Water of His WORD BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS: WEEKLY SCRIPTURE READING ---Roly Buys--- 1
Amanda Buys Spiritual Covering This is a product of Kanaan Ministries, a non-profit ministry under the covering of: Roly, Amanda s husband for more than thirty-five years. Pastor Edward and Dalene Gibbens Vanderbijlpark South Africa There is no copyright on this material. However, no part may be reproduced and/or presented for personal gain. All rights to this material are reserved to further the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ ONLY. For further information or to place an order, please contact us at: P.O. Box 15253 27 John Vorster Avenue Panorama Plattekloof Ext. 1 7506 Panorama 7500 Cape Town Cape Town South Africa South Africa Tel: +27 (0) 21 930 7577 Fax: 086 681 9458 E-mail: kanaan@iafrica.com Website: www.kanaanministries.org Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM Kanaan International Website Website: www.eu.kanaanministries.org 2
Parashah T rumah Contribution - Week 19 THAT I MAY DWELL AMONG THEM The portion comes from Exodus 25:1-27:19; 1 Kings 5:26-6:13; and Hebrews 8:1-6; 9:23-24. SUMMARY This portion covers the transition from Mount Sinai to the goal of building the Tabernacle. In the first phase we are told, exactly what material we are to gather in the form of a free will offering. Next we are given the detail plans. And finally we are given very specific instructions on how to make the various items that would be placed inside and put to use in the Tabernacle. A CHANCE TO REVIVE THE INTIMACY OF THE GARDEN OF EDEN The proclamation comes that man must build a Tabernacle. It seems that we have a detailed set of architectural plans. And, in amongst those building instructions, we find this verse that says it all. There is a reason for the plans. GOD (YHVH) wants to dwell with mankind again. 3
Exodus 25:22 There I will meet with you. I will speak with you from above the ark-cover, from between the two k ruvim which are on the Ark for the testimony, about all the orders I am giving you for the people of Isra el. 1) We know that the earthly Tabernacle was a physical example for us to study and understand. 2) We know that the Priesthood, under the order of Levi, was terminated when the Messiah rose again to become the Great High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek. 3) We know that we are to worship in a spiritual tent not made by human hands and therefore, we need to understand the protocol of the wilderness Tabernacle in order to enter the Heavenly one. Hebrews 9:11-15 But when the Messiah appeared as cohen gadol of the good things that are happening already, then, through the greater and more perfect Tent which is not man-made (that is, it is not of this created world), He entered the Holiest Place once and for all. And He entered not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of His own Blood, thus setting people free forever. For if sprinkling ceremonially unclean persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer restores their outward purity; then how much more the Blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered Himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God! It is because of this death that He is Mediator of a new Covenant [or will]. Because a death has occurred which sets people free from the transgressions committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. 4) And we also know that we are Living Stones in a new Tabernacle here on earth. (1 Peter 2:4-5). As Living Stones inside of the Tabernacle, we not only must be pure / clean, but in addition, we must be anointed and sanctified for the purpose. There are many lessons for us today, as we study this wilderness Tabernacle. YOU MUST GIVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY As we read this portion we see that there is a Commandment to give towards the building material that is needed for the Tabernacle. A list of certain items that are needed are defined, but there is a most critical qualification, and it is this: you must give wholeheartedly. Exodus 25:2-7 Tell the people of Isra el to take up a collection for Me accept a contribution from anyone who wholeheartedly wants to give. The contribution you are to take from them is to consist of gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn; fine linen, goat s hair, tanned ram skins and fine leather; acacia-wood; oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; onyx stones and other stones to be set, for the ritual vest and breastplate. This requirement sets the pattern for those who want to serve YHVH and who would think to be Priests and Kings. We all have to make a free will choice to serve GOD (YHVH). 4
This choice must be based on faith, with no expectation of a reward, or a position in the Kingdom. We don t see any record of how much any individual gave, whether it was in equal parts, or whether it was in relation to what each tribe had (remember there were bigger and smaller tribes) we just don t know. Clearly enough, people reacted to provide all that was needed. The only expectation that everyone had, was that GOD (YHVH) Who had met with them on Mount Sinai, would continue to do so now on a daily basis. However, it s not only a matter of making this onetime free will decision that counts. It s also our ability to make a lifetime commitment!! We have been called to persevere!! By way of an illustration: Have you ever decided to walk up one of the Wadi s 1 in the Negev? It is a 15-kilometer walk. Not too difficult, but a serious hike. And it can get very hot in summer. How many times