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Portion 61

Golden Text: Exodus 30:11-21
Readings for the week:

Day 1: Exodus 30:11-21

Day 2: Psalm 9

Day 3: Malachi 4

Day 4: Mark 6

Day 5: Luke 10:17-24

Day 6: Matthew 20

I- The half shekel.

In most translations when this text is read, it is implied that it refers to taking a census; but this is not so. A more accurate translation of the first phrase spoken by God would be, “When you lift up the heads of the children of Israel for their offices” (Ex 30:12).[1] In other words, God commands Moses to demand from those who are going to serve in the tabernacle an exact payment for a reconciliation, because by working with sacred things that payment would give him the permission and dignity to do so.

The shekel (shekel) medium for reconciliation was also an expression of unity for those who serve God. Whether rich or poor, everyone gave the same amount. With this, God taught that we can only achieve unity in service when we all manage to recognize that we are only halves and need others. To be a complete shekel we must unite with our nearest brother (neighbor) in the service of God.

II- A holy priesthood.

The Lord commands the priesthood to wash their hands and feet. We know that the Pharisees in Jesus’ time became scrupulously excessive as a product of superstition with this ritual, and if they did not wash their hands many times they did not eat. Jesus criticized that excess because it was wrong, but not the ritual itself.

Some argue that this should no longer be done for several reasons: (1) The temple is no longer there, (2) It was only for the priests. But in the face of this we must remember that after Christ these dispensations were actualized: (1) The temple is every believer, and by extension its church, (2) Every born again is now a priest.

This is how we can now understand why we are called to serve with clean hands and feet, illustrating a ministry under holiness for God. And this holiness is not based on the logic of a priestly liturgy, but through his Word[2].

Questions:

1.- How could you comply with this provision of the middle shekel?

2.- Considering this portion. Why do you think it is so important for two people to agree?

3.- A brother who works in a factory asks you what you can do to impact your co-workers who don’t know God. How would you counsel him to express his holiness and love there?

 

[1]כִּי תִשָּׂא אֶת־רֹאשׁ בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל לִפְקֻדֵיהֶם

[2] Jm 4:8.

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