6.10.25 ~ Living Day and Night in the Menorah's Light

Good morning!

We are still at Mt. Sinai in the book of Numbers where God gave Moses the blueprint for building an intimate home to dwell together in covenantal marriage (Ex. 25:8,9) and the instructions that enable us to make the largest impact in our world at the greatest event that has ever happened in the history of man; the revelation of God to an entire nation at one time (Deut. 4:32-39). What's the follow up to something that amazing? The only answer is...conforming our lives to what He tells us...as Aaron did in this week's Torah portion (Num. 8:3).

At the wedding ceremony, during the first recorded Pentecost (Ex. 19,20), He gave us 53 judgments; 20 positive and 33 negative that directly address our human condition (Ex. 21-23). These various commandments/mitzvot are to form the bedrock of society. Righting wrongs, how to deal with possessions damaged (purposely or inadvertently), someone suffering loss, accidental death, judicial process, to name a few...these laws are to facilitate a healthy society; one that we need to restore desperately.

These are what grounded the Sinai experience on earth. If you have heard His voice and/or seen the thunder and lightning (Ex. 20:18), what are you going to do about it? This experiential detail is worth the attention. Some, in our current world, criticize the life dedicated to keeping God's commandments/mitzvot as though it's a life of bondage and legalistic living (in the negative sense), but actually, personally, I truly care about the details. The 10 Devarim, aka 10 commandments, are potently powerful, but without the commentary in the ordinances, statutes and commandments from Exodus 21-the end of Deuteronomy, interpretation is denominationally culturized at best. These judgments provide a buffet for each 'food category' in our spiritual lives...welcome to the Spiritual marriage to the God of all Creation!

It's through these instructions that we get the fuller revelation on how to be lights to the world. It's true, we can use the 'spiritual lingo' of our denominational culture, but without the behavior to match those words, the person isn't true to themselves or to the God they align themselves with (Jm. 2:14-26) and ultimately they can't qualify to be a Kingdom of Priests, a special treasure, and a holy nation (Ex. 19:6-8; 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Isa. 61:1-11).

Ironically, with hindsight, the continuation of the revelation at Mt. Sinai begins with the purchasing of a Hebrew slave/eved ivri (Ex. 21:2ff). Why start here? First, to contrast the difference between the way the Lord/YHVH does things and the Egypts/mitzrayim; our cultural enslavements that squeeze us (historical or modern). Secondly, the commandment is saturated with compassion; a necessary attribute to keeping the rest of the judgments/mishpatim (Ex. 21-23)...never forget where you've been!

Unlike our modern understanding of abusive slavery, biblical slavery was filled with compassion. The slave owner would need to provide for every need of the individual, bless that individual, treat them with honor and provision, and after six years send them out better than they came in. This, BTW, is NOT socialism. A slave was either purchased as a result of extreme poverty, debt that they accrued or restitution for something they stole. The selling into slavery was not punishment, but an opportunity, that God provided for the individual to look deeper into their own life. Through the slave process they would learn to understand their dilemma and how to fix it through the compassion of their master. It's a 24/7 compassion-filled, self-help workshop designed to liberate and set a person on a joy-filled, independent life where they can reciprocate the compassion (2 Cor. 1:4).

At the most basic level it takes us all back to the Garden of Eden, where the first man and his Ezer Kenegdo stole something that didn't belong to them (Gen. 3:1-7). Hence, since then men have either been slaves to their own godlike mindsets or, as the Apostle Paul says, a liberated bondslave to Jesus Christ/Messiah Yeshua (Rom. 12:1; 6:16-19)

The 10 Words take form in this world through every transaction, every opportunity that we have with our fellow man. They are revealed through daily interactions. Every action that lines up with God's Word is a faith filled (Rom. 10:17), righteous action that prepares your wedding garment (Rev. 19:7,8; cp. Matt. 16:27; Titus. 3:8,14; 22:11-13) and it is the means by which heaven is manifest on earth (Matt. 6:10).

It has been said by the sages that the 10 words were given at Mt. Sinai in the morning and the fine print instructions were given at night? Why? General guidelines while we walk in the light (Isa. 2:5; 1 Jn. 1:7; Rev. 21:24; etc) and specific details on how to live and shine in the darkness (Psa. 119:105; Eph. 5:13; Psa. 18:28; Job 29:3). Is it any wonder that God gave the Priests the commandment to keep the Menorah burning day and night (Ex. 27:20,21; Lev. 24:2-4; Num. 8:1-4); a picture of being filled with the 7 Spirits (Rev. 4:5,6; Eph. 5:16-18), the commandments of God (Prov. 6:23), so that we can be lights to the world (Matt. 5:13-16)!?

Last night's zoom call: Numbers 8:1-4, "Practical, 21st century, truths from the twice daily lighting of the menorah by the High Priest (Num. 8:1-4; Prov. 20:27)" or "I want to be a wise virgin! Where do I buy the extra oil for my lamp (Matt. 25:1-12)?

Many in the world are experiencing the results of self-inflicted wounds, creating a hopeless and very dark future within our minds. In order to counteract this frame of mind, it's a good time to focus our attention on things above (Col. 3:1-3), and live out what has been brought down to us, so that those who are around us can have light for their journey (Isa. 8:20). Can I or would I say, as Israel did, after hearing the "and these are the ordinances/mishpatim..."" And all the people said in unison, whatever you say, we will do; even if we don't fully understand'" (Ex. 24:3,7)? For our own benefit and that of a healthy society, I'd have to say yes. How about you?

Pentecost has passed, but the daily relationships of walking in the light, live on! May we be like Aaron when it comes to keeping the menorah lit day and night: And Aaron did so (Num. 8:3).

Happy 10th day of counting towards the first fruit of the wine!

Shalom,
Alan

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