9-7-2024             The Church, the Tabernacle and the Temple                                        

The Church

Webster’s        Building for public (Christian) worship, clergy or official religious body, a body or organization of religious believers (congregation), public divine worship.                       

OT                   not used

NT                    Ekklesia (G1577) [fom kaleo G2564) bid, call forth] church, meeting place for a religious congregation especially for religious purposes.

The Tabernacle

Webster’s        Tent or sanctuary used by Israel in Exodus, receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist, a locked box reserved for he ‘host’, house of worship, a building or shelter used for worship.

OT                   ohel (H168) [from ahal H166 to shine] a covering or tent

                        Mishkan (H 4908) [from shakan H7931 habitation, lodging, rest, remain] habitation, dwelling, tent, tabernacle.

NT                    Akene (G4633) [from G4639 akia a shadow] tent, habitation, tabernacle

                        Akenos (G4636) [from G4633], temporary residence, human body.

                        Akenoma (G4638) God’s residence as a housing a body for the soul.          

The Temple

Webster’s        Edifice for worshipping a deity, one of three successive national sanctuaries for Israel, a building for Mormon sacred ordinances, reform or conservative synagogue, building to house a ‘local lodge’ for a fraternal order (Elks, Shriner’s etc.), place devoted to a special or exalted purpose.  

OT                   Bayith H1004) [from banah H1129 build, make or repair] contain hangings, home one is born in, prison, tablet, place, temple

                        Heykkal (H1964) [from yakol H3201 might, endure, overcome, prevail, suffer] public building, palace, temple.

NT

Heiron (G2411) Sacred place, sanctuary, temple

Naos (G3485) Shrine, temple

So, when looking at the words used, we also need to note the context or usage to derive the correct reference. 

As we read through the definitions, we clearly see that a church, tabernacle or temple is a place to gather and honor ‘something’ greater than ourselves whether a deity, a concept or whatever. 

As we look at the definitions, we also note some specific qualities mentioned. We note that, for the tabernacle especially, we see the word ‘shine’ and we note that Israel observed the glory (presence) of God whenever He ‘came down’ upon the tabernacle (Exod. 40:34-37).  Also take note that the Holy Ghost came upon the apostles ins the upper like ‘tongues of fire’ (Acts 2:1-4).  As Christians, we note that the Holy Spirit of God seals us for that last day (Eph. 4:30) because He rests upon us (1 Peter 4:14) and more so because Jesus promises us that the Holy Ghost will be “in” us (John 14:14-17, Acts 1:8).  Jesus tells the disciples that the Holy Ghost will come upon us (Acts1:8).  AND His abiding in us is shown when the apostles received Him in the upper room (Acts 2:1-16).  How often do we look at someone (notably Christian) and we say “there’s just something about him!”?

As Christians, the Holy Ghost, who is the presence of the Lord, our God, whether upon the tabernacle as with Israel or in the tabernacle - us!

Understand, for the Jews, the Holy of Holies is where God came to earth and visited with Israel (2 Chron. 7:1-7).  It was unique for the Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained Aaron’s rod, the manna and the tablets of the Law, which represent the presence of the Almighty God, and was separated by a veil within the Holy place which housed the items of worship, which was within the Priest’s courtyard which is where all the sacrifices were performed which was separated from the women’s courtyard which is where the buying and selling of sacrifices were exercised and the people, in general, could gather.  In case you missed it, the women’s courtyard, the priest’s courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies.  This is the veil, separating the Holy of Holies from the Holy place, the veil which was torn at the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross.  Understand, the general populace had access to the ‘women’s courtyard.  The head of the household and the priests had access to the ‘priest’s courtyard’.  The priests had access to the Holy Place but only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies.  We are a royal priesthood before God (1 Peter 2:9)!  This means that we (Christians) now have direct access to the Father, through the Holy Ghost (thank you Jesus) in us.  For Israel, only the high priest had direct access to the presence of God.   Through Jesus, we now have that direct access to the presence of Father.  Think about it!  Israel knew God at a distance (if you will), but we now have access up close and personal.  It’s like talking with a friend on the telephone then being able to talk with Him as a friend face to face!  Job made an amazing discovery.  He realized that he knew all about God, but by the time his ordeal was completed Job said “… but now I have seen you with my own eye.” (Job 42:5). 

