Torah, Mitzvah, and Pancakes

Torah, Mitzvah, and Pancakes

What “Commandment” Really Means

How God’s Instructions Are More Like Mimi’s Kitchen Than a Courtroom

My grandson Philon recently turned eleven. He’s a master Lego builder, a VR hero, a PlayStation champion, and—my favourite of all—my pancake-flipping partner.

For years now we’ve stood side by side in my kitchen, laughing when a pancake lands upside down, celebrating the perfect flips, and sometimes making quite a mess together. Yet I’ve never once stopped loving him because he made a mistake. I simply show him again. The more I thought about it, the more I realised that’s exactly how our heavenly Father teaches us.

As I watched Philon on his birthday, two Hebrew words came to mind: Torah and Mitzvah.

Because the way I love Philon in my kitchen reminds me of the way God lovingly teaches us through His Word.

So what do these words really mean?

Many Christians hear the words Torah and Mitzvah and immediately think of rules, regulations, and law.

While that isn’t wrong, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

The Hebrew language paints a far warmer picture.

Mitzvah: More Than a Command

מִצְוָה (mitzvah) Plural: mitzvot

The Hebrew root is צוה (tzavah), meaning to command, appoint, or charge.

Yes, mitzvah does mean commandment.

“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you…” — Deuteronomy 4:2 (AMPC)

But in Hebrew thought, God’s commandments were never intended to sound like a harsh drill sergeant shouting orders.

They are more like a loving father speaking to his child.

When I tell Philon, “Don’t touch the hot frying pan.” …that is certainly a command. But it is also protection. It is instruction. It is love. The purpose isn’t control. The purpose is life. I don’t want burned hands. I want many more mornings making pancakes together. That’s how God gives His commandments. His commands protect what He loves.

John writes,

“For the true love of God is this: that we do His commands… and His commands are not difficult.” — 1 John 5:3 (AMPC)

Paul adds,

“The Law therefore is holy, and [each] commandment is holy and just and good.” — Romans 7:12 (AMPC)

Over time, Jewish culture also began using the expression “doing a mitzvah” to describe doing a good deed.

Many Jewish teachers also point to the beautiful idea that mitzvah brings us into connection with God. Whether or not one sees this as a formal linguistic relationship, it beautifully reflects the biblical truth that God’s commandments draw us closer to Him rather than pushing us away.

Torah: God’s Loving Instruction

תּוֹרָה (Torah)

The word comes from the Hebrew root ירה (yarah), meaning:

• to point

• to direct

• to teach

• to shoot, like an arrow aimed toward its target

Torah is often translated as Law.

While that translation isn’t incorrect, it can sometimes make us picture a courtroom. The Hebrew picture is much richer. Torah is God’s loving instruction. It is a Father pointing His children toward life. Think of an archer aiming an arrow toward its target. Or rain falling from heaven, bringing life to dry ground. Torah points us in the direction of life. Even today, the Hebrew word Moreh means teacher—someone who points the way.

One of my favourite examples is Proverbs:

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and reject not the teaching (Torah) of thy mother.” — Proverbs 1:8

Notice something beautiful. A mother’s teaching is called Torah. That doesn’t sound like a courtroom. It sounds like home.

David Loved the Torah

David didn’t merely tolerate God’s instruction.

He loved it.

Psalm 119 overflows with joy for God’s Torah and His commandments.

“Oh, how love I Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” — Psalm 119:97

Nobody lies awake at night meditating on tax law. But we do treasure the words of someone we deeply love.

David also wrote,

“The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.” — Psalm 119:72

And,

“Thy commandments have I not forgotten.” — Psalm 119:176

I like to picture it this way. Torah is the treasure chest. The mitzvot are the treasures inside.

One gives meaning to the other.

What About Leviticus 18:5?

God said,

“You shall therefore keep My statutes and My ordinances; if a man does them, he shall live by them. I am the Lord.” — Leviticus 18:5

God’s design was always life. His instruction was never given to destroy us. It was given so that we could flourish.

But Scripture also tells us,

“For all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.” — Romans 3:23

We broke God’s commandments. The very instruction that pointed toward life also exposed our need for a Saviour.

Paul says,

“The commandment which was intended to bring life actually proved to bring death.” — Romans 7:10

Did Jesus Cancel the Torah?

Absolutely not.

Jesus Himself said,

“Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfil them.” — Matthew 5:17 (AMPC)

Jesus perfectly fulfilled the righteousness that the Torah describes.

He alone lived in complete obedience to the Father.

He fulfilled every command perfectly.

