Torah portion: Exodus 27:20-30:10

Tetsaveh ('You shall command')

Our portion this week focuses chiefly on the outward appearance of the High Priest. How thoroughly God designed the garments of Aaron! There is much to consider in the symbolism, from the blend of the colours to the materials. Books have been written on this subject and we can take time this week to meditate on it afresh.

The ministry of the High Priest was to go into the presence of God on behalf of the people, bearing their sins before the Lord in prayer. The seriousness of this is shown by the precise detail of what we read this week concerning Aaron. But as High Priest (of the Levitical order), Aaron was a type and shadow of Yeshua, so all this detail also points to our Great High Priest (who is of the order of Melchizedek). Our understanding of Aaron’s ministry must set a foundation for us to understand Yeshua’s High Priestly ministry.

This is what the writer to the Hebrews set out to explain to us. Why not make this your parallel reading for this week, focussing especially on Hebrews 7:25 – Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Our Earthly Ministry

But this week’s Torah portion also contains another type and shadow, right at the start. In comparison with the detail concerning the High Priest, it can easily be missed, yet it is of considerable importance. It is in the first verse of the passage, Exodus 27:20, which instructs the Priests to keep the lamp of the Tabernacle burning continually. Surely this points to what the Lord said in the Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:16).

Whilst Yeshua HaMashiach continues His perfect ministry of the Great High Priest interceding on our behalf, should we therefore consider the condition of His Body on earth, in light of this? In this darkening world, how well are we keeping the light of truth and love burning before men? Contrast, for instance, the glory of the risen Lord expounded on in the first chapter of the Book of Revelation, with the following letters to the seven Churches in Asia. How well are we doing?

We might think that God is pleased with the magnitude of our singing new choruses, or the accuracy of our personal theological understanding. But unless this turns into a living witness of unity in love and truth, manifested in loving personal relationships, strong families living in the Lord’s way, and the many other aspects of our walk with God that draw people to Him, then our light is dim.

Yeshua our Great High Priest is perfect in His ministry for us, but what of our ministry in His name, on this earth? Food for thought this week.

Author: Clifford Denton