Actions Produce Reactions

In this week's Torah Portion, Ekev עֵקֶב (Because), we learn the importance of being constant in the LORD. In life, we will go through ups and downs, hills and valleys, good and difficult seasons, and Adonai warns us to be constant in our obedience. His stern reminder is done "BECAUSE" He knows that we will falter if we are not careful. He warns Israel, His people, with the following message:

"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws, and his decrees that I am giving you this day." Deuteronomy 8:10-11

God knows human nature. When things begin to fall into place and we begin to experience abundance, then we tend to forget where our success came from. We forget that the reason we are "satisfied" is "BECAUSE" He has blessed us. When we forget about Him and His laws, the consequence is straying into difficult times. Difficult times that drive us to seek Him with everything we've got so we can once again gain favor. An unfortunate and unnecessary cycle begins. A post-apocalyptic novel called “Those Who Remain” by the author G. Michael Hopf has an interesting quote:

"Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times."

This illustrates this very real concept described in the Bible. Fortunately, this isn't a cycle we have to fall victim to. If we heed Adonai's warning and continue to serve Him in the good times, then we will be spared the harsh winters of life. We'll still face certain trials because they promote growth, but we won't have to go through periods of despair. That is His promise to the righteous:

Jesus promises His followers, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." in John 16:33

Deuteronomy 7:12 is often translated like this: "If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the Lord your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your ancestors." However, in Hebrew, it says the following, "Then it shall come to pass, BECAUSE you listen to these judgements, and keep and do them, that YHVH your Elohim will keep with you the covenant and the mercy which He swore to your fathers." The word Ekev is translated as "If" in the above NIV translation, but in Hebrew, the word means "BECAUSE". Essentially, it means the same thing, but I like the original better. It gives you a sense of certainty and reward. BECAUSE you obey, you WILL be blessed. There is no "if".

The view of the Promised Land as Israel approaches. AI generated from ffoz.com

In Hebrew, we get the "action equals reaction." It is a matter of certainty. Just like in Science, if you mix certain chemicals, you will get the exact reaction every time. There is no uncertainty. God's Word is faithful and true. There is no uncertainty in it. If you do your part, Adonai is faithful to do His part. Always!

Therefore, obey with assurance that you will be blessed. You will prosper. You will be healed. You will overcome. It is a matter of when, not "if". Shavuah Tov Ve'Shalom God's beloved people. I will conclude with the following promises:

"He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and olive oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land he swore to your ancestors to give you. You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor will any of your livestock be without young. The Lord will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you." Deuteronomy 7:13-15

Halleliah!!! What an amazing God!