5.30.26 – Light Up Your World

This week's Torah portion, Beha'alotecha ("to ascend"), starts off with Aaron being commanded to ascend toward the lamps and light the seven lamps which will give light over against (mool) the lampstand, just as Moses commanded. It goes on to give us a description of the lampstand: how it is made of beaten work of gold, forming the shaft, the arms, and the flowers in the shape of an almond tree (Num. 8:2–4; Ex. 25:31–39).

This is at least the third time that the lampstand description has been given (Ex. 25; Lev. 24), along with the value and importance of lighting it in the morning and the evening (Ex. 25; 37; Lev. 24).

In the Middle East, the almond tree blossoms first, very early in the spring. However, it is the last of the trees to be harvested before Sukkot. And as we see in California, it requires a tremendous amount of water in order to bring forth its fruit. The comparison of our lives to the menorah is easy to make :-)

The shape of the lampstand is similar to the "mighty ducks flying V." The tip of the flying V shape of the lampstand, also known as the shamash (servant branch), was positioned facing toward the west, which is where the Ark and the presence of God are located within the Holy of Holies.

This may seem like an insignificant detail; however, as we read the description of how the light shines over against (mool) the lampstand, it reminds us of living a life that is set apart and shining in the right direction. The word mool in Hebrew is another word for circumcision—a life that is cut off. Similar to circumcision (mool), this is a very significant detail because it emphasizes a life that is purposely cut off, set apart.

In this life, you and I get to choose. We can choose to live according to the flesh, or we can circumcise, cut off the flesh, and live according to the Spirit (Gal. 5:16). How will I know if I am living in the power of the Spirit? Simply put, all of my activities, 24/7, will be pointing toward the presence of God. We might think that it is impossible and maybe even improbable. However, if I am living according to the Spirit, I will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. If I am fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, I will experience the consequences of the wide gate and broad way, which leads to destruction and not entering the kingdom of God (Matt. 7:14; Gal. 5:19–21; 6:7–9).

In Matthew 5–7, we are reminded that there is a straight gate and narrow path to walk in this life, and few there be that find it (Matt. 7:13). If I am honest with myself, it is pretty easy to identify which path I am on. My degree of influence in the lives of others is completely dependent upon my circumcised (mool) life toward God. If I am ignited and burning 24/7 in my private journey within the "Holy Place," I will have all that I need to fulfill Matthew 5:16–18.

A question that I ask myself is: Is it possible for me to do the commandments of God without being on fire (Prov. 6:23)? Is it possible to have all the right answers, but not the power of those answers in my own life? Is it possible to live the external life of word only and not deed (1 John 3:18)? My inquiring mind has to ask myself: Am I lighting the menorah within my life twice daily (Prov. 20:27; Lev. 24:1–4; Ps. 1:1–4)? These types of questions are a reality check for me.

As we head into this Sabbath day—the seventh day of counting toward the firstfruits of the vine—each of you has been prayed for, that your zeal and on-fire passion will be a light to this world while keeping the commandments of God (Prov. 6:23); that both will be in perfect harmony with one another; and that you will live your life set apart, circumcised, and set apart for the glory of the Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16–18).

Shabbat Shalom!
Alan

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