Then He did something astonishing.

“Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law… by Himself becoming a curse for us.” — Galatians 3:13 (AMPC)

Our sin was placed upon Him.

His righteousness is credited to everyone who believes.

As Paul writes,

“Christ Jesus… has become for us wisdom from God, revealing His plan of salvation, and righteousness…” — 1 Corinthians 1:30 (AMPC)

Through faith we are clothed in His righteousness.

Grace Didn’t Replace God’s Instruction

One of the greatest misunderstandings among Christians is believing that grace means God no longer cares how we live.

Paul answers that directly.

“Do we then by this faith make the Law of no effect? Certainly not! On the contrary, we confirm and establish the Law.” — Romans 3:31

Grace isn’t God saying,

“Never mind My instruction.”

Grace is God saying,

“You could never keep My instruction perfectly, so My Son fulfilled it for you. I forgive you, place My Spirit within you, and now I teach you to walk with Me.”

Romans explains it beautifully.

“…that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live… according to the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 8:4

Notice that.

The Spirit doesn’t replace God’s instruction.

The Spirit enables us to live it.

Back to Mimi’s Kitchen

Imagine two different kitchens.

Kitchen One

I tell Philon, “Don’t touch the hot pan.” Then I walk away. He reaches out. He gets burned. The rule was good.

It simply revealed that he still needed help.

Kitchen Two

I say, “Don’t touch the pan.” Then I stay beside him. I guide his hands.I steady the spatula. I cheer when he gets it right. I encourage him when he doesn’t.

That’s grace. Grace isn’t the absence of instruction. Grace is the loving presence of Someone helping us live it.

Exactly as Titus says,

“For the grace of God… has now come forward… training us…” — Titus 2:11–12 (AMPC)

Grace teaches.

Torah teaches.

The heart behind both is love.

The Beautiful Harmony of Father, Son and Holy Spirit

One comparison has helped me understand this.

God promised,

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” — Ezekiel 36:27

Jesus said,

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” — John 14:15

And immediately afterwards He promised,

“The Comforter… the Holy Spirit… He will teach you all things.” — John 14:26

Love.

Instruction.

The Spirit.

They belong together.

Teaching Our Children

So how do we teach this to our own Philons?

We never obey to earn salvation.

We obey because we have already received salvation.

“We love Him, because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

Paul calls the Law our tutor that led us to Christ.

Once we belong to Christ, we are no longer under the tutor’s condemnation, but we never outgrow the wisdom it taught us.

So I hope Philon always remembers:

Love God.

Tell the truth.

Be kind.

Forgive quickly.

Honour others.

Not because God might stop loving him.

But because he is already deeply loved.

A Mimi Conclusion

Torah is God’s loving instruction.

Mitzvot are the beautiful steps within that instruction.

Grace doesn’t replace them.

Grace brings them to life.

God’s Torah is like the whole pancake recipe.

His mitzvot are each step:

“Add the flour.”

“Don’t overmix.”

“Wait for the bubbles.”

And His Holy Spirit is God standing beside us in the kitchen, gently guiding our hands so we don’t get burned.

David wrote,

“Great peace have they who love Thy law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble.” — Psalm 119:165

Perhaps I’ve been preaching Trinity theology with a spatula for the past eleven years without even realising it.

Every pancake Philon and I have ever made reminds me that God’s instruction was always meant to lead us into life.

And through Jesus Christ, the One who perfectly fulfilled the Law, we now have His Spirit living within us to help us walk in that life every single day.

Because, in the end,

“Love is the fulfilling of the law.” — Romans 13:10

And God’s everlasting invitation still echoes through Scripture:

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (AMPC)

Happy Birthday, Philon.

Keep building.

Keep flipping pancakes.

Keep loving Jesus.

The world needs more boys who know that God’s commands are like a kiss, not a fist.

“Further Reading” I would encourage readers to study the Scriptures for themselves.

Psalm 119, Deuteronomy 6, Matthew 5–7, Romans 3, Romans 8, Galatians 3, and Ezekiel 36.

A long time ago, on Mount Sinai, The Father gave His Word from on High. To His people then, and to me and you— A covenant of love when we say, “I do!”

“ You are My children, so Walk in My ways!” Never forget what you hear this day Ten commandments I give to you So, Honor me in all you do!

Love Me with all your heart, No other Elohim—I’m set apart! No idols in your mind or hand, Worship Me Only, that’s My command. Don’t say My Name in vain, Speak it with honor, not with shame. Remember the Sabbath day, Rest and worship, build your faith