Va'etchanan: Tiny Treasured People
24 ביולי 2026
Parashat Va’etchanan beautifully concludes its Torah reading with a profound explanation of why God chose Israel. It wasn’t because Israel was greater in number than other nations. It wasn’t for her wisdom, wit, or some prize-winning performance.
“It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples.” (Deuteronomy 7:7)
Israel didn’t have to earn the right to be picked. The King of the Universe picked His people in spite of their small size, lovingly calling them, “the branch of my planting, the work of my hands.” (Isaiah 60:21)
We so often associate being chosen or loved with being successful, talented, or popular. But God flips that worldly concept upside down. His choice of the People of Israel isn’t based on what they could offer Him; instead, it is a radiant reflection of His grace and His ultimate purposes for humanity. It reminds us that each of us is deeply valuable to God, completely apart from our perceived worth in the eyes of the world.
Furthermore, it also highlights God’s greatness, providing that He continues to protect and sustain His own, no matter the earthly conditions and circumstances.
Strength in Weakness
The New Testament beautifully builds upon this theme. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul notes that while he has reasons to boast, he chooses instead to highlight God’s works rather than his own glory.
Paul mentions a “thorn in the flesh,” which easily reminds us of our own hardships in life. Rather than praying for God to take away our difficult circumstances, we’re reminded of His response, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Our challenges are actually opportunities for His greatness to become visible, especially when life gets tough. Paul demonstrates a beautiful shift, where he chooses God’s greatness over his own pride,
“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of the Messiah may rest upon me. For the sake of Messiah, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.”
Can we even imagine that? Being truly content in the midst of weaknesses, insults, hardships, and even through persecutions and calamities? As I take these thoughts in, I realize that such contentment is only possible when we know we aren’t walking alone, when life brings us to our knees, inviting us to surrender to His guidance and sustenance.
What follows next is the very verse I keep right beside our family mirror. Sometimes I walk past it and forget it’s there, yet every time I stop to notice it, I am deeply encouraged. It reminds me of the truth when I need it most, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Reflection
God loves us regardless of our worldly success. In fact, His presence seems even more visible when we look UP to Him in the midst of our struggles.
Is there a moment in your week ahead where this reminder can bring you strength?