Have we experienced Father?  Do we quench Him (1 Thess. 5:19) or is the Holy Ghost alive and well within our heart giving us that connection? 

In the book of Acts, we have several occasions where the Holy Ghost comes upon us.  When Jesus was baptized by John in the river, the Holy Ghost came upon Him as a dove (Matt. 3:16-17).  When the apostles were baptized, what appeared to be tongues of fire alit upon each of them (Acts 2:1-4).  Cornelius and his family received the Holt Ghost while Peter was still preaching, then they were baptized with water (Acts 10:44-47).  On the road to Ephesus, Paul encountered twelve men who had been baptized by John.  As they talked Paul asked if they had received the Holy Ghost yet and they responded that they hadn’t even heard that there was a Holy Ghost.  Paul baptized the in the name of the Lord Jesus, laid hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:1-7).  In each of these instances, one thing was true, they all knew Jesus when they received the Holy Ghost and yes, water baptism was still a part of the event.

Whether we are called the ‘church’, the tabernacle or the temple, as Christians, by the grace of God, our hearts are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17).  And for us to be successful in our walk with the Lord, the Holy Ghost needs to be an active part of our life.

The Spirit of God rested upon the tabernacle in the wilderness with Israel.  We ae the tabernacle (temple) of God!

Do we live like it?

Amen

8-24-2024 Eucharist, the Body and the Blood of Jesus

Matthew 26:26-29 is the ‘institution’ of what is referred to as the Lord’s Supper, Lord’s Table or Eucharist.

In this passage, Jesus gives His disciples, where He establishes, something for the apostles and disciples to remember Him by.

“Take, eat, this is My body.”

“Drink all of it.  This is MY blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Most fellowships observe the ‘Body & Blood’ of our Lord Jesus.  Some churches call it the ‘Lord’s Table’, ‘some The ‘Lord’s Supper’ and others the ‘Eucharist’.  So just what does Eucharist mean?  Basically, Webster’s defines it as communion, remembering that Jesus gave us His body and shed His blood for our sin (took our place on the cross).  Scripture does not use the term ‘Eucharist’ in either the old or New Testament, but as we see in Matthew, it is clearly defined and is easily correlated with the ‘Lord’s Supper’ as Jesus was eating a meal with His disciple.   

1 Corinthians 11:24-25

“… do this in remembrance of Me.”

Notice that Paul says this after both the cup and the bread.

No argument that we recite these words in observance of the “Lord’s Table”.  We are to remember what Jesus did or us.  Again there should be no disagreement whether said after each element or after both. 

But just what is Jesus telling us to do?

Just what is the body and blood of the Lord?  The disciples received a piece of bread and ate.  Then a cup of wine was passed among them and they each drank some. 

There are those who believe the ‘blessed’ bread and wine become the literal body and blood of our Lord.

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood.

 

In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results:

·         The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood

·         The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified

·         Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day

·         Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind.

 

Some modern cases exhibiting the ‘miracle of the Eucharist are: 992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2006, Tixtla, Mexico, 2008, Sokolka, Poland and 2013, Legnica, Poland. 

Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science:

·         The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound

·         The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death

·         In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably – as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts.

Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.  (https://media.ascensionpress.co – Catholic non-profit bible study)   

 

Remember, these situations were of ‘blessed’ Eucharist elements so I’m not trying to change anyone’s belief, but I am asking to consider this

 

Who is Jesus?  In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1 - an unbreakable unity).  Jesus tells us that man does not live by bread alone by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).  Jesus says “truly, I say to you that Moses did not give that bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.  I am the bread of life, he who comes to me shall never hunger and he who believes on me shall never be thirsty (John 6:31-35).

 

So, when Father created everything, how did He do it?  He spoke it into existence for there was only a void up to that time (Gen. 1:1-2).  So what did God speak?  What are the sounds that come out of our mouth when we talk? “God said” (note the quotation marks) nine times in Genesis chapter one.  Along with the ‘fruit of the Spirit, nine represents God’s visitation or completeness (FYI).  According to John 1:1, Jesus IS the physical manifestation of God’s Word.

