Shabbat Shalom, beloved community! Our recent gathering was a powerful reminder of God's unwavering presence, whether we're celebrating triumphs or navigating our deepest fears. This week's Torah portion, Beshalach, beautifully illustrates this journey from bondage to divine partnership.

We shared in joyful community, celebrating a two-year-old's birthday with heartfelt song. We also heard wonderful testimonies, including a miraculous, rapid recovery from shoulder surgery for Vicki. Our hearts went out in prayer for Sawyer and his family, facing significant health challenges and seeking divine wisdom for surgical decisions. These moments underscore our need for each other and God’s guiding hand.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our "Rooted and Ready" leadership class, scheduled for Wednesday, February 11th, via Zoom. Sign-up sheets are available in the back; we’ll need your email and phone number. Also, Haley is organizing a postpartum meal prep day for the third Sunday in February – please reach out if you'd like to help! And for those looking to support our community, check out Peter’s Etsy store for unique Israel-themed apparel.

### The Journey to Glorious Identity: Beshalach

The portion of Beshalach, meaning "When He is Sent," opens with Pharaoh finally releasing the Israelites. In His infinite mercy and love, God leads them the "long way" through the wilderness, not the direct route. This path is a journey of teaching, testing, and proving, much like the unexpected detours in our own lives.

Moses, demonstrating remarkable faithfulness, immediately takes Joseph's bones, fulfilling an ancient oath. This act of "Nisah" – a Hebrew word meaning "to be pulled up" or "to journey" – is key. It's not merely "going," but being removed and unplugged from what was, preparing for what God has next. Just as Adam was "Natah" (planted) in the Garden, God is replanting an entire people, preparing them for their inheritance.

This challenging journey quickly leads them to the Red Sea. With Egyptian chariots thundering behind and the vast, intimidating sea before them, the Israelites cry out in despair, "Were there no graves in Egypt?" (Exodus 14:11). Haven't we all felt that paralyzing fear, asking if we've come this far only to meet our end?

Yet, God's response to Moses is profound: "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward!" (Exodus 14:15). This is a powerful call to action, an invitation to embrace their new identity. It’s a moment to step out in faith, knowing that God will fight for them. The Midrash tells of Nachshon, from the tribe of Judah, stepping into the unparted waters first – a profound act of faith that mirrored Moses extending his rod. Without his action, the sea might not have parted.

### Echoes in Yeshua

This miraculous Red Sea deliverance finds powerful parallels in the New Testament. Think of Yeshua calming the storm on the Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). His terrified disciples cried out in fear, much like the Israelites at the sea. Yeshua rebukes the storm, then gently questions their faith, revealing His mastery over all creation.

Later, Peter, seeing Yeshua walk on water, cries out, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come!" (Matthew 14:28). This "come" (erchomai in Greek) carries the same essence as "Nisah" – step out, unplug, and move towards Him. As long as Peter’s eyes remained fixed on Yeshua, he walked on water. The moment he doubted, he began to sink.

### Your Identity in Him

The core message: Your identity in Yeshua makes you complete—nothing missing, nothing broken. We often wrestle with feelings of unworthiness or past failures. But His response is always, "I know. That's why I did the whole thing." He remembers our frame, knows we are dust, but also empowers us with His Spirit to cooperate with Him.

Your Red Sea moment isn't a dead end; it's an invitation to face your fears, trusting His faithfulness. He builds a testimony in you first, giving you experiences of His goodness so you have a history of His victory. When you come to your Red Sea, remember the song of Moses, the song of Miriam – the song of victory! He will bring you to the "mountain of His inheritance" – His Garden (Exodus 15:17).

### The Power of His Blood & Action

Never let anyone convince you to divorce Yeshua from His perfect blood. This word declares that the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). His perfect blood, oxygenated by His breath, supplants our DNA when we trust Him, bringing healing, restoration, and repair. It is His blood that makes us worthy, not our own merit. He is our intercessor, mediator, and elder brother, continually making intercession for us.

Like Deborah, the prophetess from our Haftarah reading, God calls dynamic men and women to serve, to be studious, gifted, and anointed. Deborah received a word of knowledge and spurred Barak into action, knowing the victory would be God's, not his.

Let sin leave your life in stages. When you stumble, repent immediately. Don't cling to feelings of unworthiness. Climb back up to the "penthouse" because you are made a king and priest, dwelling in high places with Him. Speak His blessings, act in faith, and watch His glory unfold.

May each of you recognize your Red Sea moments as invitations from God to step out in faith. He has already won the battle. Embrace your identity in Him, step forward, and watch His glory unfold.

Shabbat Shalom, and Shavuah Tov (a good week)!"