Baal Shem Tov On Lech Licha

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that the commandment of Lech (to Avrohom) is the idea of Shema – as the numerical equivalent of Lech is 50 and there are 25 letters in Shema and 24 in Boruch Sheim – together with Mesires Nefesh – which is the idea of leaving your comfort zone, it’s 50.

In order to bring Moshiach – which the Divine took his infinite and placed it within the exile of the foolish pursuits of the foolish – hence those who use the world wisely, for good / Godly pursuits, they elevate and bring Moshiach.

The Baal Shem Tov comments on the Divine command to Avrohom, Lech Licha – in which God says “I will reveal your soul” – for the main purpose of man’s existence is to crush their negative traits.

 The Baal Shem Tov also says, the purpose of man is to rid himself of vile traits, there are basically four – anger, lust, sadness, and frivolousness (fun.)

When we transition out of our negative impulse – and we all have one addiction – then God blesses us.

I heard from the Baal Shem Tov, when there are many or some wicked people in a city or country who behave trough lying, and there is one, who tells the truth, this conquers.  

A Tzaddik, after he goes to heaven, comes back to earth in order to rectify souls – his soul offshoots – that still need to be rectified – though he is afraid (that on earth he shall fall) so they promise that he won’t.

The Baal Shem Tov gives an awesome parable, two people traversed a dangerous forest – accosted they were by vicious bandits – the difference between the two is, one was “drunk as a skunk”, the other was lucid – the bandits beat them up and took all their possessions – when they left the forest people asked the drunk (who by now was somewhat sober) is the forest dangerous? – he said its no problem… – when they asked him “what is the reason for all your bruises?” – he did not know – Conversely the lucid person said “the forest is a great danger!”
Similarly, the righteous aware of the snares and danger of the Yetzer Hara and evil, warn people, but those drunk, blind, and in the throes of their wants/desire, like the drunk, encourage.

A person always fluctuates – it is impossible to remain on one spot – however some (as in the Previous example) descend (into this world with her challenges) and elevate – others descend and fall.