 

We also know that God is love (1 John 4:8).  In the flesh, Jesus is the Son of God.  According to Mark, even a centurion, standing by Jesus at the cross, remarked “Truly, this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).  The reference to ‘son’ here is a child or close relative (G5207 hulos).  (FYI huiohesis G5206 which is adopted son).  Hulos is used, in the New Testament, when referencing Jesus.  Jesus is seen as the Son of God, not an adopted son of God.  As Christians, we are the huioheis, ‘adopted’ sons of God (Rom. 8:14-17).

 

The blood is the life of the creature (Lev. 17:14). 

So understanding that Jesus is the ‘manifestation’ of God’s love and ‘Word’.  Jesus said “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you, but he who does, has eternal life and I will raise him up at that last day”.  Indeed, My flesh is meat, indeed My blood is drink, he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in Me and I in him” (John 6:53-6).

The Holy Ghost is also life.  As we walk in the Spirit, we have life and are the sons of God and we are quickened to be with him throughout eternity (Rom 8:1-17).

So, what if we ‘devour’ the ‘word’ of God, that is read and study the bible, not just to read the words, but comprehend what Father really saying to us?  Remember, Jesus spoke to the general populace in parables (Matt. 13:13).  After telling the people several parables, Jesus took his disciples aside and told them their meaning, then asked a question “Have you understood these things?” and the disciples answered “Yes’.  Consider, Jesus promised the disciples the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17).  We can receive Him because father sent Him into this world, on the day of Pentecost, 2000 years ago with the promise that we shall have the same power Jesus operated in, in us (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-17) and the Spirit will lead us into all truth (John 16:13) and understanding (1 Corinth.2:10-16).  And don’t forget, as the Holy Ghost raised Jesus from the grave, He will quicken (raise us up) into a new life in Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:11), in this life and the next.   

So, do we devour the literal body of Jesus (a blessed host) or are we to delve into the deepest understanding of the bible possible?  Jesus is the Word of God, ergo in His flesh. So do we devour Jesus’ flesh by literally eating the Word of God (the bible)?  Or by eating a piece of bread or wafer (preferably dedicated to God by priest or clergy)?  The thinking is that by taking the ‘Eucharist’ (specifically) gives us a closer relationship with God, Yes?  The question is – won’t we develop a closer relationship with Father as we prayerfully study His word, applying it into our own life, then sharing that with those with whom we come into contact?

The blood is the life of the creature, it gives us the natural ability to breathe and exist.  But isn’t the Holy Ghost life?  Ability to live in this life as we expect eternity?  Doesn’t the Holy Ghost abide within our heart (spiritually)?  Doesn’t our life-source flow from our heart throughout our whole body?  And when the Holy Ghost becomes a part or our existence, shouldn’t He flow throughout our body?  That is influence all that we say and do?  We are better off following His lead.

John 6:48-66

Jesus says her that He is the brad of life, when men eat His flesh they will not die.  He is the bread of life through which man will not die.  The Jews wondered how this could be yet Jesus went to say “Eat My flesh and drink My blood and have eternal life.”  Unlike the manna, he who eats this bread shall have eternal life.  Jesus asked whether or not He had offended the people.  The Spirit quickens, the flesh profits nothing, “the words I speak are Spirit and life… no man comes to Me except it is given him by the Father.”  Then, many no longer walked with Him. 

So why all the fuss about the Eucharist?  I’m not saying don’t observe the sacrifice.  My God!  Jesus established that we should remember all that He has done for us by observing the body and the blood.

When we observe the Eucharist, or observing the body and blood of Jesus, remember the cleansing the high priest went through before entering the Holy of Holies.  Before going before the presence of God, he had to cleanse his body and offer sacrifices representing that his spirit was also clean so that he wouldn’t die when he entered the presence of the Lord (Exod. 30:20-21, Leviticus chptrs. 8-10).  We need to remember, that in the Spirit, we are approaching God.  At the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, the veil that separated us from God was torn in two, top to bottom, (Matt. 27:51) – giving us direct access to Father through Jesus, the Son. 

After they had disobeyed God (sinned), God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden (Gen. 3:1-24), separating them from Him because of sin.  The garden represented the presence of God (Gen. 3:8). Sin cannot coexist with God (Psalm 5:4).  When we observe the Eucharist (or Lord’s Supper), we must come before God with a clean heart.  How many churches have gotten away from cleansing our spirit before observing the body and blood of our Lord?     

