Reading the Word; the disciplined act of reading and studying the Sacred Scripture has absorbed and drawn in many souls over thousands of years. For not only are the words contained therein; profound and inspirational, giving clarity in the direction of righteousness and truth, but while partaking in diligent and genuine study, the presence of the Ruach Ha’Kodesh (Holy Spirit) will often breathe life into the words and ignite the spirit of the reader, communicating directly with them, allowing them to soak in the warmth and love surrounding a deep inner peace. We can be separated from the world into the eternal moment of the present, yet crisply aware of it, the Spirit gives personally relevant insight on our current position, and the way forward on the straight path through the turbulence of time.
Since ancient times from about the first half of the third century BC, there is evidence of public readings of the Torah. The Rabbis divided the Torah into sections or portions called ‘Parashiyot’ after the exile, by the end of the second century AD, according to the Babylonian Talmud. These portions were to be read and studied in Synagogues every Shabbat over an annual cycle, along with a complimentary section from the prophets called the ‘Haphtarah’ meaning the conclusion. Although this is tradition, not a direct commandment of YHVH, it is a very good tradition for it helps us keep God’s command to us to mediate on His word day and night. In the days of Yeshuah it was customary practice to read and study the word on the Sabbath, and we see him getting up to read the ‘Haftarah’ of Isaiah 6 vs. 1-3 in Luke 4 vs 21. Every year the reading cycle ends, and is immediately begun again on the traditional festival of ‘Shimchat Torah’ just after the scriptural festival of ‘Sukkoth’.
A Messianic believer; Bill Bullock, in recent years has added a complimentary section from ‘Ha Brit Ha’Chadashah’ (The New Covenant) that relates to the Torah Portions. The division of the first five books of the New Testament; the four Gospels and the book of Acts can also be read in a corresponding annual cycle included in the reading list section.
This creates a very healthy habitual environment for the diligent study of God’s word and this tradition is highly recommend.
Shalom and welcome to this presentation of what is a very ancient calendar system
