Sunday, July 19, 2015

THE DRINK OFFERING



Reprint of a message by Jack Davis



"And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David...unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men" II Sam. 23:13-17.

In this chapter, we read of David's mighty men; great heroes they were. David, at this time, was in a cave in hiding. These three mighty men along with others, were with him there. David's enemies, the Philistines, were occupying Bethlehem; and it was well guarded. David had such a great thirst, a deep longing, for his home. He yearned for the time when the city of Bethlehem would once more be in the hands of its God-given owners. So he said, "Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!"

So these mighty men broke through the host of the Philistines, drew out the water, and took it and brought it to David. Ah, now, David can have a drink! But, no. This heroic act touched his heart so much that he was crushed. He was overwhelmed. These men had greatly endangered their lives. They, like the Apostle Paul, did not count their lives dear unto themselves. They were themselves a "drink offering," in honoring their leader and captain. Their feat of love reminds us of the overcoming of the saints mentioned in Revelation twelve. We read that they overcame "the accuser of our brethren...by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" - Rev. 12:10-11. David said, "Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this." David felt that this sacrifice was too sacred for him, so he "poured it out unto the Lord." Let us learn that a drink offering which we pour unto the Lord is of great value.

In Genesis 35:1-3,14 we see where Jacob had cried unto God, and God delivered him, and was with him in the way which he went. God talked with Jacob, and told him to build an altar. Jacob did as he was told, and yet he went farther in expressing his appreciation. When he had set the pillar in the place where God had talked with him, he poured a drink offering thereon. Blessed communion with  God calls forth a drink offering.

In Exodus 29:40 we learn that the drink offering was to be a part of the daily burnt offering. We know that wine is the product of a crushing process. The Lord so forcibly impressed a thought upon me, when I returned to Wichita after attending the funeral of our dear Sister Alice Mooneyhan. I could not sleep that night. I went into the living room and began worshiping the Lord. I cried unto Him, "Oh, let that same life which flowed out through her, flow through me in a great measure." His answer came powerfully to my mind, "IT TAKES A CRUSHING!" It seems my flesh recoiled. We know that "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Wine, in Scripture, is a symbol of Christ's blood and of the blessing of the Gospel. It speaks of refreshing, of the exhilarating effects of the Holy Spirit's fullness. In Ephesians five, wine speaks of the control that He will take in our lives, if we will let Him. We must yield, drink of the Holy Spirit, and give Him drink.

We see in Leviticus 23:13 that the libation was offered with the sweet savour offering, which speaks of the life of Christ. Its fragrance ascended up to the throne of God. It was to be prepared with the burnt offering - Num. 15:5. The strong wine was to be poured out in the Holy Place unto the Lord - Num. 28:7.

God still accepts a drink offering today. In Genesis 24:17-18 Eleazar said, pertaining to his meeting with Rebekah at the well, "Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher. And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink." If we are going to give the Lord drink we, too, must let down our pitcher. Rebekah is typical of those special uncommon unusual saints who, today, are submitting to the Spirit's control and giving the Lord drink; thus, satisfying His heart.

John 4:5-7,10,14. Jesus was wearied with His journey. He, no doubt, felt somewhat like David - "Oh that one would give me drink!" This journey caused Him far more than physical weariness. This was not a happy scene, that He left heaven's beauties to come to. His journey was among the unholy, harmful, defiled, sinful, and sick. Oh, Yes, He would enjoy being refreshed. Several different times in different words He said, "Give Me drink!" Now it is certainly refreshing to meet a hungry and thirsty heart. It is greatly refreshing to meet others who can share with us, entering into the things we feel and enjoy.

What an exchange is offered here! We ask a drink, and He offers a well. He gives us an eternally effervescent well. Now, as we pour out to Him our deep love and wholehearted adoration, He floods our beings; which causes us to bubble over and over and over. As we drink and give Him drink, He causes an outflow which becomes a river which cannot be passed over - a river of life-giving waters. But, how can we be refreshing until we are refreshed? Oh, how precious is the outflow of a loving sacrifice.

Our lives may give daily evidence that our God is a living loving God. We may have a continual upspring and outflow; but, we must be full, if we are going to run over. Certainly, there are dry spells in the Christians's experience; but it is our fault, not the Lord's doing. He allows these times so that we will appreciate the living waters. As we pour out unto Him, He pours more into us. Now a vessel full of the wrong material is in poor condition to be filled.

