Terumah (contribution)

Exodus 25:1 - 27:19

 Haftorah

1 Kings 5:12 ;( 5:26 H) - 6:13

   The theme of both the Torah portion as well as the Haftorah portion is building - building the house of God. In the Torah we read of the portable house of God called the Tabernacle or Mishkan in Hebrew. The Haftorah portion describes the building of the permanent Temple . In both passages we read of the purpose of these buildings. Ex. 25:8 says, "Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. In the Haftorah in 1 Kings 6:12-13 we read Concerning this house which you are building, if you will walk in My statutes and execute My ordinances and keep all My commandments by walking in them, then I will carry out My word with you which I spoke to David your father.  "I will dwell among the sons of Israel , and will not forsake My people Israel ."  Both of these passages quite clearly state that these buildings were not an end unto themselves. Both of these structures were designed to be places where man would dwell with God.  These important truths help us to understand much about the ways in which we relate to God. Even though it is very true that Yeshua told the woman at the well that a new day was arriving in which God would be worshipped in spirit and truth, the followers of Messiah have always met together in physical locations and have always participated in traditions that help us to experience the presence of the Lord in our lives.  Judaism teaches that the Tabernacle / Temple was designed to be an extension of the Mt. Sinai experience. At Sinai, God revealed Himself in a most powerful way. The Tabernacle/Temple gave Israel a framework for experiencing the presence of God. Today, it is understood that the synagogue fulfills this purpose.  In both the Tabernacle and Temple , all of the elements were designed to teach the people about God and to make atonement for their sins and to help them to draw closer to God.  Today church and synagogue buildings as well as worship services are designed as a vehicle to help people experience the presence of God.   Unfortunately, some people substitute the practice of “religion” for true inward spirituality by making the symbolism found in a building and a service an end unto itself. Inward spirituality or experiencing the presence of God comes via obedience and prayer.  The building and the service serve as avenues of opportunity to draw closer to God.

     In some respects, our building is like the Tabernacle. We have articles that symbolize the holiness of God as well as things that remind us of our relationship with God. For example, we have an “Aron HaKodesh” or holy ark. In a sense it reminds us of the Holy of Holies. Inside the ark is the Torah. On the Torah we find a breastplate which symbolizes the high priest. The Ten Commandments are engraved on the doors of the ark. We have banners and other accoutrements that remind us that this place is set apart - a place of worship.

      However, there is one item that was in the Tabernacle/Temple that we do not find here. There is no “alter” at Beth Messiah. There is also no ark of the covenant.  In ancient times, the alter served as a place where sacrifices would be offered. The Ark of the Covenant was the place where man met God. It was the place of forgiveness, reconciliation and dedication.  When Yeshua came, He died for ours sins and rose from the dead. In Him is the place of forgiveness, reconciliation and dedication.

     The goal of our building and the goal of our service is to provide opportunities of worship, fellowship, and overall drawing closer to God.  This is why it is so important for us to have a new building. It will give greater opportunity for worship, fellowship, learning and other vehicles leading to spiritual growth and development. I encourage you to make your reservations today for the Purim banquet next Sunday evening, March 7. Details are in your bulletin. Remember that the beginning of this week’s Torah portion says "Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution. May God move your heart to come to the banquet and make a pledge to the “building ministry” here at Beth Messiah.

Shabbat shalom!