Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parashat Sh'lach
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Parashat Sh'lach – "Send for Yourself"
Numbers 13:1–15:41
Theme: Trusting Together Despite Giants
Opening Blessing
Baruch Atah Ad-nai Eloheinu Melech Ha’olam, Asher Kid’shanu B’Mitzvotav V’tzivanu La’asok B’divrei Torah.
Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to engage with the words of Torah.
Scripture Focus: Numbers 13:30
"Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.'"
Reflection for Couples:
In Parashat Sh'lach, twelve men are sent to spy out the Promised Land. Ten return with fear, but two: Joshua and Caleb return with faith. This parashah is a powerful metaphor for marriage: every couple faces “giants”, challenges that feel overwhelming, whether financial, emotional, spiritual, or relational. Like the Israelites, we can become paralyzed by fear and fall into conflict. Or we can, like Joshua and Caleb, respond together in faith. As a Messianic couple, your shared covenant in Messiah Yeshua calls you to be "of a different spirit" (Numbers 14:24). This means choosing faith over fear, unity over blame, and remembering that Ad-nai is with you in every battle.
Counseling Focus: Communication and Emotional Safety
Key Principle: Couples thrive when they feel safe to express fear, doubt, and hope without judgment. The ten spies fueled panic with fear-based language. Caleb and Joshua spoke words of faith and encouragement. The words we say to our spouse can either tear down or build up trust.
Activity: "Spying Out the Land" Together
- Each of you writes down three "giants" you perceive in your shared journey (examples: job insecurity, parenting, health issues, spiritual dryness).
- Share your list in a calm, loving setting.
- For each challenge, discuss:
- How do I emotionally react to this challenge?
- What do I believe Ad-nai is saying to us through it?
- How can we face it with faith, like Joshua and Caleb?
Counseling Insight: Often, what one spouse sees as a "giant," the other may not. The goal is not to minimize fear but to walk in unity and faith through it. Validate each other's experience and seek Ad-nai’s promise together.
Prayer Together
Avinu Malkeinu, our Father and King, give us the courage to face the giants in our lives together with hearts full of faith. Let us speak words that bring life, trust, and unity. As You were with Joshua and Caleb, be with us, guiding our marriage through the wilderness into the promises You have prepared for us. B’shem Yeshua, Amen.
Takeaway Challenge:
This week, commit to ending each day by sharing one thing you’re grateful for and one area where you need more faith. Invite your spouse to pray over that with you, switching roles each day.
Closing Blessing (Birkat Kohanim for Couples):
Y’varechecha Ad-nai v’yishmerecha. Ya’er Ad-nai panav elecha vichuneka. Yisa Ad-nai panav elecha v’yasem lecha shalom.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift His face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
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