Opposition is part of fulfilling our purpose in Creation
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
The Baal Shem Tov teaches that everything we see and hear imparts a lesson in the service of Hashem. As we see the beginnings of a new American administration we learn lessons that are relevant in the life of each and everyone.
One thing we see from the new administration is that there is no time being wasted. There is an unabated implementation of campaign promises being fulfilled at a rigorous pace. This energetic go-getting is taking place in the face of unprecedented public opposition. Demonstrations are taking place across the country and the world not to mention a comprehensive media clobbering. Nevertheless they unceasingly continue forward.
The same is true for cabinet appointments. The Senate is hammering the appointees yet they remaining cool calm and consistent in their positions no matter what is thrown at them. In the State Department people are resigning and nevertheless the administration moves forward.
From these recent developments we gain greater insight into the first paragraph of the Shulchan Aruch which says: “Al yivosh mipnei hamaligim, not to have fear in the face of those who mock us” This refers to those who mock us from the outside world as well as from within (our animal soul). When a desire arises from within us to accomplish and do positive things in the service of Hashem, voices are heard both externally and from within. They belittle us and tell us not to think too highly about we are. They discourage us to stick out and take a stand. We will often tell ourselves that we’re just not on the level to rise up and do great things. Our list of excuses is seemingly endless and our memory of past disqualifying indiscretions immutable. When we get barraged with these voices and messages we freeze. There is only one option. To go lichatchila ariber; to disconnect from the naysayers and the negativity and to move forward, unrelentingly, one foot in front of the other.
We were chosen to be in Hashem’s cabinet! As the Medresh says; before Hashem created the world he made the decision to create the world together with neshamos Yisroel. When we wake up in the morning and say Modei Ani, we confirm that we belong to Hashem and that we are in His army (His cabinet). Our purpose in life is to serve the Commander-in-Chief. Our animal soul tries to disrupt our prayer with thoughts that mock our efforts in order to drive us off course. When we remember and remain focused that with all our faults we can persevere because we are not the ones that created our animal soul rather Hashem gave it to us. We did not create this environment in which we live rather we were placed here by Hashem and Hashem is giving us the strength to overcome all obstacles. Therefore we have nothing to be afraid of; there is no reason to hesitate in the service of Hashem, it’s all part of the plan and we were chosen to act.
Current events remind us to keep our focus on the mission of bringing Moshiach. We continue unabated to complete the purpose of creation that the world be filled with the knowledge of Hashem and that the world will be His dwelling place. We are part of it. The only thing left for us is to fulfill our mandate without hesitation and merit to live with Moshiach Now!
A Good Shabbos A Good Chodesh