Powerful Connections

In this week's Torah Portion, VayEtze וַיֵּצֵא (And He Sent), we learn about an amazing connection between heaven and earth. The protagonist of this section of the scriptures, Jacob, receives a vision in a dream in which he sees a ladder connecting the earth to the heavens. He sees in that ladder heavenly beings coming and going to achieve their divine appointments from Adonai, the Creator of all things. It is truly an amazing vision that has sparked considerable debate and stories, underscoring the significance of that event. Jacob, as intrigued and puzzled as all who examine this situation, decides to name that location Bethel בֵּית־אֵל (House of God) in Hebrew:

"Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, 'Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.' And he was afraid and said, 'How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.' So early in the morning, Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at first." Genesis 28:16-19

He thought to himself, "Surely this is the entrance to God's house with all the heavenly hosts moving up and down here." As I studied and pondered this portion, I felt a different stirring in my heart. Rather than focusing primarily on the physical location, I was drawn to reflect on the deeper reality it represents—the ongoing connection between heaven and earth that exists everywhere. I couldn’t help but think about how often we live as if these connections do not exist. Whether through ignorance or carelessness, many of us move through life unaware of the spiritual traffic, the divine activity, taking place all around us. And yet, if we truly understood this, I believe we would be far more thoughtful about the way we live—more intentional in what we do and how we do it. These are real connections with real implications, one that brings a sense of urgency and significance to our actions in the physical world. Scripture points us to these realities—both in a positive light that shows us God is everywhere and uses the physical world to testify of His existence and sovereignty:

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

All things on earth reflect the attributes of God and point back to Him. Creation itself testifies to His existence, His nature, and His glory. Nothing in the physical realm is isolated—everything we do and everything that exists has an effect on the spiritual realm. And the opposite is equally true: spiritual realities can and do influence the physical world. Scripture is also honest about the darker side of this connection. Behind every earthly representation of so-called “gods,” behind every physical idol crafted to honor them, there is a real spiritual presence—and not a benign one. The Bible makes it clear that these idols are directly connected to demonic forces capable of influencing the lives of those who engage with them:

"Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons." 1 Corinthians 10:19-20

"They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to false gods, demons. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated by their blood." Psalms 106:36-38

"When he appointed his own priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the goat and calf idols he had made." 2 Chronicles 11:15

We are warned against creating images and serving them (Exodus 20:4-5). God's commands are not arbitrary. There is a reason.

Scripture urges all of us to stay alert and to flee from engaging with these entities by every means necessary. God’s command for His set-apart people to avoid idolatry goes far deeper than a simplistic notion of “jealousy.” It is a command rooted in protection. Idolatry opens doors to merciless demonic forces—beings that may promise you everything but will inevitably sabotage and destroy you in the end. God’s jealousy is nothing like human jealousy twisted by insecurity or pride. His jealousy is born out of perfect love and deep care for His people. In a healthy love relationship, jealousy—rightly understood—is not only natural but desirable. If someone feels no jealousy at all for their partner, we would naturally question the depth of their love and devotion. True jealousy seeks to guard the relationship, to keep it pure and exclusive, not to possess or dominate. God’s jealousy reflects this same protective love: a desire to shield us from harm and to preserve the covenant relationship He has established with us. The statement, "You shall have no other God before me, for I am a jealous God," in Exodus 20:5, must be understood from this perspective.

Ultimately, this week’s lesson is twofold. First, we must understand that everything on earth is connected to the spiritual realm. This awareness should make us cautious and discerning—mindful of what we bring into our homes, what we entertain, and what we participate in. Our physical choices carry spiritual consequences. Second, we are called to keep ourselves pure by rejecting all forms of idolatry. Idolatry is not merely an ancient practice; it is spiritual unfaithfulness. As the people of God—His bride—we are to remain devoted to our Groom, who will one day be our Husband in the fullness of the spiritual realm. Faithfulness to Him means guarding our hearts, our homes, and our worship from anything that competes with His rightful place.

"We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:19-21

Have a blessed week, and may our God and LORD, Yeshua, guard and keep you. I love you all. Shalom Ve'Shavuah Tov.