Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parashat Tzav
Listen to your Devotional HERE
Theme: “Drawing Near Through Sacrifice: The Heart of Intimacy”
Torah Portion: Leviticus 6:1-8:36
Haftarah: Jeremiah 7:21–8:3; 9:22–23 (Ashkenazi)
Brit Chadasha: Hebrews 10:1-18
Torah Reflection: Parashat Tzav
Parashat Tzav dives deep into the sacrificial system, detailing the roles of the priests, the burnt offerings, and the peace offerings. One striking part is the continual fire on the altar (Leviticus 6:6 [Eng. v.13]): “A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.” This continual fire wasn’t just ritual; it represented constant devotion, ongoing communication, and unbroken intimacy with G-d.
Devotional Thought: Fire on the Altar of Marriage
In marriage, the "altar" is your emotional and spiritual connection. Just like the priests had to tend the fire daily, couples are called to nurture their bond intentionally. Love doesn't stay warm on its own. It needs daily tending, intentional acts, and sacrificial love.
In Messianic Jewish faith, we see Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah as the ultimate offering. He gave Himself in complete love and obedience for our redemption. That kind of self-giving love is the model for couples in marriage.
CBT-Based Application: Sacrifice and Connection
Many arguments in relationships stem from unmet needs coming from our past experiences, unresolved mental health concerns before marriage, which have not been treated through counseling, and come out when triggered by communication, events, and daily life challenges we all face in the marriage relationship. Let’s practice a simple CBT-based check-in exercise rooted in this week's Parasha's theme.
The "Altar Check-In"
- Affirm: Each partner says one thing they appreciate about the other today.
- Sacrifice: Each shares one way they can "lay something down" (past habits, behaviors, addictions which still exist in our daily marriage life which bring physical separation and spiritual death in the marriage with consequent moving far from Ad-nai of the couple) this week: a selfish habit, assumption, or hurtful pattern (Matthew 5:23-24).
- Offer Peace: Each offers one gesture of peace: it could be a hug, a kind word, or an act of service.
Tip of the Week: Doing this weekly keeps the "altar fire" of your relationship burning.
Prayer Together
“Ad-nai, thank you for giving us a model of continual devotion and sacrificial love. Help us tend the fire of our marriage with care, grace, and patience. May we reflect the love of Yeshua the Messiah in the way we forgive, communicate, and cherish one another. Amen.”
Shabbat Challenge for Couples in Marriage
Before or during Shabbat:
- Light candles together and reflect on how your love is like the flame.
- Read Leviticus 6:6 and talk about how you each can help keep the fire burning.
Request your Devotional for Couples directly in your email inbox HERE.