When we observe the Eucharist (the Lord’s able), it isn’t about what that piece of bread or wafer does or does not become.  It is the Spirit of our action!  What’s in our heart as we observe the ‘table of Christ’?  Are we just going through the motions of some ritual?  Or are we truly observing our relationship with our Lord?  No matter what ‘elements we use for the body and blood, are we cleansing our heart and mind before partaking the ‘bread’ and the ‘wine’?  We are coming into the Holy of Holies (presence of God) when we partake of the ‘Body and Blood’.  We are coming into communion, that is a holy union with our Lord!  Is our heart right with the Lord?  Are we cleansed in what we think, say or do when we enter the presence of our Lord?

Amen  

8-10-2024        The state of man – and why!

            

Romans 1:1-32, 2:1-3

Paul has yet to visit Rome but in his opening statements to the Romans, he shoots straight from the hip.  He paints a picture of how ‘far off track’ the world has become (in his time).  Paul is making an attempt to shake the church up because the ‘church’ was doing the same things as the world and thinks that they are innocent because they are in the church.

Let’s see what Paul has to say about the condition of the situation.

1:1-6                Paul establishes who Jesus is and who he, himself, is.   Jesus fulfills the law by coming into this world as a ‘man’ with the purpose of bringing us eternal life (saving us from eternal death).  Paul reminds the Romans (as well as us) that they are a part of this salvation plan.

V7-12              Paul tells the Romans that they (and we) are beloved of God, called to be His saints (note; all believers are called to be saints).  In this letter, he speaks the peace and grace of God unto the people from God and Jesus (blessings – whatsoever we do, do in the name of Jesus [Col. 3:17]).  Though he has never met them, he prays for them that he may eventually come to them and establish (make their faith a surety) them by imparting some spiritual gift.

13-16               Paul professes that e is bound to share the gospel of Jesus to all men and desires to come to Rome.  Paul is not shamed of the gospel for it is the power of God to attain salvation, for all men (people, human beings, us).

V 17-20           God has shown Himself to man (yet man explains what God has done as scientific knowledge, but doesn’t science explain what and how God has done).  We see the righteousness of God through our faith and man shall live by faith (believe God is who He says He is and does what He says will do) and as humans, we express our faith through our works (James 2:18).  We understand God’s creation by studying God’s creation, those things we see and understand.  Though we understand the world around us, we fail to realize that it is God who has put it all together (Rev. 4:11).  So because of man’s intent to hold God’s righteousness in contempt, Father might get just a little upset (ask ourselves, when someone else gets the credit for something we have done, don’t we get hurt and maybe even a little angry?).

Now we get into how the world has ‘dissed’, disrespected God    

V21-32            The world knew about God (I knew all about You, but now I’ve seen You - Job 42:5) but did not glorify Him as God (supreme authority - Col. 1:3:16-17).  Man became wrapped in his own ideas and his foolish heart was darkened.  Man thought himself to be wise so he made images of things of this world to represent God.  So God let man pursue the unclean lusts of his own heart to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.  Man changed to truth of God into a lie and worshipped the creation more than the Creator!  God gave man over this own vile affections, men leaving the natural use of a woman and lusting after other men doing that which was not seemly (safe) and receiving the just reward for their actions. 

Because man did not want to keep God in his knowledge (or heart), Father gave them over to a reprobate mind (rejected, cast off – left to do their own thing) to do those things which are not convenient (right or correct).  Man became filled with unrighteousness, fornication (unlawful lust, idolatry, adultery), wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness (wickedness, depravity), envious, murderous, argumentative, deceitful, malignity (mischief, bad character), whisperers (gossipers), backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, boastful, proud, inventors of evil things,  disobedient to parents, becoming men without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affections, implacable (trucebreaker) and unmerciful, .

(They became men) Who know the judgements of God and that men who do these things are worthy of death (10 Commandments [Exod. 20:3-17).  Not only does man do these things but, he finds pleasure in doing them.

Romans 2:1-3            

Therefore, you are inexcusable, O man, for you are guilty of doing those very things for which you judge others (not talking about a legal court here but attitudes).  We know that the judgment of God rightly comes upon people.  Do you think, O man, when you judge others, yet you do the same thing that you will escape God’s judgment?

Look at what Paul is telling the Romans (and us)!  All the hypocrites in the church, and I mean all those who practice religion and not living a faith, but think that they are all okay because they do the right things.  What did Jesus have to say about that? 

