Shabbat Shalom, beloved community! On this beautiful day, as we delve into the Torah portion of Shemot – which literally means "Names" – we're invited to ponder a profound question: "Who am I? Who are you?"

In the Jewish tradition, the naming of a child is a sacred act, a moment of discernment. It’s not just about a label, but about embracing an identity. This week's parasha introduces us to the miraculous birth of Moshe (Moses) amidst Pharaoh's cruel decree to kill all Israelite male babies.

### The Daughter of God and the Chosen One

Imagine little Miriam, Moses' sister, bravely watching as her baby brother floats in a pitch-covered basket, an ark on the Nile. Who finds him? Pharaoh's daughter, Batya. Her name, as we discover, means "Daughter of God." Despite her father's murderous command, Batya shows extraordinary chutzpah and compassion. She defies her father, rescues the Hebrew child, and raises him as her own.

Moses grew up in an Egyptian palace, looked Egyptian, talked Egyptian, but he wasn't Egyptian. Does this resonate with you? Many of us, though not born Jewish, find ourselves drawn to the richness of Messianic faith, feeling like we've "come home," adopted into the family of God, chosen. It's a powerful truth: you are not accidentally here; you are chosen.

### Growth in Discomfort

This story, however, isn’t all comfort and ease. As the saying goes: "There is no growth in comfort, and there is no comfort in growth."

When life is smooth, we can become complacent, perhaps even feel we don't need God as much. But true growth often springs from discomfort, from suffering. It's in the wilderness, the "narrow straits" (Mitzrayim), that we learn profound lessons, like forgiveness. God's love, at times, wounds us, pushing us past our limits, just as Yeshua wept over Jerusalem, heartbroken yet ever-loving.

Remember the burning bush? Fire, representing judgment, yet the bush was not consumed. When you're in the fire, you're not consumed because God is with you, always. He notices.

### The Power of Community and Your Mission

Moses, when called by God from that burning bush, famously asked, "Who am I that I can speak to the people?" How many times have we felt inadequate for God's call? But God's answer was clear: "You're not doing it alone. I'm going to be doing it with you. You are my partner."

Our faith isn't meant to be lived in isolation. We are called to be a light in the world, in our actions and interactions:

*Pray Immediately:** When someone shares a need, stop and pray right then. Don't wait.

*Practice Tzedakah:** Righteous giving isn't just financial; it's about helping others, sharing what's on your heart, and paying it forward.

*Show Compassion & Chutzpah:** Like Batya defying Pharaoh, or Zipporah taking action to save Moses, sometimes love requires bold defiance of societal norms.

*Encourage Directly:** If someone's talent blesses you, tell them, not just the leader. Your direct encouragement strengthens the entire body.

*Honor God's Covenant:** Our weekly Shabbat, our bread and wine, are profound covenants. They remind us that we are nourished by the living God.

When we experience trials, remember that community offers comfort. A phone call, a meal when sick, a welcoming embrace – these are the spices that enrich our collective life.

This Torah portion asks us to look deep within. Who are you like in this narrative? Are you the jealous oppressor, or the courageous rescuer? Are you the one who complains, or the one who serves alongside God?

Your mission is deeply personal. As you journey, remember God's ultimate question won't be about how many verses you memorized, but "What did you do with the job I gave you?"

Today, let's commit to living out our calling with love, compassion, and courage. Tell someone they are loved, not flippantly, but with genuine care and presence. Be willing to go the extra mile. For in doing so, we embody the very heart of our Father.

Shabbat Shalom!