Harold Calvo, Author at A Rood Awakening

A Love Story Written by Yehovah

Selecting a wife who shared Abraham’s principles and faithfulness to the Most High was essential for the fulfillment of the promises given to Isaac and his descendants.

Throughout our lives, we face decisions that are truly pivotal—choices after which our path changes in significant ways. One of the most defining is the search for a spouse.

In the biblical narrative of Genesis 24, we find a profound lesson on obedience, faith, and the importance of seeking God’s will in matters as crucial as marriage.

Abraham, aware of the need to preserve God’s blessing upon his descendants, entrusted his most reliable servant with the mission of finding a wife for his son Isaac. To ensure that this woman would share the family’s faith and values, he instructed him not to seek a wife from among the daughters of the Canaanites.

After a long journey, the servant—trusting in divine guidance—prayed for a clear sign to identify the right woman. Then Rebekah appeared, showing remarkable hospitality by offering water to him and his camels, perfectly matching the criteria he had prayed for. Her actions confirmed that she was the one chosen by God. Selecting a wife who shared Abraham’s principles and faithfulness to the Most High was essential for the fulfillment of the promises given to Isaac and his descendants.

This account stands in contrast to the experience of other biblical figures, such as Esau, whose Canaanite wives brought grief to his parents because they did not share their faith. Likewise, Solomon’s heart was turned away from the God of Israel by his foreign wives, highlighting the consequences of binding one’s life to someone who does not walk in the same faith.

Abraham’s insistence on finding a suitable wife for Isaac was not about cultural exclusion, but about preserving purity of faith. God desired His people to remain set apart and faithful, protected from influences that could draw them away from true worship.

Abraham’s example teaches us the importance of seeking divine direction in major life decisions—especially marriage. It reminds us that faith, character, and loyalty to God are essential qualities for fulfilling His purposes, just as Proverbs 3:5–6 affirms:

“Trust in Yehovah with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.”

Not Looking Back: Faith, Grief, and the Legacy of Abraham

God had promised Abraham countless descendants like the stars of the heavens and the sand of the sea, yet he had only one son—Isaac—who was still unmarried at thirty-seven!

This week’s parashah speaks about the life of Sarah, and at the same time teaches us how the patriarch Abraham managed to endure trauma and pain in the final stage of his life.

Abraham was an old man and had already gone through two deeply painful experiences involving the people he loved most. The first was related to his son Isaac, whom he had waited for all his life. He and Sarah had lost hope, yet God promised they would have a son and that he would carry on the covenant. The years went by and Sarah did not conceive. She grew old, but the promise remained. At last, Isaac was born. There was joy. Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears of it will laugh with me” (Gen. 21:6).

Sarah listening about her future pregnancy

Then came the unthinkable: God said to Abraham, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love… and offer him as a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:2). Abraham did not argue or delay. Father and son traveled together, and at the final moment, a voice from heaven said, “Stop!” How does a father and son survive a trauma like this?

Then came a different kind of pain: Sarah died. She was his beloved wife, his companion on the journey, the one who left everything with him—land, home, and family. Twice she even risked her life by saying she was his sister to protect him.

So what does an old man like Abraham (the Torah calls him “old and advanced in years,” Gen. 24:1) do after all this? Surely his heart was heavy. He had obeyed Yehovah, yet many promises were still unfulfilled. God had promised him the land of Canaan, but when Sarah died, he didn’t own a single piece of it—not even enough to bury her. God had promised him countless descendants like the stars of the heavens and the sand of the sea, yet he had only one son—Isaac—who was still unmarried at thirty-seven. Humanly speaking, Abraham had every reason to be discouraged.

And yet, he did not remain paralyzed. The Torah says, “Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her” (Gen. 23:2). Then immediately, we read: “Then Abraham rose up from before his dead…” After this, he focused on two things: buying land to bury Sarah and finding a wife for his son. These two actions were directly connected to God’s two promises: land and offspring. Abraham didn’t wait passively for God to act; he understood he needed to take responsibility.

How did Abraham overcome trauma and sorrow? How does someone move forward after nearly losing his only son and then losing his wife? What kept him going?

