Torah Portion Vayak'hel 2020

A short side note to begin

Even as our nation, and the world is in the throes of this Coronavirus scare, we do ourselves an injustice by not recognizing Elohim.

There is much talk about what businesses, governments, and healthcare systems can do to stem the pandemic. But what about turning to Elohim? True we had a national day of prayer, but what about a national month of prayer?

Is it so far fetched that we should take more than a single day to appeal to the only one who truly has an answer to the dilemma and panic? May we continue to lift up our world, our nation, our families, and ourselves to our Father, plead for forgiveness for excluding Him from our nation, that this will pass soon, and we will be able to resume normal life with a renewed sense of Yehovah’s hand in the world.

This, as all science and tribulation should cause us to turn to Elohim. May this do so.

Torah portion Vayak’hel

Our portion deals with a time when Israel is in the wilderness. They have no means of increase since they move at a moment’s notice and never know how long they will dwell in any one place. I will deal with one aspect of the building of the tabernacle.

Moshe has come down from the mountain for the second time. His face shines with the close personal encounter he had with Yehovah. His first order of business was to share with the people the commandments he was given in the mount. The second is building the tabernacle. He tells the people,

“Take from among you an offering unto Yehovah: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of Yehovah; gold, and silver, and brass,” (Exo 35:5)

What did the Children of Israel take from Mitzrayim? All the things that would later be needed to build the tabernacle. Gold, silver, and brass, scarlet, purple, and blue cloth. It’s almost as if Elohim had this in mind when he told the people to ask of their neighbors certain items.

A willing heart

Just as Elohim commanded Moshe, he took offerings from all those with a willing heart, any other offering, either by constraint or persuasion would be unacceptable. Even as it is unacceptable today for someone to come to Elohim because they are forced, or feel they need to to please someone else. It is only the willing who come to Him for no other reason than that they want to come to Him. Often that desire is preceded by an external event, such as addiction, introspection, or need, but the decision still needs to be the result of the person being willing to come to Elohim. As David phrased it,

“O Adonai, open my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth your praise. For you don’t desire sacrifice; else would I give it: you delight not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psa 51:15-17)

Forced conversion isn’t really conversion

That is one reason the idea of forced conversion is anathema to biblical teaching. It was practiced during times past, and is still practiced today to some extent. Forced conversion is a major tenet of Mohammedan theology, “convert or die.” It is one more evidence that their theology is deeply flawed. Far from a God of love, their god is one of force and violence at the core.

Father’s key to calm

Be alert to the blessings and instruction Elohim is sharing with us, and to the deceptions rampant in the world. Stay close to His word in the Bible and close to Him in prayer, obedience, and meditations. In this way we will divide truth from error and be able to follow Him through whatever awaits us.

“If you love me, keep my commandments.” (Jn 14:15)

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment.” (1Jn 4:18)