you do not obey Me and do not observe all these commandments… I will set My face against you, and you will be defeated by your enemies.” Disobedience severs our connection to YAH, leaving us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.
Isaiah 5:5 paints a vivid picture of this reality: “I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burnt; break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down.” The hedge of protection around Israel was removed because of their rejection of YAH’s law. Similarly, when we stray from His commandments, we lose the spiritual covering and strength that obedience brings.
Yet, YAH is merciful, always calling us back to Him. Through repentance (Teshuva), we can realign ourselves with His covenant and regain the strength and protection He promises.
Spiritual Food for Spiritual Strength
In John 4:34, Yeshua declares, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” Just as physical food nourishes the body, spiritual food—obedience to YAH’s will—nourishes the soul. When we align ourselves with Yah’s commandments, we receive spiritual nourishment that sustains us through trials.
Obedience becomes the fuel that drives us forward in our spiritual mission. Each act of obedience is like a log thrown into the fire, burning brightly as a sacrifice to Yah. This spiritual diet strengthens us for kingdom work, enabling us to minister His presence to those around us.
Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Endurance is key to spiritual victory. Enthusiasm may spark the flame, but perseverance keeps it burning. Endurance itself is the victory, for those who endure to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).
Rediscovering Joy: The Cosmic Key to Strength
Nehemiah 8:10 reveals a profound truth: “Do not sorrow, for the joy of YHVH is your strength.” Joy is not just a pleasant emotion; it is a divine stronghold—a refuge where we find strength in YAH. But how do we maintain joy in the midst of trials and afflictions?
The people of Israel, after hearing the Torah read aloud, were grieved by how far they had fallen. Yet Ezra and the Levites encouraged them to rejoice, reminding them that YAH had called them back to Himself. Joy is the response to YAH’s mercy and faithfulness—it is the antidote to sorrow and despair.
Psalm 119:47-48 captures this beautifully: “I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love. My hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes.” Joyful obedience transforms dead works into vibrant acts of worship. YAH desires an obedient bride who delights in His ways, magnifying His glory to the world.
The Culmination of All Things: Everlasting Joy
The culmination of all things—the end of the age—resolves with joy. Isaiah 35 paints a picture of the future glory of Zion: “The ransomed of YHVH shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” This is the ultimate reality: joy and gladness will crown Yah’s people, and suffering will be no more.
This eternal joy is foreshadowed in the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), where YAH commands His people to rejoice: “Seven days you shall keep a sacred feast to YHVH your Elohim… for YHVH your Elohim will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will surely rejoice” (Deuteronomy 16:14-15). Sukkot is a dress rehearsal for the eternal joy we will experience in Yah’s presence.
As we approach the season of Sukkot, let us prepare to meet our Master with joy and delight. Rekindle your first love—remember the zeal and excitement you felt when you first encountered Yah’s word. Delight yourself in His commandments, meditate on His statutes, and serve Him with a joyful heart.
Psalm 16:11 reminds us, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” The joy of the LORD is not just for the future; it is available to us now. When we make Yah our stronghold, His joy becomes our strength, enabling us to overcome trials and thrive in His presence.
Conclusion: The Joyful Bride of Messiah
YAH desires a joyful bride—one who delights in Him and magnifies His glory to the world. As Isaiah 62:5 declares, “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your Elohim rejoice over you.” Let us be that bride, faithful and joyful, adorned with the crown of gladness and everlasting joy.
In the midst of trials, remember that the joy of YHVH is your strength. Align yourself with His commandments, delight in His ways, and persevere with endurance. As we prepare for Sukkot and the coming of the Messiah, let us rejoice in YHVH our Elohim, knowing that the culmination of all things ends with joy.
Shalom and blessings to you all. May the joy of YAH sustain you and strengthen you in your walk with Him. HalleluYah!
From our house to your house, shalom.
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