The Torah shows us two people who faced trauma in opposite ways: Noah and Lot’s wife. Noah, the most righteous man of his generation, obeyed Yehovah even as the rest of the world faced destruction, and through his obedience, he saved his life and his family. In contrast, Lot’s wife disobeyed the angels’ command and “looked back” as Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. She became a pillar of salt—paralyzed by shock and unable to move forward. These two stories help us understand Abraham’s response after Sarah’s death. He chose to build the future rather than remain trapped in the past—as Lot’s wife did.

Abraham kept the promise in sight. Sarah was gone. Isaac was unmarried. He had no land or grandchildren. But he did not accuse God or give in to despair. Instead, he remained sensitive to Yehovah’s call to move forward and trust. That is how Abraham survived grief and shock.

May Yehovah spare us from such trials—but if they come, let us follow Abraham’s example: focus on the promise.

We are not here by accident. We are here because God wanted us here, and because there is a task we must fulfill. Discovering it is not always easy—it can take years and even bring frustration. Yet each of us has something God is calling us to do, a purpose to accomplish.

Let us not allow the past to chain us down. Instead, let us learn to endure pain like Abraham did, and keep our eyes on the promises of Yehovah for our lives.

Shalom!

Moses’ Final Blessing over the Tribes of Israel

Parashah Vezot Ha'Bracha

Deuteronomy 33:1 – 34:12

VeZot Ha’Bracha is the final portion in the cycle of Torah readings, and it transports us to a pivotal moment in Israel’s history: Moses’ final blessing before his death. As a tireless prophet and leader, Moses delivers words of encouragement, hope, and guidance to each tribe, emphasizing their unique role within the people of Yehovah. This scene not only marks the end of his leadership, but also establishes an eternal legacy that continues to shape the people of Israel through the generations. Aware of his closeness to the Almighty, Moses speaks not as a distant figure, but as a leader deeply connected to the future of his people.

Through his blessings, Moses speaks not only of material prosperity, but also of spiritual responsibilities. Each tribe is given a purpose and a specific function within the grand divine plan, and Moses’ leadership extends beyond his physical life, inspiring future generations to embrace their calling with faith and dedication. As we reflect on these words, we are also called to consider our own legacy and the impact we leave on others, as we continue walking under the guidance of divine wisdom.

This portion reminds us that true leadership is not measured merely by immediate achievements, but by the lasting impact we leave on those around us. In his final blessing, Moses shows that the purpose of a leader is not to seek personal recognition, but to ensure that those under his care are prepared to fulfill their life’s purpose. Though Moses does not enter the Promised Land, his legacy lives on in future generations—demonstrating that Yehovah’s plan transcends any single individual.

This conclusion to the Torah cycle invites us to reflect on our own life and mission. Like Moses, we are part of a greater story, and though our contributions may seem small, they are essential in the divine plan. The study and meditation on the Torah do not end here; instead, they encourage us to keep growing, to pass on wisdom, and to keep our faith alive for the future—trusting in the eternal promises of the Almighty.

Questions for Reflection:

Why do you think Moses blessed each tribe of Israel differently before his death?
Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, but Yehovah let him see it from afar. What does this teach us about trusting in the plans of the Most High, even when we don’t always see the results right away?

The Hidden Price of Rebellion

Parashah Ki Tavo

Deuteronomio 26:1 – 29:8

The portion of Ki Tavo marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s journey. After leaving Egypt and crossing the wilderness, the children of Israel now stand at the threshold of the Promised Land, soon to enter under the leadership of Joshua. Through Moses, Yehovah gives them detailed instructions for when they set foot in that land. The first act He commands is the offering of the firstfruits—a gesture of thanksgiving to acknowledge that every harvest, every blessing, and the very land itself are gifts from the Almighty. It was a reminder that their success was not the work of their own hands, but the goodness and faithfulness of Yehovah.

Moses also lays out a sober contrast: abundant blessings for obedience and severe curses for rebellion. The blessings would bring prosperity, security, and joy; the curses would bring loss, suffering, and even exile. This is not merely history—it is a timeless call to every heart.