have you started out with a bunch of happy people, only to find out after a while that some individuals would prefer to turn back and the complaints, whining, and moaning does not stop, even after you have the opportunity to see the most amazing waterfall. Because of the discomfort in the physical, we can focus on the sore feet and the heat without understanding that we must realise that GOD (YHVH) could be speaking to us of a spiritual waterfall of truth. To make the first tithe contribution is quick and easy BUT!! To live with the expectation and knowledge that YHVH will be dwelling with us, and will know everything that we do, and will want to talk to us about some of these choices, is altogether something else Let us think about the relevance of the items required as defined for the wilderness Tabernacle and try to convert these items into terms that could apply to the Tabernacle made up of Living Stones. Think about this in somewhat different terms GOD (YHVH) cannot make the Tabernacle in the physical / wilderness UNLESS the people make a free will offering. These things are all available and are being used for other purposes at that moment. 1 A Wadi is a valley, ravine, or channel that is dry except in the rainy season. 5
However, when their purpose change, these things reveal a new / better / holy potential. Much the same principle applies as we humans take the talents / gifts, and so on, that we make use of on a daily basis in the world, and turn these into spiritual values. In the table below, I suggest some equivalent physical / spiritual matchings. After we go there and you have had time to think about exactly how you can demonstrate - spiritually, these physical elements, then I would like to make a study of the use that some of these things were put to. The exact place and purpose of an item speaks volumes. The question would therefore be asked of us Are we fulfilling the exact same purpose in the spiritual domain? SILVER bases BRONZE bases WOODEN Frames LINEN curtains This is my personal understanding, and I would urge you to make your own study. Without a doubt, we need the spiritual equivalent in the Tabernacle made of Living Stones. GOLD (Ezekiel 18:4, Psalm 72:15) SILVER WISDOM, LOVE, PRAISES TRUTH BRONZE HUMILITY BLUE/SCARLET/PURPLE YARN LINEN (Revelation 19:7-8) GOAT S HAIR THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD (YHVH) RIGHTEOUSNESS, TRUTH, TRANSPARENCY ATONEMENT TANNED RAM S SKINS/ LEATHER ACACIA WOOD TEACHING ENDURANCE, STRENGTH OIL LIGHT/TRUTH SPICES FOR ANOINTING OIL AND INCENSE WITNESS TO GOOD DEEDS/ SWEET ODOUR 6
GOLD (Ezekiel 18:4, Psalm 72:15) ONYX AND OTHER STONES (Ezekiel 28:12-15) WISDOM, LOVE, PRAISES FAITH, SPIRITUAL Now let s build this physical Tabernacle. Keep in mind the words of Paul: 1 Corinthians 3:16 Don t you know that you people are God s Temple and that God s Spirit lives in you? 17 So if anyone destroys God s Temple, God will destroy him. For God s temple is Holy, and you yourselves are that Temple. 1) Let s start with the element BRONZE We find this element as a focus in the making of the doorway / the screen entrance to the Tabernacle. Exodus 26:36-37 For the entrance to the tent, make a screen of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen; it should be in colors, the work of a weaver. 37 For the screen, make five posts of acacia-wood; overlay them with gold; and cast for them five sockets of bronze. What do we see? The screen doorway is set on a foundation of BRONZE. Some verses later, we note that bronze is used in the making of the brazen Altar. Exodus 27:4-5 Make for it a grate of bronze netting; and on the four corners of the netting, make four bronze rings. 5 Put it under the rim of the altar, so that the netting reaches halfway up the altar. What can we establish is a bass product it is not valuable or noble like gold or silver, but it has a place in the Tabernacle. Set as the basis for the Tabernacle, opening it implies as FOUNDATIONAL VALUE. That value is REVELATION KNOWLEDGE. It s the ability to hear a spiritual TRUTH and then to see and understand how we will apply this in today world, without ritual or valueless lawless grace. And this foundational revelation is described for us by Y shua Himself. A wise man builds on the rock, the rock is the basis for the screen at the entrance to the Tabernacle. It s the starting point. 7
Matthew 7:24-27 Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. There is something else about Bronze that reveals the potential for you and I to transform into servants worthy to be priests in the spiritual Tabernacle. Consider the women who had come out of Egypt. They had been slaves with no self image. They all get bronze mirrors. They all look into these mirrors to see what they look like as free women. YET, when GOD (YHVH) asks them to sacrifice this personal gift, they spiritually donate their eyes / personal image as it were, to GOD (YHVH). These personal objects are TRANSFORMED into instruments that can cleanse the nation. Our lives are meant to be the same. If we reflect the righteousness of GOD (YHVH), people will be able to see themselves clearly and then think about the need to be cleansed. AND Y shua shows the way He washes feet!! John 13:12-15 After He had washed their feet, taken back His clothes and returned to the table, He said to them, Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Rabbi and Lord, and you are right, because I am. Now if I, the Lord and Rabbi, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other s feet. For I have set you an example, so that you may do as I have done to you. 2) Let s move on the element of Silver We will see that SILVER becomes the BASIS for the panel that forms the sides of the Tabernacle. Exodus 26:19 Make forty silver sockets under the twenty planks, two sockets under one plank for its two projections and two sockets under another plank for its two projections. Exodus 26:24-25 24 these are to be double from the bottom all the way to the top but joined at a single ring. Do the same with both of them; they are to form the two corners. 