Matt. 23:1-27 (in summary)

Jesus starts by blasting the scribes and Pharisees because they tell the people the right things to do and these things should be observed.  BUT, they make themselves look good before man yet lay grievous tasks upon the people.  They enjoy being called ‘rabbi’ and enjoy all the perks that come along with that.  Now, “Rabbi” is the Greek word rhabbi (G4461) which means ‘master’, but it is an official title.  Its root word is the Hebrew rab (H7227) which is also means master but carries the connotation of abounding, plentiful, etc. (in God’s word).  In other words, a Rabbi is one who knows God’s word inside and out (or should).  Because of their position (in Jesus’ time) Too many of them put themselves way above everybody else.  They enjoyed the ‘pomp and circumstance’ of the position while caring little for those around them.  They stressed the acts of man while neglecting the condition of man’s heart.  Jesus tells us to make our heart sure and our spirit clean so that our outside will be a reflection of what is on the inside (v27).  Take note, that our outside IS a reflection of our inside (who we truly are).  Why do you think Jesus called them a whited sepulchers (v27)?

So we see that the ‘state’ of man is nothing new, even among our leadership.  The saying goes that ‘history’ repeats itself.  This includes the church. 

The presence of God was with Israel as they travelled between Egypt and the promised land?  When Father had done something wonderful for them, Israel rejoiced.  Yet, how long did it take them to complain when things weren’t going so wonderful?  Read Exodus! 

The state of man is nothing new but unfortunately, neither has the attitude changed much over the centuries, the millennia.  At least not for the better.  The things we do (our ‘toys’) have progressed from primitive to more technological but what about our heart?

When we take note of how man’s view of God was in the 1960’s and compare it to today.  Have we progressed to better things?  Technologically, yes.  But, again, what about our heart?  Has the ‘world’ been trying to erase God from man’s thinking? His heart?

The first (and greatest) commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Mark 12:30).  The second commandment , or should I say ‘the second part of a single commandment, is to love other people as ourselves (Mark 12:31).  The Law God gave us and all those prophets over the centuries, who came to us, depend on and reflect Go’s love!

Even in today’s church, as a whole, has man truly become more spiritual?  “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.  Has it really?

God is love (1 John 4:8), but He is also righteous (Psalm 145:17, Rom. 3:22).  Though those who have not given their heart to God will discover that their names are not written in Father’s Book of Life (the Lamb’s Book of Life – Rev. 21:27) but will discover that the ‘lake of fire and brimstone’ is their final destination (Rev. 20:10-15). 

Yet, though Father desires that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9), there is a condition.  Whosoever believes on the only begotten on of God will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).  Father has provided the way!  When we confess Jesus with our mouth and believe in our heart that Father raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved (Rom. 10:9).  For we believe to become righteous and confess so that Father will accept us (be saved) (Rom. 10:10).

We see that God’s kingdom is (or should be) in our heart (Luke 17:20-21).  Our heart should be filled with the love of God.  should we share that love with those whom we encounter? 

So just what is the state of man?  And why?

Amen?

 

7-28-27               Royal Priesthood - Holy of Holies                        

This is actually being published on Sunday, the 28^th of July.  Events set me a day behind and Father said to wait until the 28^th to release it.  “7” is ‘resurrection’ or Spiritual’ completeness and ‘28’ is ‘eternal life’.  (got the mental juices flowing yet?)

Peter reminds us that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood. Okay, so what does all this have to do with the Holy of Holies?  Read on!

1 Peter 2:9-12 KJV

⁹ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;

(we are a unique people for the Lord for He has chosen us to be His banner carrier for salvation.)

¹⁰ Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

(though we are in the world, by God’s grace, we are no longer of the world {John 17:15})

¹¹ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

(we don’t fight against flesh and blood but against the powers of evil {Eph. 6:11-12})

¹² Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

(we don’t do and say things to please man but to please God and the world doesn’t understand it)

Exod. 28:1-43 (not going into depth here but summarizing these passages so you might get a reasonable understanding of the sanctification of the priesthood)

This passage talks about the clothes which Aaron (the high priest) and his sons would wear in serving God.

