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This week we also have a double Parasha, entitled Vayakhel-Pekudei, and it covers Exodus chapters 35 to 40.  At the end of the previous parasha, Moses had returned from Mount Sinai carrying a second set of stone tablets.  He announced to the Jewish people that they were about to begin a building campaign for the Lord.  It would include manufacturing the Tabernacle, which would be filled with sacred contents designated by the Lord.  In Chapter 35, God asked Moses to take up an offering for this new construction; however, it should be noted that God didn’t command the people to give.  Instead, He invited them to give.  In Verse 5, He said, “Everyone who is willing, is to bring to the LORD an offering.”

The truth is, God didn’t need assistance to construct the Tabernacle.  The One who made fresh water flow from rock, heavenly manna drop from the sky each day, and numerous quail fly into the camp to feed over a million people, certainly could create a magnificent Tabernacle.  No, God was looking for people who were willing to give, joyfully and without any reservation.  He wanted their offerings to come from a posture of gratitude and thanksgiving—not out of guilt or obligation.  So, He invited rather than commanded…and the people gave abundantly.  Not only did they contribute their valuable possessions, they also gave their time, talents, and crafting skills to construct the Tabernacle just according to God’s design.  When Adonai invites us to be part of what He is doing, let’s do so eagerly and with a grateful heart.

Chapter 36 offers us valuable observations on the attitude of those who were equipped with God-given skills, and insight on how we should serve God’s church in our generation.  This section of Scripture makes clear that the abilities of the workers were not their own.  They were filled by the Holy Spirit with skill and wisdom.  Their talent, artistry, and creativity were from Him.  This hasn’t changed.  If you glance around our own Congregation, you will see such talented artists, musicians, skilled carpenters, speakers, designers, counselors and courageous evangelists, just to name a few.  The truth is, God has gifted us all with something, however great or small it is in our own eyes.  What is most important is our willingness to take on the tasks He has for us, and use these skills for His glory.

The next two chapters contain numerous details about the furnishings that were specifically made for the two rooms inside the Tabernacle, as well as the priestly garments for those serving in the Sanctuary.  At first it may be tempting to skip over these chapters.  I think many have found themselves doing just that and asking, “How can this ever apply to me?”  The obvious truth is, there is deep value in all passages of the Bible.

For example, the first item constructed, the Ark, represents the throne of God in Heaven. The Mercy Seat where the blood was sprinkled for atonement points directly to our Lord Yeshua and the shedding of His blood for our sins. The Table of Showbread suggests fellowship and communion with God, and reminds us that He is our Source of sustenance and provides our daily bread. The Lampstand is a symbol of the hope God’s presence brings to His people and also points to Yeshua as the Light of the World and reveals the way to God and scatters the darkness.  The Altar of Incense represents prayer, reminding us to continually lift our prayers up to the Lord.

As for the priestly garments, God was as specific with this design as He was in the design of the Tabernacle. The garments were constructed with the finest of linens and thread.  There could be nothing but the best for those serving in the Sanctuary.

Perhaps the most noteworthy of all the garments was the ephod, a linen-embroidered vest worn by the High Priest.  Sewn into the outer part of the ephod, were two onyx stones, over which was the breast piece with 12 colored precious gems.  The 12 stones represented the 12 sons of Jacob and the tribes bearing their names, forming the nation of Israel.  Each time the High Priest put on the ephod and the breast piece he was reminded of who he represented.

We may not be high priests, but we do represent our High Priest, Yeshua.  Each day as we go to work, school, serve our family, and move around in our communities, we have the privilege to represent Him.  Paul offers us his own fashion advice in Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  God is a masterful Designer and details are important to Him.  He is never arbitrary and, just as with the Tabernacle furnishings, every detail of your life has divine design.  Today let’s style ourselves with these precious attributes of God and represent Him well to a lost and dying world.

When the Tabernacle was completed, the presence of the Lord appeared in a cloud, settling over the Tent of Meeting.  Scripture tells us the glory of Adonai filled the Tabernacle.  Now that it was complete, God chose to manifest His presence in this earthly home, dwelling among His people.  This would not be the last time God would choose to dwell among us.  John 1:14 states, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  This time God’s glory was not revealed in a cloud or fire, but instead, in His One and only Son, Messiah Yeshua.

Most already know this truth, but there’s more:  Rabbi Paul wrote, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”  As a believer in Yeshua, the presence of God is in you through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  The Almighty Father, Creator of all, has chosen to make His home within you and me!

So, I will leave you today with three important questions to ask yourself:

• Am I displaying the presence of God well to others?

• Are my words and actions reflecting God’s glory to those around me?

• Am I taking care of my body in a way that honors and welcomes the Holy Spirit as He dwells within me?

Shabbat Shalom!