Standing Strong |
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Vayakhel— And He Assembled & Pekudei—Accountings of
Exodus 35:1– 38:20 & Exodus 38:21– 40:38 1 Kings 7:40-50 & 1 Kings 7:51– 8:21 Mark 6:53– 7:9 & Matthew 21:12– 17 2 Corinthians 4:7– 15 & Hebrews 9:1- 15 |
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What we have in the natural is often a vision of what is happening in the spiritual. I never thought much on this as a youth. But as we read our Bibles and contemplate the direction given by the L-rd as to the detail in making His tabernacle, you have to wonder why is it this important as to how things are made and what they look like.
This week’s parasha does show the amazing level of generosity of G-d’s people in giving to the making of His tabernacle with such a willing spirit that Moses had to command them to stop. What pastor or rabbi wouldn’t love to be in the position of having too many finances for the work to which the L-rd has called them? What a testament to the people who only a few verses back were worshiping a golden calf. Too often we look at the negatives of the Jewish people in the desert and don’t look at times such as shown this week. But I digress and this topic will have to wait until another time.
I want to focus on Chapter 37:17-22, the menorah. It is described in detail as to how it is to be made. There are seven branches if you count the one in the middle. Why are there seven branches? Why not eight or nine? Or why not six or five?
I think it directly links to the seven spirits of G-d. “Seven spirits of G-d?” you might say. Yes there are seven. This is hard for many people to think on as they have enough trouble with a triune G-d with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But, scripture does tell us there are seven Spirits of G-d. Look at Revelation 3:2. “These things says He who has the seven Spirits of G-d and the seven stars.”
What are these seven spirits?
Look to Isaiah 11:2 for the answer. The Spirit of the L-rd will rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the L-rd. That adds up to seven. Just like the seven branches of the menorah.
Some of you have made this connection before, but verse 22 really hit me this week. “Their knobs and branches were one piece and it was one hammered piece of pure gold.” That’s it. Seven distinct Spirits of G-d made out of one piece of purity. The L-rd our G-d, The L-rd is one.
Selah |
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Isaiah 11:6 2 Thessalonians 2:15 |