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Shabbat Ekev
Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25
Candle Lighting Time: Friday, August 22, 2008 7:24 P.M.
Have you ever driven up the side of a mountain and then stopped to look
back? Last year Judy and I vacationed on Maui, Hawaii. I remember driving a
winding road that zigzagged up Mt. Haleakala early one morning in order to
see the sun rise. Haleakala rises to more than 10,000 feet (3,050 m) above
sea level, but measures five miles (8 km) from seafloor to summit. At
times, the fog was thick and the driving was treacherous. When we reached
the top, we looked down over the side. There, winding below us, was the
stretch over which we had come. Everything was clearly discernible! What a
sight! (Seeing that road from that vantage point, I’m glad I choose NOT to
bicycle down that road as I had contemplated the day before.)
Sometimes we need to stop along life’s road and look back. Although it
might have been winding and steep, we can see how God directed us by His
faithfulness. The book of Deuteronomy in which we are in the middle reminds
us what we can see when we look back.
• The deliverances the Lord has wrought (Deut. 5:15).
• The way He has led us (Deut. 8:2) {Our Parasha, Ekev).
• The victories He has won (Deut. 11:2-7) {Our Parasha, Ekev).
• The blessings He has bestowed (Deut. 32:7-12)
• The encouragements He has given (Deut. 31:7)
When we face difficulties, we sometimes forget God’s past faithfulness. We
see only the detours and the dangerous path. But look back and you will
also see the joy of victory, the challenge of the climb, and the presence of
your traveling Companion, who has promised never to leave you nor forsake
you.
Take courage. The One who brought you this far will continue to direct you.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Gary Greene
Services Schedule:
Friday night 7:00 p.m.
Shabbat 9:00 a.m.
Mon. & Thurs 6:30 a.m.
Sun. -Thurs night 7:30 p.m.
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