The Spirit of Moshiach

On the verse: “And the spirit of G‑d hovered over the waters,” our Sages comment: “This refers to the spirit of Mashiach.” What they are implying is that Mashiach’s coming is part of G‑d’s initial intent for creation. Indeed, another source says: “The world was created solely for Mashiach.”

The implication is that the world’s march to perfection is not a casual, haphazard process initiated by man, but a predestined path charted by G‑d. As stated above, man has free choice, but in the long run, that means that he has the right and the privilege to become an active partner in G‑d’s plan or to let the mission intended for him pass him by and be fulfilled by others.

The very fact that G‑d created the world from absolute nothingness implies that He did so with a purpose and a goal. Our Sages explain that His goal was to create a dwelling for Himself, to bring into being a place where He would feel at home just like we feel at home in our own dwellings. Since He created the world from absolute nothingness, there is nothing preventing His purpose from being carried out. The only question is whether we will take an active role or not.

Shabbat Shalom!

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