~Chukat~
The weather has been so hot and dry, the garden has been burning up. My lettuces have been looking poorly and the only thing really producing right now is the zucchini and my herbs. Tomatoes and cucumbers are flowering but no fruit yet and I'm still waiting on the peas and green beans, too.
My garden was frost-bitten and flooded in May but now I have been praying for some of that cooler, wetter weather. The children haven't been able to mow since noone's grass is growing. Their bank accounts are feeling the heat, too. The little ones don't even want to go outside.
This week's Bible Study, Chukat, contains the sacrifice and use of the ashes of the Red Heifer, the Water of Purification, the death of Miriam, the grumbling of the people, (again!) Moses' and Aaron's sin, water from the Rock, death of Aaron, the bronze serpent, and various battles. Figs, Dates, Pomegranates are mentioned... and of course the Red Heifer. I again relied on table settings to help Clint tell the story...
I sat the table with a red felt table runner which I attached tassles to the corners, a large vase containing Rosemary branches, sprigs of marjoram, oregano and thyme, (the closest things I had to hyssop) all seated on a plank of cedar. I also sat out glasses of water, pitchers of water, bowls of water and even some lye water.
It's funny how this week's Bible study dealt heavily with water and this week, I've been desperate for it! Friday, we finished up the gardening for the week, changed the water in the hydroponics, and cleaned out and refilled the little pond. Then inside, we straightened up the house and finished cooking. Oh, so hot! Air conditioning is truly a blessed invention!
Wow, I sound like those grumbling Israelites we have been studying about this week...
This week's Bible Study, Chukat, contains the sacrifice and use of the ashes of the Red Heifer, the Water of Purification, the death of Miriam, the grumbling of the people, (again!) Moses' and Aaron's sin, water from the Rock, death of Aaron, the bronze serpent, and various battles. Figs, Dates, Pomegranates are mentioned... and of course the Red Heifer. I again relied on table settings to help Clint tell the story...
I sat the table with a red felt table runner which I attached tassles to the corners, a large vase containing Rosemary branches, sprigs of marjoram, oregano and thyme, (the closest things I had to hyssop) all seated on a plank of cedar. I also sat out glasses of water, pitchers of water, bowls of water and even some lye water.
I always try to reflect the Portion in my menu. This week, my husband smoked a large beef brisket to remind us of the Red Heifer. I also chose to serve glasses of water and a three different versions of watermelon. My vines aren't yet producing but I was able to pick up some nice melons from the grocery. I also served a few dishes prepared with rosemary, marjoram, and other herbs that could possibly reflect hyssop.
For our Torah study, we discussed the medicinal side of the ashes of the Red Heifer, how lye water was made by pouring clean water through the ashes, how it cleansed after exposure to the dead, various forms of "leprosy" and cleansing of sin, and how it is used today. We explored the various forms of water... water for cleansing, water for sustaining, living water, stagnate water... and the danger of too little water. One of the songs we sang was, "I've Got a River of Life"
For our Torah study, we discussed the medicinal side of the ashes of the Red Heifer, how lye water was made by pouring clean water through the ashes, how it cleansed after exposure to the dead, various forms of "leprosy" and cleansing of sin, and how it is used today. We explored the various forms of water... water for cleansing, water for sustaining, living water, stagnate water... and the danger of too little water. One of the songs we sang was, "I've Got a River of Life"
We looked for other references to the Water of Purification.
"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7)For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. (Hebrews 9:19-20)
Did we find Yeshua in the Portion? Here are just a few instances:
He is the unblemished sacrifice! (Hebrews 9:14)He is the living water that is poured through the ashes! (John 7:37-38)He is the Water of Purification that cleanses us from all unrighteousness! (1John 1:9)He is our Seventh Day! (Matthew 11:28)He is the Rock that gives us water! (1 Corinthians 10:4)He is the serpent on the staff! (John 3:14)He is the High Priest who became unclean for us so that we might be clean! (Hebrews 9:11-28)
~Halleluyah!~
Speaking of sustaining water, The Father gave us a wonderful respite this Shabbat afternoon. We received a soothing summer shower that refreshed us and gave the garden a good soaking. Such an unexpected blessing! HE only gives me good things.
~
~Chukat~
Statute
Numbers 19:1-22:1
Judges 11:1-33
John 3:10-21
Hebrews 9:11-28
Here's the menu, gluten free, Biblically clean, prepared by Friday, and relevant to the Torah portion. I hope to post recipes later:
~Shabbat Dinner~
Water Challah
Wine, Alexandria, Orleans' Hill Winery
Smoked Beef Brisket w/ rosemary
zucchini sauteed with fresh herbs
Smoked Corn on the Cob w/ cumin butter
garden salad w/ Rosemary vinaigrette
watermelon/mango salsa
watermelon/mint salad
Watermelon slices
~Shabbat Breakfast~
Kefir
Fresh Fruit, including watermelon
cheeses
milk
~Shabbat Lunch~
Brisket lettuce wraps w/ quinoa
salad
~Supper~
leftovers
~wow~