Ki Tavo teaches us that obedience is not a burden but a path to life, and gratitude is not optional but essential. Our choices matter. When we walk in Yehovah’s ways, aligning with His Torah, we open our lives to His favor. But when we turn away, we step into the painful consequences of disobedience.

This portion is an invitation: to live in constant awareness of Yehovah’s goodness, to offer Him the “firstfruits” of our lives—our time, our devotion, our resources—and to trust that His blessings follow those who walk in His ways.

At the close of this portion, Moses reminds the people of all the wonders Yehovah has done for them—from their deliverance out of Egypt to their sustenance in the wilderness. He recounts how they witnessed mighty signs: the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the manna that fell from heaven each day to feed them. Yet, Moses points out that even after experiencing all these miracles, their hearts had not yet been fully transformed. Only now, after years of journeying and testing, are they beginning to grasp the depth and weight of the covenant they have entered into with their Creator—realizing that it is not merely about keeping commandments, but about cultivating a deeper, conscious relationship with Yehovah.

It is at this very moment—just before they step into the Promised Land—that a crucial call is made for spiritual renewal and ongoing commitment to the Torah. The covenant is not a one-time event of the past but a living and continuous reality that calls for constant reflection and action. As Israel stands on the threshold of a new chapter in their history, they are to enter the land not only with free bodies, but with hearts that fully understand and embrace the Father’s purpose for their lives.

Questions for Reflection and Prayer:

How might it be that we, too, can see Yehovah’s wonders in our lives yet still have hearts slow to trust and obey? Where might He be calling us to deeper understanding today?
What does renewing your commitment to Yehovah look like in this season of your life? Is there a specific step of obedience, repentance, or gratitude He is asking of you?
How can you offer Him not just outward observance, but a heart fully surrendered to His will?
As you “stand on the threshold” of your own new chapters—decisions, challenges, opportunities—how can you enter them with a spirit that embraces Yehovah’s purposes fully?

At the Crossroads of Blessing and Curse

Parashah Re'eh

Deut 11:26 – 16:17

The parashah Re’eh, meaning “see” in Hebrew, opens a deeply pivotal moment in Moses’ final words to Israel. As a faithful shepherd nearing the end of his journey, he places before the people a solemn and sacred choice: life or death, blessing or curse. It is a divine invitation to walk in obedience and receive Yehovah’s favor—or to turn away and face the consequences.

This message is delivered as the nation stands on the threshold of the Promised Land, in the plains of Moab, just across the Jordan. The people are about to enter a new chapter, and Moses, knowing his time is short, urges them to open their eyes—to see clearly the path Yehovah sets before them. Soon, Joshua will rise to lead, but in this moment, the weight of covenant and destiny hangs in the balance.

The choice is not a one-time event, but a path we walk throughout life.

Each day brings new opportunities to choose between good and evil, between obeying or transgressing the commandments of Yehovah.

This choice carries deep implications for our daily lives.

To choose blessing is to choose a life of purpose, a life connected to Yehovah and to others.

To choose the curse is to walk a path of isolation, suffering, and spiritual decay.

In Summary:

The parashah Re’eh presents us with a clear and powerful message: free will is a divine gift and an inescapable responsibility.

Obedience to Yehovah leads to a life of fullness and blessing, while disobedience brings devastating consequences.

This message remains as relevant today as ever. It calls us to examine our own choices and to build a life firmly rooted in His Word.

Questions for Reflection:

What are the two options Yehovah places before the Israelites, and what does each one represent?
Why is it important to help the less fortunate—such as orphans and widows—according to parashah Re’eh?

Remainder of the Covenant and Obedience

Parashah D'varim

Deuteronomy 1:1 – 3:22

The Parashah Devarim is the first section of the book of Deuteronomy, which serves as a summary of the Torah of Yehovah. It focuses on Moses’ speech to the people of Israel, in which he reviews the events and lessons from the forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses recalls the journey of the people, the instructions of Yehovah, and the decisions that were made, including the appointment of leaders and judges.

