Skills, money, influence, spiritual gifts and opportunities. God’s gifts are trusts we must steward well. From this tour through several places in Scripture, we learn that every believer is a vital part in God’s living dwelling place. Instead of envy or fear, we’re called to faithful, joyful service. Discover how to stop burying your talent, embrace your God-given role, and live as truly rich in God’s eyes today and eternally.
Moses prefigured the role of Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah through their similar leadership styles and tasks given by God. This study of Torah reading פְקוּדֵי Pekudei (“accounts,” Exodus 38:21–40:38) examines how both were chosen directly by God, had authority over the priesthood, delegated work while overseeing God’s house, and turned the house over to God once completed, demonstrating their shared purpose in fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. Studying Moses helps Christians better understand Yeshua.
Are we paying attention how we’re building a home for Yeshua and the Spirit in our lives? The care and attention to detail that went into the Tabernacle that the LORD instructed Israel to build and what that teaches about the Holy One and Heaven’s plan to transform us is central to the lessons in the Torah reading פקודי Pekudei (“accounts” or “countings,” Ex. 38:21–40:38).
Are we paying attention how we’re building a home for Yeshua the Mashiakh (Jesus the Christ) and the Spirit in our lives? The care and attention to detail that went into the Tabernacle that the LORD instructed Israel to build and what that teaches about the Holy One and Heaven’s plan to transform us is central to the lessons in the Torah reading וַיַּקְהֵל Vayaqhel (“and he assembled,” Exodus 35:1–38:20).
Are we paying attention how we’re building a home for Yeshua and the Spirit in our lives? The care and attention to detail that went into the Tabernacle that the LORD instructed Israel to build and what that teaches about the Holy One and Heaven’s plan to transform us is central to the lessons in the dual Torah reading וַיַּקְהֵל/פְקוּדֵי Vayakel/Pekudei, covering Exodus 35:1–40:38.
Why is the Tabernacle so special? When you look at this reading as it’s presented, the events of the Torah reading ויקהל Vayaq’hel (“and he assembled,” Exodus 35:1–38:20) are set in the aftermath of the golden calf (Exodus 32). While the Tabernacle architectural and interior design details in this reading make it seem identical to prior Torah readings before the golden calf incident, the key lesson of these passages is that the primary function of the Tabernacle was to establish the presence of HaShem (“The Name,” i.e., the LORD) in the midst of His people.
The LORD has desired to dwell with people since the foundation of the world (Eden), has taken steps to reestablish that relationship. God created is Israel, instructed Israel to build the Tabernacle and sent the Messiah as the Tabernacle made flesh. Then God plans to bring that to ultimate reality (New Jerusalem). God’s desire to dwell with His people has never changed.
A key first lesson of the Tabernacle is its gate, its door. That teaches that something important must change as a person moves in from the realm outside the Presence of God.
Why did the LORD call for the building of the Tabernacle? What are we supposed learn from it? How are we supposed to apply the lessons to everyday life today? These are questions answered in the double-header reading ויקהל Vayakhel (“and he assembled”) and פקודי Pekudei (“accounts”), covering the last six chapter of the book of Shemot (Exodus 35:1–40:38).
It’s a second telling about the construction of the Tabernacle, but it’s not just the world’s most lengthy non-IKEA instruction manual. When God repeats Himself, it’s for a good reason. When we look at these plans and compare them to the construction of Solomon’s temple, Solomon’s Temple certain had more and bigger items than what the Tabernacle had. One might ask if bigger always better? Herod’s Temple was even grander than that, but which one had more of God’s glory?