Shalom, Mitspacha!
Justice – protection of life / Prohibition of endangering others
"Whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of Elohim made He man."
- Bereshit (Genesis) 9:6
"When you build a new house, then you shall make a battlement for your roof, that you bring not blood upon your house, if any man fall from thence."
- Devarim (Deuteronomy) 22:8
As we prepare for the Shabbat, we reflect on the weight of human life in the eyes of our Creator. Justice begins with the absolute protection of life, for every person carries the Image of Elohim. To strike at another is to strike at the handiwork of the King.
This protection is not just a passive sentiment; it is an active, practical responsibility.
The Torah commands us to build a battlement on our roofs - a physical boundary to prevent harm. We are prohibited from being indifferent to potential dangers in our environment. True righteousness requires us to look ahead and remove hazards before they cause injury. Loving our neighbor means ensuring that our property, our actions, and our negligence never become a stumbling block or a danger to the lives of others.
Protecting life is the highest expression of justice.
Sanctifying the Shabbat begins with sanctifying the lives around us. Are there "unprotected roofs" in our lives - areas of neglect where others might be harmed? As we move toward the season of Pesach and our second Shabbat of the New Year, let us ensure our hearts and our homes are places of safety and refuge, honoring the life that YHVH has so graciously bestowed upon us.
Abba YHVH, as the sun sets on this week, we come before You with grateful hearts. We thank You for the gift of life and the wisdom of Your laws that protect us. We ask that You keep our hearts soft and our hands open as we enter this set-apart time.
We pray for peace in Middle East, South Africa and the world. Release your Ru'ach of goodwill and peace and bind the evil spirit of strife and war.
We pray for end-time revival. The signs are everywhere that Your Time is at hand. Wake the sleeping brothers and sisters now.
We pray for the elderly, especially those subject to abuse and neglect. Bring to justice every abuser and let their children remember Your Words about honoring them.
We pray for the farmers, especially those in danger of attacks. Send your protecting angels to guard them and bring every enemy of a farmer to justice.
We pray for people living in disaster stricken areas. Provide relief in the form of rain, food and shelter, YHVH Yireh.
We pray for evangelists all over the world, especially in those countries where they are persecuted. Protect them with a special angel when they do Your Work.
We pray for ill people, especially those with cancer and new viral diseases that are spreading like wildfires. You are YHVH Raphah. Heal them in Your Great Mercy.
We pray for the coming tribulation as the signs of the birth pains are here already. Prepare us for what is about to come.
We pray for our ministry (Derech Olam Ministries). May we find hearts that are ready and may Your Word reach them wherever they are.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.