In the world of education, we are often given an exam to test our understanding of certain topics. Likewise, in trade school, we are also given exams to test our mastery of particular skills. If we don’t pass these examinations, we must retake the class. Why? As a former teacher, I can you that it is to test a student’s summary of the “accounts” learned in class.
The Torah portion called Pekudei, means a “sum of account.” Upon reading this portion, the sum of the account is the completion of the sanctuary for which Yahweh would reside. How does Pekudei relate to our personal body, family, and fellowship temple? Let’s take a look.
As the book of Exodus comes to a close, we read that Moses examined every corner of the sanctuary that was made and put together by Israel. I believe he did this, in that the “standards” for Yahweh’s presence required specific details.
“So the sons of Israel did all the work according to everything that the Lord had commanded Moses. And Moses examined all the work, and behold, they had done it; just as the Lord had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them.”
Exodus 39:42-43
I don’t know about you, but audits or examinations of my work, records, knowledge, or skills can be intimidating. But at the same time, if I meet the standards, I feel a great amount of relief and even pride. Like Israel, I can say, I did the work and it’s ready to be viewed by the judge or examiner. And, when the judge, says “well done,” I feel affirmed–ready to do it again, but even better.
There are certain Biblical texts that people love to quote when it comes to being or making a modern-day temple. One of the most favorite verses is found in I Corinthians 1:16:
“Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.”
So, if we are to apply this text to ourselves, would we need to ask when our last examination occurred? Would we need to verify we met the standards needed for Yah’s presence? If so, what would our body, house, family, and fellowship look like? If they don’t look so great, let me challenge you to not get discouraged, but get excited to allow the examiner to offer solutions.
The context of I Corinthians 1 deals with a church body where certain persons claim to follow different teachers. Some would boast as to whom they followed. Consequently, Paul writes to remind the church that there is only one “Person” to follow and that would be Yeshua the Messiah. Also, after writing the words of being a “temple of Yah,” Paul reminds Corinth of a second thing—“let no one deceive himself. . . for if the person views themselves wise, they must become foolish to become wise.”
This so-called foolishness from Paul’s writings is to follow the Son of Yah who came in the flesh, the one called Immanuel, “God is with us.” Which admittedly, at first glance seems almost ridiculous. But is it?
Let’s just think for a moment. What would a spiritual audit or examination look like for our temple? We were born into sin and many times fail miserably in making a spiritual dwelling place for YHWH. Can you honestly say that your altar of incense would meet all the standards? Can you say you are capable of forming the ark of the covenant perfectly? The answer would be no. We would miss the mark in passing the exam unless we had someone teaching and guiding us.
The Apostle Peter reminds us that the “body is made up of living stones. . . being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Yah through Yeshua the Messiah.” (I Peter 2:7)
Notice the keywords used by Peter. Our body is made up of living stones. Who would these “stones” be and how do we build on them? We also see that we are being built rather than already built. This would imply that we have some work to do. Finally, we read the most important factor in being a priest, the fact that our spiritual sacrifices are only acceptable through the Messiah.
Is Messiah in this Torah portion? Absolutely!
If we go back to Exodus 38:22 we read:
“Now Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD had commanded Moses.”
Consider Bezalel’s name. It means, “In the shadow (or even reflection) of Yah” (H1212). Noting this, we might form a conclusion that yes indeed Messiah is pictured in this portion. Not to mention Bezalel came from the tribe of Judah, the root of Jesse, from which the Messiah was born.
Here is something else to consider when we read the patterns in Exodus 38 to 39. After Bezalel makes “all” that was commanded of him, the people start to become majorly involved. Notice the texts that state, “and he made,” then look at all the texts that say, And they made.” Could we assume that it takes a master craftsman to produce other craftsmen? Did Bezalel’s work and all that he made motivate or “renew” others to give and follow in like steps?
Ask yourself this. Did Yeshua complete all that Yah asked Him to do? Did He make disciples out of fishermen? Was the world changed through the workings of Messiah? And because of this work, will a new temple descend from Heaven? Is this what Paul is trying to say when he wrote about living stones, a holy temple, and priests? I’m thinking–yes, yes, and yes!
The earthly temple was torn, so that the Spirit of Yah could reside (or tabernacle) in us as we “become” living stones and as we “become” priests” through Messiah only. I don’t know about you, but when I want to become skilled, I go to someone much greater than me to learn. I want their motivation. I want to be challenged. And yes, I want to be examined. In short, I want Messiah to work with me. This takes work. It is our work to seek Him, and then do as He commands.
Living stones are not seated stones. Living stones have a frequency of life. What are you going to do with your temple assignment? Before you do anything—seek the Master.
Praise His Name for His soon return!
Rollyn
