Abraham where have you gone? And what has become of us? To live as a Jew in modern times is not so easy, so what is a Jew to do. Spiritually we struggle at times hungry for the past, never seeming to be satisfied. What I would give for just a moment to have walked with such a man of God, to dwell in his presence. A man of stature called out from among all others to be set apart, not alone, but for a thousand generations. Keep your money and your gifts, I want to be counted among the righteous as was Abraham. Our Torah keeps much from us concerning the dialogue between God and Abraham of an early age. What was said, what questions did our father Abraham put before Elohim, And how did he know to ask such things? Such respect and love did HASHEM have for His servant that he consulted with Abraham concerning the demise of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 18: 17 -19 - And HASHEM said, "Shall I conceal from Abraham what I do, now that Abraham is surely to become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by him? For I have loved him, because he commands his children and his household after him that they keep the way of HASHEM, doing charity and justice, in order that HASHEM might then bring upon Abraham that which He had spoken of him." For I have loved him said HASHEM.
Exodus chapter twenty and Deuteronomy chapter five are well known for it is there that we can find the the Ten Commandments (Revelation). The second commandment goes into great detail on what we shouldn't do concerning graven images. It is then we are told the consequences if we choose to be disobedient and the result for heeding His voice. To the third and fourth generation will I bring My wrath says the Lord for those who hate me, but to the thousandth generation My kindness of those who love Me.
Abraham is loved by HASHEM. Why? Because Abraham commands his children and his household after him to keep the ways of HASHEM. The Shema as quoted in Deuteronomy chapter six is the quint essential of all commanded prayers. Not are they only commanded but one must accept in his or her heart the understanding. Devarim 6: 4 - 9 - Hear, o Israel: HASHEM is our God, HASHEM is the One and only. You shall love HASHEM, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all you resources. And these matters that I command you today shall be upon your heart. You shall teach them thoroughly to your children and you shall speak of them while you sit in your home, while you walk on the way, when you retire and when you arise. Bind them as a sign upon your arm and let them be ornaments between your eyes. And write them on the doorposts of your house and upon the your gates.
Unlike a fictional story, the story of Abraham and Genesis lives on. The heart of many men long for such a time, a time when one could stand up without fearing the unrighteous. HASHEM said enough is enough, you have been too long at this mountain, rise up and enter the land I have prepared for you long ago.
We cannot fear both God and man. We must fear God and God alone.
Shalom.
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