25 Thus there will be eight planks with their silver sockets, sixteen sockets, two sockets under one plank and two under another. So we see that each panel (the LIVING STONES of the Messianic movement, are fitted into the silver sockets. Each panel has two fittings that fit into two sockets. WE STAND on the Covenant promise and the calling to be a righteous priest. Each socket speaks of JOINING and CONNECTEDNESS. What story example can we use to illustrate this point clearly? What about the meeting of Jacob and the Angel!! These two are joined in wrestling until the break of day. And still Jacob does not let go, and neither should we!!!! By staying connected to each other and to the Great High Priest Y shua, we are in line to be CHANGED and to be BLESSED. 8
Genesis 32:23-25 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, then sent his possessions across; 24 and Ya akov was left alone. Then some man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When he saw that he did not defeat Ya akov, he struck Ya akov s hip socket, so that his hip was dislocated while wrestling with him. What does it matter that you are a marked man? Those who draw near Those who are touched by GOD (YHVH) Those who do not let go WILL FIND THAT GOD (YHVH) DRAWS NEAR! James 4:8-10 Come close to God, and He will come close to you. Clean your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded people! Wail, mourn, sob! Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into gloom! Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. 3) Let s move on to the walls - panels of the Tabernacle. The wall panels are made of Acacia wood, a tree that is evergreen there is the constant expiation of new growth. This evergreen life is covered with gold. One of the most interesting aspects of this panel is the two feet that connect to the silver base. Ephesians 4:16 Under His control, the whole body is being fitted and held together by the support of every joint, with each part working to fulfil its function; this is how the body grows and builds itself up in love. In Scripture above, we read of this concept of connectedness. Amazingly the picture of the panel / Living Stone is that it has two feet set into the silver bases, is this not an amazing picture? One for the Commandment to love GOD (YHVH) with all of your heart One for the Commandments to love your neighbour as you love yourself 9
However, these panels present the world with one more unique and probably the most beautiful of all images We are SET APART. We are living within the BOUNDARY of the COVENANT and if we reveal the FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT then we are releasing an incense offering that will bless all those who are near us. If we reveal the attributes of JUSTICE, COMPASSION AND HUMILITY then those living near us will have NOTHING to fear And we may just impact this community causing them to draw near. One final thought here - the panels have two feet, it s almost as if they are planted in the wilderness. Exactly like a tree would be planted. AND does not Y shua use a similar image, we are grafted into the olive we draw sap from the roots, we bring forth Fruit of the Source which is GOD (YHVH). 4) Let us move to the linen curtains Much has been written about the wonderful properties of linen, and we can look at the various meanings that we can reveal in the physical Tabernacle. However, in this case I want to go straight to the TIME of the RENEWED KINGDOM OF GOD (YHVH). The Messiah is on a WHITE HORSE. The army of the Messiah is wearing WHITE / PURE FINE LINEN. **NUGGET!** Those WHO ENTER in to intimacy with GOD (YHVH), who have the covering of WHITE LINEN, are walking with Him exactly as it was in the Garden of Eden. Revelation 19:11 Next I saw heaven opened, and there before me was a white horse. Sitting on it was the one called Faithful and True, and it is in righteousness that He passes judgment and goes to battle. His Eyes were like a fiery flame, and on His head were many royal crowns. And He had a Name written which no one knew but Himself. He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the Name by which He is called is, THE WORD OF GOD. The armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses. And out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down nations He will rule them with a staff of iron. It is He who treads the winepress from which flows the wine of the furious rage of ADONAI, God of heaven s armies. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. In the Haftarah portion we read the story about King Solomon. While many think that he was a wise and wonderful man, this portion actually reveals something very different Solomon gets to build the Temple, but in the process he: 1) Makes agreements with foreign kings (I Kings 5:32). 2 ) Taxes his people beyond measure (no free choice in giving). 3) He divides the kingdom; all tribes have to pay but his own tribe pays NO taxes creating dissatisfaction. 4) He makes slaves of his own people (1 Kings 5:27-32 no real commitment). 10
