I hope everyone had a Shabbat Shalom, as I continue with #8 of that joint series with my friend Pete, (http://soulcairn.blogspot.com/). Tonight’s verse is II Samuel 24:25,

“David built an altar there to Hashem, and he offered elevation offerings and peace offerings. Hashem thereupon answered the prayers of the land, and the pestilence ceased from Israel.”

Just a couple of verses before that, David purchased the threshing floor where he built the altar. that is significant and pertains to that teaching.
If you’ll notice, David did three things that led up to Hashem answering his prayers and moving upon them:

1. David bought the threshing floor…he used his resources for G-d’s use, for His Glory and worship. David parted with something that was his for something of HIS.
2. David built the altar…he put his back into his work for Hashem. Life as Jews means that we live out the mitzvot of the Torah. I’ve heard the phrase, “Christianity is the religion of the creed, while Judaism is the religion of the deed.” that isn’t meant as a disparaging remark toward Christianity at all, it simply points out the importance we place on being involved and active in a life of observance.
3. David offered sacrifices…David is renown as the most unashamed worshipper in the Bible! There are amazing things that happen when we worship Hashem from the heart…at that moment our voice and praise join with that of the myriads of angels that surround His Throne and contribute to the joyful chorus that touches His heart! When we can separate the feeling of self-consciousness from the moment, our spirit plugs into something Holy and Sacred…something Alive and effective! Worship opens the Gates of Heaven!

It was after David

did these three things that the scripture says, “Hashem thereupon answered the prayers of the land, and the pestilence ceased from Israel” (Italics added).

I would never propose that our G-d has a “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours,” mentality. (Hat-tip to Pete for the phrase!) I would propose that G-d is all about cause and effect, blessing and cursing, benefit and consequence. He has established the laws of nature and they hold true everyday no matter how we view them.

Here is the point I’m getting to:
When you come to Hashem with a honest heart…you offer your resources for G-d to use at His discretion, you are physically involved for the good of others, so that His name be glorified, and you find a quiet place everyday…whether for five minutes or several hours (wow!) to worship Hashem with all your heart and thank him for all we have…He will meet you and walk with you in the cool of the …

Lech l’Shalom,

Yehudi

Original post by Yehudi01

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