Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parasha Emor
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Parasha Emor (“He Said”)
Scripture Focus: Leviticus 23:2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are My appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of AD-NAI, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’”
Theme: Living Set Apart Together
Devotional Thought:
In Parasha Emor, G-d calls His people, and especially the priests, to a higher standard of kedushah (holiness). For couples, especially those walking in the footsteps of Yeshua as a Jewish Messiah, this is a call to live a set-apart life together.
Marriage isn't just a covenant between two people. It’s also a reflection of G-d's covenant with His people. In this Parasha, G-d outlines the moadim and His appointed times. These aren't merely holidays, but sacred rhythms meant to keep Israel, and your marriage, in sync with Him.
Ask yourselves:
- Is our marriage keeping in step with G-d’s appointed times?
- Are we creating sacred rhythms in our home that reflect G-d’s holiness and presence?
CBT Counseling Application:
Cognitive Focus: Reframing Expectations
In relationships, unrealistic expectations often cause conflict. The Torah's focus on priestly boundaries and holy time invites us to reframe expectations toward sacred structure, not perfection.
Try this exercise together:
- Individually write down one or two expectations you’ve had of your spouse that have caused frustration or disappointment.
- Share gently with each other, listen without defending.
- Ask together:
- “Is this expectation rooted in G-d’s Word or cultural assumption?”
- “How can we reframe this expectation through grace and holiness?”
CBT Principle: What we expect shapes what we experience. Reframing unrealistic expectations with godly, grace-filled truth promotes peace.
Guided Conversation:
- What does “being set apart” as a couple mean for us right now?
- Are we honoring sacred time together: Shabbat, prayer, moments of joy?
- How can we better reflect G-d’s holiness in how we speak to each other?
Prayer Together:
Avinu Malkeinu, our Father and King,
Thank you for setting us apart as a couple to reflect your covenant love.
Teach us to honor Your appointed times, to build sacred rhythms in our home,
And to speak to one another with kindness, patience, and reverence.
In the name of Yeshua, our Messiah, Amen.
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