In short, he breaks just about every condition that GOD (YHVH) has set as a benchmark for a king. Building the Tabernacle a Picture of Marriage The building of the Tabernacle, the process to create the space that GOD (YHVH) will be able to use to allow His Glory to be seen again, is the story of the Bridegroom and the Bride. If you think back to the previous portions of scripture, you will recall that it was very recently that the Israelites had arrived at Mount Sinai, seen the lightening, heard the thunder, and saw the words of the Ten Commandments. A short time before that Moses had approached them and told them exactly what the meaning of the meeting was, and that this was in fact a marriage proposal. Answering the marriage proposal made by YHVH, the people said we will do and we will hear! So when the Tabernacle is constructed, we should be on the lookout for any image that could portray the marriage relationship. And we find it in the image of the Tabernacle. On the one side of the curtain, we find the space were YHVH stays and from where He will speak. And in that same space we find the ARK of the Covenant, including the Commandments. On the other side of the curtain, we find the space for the Bride. Here we have the Menorah, filled with the first fruit of the Olive as pure oil; we find the table with the shewbread, a symbol of a life of consecration; and finally we find the altar of incense where we come to declare our love and commitment to Him. Inside the Tabernacle the veil still maintains separateness, however, with the sacrificial offer of the Messiah, we now can enter the fullness of intimacy One thing remains outstanding we need to have the robe 2 of the Bride, the robe that has the exact same attributes as the priestly robe 2 Please see a detailed study on the Robe of the Bride http://www.kanaanministries.org/ downloads/?did=374 11
And until you and I are fully perfected and able to enter the Tabernacle completely Pure/ Holy, we will have to complete our walk on earth with the picture of the ARK and the poles inside the rings in mind. Remember the poles of the ARK were kept at all times within the rings while they travelled through the wilderness, and it s only when the ARK rests at its permanent residence that the poles will be removed. And the reason is this We are on a journey towards holiness and will therefore always carry the ARK and its contents (the Tablets of the Covenant) with us as a constant reminder of what OUR goal really is. This symbol reminds us. while we yet walk on earth, we need to carry the Commandments on our shoulders. We cannot put the ARK down, or let something / someone else carry it. It is a burden that we carry, as it helps us to define the pure from the impure and it helps us to keep the robe unblemished. Let s make sure that we grasp the fact that the Ark and the Mount Sinai experience are connected; it is visible proof that we are talking about the marriage. Think about how you have considered marriage. Think about the image that you have portrayed of a good marriage. Consider making a declaration, that from now on your marriage will reflect the image of the Tabernacle. MOUNT SINAI ARK OF THE COVENANT GOD SPEAKS Exodus 25:1-2 Exodus 25:22 TABLETS OF THE COVENANT Exodus 24:12 Exodus 25:21 CLOUD Exodus 30:1-10 Exodus 19:9/24:15-18 FIRE ON THE ALTAR Leviticus 6:6 Exodus 24:4-5 12
THE ACT OF LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOUR We saw in the previous portion many of the Commandments and very few of these pertain to the manner in which we worship GOD (YHVH). The vast majority all deal with how we are to relate to our brothers and sisters. It seems that since we are in relationship with GOD (YHVH) (having uttered the, I DO), that we need a Tabernacle so that we can meet with Him. But before we get to build that Tabernacle, GOD impresses on us that the way we treat each other will determine how we will relate to Him. The lesson seems clear we should not attempt to worship Him, if we cannot apply justice, mercy and kindness to our fellow beings. It s critical that we connect verse 11 and verse 16 together, as it shows that our efforts of worship are worthless if our relationships with our neighbours are not in good standing. Isaiah 1:11-17 Why are all those sacrifice offered to Me? asks ADONAI. I m fed up with burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened animals! I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls, lambs and goats! Yes, you come to appear in My Presence; but who asked you to do this, to trample through My courtyards? Stop bringing worthless grain offerings! They are like disgusting incense to Me! Rosh-Hodesh, Shabbat, calling convocations I can t stand evil together with your assemblies! Everything in Me hates your Rosh-Hodesh and your festivals; they are a burden to Me I m tired of putting up with them! When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; no matter how much you pray, I won t be listening; because your hands are covered with blood. Wash yourselves clean! Get your evil deeds out of My sight! Stop doing evil, learn to do good! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend orphans, plead for the widow. A righteous believer, who has the Commandments written on his heart, will be caring and kind. Only then will our worship be meaningful. How wonderful will the Tabernacle of Living Stones shine with the Fire, Cloud and Glory, when we are known as a society whose works of love reflect the Image of the Living GOD (YHVH). THE MENORAH AND END TIMES 13
