What a joy to be studying the Parashot (weekly Torah
readings) at this time in the history of Israel, “YHVH’s people”, especially if
you know that you are one of the redeemed of Jacob! With all that is going on in the world and in
the lives of billions of people, we stand out as Elohim’s witness and testimony
of His faithfulness. What an
encouragement when we read of YHVH’s sovereignty over the lives of our ancient
forefathers, even while in slavery in Egypt!
Moreover, scripture bears out that YHVH was also in total control of the
king of Egypt, his people, and even over the magicians. In this week’s Parashat “Va’ey’ra” YHVH
speaks to Pharaoh and declares: “But indeed for this purpose I
have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name
may be declared in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16). This very verse is quoted
by Paul in Romans 9:17. The apostle brought out this example, because in the
previous verse he highlighted a statement from Exodus 33:19, in which YHVH declares: “I will have mercy on whomever I
will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have
compassion” (Romans 9:15 emphasis added) – whether king or slave. Many times, however, we lose sight of YHVH’s
will and sovereign control over everything that transpires on the earth (and perhaps
even in heaven), or just over our own lives.
That He has never
lost control or given sovereignty over to a satan or to anyone else, is indisputable,
as Daniel 2:21 confirms: “And He changes the times and the
seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding”.
“He gives wisdom… and knowledge…” James says: “If any of
you lacks wisdom, let him ask of Elohim, who gives to all liberally and
without reproach, and it will be given to him” (1:5). But how will we know
that we have been given this wisdom from above?
Here is the apostle’s answer: “But the wisdom that is from
above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy
and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (3:17). Make no mistake! You will know if you have been
granted this special wisdom, because it has a very distinct character. There is many an experience that we go
through in life that does not line up with what we had expected or assumed. At such times we have to recognize YHVH’s
will and our need for celestial wisdom. As for the ‘celestial wisdom’, there is
an outstanding promise for the future. Daniel declares that, “those
who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament” and goes on to say: “And those who turn many
to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3 emphasis
added).
