Parashah #19 Terumah: "Heave Offering"
Exodus 25:1-27:19
This week's Torah portion begins with HaShem's command to receive a heave offering from everyone whose heart willingly gives it. Comprised of gold, silver, precious stones, dyed cloth and skins, and fine linen, this offering becomes the earthly residence of HaShem in the midst of His people. Interwoven in the description of how to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle), one command is given three times. This command not only shows us the importance of how this Mishkan is to be fashioned, but it also elucidates to us the importance of obedience. Shemot 25:9 says: "You are to make it according to everything I show you-- the design of the tabernacle and the design of its furnishings. This is how you are to make it." This command is reiterated in Shemot 25:40 and 26:30. In Hebraic thought, the more something is repeated, the more important it becomes. In the threefold expression to make the Mishkan exactly as shown, HaShem leaves no wiggle room. Moshe and those constructing the Mishkan must obey in every detail. What hinges on obedience?
The Mishkan is more than just a portable sanctuary. It is a reflection of Mashiach Yeshua, and it is an earthly copy of heavenly things (Hebrews 8:3-5). Furthermore, it is a reflection of us as talmidim (disciples) of our L-rd Yeshua, since our bodies are the temple of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). If Moshe and the Yisraelim had tried to "improve" on HaShem's instructions, Mashiach would not be seen and the light reflected by the Mishkan would have been extinguished. Hence, the command to follow the pattern of the Mishkan exactly is emphatically given and reverently obeyed. Sometimes, we as believers receive instruction from HaShem through His Word. Sometimes, the Ruach HaKodesh speaks to our hearts concerning personal matters, giving us instructions on how to more fully obey Him. In these times of instruction, do we presume on HaShem's grace and seek to do things our own way, or do we, like Moshe and the Yisraelim, seek to reverently hang on His every Word and obey to the best of the abilities He has given us? If we aren't obedient, a world that is dying won't see the life-saving Presence and Glory of Mashiach Yeshua. However, if we are obedient, His Light will shine brightly in and through us, and we, like the Mishkan, will be a reflection of the Mashiach. As it is written: "As God's fellow-workers we also urge you not to receive his grace and then do nothing with it." (2 Corinthians 6:1) Like the Mishkan, let us reflect Heaven's holiness and beauty here on earth.
Shalom uvracha,
Hadassah