Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Before the sun ever rose, before the stars ever shone, there was a light, a mysterious light that illuminated creation itself. The sages tell us that it was no ordinary light, but a radiance flowing from the presence of God. A light so pure that the world in its brokenness, could not contain us. But what happened to that light? And why does the Book of Revelation say it will one day return? Join me to discover why in this week's 5 Minute Torah.
[00:00:32] Shalom and blessings from Shalom Macon, the place where disciples of Yeshua learn, connect and grow. I'm Darren, and before I get into the five minutes of my five Minute Torah commentary, let's cover a few quick facts about this week's Torah portion. This week we are starting the whole Torah cycle all over again. We are in the first portion of the Torah, the portion of B'reisheet. This is Genesis chapter 1168 and here are the three things that you need to know about it. Number one the word spoke creation through the Word. The Torah begins with the phrase B'reisheet Bara Elohim. In the beginning, God created. John's Gospel begins the same way. In the beginning was the Word. From the start, creation and Messiah are inseparably linked. God didn't form this world with his hands, but spoke it into being through His Devar His Word. That same Word took on flesh as Yeshua through through whom all things were made. The light that broke through the darkness in Genesis is the same light that still pierces spiritual darkness today. When we respond to his voice, the chaos of our lives begin to find order, just as the universe did when God first said let there be light.
[00:01:44] Number two Reflecting the Creator Image bearers with a mission When God created humanity, he declared na se Adam but Salmeinu, let us make man in our image. Unlike every other creature, humans reflect the nature of their Creator being made. Be'tzalem Elohim means more than intellectual or emotional affinity. It means being commissioned to represent God's character and authority within creation. We are stewards, not owners, cultivators, not consumers. Our calling is to fill the earth with his goodness and to carry his presence wherever we go. To bear God's image is to live with purpose, creativity and compassion, showing the world what our invisible God is like through the visible testimony of our lives.
[00:02:34] 3. Rest is the goal Sabbath Creation's Crown Although humanity is the crown of God's creation, Shabbat is the crown upon humanity. After six days of forming and filling the world, God rested, but not because he was weary but because his work was complete, he blessed the seventh day and set it apart as holy, creating what Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel called a sanctuary in time. Shabbat teaches us that rest is not idleness, but trust, not withdrawal, but worship. It reminds us that God's perfection isn't found in endless striving, but in communion with our Creator. Each Sabbath invites us back to Eden, a weekly taste of wholeness and a glimpse of the Messianic age when all creation will rest in harmony under God's reign. The new Torah cycle is about to begin. Are you ready? The Five Minute Torah Series is your guide to uncovering the Messianic meaning within each week's Torah portion. In just five minutes, you'll discover how the Torah connects to your life as a disciple of Yeshua with insights that are both practical and deeply spiritual. And each volume is filled with connections to the teachings of Yeshua and the apostles, showing how the words of the Torah in the New Testament form one unified message. Whether you're just beginning your Torah journey or you've been studying for years, these books will deepen your understanding and strengthen your walk with Messiah. All three volumes are available now, covering the entire Torah cycle from start to finish. Don't wait. Order yours today for the beginning of the new cycle. This week's Torah commentary is called First Light and comes from my book, Five Minute Torah, Volume 1 1.
[00:04:12] The Torah portion of B'reisheet is intriguing to say the least. This parsha contains so many facets of the creation account to explore that it would take a lifetime to unravel it. For instance, on the first day of creation, we read about the creation of light. And God said, let there be light, and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening and there was morning. The first day. This is Genesis 1, verses 3 through 5. Although light was created on the first day, the sun, moon, and stars were not created until the fourth day. If these luminaries were not created until the fourth day, then what was the light that illuminated the first three days? Fortunately, we have these insights from our sages from the last two millennia to help us peer into the deep mysteries of these events. Rashi, the famous medieval commentator, pulling from the midrash on this passage, he says that the light that was first spoken into existence is unique and distinct from the light produced by the luminaries that were created on day four. It was a special pure light that radiated from God Himself. The Torah gives us a clue about the quality of this light when it says, and God saw that the light was good. It was the first of all creation to have this special designation of good. According to Rabbi Elazar in a midrash called Yalkut Shimoni, the light that God created on the first day was used by Adam to look from one end of the universe to the other. It was something extremely special because of its uniqueness. However, its sanctity was more than a soon to be fallen world could handle. Therefore, the Torah tells us that God separated the light from the darkness. The Midrash explains that this separation was not merely an entangling of of light from darkness, but its complete removal. Where did the light go? The Midrash tells us it is stored up for the righteous in the Messianic future, as it Sundays in Isaiah 30:26. Moreover, the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold as the light of the seven days. This is from Genesis Rabba 3, 6. For now that light continues to be hidden away until the time of reformation. See Hebrews 9:10. When this light is returned to the earth, the new Jerusalem will shine it forth to all of creation. As it is said, the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light and its lamp is the lamb. This is Revelation 21:23. Darkness will be vanquished and the supreme light of creation will return to illuminate the world forever, as it says, and night will be no more. They will need no light or lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever and ever. This is Revelation 22:5. As we longingly await the arrival of the holy eternal light, let us continue to shine forth the light of the Torah and of our Messiah, so that the world will see our good deeds, a glimpse of this supernatural light and glorify our Father in heaven. One day the true light will be revealed in all its glory. Until then, may our actions be a reflection of its splendor. We love to hear the words Jesus loves you. But what happens when that love calls you to surrender the very thing you hold most tightly? That's a challenge Yeshua gave the rich young man. And it's the same challenge that still confronts us today. If you're ready to dig deeper into what Messiah's love really demands, click the link right here.
