Ki Tisa - March 6, 2021

Torah Portion:
Ki Tisa - March 6, 2021
Torah: Exodus 30:11-34:35
Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-38

Portion Summary:
—The Lord describes how to take a census, and the construction of the copper laver.
—The unique and exclusive ingredients of the anointing oil and incense are described.
—Craftsmen are assigned, and the covenant of Shabbat is given.
—The people commit the sin of the golden calf.
—Moses is sent down from the mountain, shatters the tablets, and berates the people.
—Moses also intercedes for them.
—Moses requests to see the face of God, and God shields him and shows him as much as he can see without dying.
—Moses is commanded to make new tablets.
—Moses speaks the 13 attributes of God and intercedes for the people again, requesting that God be again in their midst.
—Commandments now include the destruction of all Pagan worship sites in the land, and prohibition of intermarriage with Pagans.
—Moses returns, radiating light, and veils himself.

Devotional by Janet Cothrell:

“Then ADONAI spoke to Moses saying, ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship….’” Exodus 31:1-2 (TLV)

God filled two men with the Spirit and gave them the special skills they would need to craft the items for the tabernacle. This is an amazing thing to me—most of the men who had left Egypt during the Exodus were laborers whose expertise was laying and making mud bricks. The gift of being taught artisanry would not have been given to mere slaves.  

The advanced skills and artistry necessary for complex stone cutting, metal work, and carpentry were just instilled in these men. What a blessing to them! The ability to make beautiful things with hands that had previously been limited to rough grunt work shows us that when God has purpose, He will also provide the means.

We are all given gifts for which we may serve the Lord, but some may need honing. We need to learn the best ways to preach, teach, lead, administrate, etc. Most of the ways we use these gifts will require a good amount of practice and instruction in order to do them well!

To exercise these gifts free of pride or other entanglements will require us to continue to mature our faith. When we do this, we can take joy in them and remember that God will bring everything to fruition in conjunction with His timing and purposes.

My Lord,
Thank You for the gifts You have given me. I pray that You will teach me what I need to know to apply them in the best way possible for Your glory.
In Yeshua’s name, amen.