By Rabbi Barney Kasdan
Kehilat Ariel, San Diego
 
As Jews worldwide work our way through the weekly Parasha, we often note that there is a sequential journey unfolding in the Torah.  No where is this more prominent that in this week's reading Beshalach (Shemot/Exodus 13:17-17:16) The title comes from the opening phrase where Pharaoh finally "sends" the people out of Egypt.  After the amazing events that led the people to deliverance, redeemed Israel reflects on what has transpired.  Chapter 15 of Shemot highlights some of the experiences of the people and their varied responses.  As such, this particular chapter of the Torah gives us all a roadmap of redemption even in our day.

 

The first stop of the journey is on the other side of Yam Suf.  After over 400 years of physical oppression, the people are led to freedom by Moshe.  It wasn't easy, to be sure.  Ultimately G-d unleashed ten miraculous signs upon the land of Egypt to convince Pharaoh to let the people go.  The last plague, the striking of the first-born, was especially memorable and is remembered every year at Passover.  Yet the Passover experience illustrates a spiritual reality of redemption as well.  As is noted in the New Covenant Scriptures, we have been called out of spiritual slavery to a life of freedom from sin and the world system in Mashiach (cf. Romans 6:22-23).  The Passover Haggada likewise reminds "Avadim hayinu l'Pharoah" (we were slaves to Pharaoh)?"atah b'nei horim" (but now we are free!).  Yet we should note the first action after the physical redemption of our people is that they join together in a great song to Adonai (Shemot 15:1).  It is such a wonderful section of the Torah filled with praise and thanksgiving to our Redeemer.  Not only in raised voices, but we can appreciate that our people were so blessed with their redemption that they also rejoiced with instruments and dance (15:20).  All this teaches us an important truth.  The first stop on the journey of redemption is worship.  It was so clear to that generation of Israel who came through the Sea.  On reflection, it was very clear to us contemporary Messianic Jews from our personal experience.  When we came to the realization of Yeshua and his work of redemption on our behalf, it seems that all of us responded with worship.  The Torah became more precious to us, the liturgy often became more alive and not surprisingly there was an outpouring of new worship music reflecting our messianic joy.  I think this is one reason why it is always a blessing to have newer believers in our midst.  They just came through the Sea and they are happy about it!  It is a pity that sometimes we "more mature" believers sometimes lose some of that zeal and joy.  Worship, praise and focus on Yeshua is still the first step of the journey even today.

The second stop in the parasha is at the infamous place called Marah, so named because its waters were bitter (15:22-25).  What a striking contrast to the joyous service at the Sea.  After three days in the wilderness, the same people were thirsty and murmuring for the lack of drinkable water.  Although the shift in tone is remarkable, it somehow rings true the more you know about human nature.  We can't really fault the people for questioning but it should be noted that G-d provided the necessary water for the throngs with another miracle in the wilderness.  This, too, many of us believers can relate to, can we not?  In practical terms, it is like the contrast many times between the sweetness of a Shabbat worship service and the Tuesday afternoon at the office.  How easily our praises can turn to grumbling and kvetching!  It is not always easy to figure out what is happening around us but in the case of Marah, it should be noted that "Moshe led Israel" to this desolate place.  Ultimately it was G-d himself leading the people from the joy of redemption to a place of testing.  Not that the Father ever wants to harm or discourage us.  But it is a theme of Scripture that true followers of G-d and Messiah will certainly find their faith tested at various stages of the journey.  It would be nice if we could consistently dwell in the Kingdom of G-d but the reality is that we are in a wilderness (world system) that will constantly test the reality of our faith.  Again, the New Covenant summarizes pointedly:

"we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).

While it can sometimes be confusing to us, we should not be surprised that testing is a central part of our messianic faith journey.  It is actually a sign of the Father's love for us that he hones off some of our rough edges.

The third stop of the journey is a great encouragement.  The Torah describes in one majestic verse,

"And they came to Elim, where were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees; and they encamped by the waters" (Shemot 15:27).

Rashi notes that the numbers correspond to the twelve tribes and the seventy Elders of Israel.  Hence, all of the people were refreshed after a time of questioning and testing.  Baruch HaShem for the mention of Elim!  The spiritual journey with Messiah has its times of joy yet also its various times camped by Marah.  Yet, as we stand steadfast in our faith in Yeshua, there is always a place called Elim around the corner.  Of course, even Elim in not the place of ultimate blessing, Eretz Yisrael.  That generation was refreshed yet still in the wilderness.  So too with our own spiritual journey.  With G-d's help and promise, we will all arrive there in the Kingdom of Messiah.  In the meantime, we are at various stages of our journey of messianic redemption.  Yam Suf, Marah or Elim.  Which place best describes your situation today?  May we all follow the example of another spiritual leader of Israel who said

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of G-d in Messiah Yeshua" (Philippians 3:14).

Shabbat Shalom!