Aaron and his sons were appointed to the priesthood by God to serve Him and be the go-between between our Lord and man.  Father prescribed clothes that they should wear and procedures they must follow when they approach God in the Holy of Holies.  Let’s get an understanding:

Chapter 28

God appoints Aaron and his sons to the priesthood and sets forth the clothing they should wear serving in the priest’s office.  God has given certain of the Israelites the ability to make a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a coat which is weaved into squares, a mitre (hat) and a girdle.  These garments should be made with colors of gold, blue, purple and scarlet and made of fine linen and be expertly crafted.

The ephod was to be carefully woven of gold, blue, purple and scarlet.  It shall have two shoulder pieces (onyx stones) one each for the right and left shoulders.  Each stone shall have six names the tribes of Israel, artfully etched into them in order of their birth.  Each name shall be set in a setting made of gold so that Aaron should, as a memorial, always bear the names of the children of Israel before the Lord as he serves in the priest’s office. 

The ‘curious’ girdle shall also be made of gold, blue, purple and scarlet and be attached to the ephod.

Golden chains shall connect the ephod with the breastplate of judgement and the breastplate shall be made a perfect square and shall have twelve stones mounted in settings upon it.  The stones are sardius, topaz, carbuncle in the 1^st row, an emerald, sapphire and diamond are in the 2^nd row, ligure agate and amethyst in the 3^rd row and beryl onyx and jasper in the 4^thSo Aaron carries the burden of the people upon his shoulders and close to his heart.

The Urim (bring light) and the Thummim (emblem of complete truth) are also placed on the breastplate (so he priest might judge the people rightly).

Are we getting the picture here?  The burden of Israel on his shoulders and close to his heart!

So we see that the curious girdle, the ephod and the breastplate are all connected.

The robe shall be expertly woven of blue material with a hole in the center (up and down side to side) and stitched so the garment does not tear.  The bottom of the garment shall have golden bells alternating between woven pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet thus Aaron would beard entering and leaving the Holy of Holies and not die.

The mitre (or hat), again embroidered of fine linen and attached to its forehead shall be a plate of gold with ‘Holiness to the Lord’ etched into it.  This is so that all things offered by Aaron unto the Lord would be accepted by the Lord.

And beneath all this Aaron shall wear breeches (shorts) underneath from his waist to the thighs, to cover his nakedness.  Aaron’s sons also shall wear the robe and breaches so that none die.  And for Israel this is a continuing statute. (they do it forever) 

Now remember that the Egyptians gave the Israelites gold, silver, gems and clothing, etc. (Exod. 12:35-36).

Exod. 29:1-46 

Again, here I paraphrase how the priesthood how must be sanctified to serve before the Lord.

They should take a young bull and two rams (without blemish), and out of wheat flour make unleavened bread cakes and cakes tempered with oil and wafers anointed with oil.  These shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle in a basket. 

Aaron and his sons will come before the door of the tabernacle and wash with water.  Then they will take the clothing which was made for them – the coat, the ephod, the curious girdle of the ephod and the holy miter.  The anointing oil shall be poured over Aaron’s head.  Then Aaron’s will be brought forth and put on his garments.  This is something Aaron and his sons will do to sanctify themselves before the Lord.

Sacrifices were also in order for preparation.  Aaron and his sons would lay hands on bullock then slay it at the door of the tabernacle.  They would put the blood of the bullock on the four horns of the altar with their finger then pour the rest beside the bottom of the altar.  Most of the inward parts would be burnt upon the altar but its flesh, skin and dung shall be burned outside the camp as a sin offering.

Aaron and his sons should lay their hands on the head of one of the rams and slay it and sprinkle the blood around the altar.  They should cut the ram into pieces. They shall wash the inner parts of the ram, cut it into pieces then put the whole ram on the altar and burn it with fire.  It is a sweet smelling savor made by fire unto the Lord.  (our sacrifices are sweet smelling to the Lord – even though we are not physically slain and burnt on the altar)

They shall lay their hands upon the second ram and kill it.  Then the blood should be put on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and his sons, the thumb of their right hands and the big toe on the right foot.  Then they should sprinkle the blood on the altar and all around it.  Then the blood (which is upon the altar) with anointing oil shall be sprinkled upon Aaron and his sons to hallow (purify) them.

