Ekev - July 31, 2021

Torah Portion:
Ekev - July 31, 2021
Torah: Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25
Haftarah: Isa. 49:14-51:3

Portion Summary:
—Blessings are given for abundance and for victory in taking the Land.
—Israel is told to remember God and His commandments.
—Encouragement is given in battling giants.
—The anger of the Lord at disobedience is recounted.
—A call is given for the people to circumcise their hearts and to love and obey God.

Devotional by Janet Cothrell:

“Now if you do forget ADONAI your God, and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you will certainly perish. Like the nations ADONAI makes perish before you, so you will perish, since you would not listen to the voice of ADONAI your God.” Deuteronomy 8:19-20 (TLV)

Why didn’t the nation perish when it became popular to worship other gods? Kings and other important people were doing it. Why didn’t God do what was said He would?

The scriptures often refer to a remnant of people who are brought back to the land. There was always a remnant who refused, even under the pressure, to desert the Lord. These were the prophets, their followers, and others who just remained faithful. When Abraham challenged God in Genesis 18, God said that He would not destroy Sodom for the sake of even 10 righteous men. The unfaithful may perish, and the although the righteous may suffer because of them, God always spares a remnant to replant anew.

We are suffering some hard times in this nation, and there is no doubt that godless people have a foothold here. Even so, there are many who remain faithful to our Lord and call for Him to act. We must not lose faith that the remnant in this nation can still act to save many! We must continually place our petitions before Him for our nation and trust in His sovereignty.

Father,
Thank You for Your aversion to destroy the beings You created. I know that You are a God of life, and You desire abundant life for all of us. I pray that You would expose all fraud, theft, murder, and other abhorrent acts that have been committed without consequence. Use this to cause many to repent and generate new followers for You.
In Yeshua’s name, amen.