This takes place shortly before Moses’ death, in the region of Moab, specifically on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from the city of Jericho. The account serves as a preparation for entering the Promised Land and reminds us of the importance of obedience to the Most High and observance of His commandments.

The story of Moses, who was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of a mistake he made, reminds us that we are all responsible for our actions, regardless of our position or status. The justice of Yehovah is impartial, and we must be aware of the consequences of our decisions and actions.

Teaching: Learning from mistakes.

The fact that Moses carefully reviews the faults and complaints of the people shows his desire for them not to repeat the same mistakes in the future. In the same way, as Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians:

“Now these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” — 1 Corinthians 10:11.

Whe the supernatural manifest itself

Parashah Balak

Numbers 22:2 – 25:9

Have you ever heard an animal speak? This is why this particular parashah is so interesting and peculiar, because this is what happened to the prophet Balaam… Let’s look at the details.

Parashah Balak is a section of the Torah that spans from Numbers 22 to chapter 25. It focuses on Balak, king of Moab, who, fearing the expansion and power of the Israelites, hired the prophet Balaam, known for his ability to effectively bless or curse, in hopes of weakening his enemies, the people of Israel.

The interaction between these two characters is key to this story. Balaam is seduced by Balak’s offer of great riches in exchange for fulfilling his desire. Balaam finds himself caught in a conflict due to the instructions he receives from Yehovah. Throughout his journey to Moab, Balaam experiences several divine signs, including a supernatural conversation with his donkey, who sees an angel blocking his path. This story highlights themes of obedience and the sovereignty of the Most High, as despite Balak’s attempts, Balaam ends up blessing Israel, thus fulfilling the divine will rather than the wishes of the king of Moab.

This story teaches us several valuable lessons. First, it reminds us of the importance of emunah (faith) and trust in Yehovah, especially in times of difficulty and danger. It also highlights the need for integrity and honesty, as Balaam, despite his initial intentions, ultimately obeys Yehovah’s Word and utters the words He commands him to say. Furthermore, the intervention of Balaam’s donkey teaches us to be sensitive to the signs and manifestations of the Almighty, which can come from the most unexpected sources. In summary, the parashah of Balak invites us to reflect on the sovereignty of our Father, His protection of His people, and the importance of acting with integrity and obedience to His commandments.

Exhortation: Let us be humble before the Creator and not allow our stubbornness to reach such a point that Yehovah has to speak to us through a donkey!

Vision and Courage

Parashah Shelach Lekha

Numbers 13:1 – 15:41

The parashah Shelach Lecha is found in Numbers 13:1–15:41 and reveals an exciting prophetic picture for the end times. It is like holding in our hands a glimpse of what will happen to the children of Israel when Yeshua returns. At the same time, this portion calls us to believe and trust in the promises that the Almighty has made to His people.

This segment of Scripture provides us with a powerful and relevant teaching for our walk of faith today. The twelve spies returned from the land with two different reports: one filled with fear and pessimism, while Caleb and Joshua offered a message of faith and hope.

In our daily lives, like the ten spies who brought back the negative report, we face situations that can seem overwhelming. The “giants” and “walled cities” of our day can take the form of financial problems, illness, personal conflicts, or global uncertainties. However, Caleb and Joshua show us another way of looking at circumstances. Their positive report did not ignore the difficulties, but it focused on Yehovah’s faithfulness and His power to overcome any obstacle. They reminded the people that the Most High had promised to give them the land and that His word is trustworthy!

Questions to ponder

Let’s think about these four aspects that are very important in our lives:

Ten spies returned and brought back a negative report, and only two spies had the vision to see God’s promise coming true in their lives and in the lives of their families. Which group would you belong to?
Yehovah promised that He would raise up a man like Moses whom we should listen to and obey… Are you ready to follow and listen to Yeshua as He leads us back to obeying the commandments of the Almighty regardless of what others say or think?
The fourth commandment says that we must remember the Shabbat day to keep it holy, because Yehovah blessed it and sanctified it. Is the Shabbat truly a sign between you and the Most High as He established in His Torah? (Ex 31:13).
Perhaps you profess to be a follower of Yeshua the Messiah, wear tzitzit daily, and keep the Sabbath and the Creator’s diet. But do you truly behave like an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven? Let us remember Paul’s words to the Romans when he said that it is not the hearers of the Torah who would be justified before God, but the doers.