The rump of the ram along with the kidneys, the fat and the right shoulder as a consecration (dedication) to the Lord.  Then, a loaf of bread, oiled cake and a wafer shall be given to Aaron and his sons as a wave offering (lifted up and moved back and forth) before the Lord, they shall put it upon the altar as a burnt offering, a sweet smelling savor before the Lord.  An offering unto the Lord made by fire.

The breast and shoulder of the ram are dedicated to Aaron and as a wave offering it shall be sanctified unto the Lorda nd the shoulder is a heave offering (lifted up) before the Lord and these shall be for Aaron and his son’s.

And this is the consecration of the garments.

The priest shall wear them for seven days when he comes into the tabernacle to minister in the Holy Place.  The ram of consecration shall be for Aaron and his sons to eat and he bread in the basket.  They shall eat the things used for atonement to sanctify themselves.  These are holy and are for only Aaron and his sons.  If anything which they have remains in the morning, it shall be burned with fire.  They shall do this each day of that week.  Whatever touches the altar shall be holy. 

I’m not citing the quantities for the following passage (read the passage in the bible.

That week, a lamb shall be offered, one in the morning and one in the evening.  With one lamb have flour mingled with beaten oil and wine (for a drink offering).  Do the same for the second lamb in the evening.  This is an offering with a sweet savor made with fire unto the Lord.  Israel is commanded to do these things throughout their generations at the door of the tabernacle and so it shall be sanctified by My glory (says the Lord). 

Father lays out a guideline implying the attitude with which we should approach Him as a royal priesthood.  We don’t have to go through all the physical sacrifices of Israel, but these procedures were established to purify the priests before they entered into the presence of the Lord.

Note that Father makes things acceptable through fire.  John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize us with fire – to burn off all the unwanted garbage in our lives (Matt. 3:11-12).  Paul tells the Corinthians to lay our foundation in Jesus and like the refining of gold (with fire), our bad works will burn off but the vessel (us) will be refined.  We are the temple of God and the Holy Ghost lives within us (1 Corinth. 3:11-16)!

Matthew 27:45-54 KJV 

⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?  That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ⁴⁷ Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias (Elijah). ⁴⁸ And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

⁵⁰ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. ⁵¹ And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; ⁵² And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, ⁵³ And came out of the graves after his (Jesus’) resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. ⁵⁴ Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Heb. 9:16-28

¹⁶ For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

¹⁷ For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.

¹⁸ Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

¹⁹ For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

²⁰ Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

²¹ Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

²² And almost all things are ,by the law, purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

²³ It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. (our heart)

²⁴ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

²⁵ Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entered into the holy place every year with blood for others (lambs and bulls);

²⁶ For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

²⁷ And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

²⁸ So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

So, just what does “being a royal priesthood mean to us?

Father desires us to be cleansed so that we may be acceptable before Him.  When Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple, the veil that separated the Holy of Holies, the veil that separated God from Israel, was torn in two, thus giving us direct access to Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord (Mark 15:34-38).

God knows our heart (1 Sam. 16:7, Luke 16:15) so we don’t have to physically do all that Israel did.  Yet we do have to let God’s love abide in our hearts.  In so doing we will find ourselves living in the purity and holiness God intends.  Hopefully, this helps us to understand that our heart must be cleansed before the Lord.  We don’ just talk the talk, but we walk the walk as we live in Father’s love allowing the Holy Ghost full freedom to direct us in God’s will.   Then, just as David, we confess our sins to Father as soon as we realize what we’ve done (2 Sam. 12:1-24).  AND we have the Holy Ghost to help us.

Once again, Father desires us to come before Him with a clean heart, as we abide in His love.  If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).  My commandments are to love – God, then our fellow man (Mark 12:30-31).  As we believe in Jesus, His love is in us and we will be able to do the same works He has done – and greater (John 14:12)!  We have the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-4).  After all, Jesus commanded us to receive the Holt Ghost (John 20:22, Acts 1:8) and that enables us to forgive those who have come against us (Luke 17:3-4, Eph. 4:32).  Father loves us through Jesus.  Shouldn’t we show that love (which is in us) to those around us?

Father told Israel to give everything willingly (Exod. 35:22 – voluntarily, spontaneous).  Shouldn’t we do the same from our heart (2 Corinth. 9:7-8)?

Peter declared us a royal priesthood, that is being able to access Father through Jesus because of the torn veil.  We are a royal priesthood.  Do we live like it?

Amen