בס”ד

Parashat Terumah (Donation) Exodus 25:1-27:19

Haftarah: I Kings 5:26-6:13

In this week’s Torah portion, there is a verse that summarizes the will of G-d. One reads,

“And they will make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst.” Exodus 25:3

An interesting question concerning this verse is “Why is the subject in the third person plural (They)?” It seems more logical that the verse should read, and you shall make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell in your midst. The reason for the use of the third person plural is to reveal to the reader that not all of Israel will participate in the building of the Sanctuary. Earlier in the chapter, when Moses is commanded to speak to the Children of Israel about making a donation for the purpose of constructing the Tabernacle, the text states, “everyone whose heart desires to give.”

HaShem does not force Himself upon a person; rather, He calls or invites people to enter into a relationship with Him. There is enough evidence in the created world for all people to know that there is a Creator, i.e. G-d. This being the case, one should seek Him. Even those on a remote island, who have never had contact with the rest of the world, can understand there is a G-d. When one begins to seek HaShem, He will be faithful to reveal Himself and His Son. He may use a person or He may supernaturally reveal Himself to one who has never even seen a Bible in his language, if he can even read. The point is G-d is a righteous Judge and those who seek Him sincerely; He will get the truth to them (Please see Proverbs 8:17).

The problem which I have is with individuals who doubt the faithfulness of G-d and therefore believe that it is necessary to change the truth of the Gospel. Such people say that those who never heard the Gospel have an acceptable excuse. I have even met a person who shies away from giving the Gospel to the lost, because he does not want to make them accountable for having heard it.

The time is short! People need to hear the message of salvation. Please join with me in making a new commitment to be much more conscious and bold in sharing the only truly good news, that Yeshua is the Savior. For when one shares Him with a lost individual, he or she is fulfilling the commandment of making a Sanctuary for HaShem to dwell with them.

Shabbat Shalom