The Degel Machne Ephraim cites a seemingly bizarre Midrash. When the Torah says ויותר יעקב לבדו, and Yaakov remained alone, the Midrash says that this is connected to another verse which says: ונשגב ה' לבדו ביום ההוא, and God alone will remain exalted on that day.
What is the connection between these verse?
He explains that the Talmud teaches that every person should believe that the world was created for himself. If a person can truly internalize this dictum he will live his life with the realization that his behavior, good or bad, can affect the entire world's existence. Rather than worry about what other people are thinking about him, and adjust his behavior to what he thinks others will approve of, he has the cognizance that it is solely his doing what he knows is right for the world that counts.
Only then can he truly serve God without any outside pressures and interests getting involved. The Midrash is telling us that it is only when a person sees himself as unique and singularly responsible, can he live his life in a way that he is exalting God and God alone.
What is the connection between these verse?
He explains that the Talmud teaches that every person should believe that the world was created for himself. If a person can truly internalize this dictum he will live his life with the realization that his behavior, good or bad, can affect the entire world's existence. Rather than worry about what other people are thinking about him, and adjust his behavior to what he thinks others will approve of, he has the cognizance that it is solely his doing what he knows is right for the world that counts.
Only then can he truly serve God without any outside pressures and interests getting involved. The Midrash is telling us that it is only when a person sees himself as unique and singularly responsible, can he live his life in a way that he is exalting God and God alone.
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