Let us love Yehovah with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves, just as Yeshua said, and in doing so we will fulfill the Torah and the prophets!

Census and Organization in the Desert

Parashah B'midbar

Numbers 1:1 – 4:20

The parashah Bamidbar, found in Numbers 1:1–4:20, recounts the preparations and organization of the people of Israel in the Sinai desert during the second year after their departure from Egypt. This section begins with a detailed census of males over the age of twenty who are fit for military service and organized according to their tribes and clans.

It also describes how the tribes are to camp and march around the Tabernacle, with specific instructions for the Levites, who are responsible for transporting and caring for the Tabernacle and its sacred utensils. The census and organization seek to establish order and structure in the Israelite community as they prepare to move forward toward the Promised Land.

All of this occurs at a crucial moment in the history of the children of Israel, as they are in transition from slavery in Egypt to establishing themselves as a free nation in the Promised Land. Having received the Torah on Mount Sinai, the children of Israel must now learn to live and function as an organized community under the guidance of Yehovah. Both the census and the organization described in these chapters were essential steps in the formation of national identity and faith, ensuring that each member of the community had a defined role in the functioning of the nation and in the development of the worship of God.

Our portion mentions an interesting aspect of the tribe of Levi: it was not counted along with the other tribes in the military census. This was because the Levites were assigned sacred tasks related to the Tabernacle, highlighting their unique and different role within the Hebrew community. This distinction underscores the importance of ministerial service in the people of Israel, indicating that while defense and tribal structure are crucial, connection with the Most High and maintenance of the sanctuary are also crucial. Furthermore, this emphasis on the Levites highlights the idea that each group and each individual has a specific and valuable role within the congregation.

Reflection: The Levites acted as intermediaries between Yehovah and the people of Israel by teaching the Torah, performing rituals and sacrifices, and maintaining service in the Tabernacle. In the same way, we see Yeshua’s role as mediator between Yehovah and His people. Yeshua, as the eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, offered himself as the perfect sacrifice. His life, death, and resurrection establish a new and eternal connection with the Most High, thus facilitating the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation, and fulfilling the mediating role of the Levites by providing direct and permanent access to the Father.

Parasha Emor

Parashah Emor

Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23

The parashah Emor is found in the book of Leviticus (Lev. 21:1–24:23) and focuses on the laws and rituals related to holiness, purity, and service in the Tabernacle. Emor, which means “say to them,” begins with specific instructions to priests on how to maintain their consecration while performing their sacred duties.

From restrictions on who may officiate in sacred service to regulations on ritual purity and holidays, this section of the Torah establishes guidelines for maintaining holiness, order, and connection between spiritual practice and daily life in the congregation of Israel.

In addition, it details the requirements of physical and moral integrity for those who serve as priests, emphasizing the importance of exemplary conduct in the midst of sanctuary service.

“Emor” invites us to reflect on the importance of integrity in our daily lives. The detailed rules for priests and festivals remind us that, although our modern lives are very different, the need to live by high principles and ethical conduct remains fundamental. This parashah also challenges us to consider how we can maintain our own “purity” in a contemporary sense, cultivating values such as honesty, responsibility, and respect for others. Just as the priests had a special role in their community, each of us can look for ways to contribute positively to our society, infusing our daily actions with a sense of purpose and dignity.

The priests also acted as mediators between Yehovah and the people, which was a prophetic shadow of Yeshua’s role as our High Priest. The priests offered blood sacrifices on the altar, foreshadowing Yeshua’s sacrifice on the cross. The blood purified and reconciled the people with the Almighty. The priests had access to the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. This symbolized access to the presence of the Most High. In the same way, Yeshua opened the way so that we can now “approach the throne of grace with confidence and receive mercy” (Heb 4:16).

In summary, the laws for priests pointed to Yeshua as the perfect High Priest, who fulfilled every requirement and reconciled us to our heavenly Father!

All posts by : Harold Calvo