One of the most important utensils that are described for us in this portion is the making of the menorah. Exodus 25:31-40 You are to make a menorah of pure gold. It is to be made of hammered work; its base, shaft, cups, ring of outer leaves and petals are to be of one piece with it. It is to have six branches extending from its sides, three branches of the menorah on one side of it and three on the other. On one branch are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with a ring of outer leaves and petals; likewise on the opposite branch three cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with a ring of outer leaves and petals; and similarly for all six branches extending from the menorah. On the central shaft of the menorah are to be four cups shaped like almond blossoms, each with its ring of outer leaves and petals. Where each pair of branches joins the central shaft is to be a ring of outer leaves of one piece with the pair of branches thus for all six branches. The rings of outer leaves and their branches are to be of one piece with the shaft. Thus the whole menorah is to be a single piece of hammered work made of pure gold. Make seven lamps for the menorah, and mount them so as to give light to the space in front of it. Its tongs and trays are to be of pure gold. The menorah and its utensils are to be made of sixty-six pounds of pure gold. See that you make them according to the design being shown you on the mountain. It s such a clear design model. Nothing is left for man s imagination. We can only use pure gold - it speaks of absolute purity!! If we study the picture drawn for us, you will notice something interesting we see the branches, with leaves and flowers What is the image that is being created? The tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. Why should we be focusing on this Menorah as part of our every day life and worship? Why? Simply because we are to be that Menorah We are to produce the oil of faith, love, hope, and if we do so we will, in the End Times find ourselves accompanied by the Messiah Himself. Can you imagine a picture like this? We are the Tabernacle of Living Stones that is formed into the image of a Menorah. Consider this the Messiah comes to speak to the seven churches and then stands amongst seven Menorahs. Only Living Stone Menorahs that have pure oil will be standing with the King of kings. Revelation 1:12-17 I turned around to see who was speaking to me; and when I had turned, I saw seven gold menorahs; and among the menorahs was Someone like a Son of Man, wearing a robe down to His Feet and a gold band around His chest. His head and hair were as white as snow-white wool, His eyes like a fiery flame, His feet like burnished brass refined in a furnace, and His voice like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp doubleedged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full strength. When I saw Him, I fell down at His feet like a dead man. He placed His right hand upon me and said, Don t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. 14
HAFTORAH The Haftorah portions describes just this dilemma of man. Man tends to focus only on the PHYSICAL, and GOD (YHVH) says IF ONLY If only mankind will leave their plans of a physical Garden of Eden / Tabernacle / Temple and instead focus on the art of drawing near then we will see the Heart of the Father flowing for His children. Spiritual intimacy always overpowers physical ritual: a) If we allow the Father s Heart then we want our children to draw near, and we want to bless them: Genesis 27:26 Then his father Isaac said to him, Come near and kiss me, my son. So he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments l and blessed him and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed! If spiritual fathers allow orphans to draw nears, they leave with legacy. Numbers 27:1 Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, from the clans of Manasseh the son of Joseph. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. If prophetic leaders speak with a pure heart and a sensitive spirit, then God s Word will change the course of history. 1Kings 20:13 And behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, Thus says the LORD, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the LORD. 15
FINAL THOUGHTS As we start this final thought, I trust that you have come to understand that we are not focused on the old Tabernacle. We study it carefully, often, so that we can know what we are looking for as we walk on this journey towards the Living Stone Tabernacle. When we stand side by side in UNITY before Him, we will KNOW that we are servant priests in an everlasting Tabernacle. To build a Tabernacle, GOD (YHVH) tells us that we need an architect / a master builder. The man chosen was B tazl el, a man from the Tribe of Judah. Critically the Bible says: I have filled him with the SPIRIT OF GOD (YHVH) Exodus 31:1-4 ADONAI said to Moshe, I have singled out B tzal el the son of Uri the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y hudah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisan. He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze. In order to build the End Time Tabernacle made of Living Stones, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and we need to hear and do what the Master Architect Y shua says. Only then will the old-man / ego be subdued and the Will of GOD (YHVH) reign supreme. Y varekh kha YHVH v yishmerekha. May YHVH bless you and keep you. Ya er YHVH panav eleikha vichunekka. May YHVH make His Face shine on you and show you His favour. Yissa YHVH panav eleikha v yasem l kha shalom. May YHVH lift up His Face toward you and give you peace. In this way they are to put My Name on the people of Israel, so that I will bless them. Shalom!! --Numbers 6:24-27 16