B'reisheet - October 17, 2020

Torah Portion:
B’reisheet - October 17, 2020
Torah: Genesis 1:1-6:8
Haftarah: 1 Samuel 20:18-42

Portion Summary:
—God creates the heavens, the Earth, life, and man.
—He institutes the Shabbat.
—Man falls.
—Cain slays Abel, Seth is born.
—The first genealogy is listed.
—Adonai regrets making mankind on the Earth.

Devotional by Janet Cothrell:

“Then ADONAI Elohim formed man out of the dust from the ground and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life—so the man became a living being.” Genesis 2:7 (TLV)

Man has tried to define what it is to be human by using standards such as intelligence or our use of opposable thumbs, but we are still the most unique species on the planet. In light of this, what other criteria separate us from the rest of creation? Is it that we are mostly hairless bipeds, or our use of language? Perhaps it is our ability to make and use tools? Despite these unique characteristics, all of these standards can be dismissed as insignificant by those who study the animal world. 

In the biblical statement cited above, our uniqueness becomes clear. We were formed by God’s own hands and not spoken into being like the rest of creation. We were made in God’s image and carry with us a precious gift that makes us more than just resemble God’s likeness. We have what in Hebrew is called the neshama.

Neshama means the “breath of God.” It is the human spirit, the thing that equips us to communicate with the most Holy and Divine. It is that which will return to Him when we pass from this life. The word neshama is pluralized in the scripture. I believe this indicates that there was a genetic infusion that became part of man’s DNA, making it part of what is passed from parent to child.

God has given us a choice in how to use our neshama. Some will try to shut it down as if it doesn’t exist, while others may use it to commune with lesser and evil spirits. It is God’s desire that we use it to reach up to Him and be one with our Creator, His Messiah, His Spirit.

To be human is to be privileged to share His nature. As we do this we can learn from Him to be creative, wise, kind, merciful, and discerning. God commanded in Exodus 20:4 that we do not make images or icons because we are the icons; every face you see is made in the image of God and carries His breath.

Think about how you have been made and rejoice! Think about the people around you and be in awe of His handiwork!

Father,
You are my father and I love you. You have made me to know You, to be in fellowship with You and with others made just like me. Continue to transform me into the person that You see when You look at me.
In Yeshua’s name, amen!