In John 7:39 we read a very significant statement, "The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." We are at first full of our own ideas, ambitions, and personal desires. We are prone to self-righteousness, self-sufficiency, self-centeredness, and are seeking self-glory. We are naturally so full of self that there is little room for Him. Some times He has to let our little apple cart get upset; tips us over and dumps out some of that old greedy stingy self-life to make room for Himself. Yet an empty vessel is ready to be filled; and one filled with Him will over flow unto the glory of God. Oh! Do you think we can bless and refresh God? The false humble self-life says, "Oh, no, not me; I am not worthy." But David said, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy Name" - Ps. 103:1.

Psalm 23. While walking with Him through the valleys, experiencing the comfort of His rod and staff, sitting with Him at the table He has prepared for us, allowing Him to pour in the soothing refreshing billows, our cup just cannot help but over flow!

The libation, drink offering, in Paul's terms, speaks of a life being spent or poured out in absolute devotion to the Lord. He presented His body a living sacrifice. Christ was being magnified in his body during his life and in his death. The pouring out of his life unto the Lord resulted in the outflow of the life of Christ unto others. In II Corinthians 12:14-15 Paul speaks of gladly spending and being spent - spent on the saint's behalf. But, notice, how he uses such a different tone with different saints. Some saints refreshed him. It seems that these Corinthians were pulling away from Paul. Listen to the tone he uses with the Philippians.

Philippians 2:17-18 - "Yea, and if I be offered (Greek - 'spendo" - poured out as a drink offering) upon the sacrifice and service  of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me." Here he speaks of their fellowship and rejoicing together. This outflow is the result of the offering. This pouring out of Paul's life was not an "if" or a "question," but rather he was speaking of the effects. The "spendo," drink offering, of Paul's life was being used to the benefit of their faith - causing a mutual rejoicing.

II Timothy 4:6 - "I am now ready to be offered!" Greek - "spendo." Here and in Philippians are the places this word is used. By literal translation, the tense of this sentence is not future; but at that very moment, as he was writing to Timothy, his life was being poured out.

He was a drink offering! We may be also. Oh, let us give Him drink!

THE LAST DAYS


Anita Clark


“And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for His only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for His firstborn” Zechariah 12:9-10.

The above Scripture is a prophecy of what will happen in the near future. Israel is still God’s chosen people. The Church Age is almost over, and we already see God working and turning to Israel. Although it is true that Israel will be gathered from among the nations in a greater measure after the revelation of Jesus Christ, as He comes at the end of the seven years of tribulation, no one can deny that God has done a marvelous work in drawing many of Israel out of the nations in which they were scattered for so many years, and has brought them into their land and established them as a nation. The majority of Israel is secular, and has no belief in God. However recent reports tell of many accepting Jesus as Savior in Israel.

Very soon the seven years of unparalleled judgment of the earth will begin, and Israel will be dealt with in a very severe manner, which God will allow to bring them to repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Messiah. John says in Revelation 1:7, “Behold He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so. Amen.”

He will establish His kingdom on the earth, with Israel (those who believe at the end of the tribulation), and 144,000 of Israel (Rev 7.:4-8,14:1-5), and the remnant of Israel, who have been protected by God through the tribulation (Rev. 12:13-17). All of these will rule with Christ on the earth over the nations during the millennial reign We of the Church will already be in heaven with the Lord as His heavenly people. This is what we long for, and are waiting for at this present time.

POPE FRANCIS CALLS FOR A NEW GLOBAL AUTHORITY TO SAVE HUMANITY – Pope Francis says, “Global warming is a fact and a new global political authority is necessary in order to save humanity from utter disaster.” He envisions that this global authority would be in charge of “the reduction of pollution and the development of poor countries and regions.”

The Pope will be traveling to the United States and will address Congress on September 24, 2015 and then will be at the U.N. to make an address to kick off the Sustainable Development Summit for the Entire Planet which will be held on September 25, 2015. This summit will be hosting some of the biggest names on the planet, including Pope Francis. According to this article by Michael Snyder and News Report on the internet, the “Sustainable Agenda will specifically address topics such as economics, agriculture, education and gender equality.” The UN plans that these edicts will be “to manage the whole globe.” It remains to be seen if all the nations of the world will let this happen at this time, but this will take place sooner or later as the Scripture has predicted. There will one world government. It is coming to pass.

You can read more about this on the internet if you are interested. I believe that all Christians should be interested in this. This Agenda will take away all types of individual freedoms. What you can do with your own property will be affected by all the rules that will be brought forth. Having said that, I wish to impress upon all that this is the instrument of World Government and Socialism, and very well could be the rising of the Antichrist’s kingdom.

Pope Francis is not taking just a religious role, but a very political one. Many are looking to him for guidance. He is well loved. He may well be the False Prophet of Revelation 13:11-18. According to this text, Revelation 13:16, a system will be in place where the False Prophet will cause, “... both small and great, rich and poor free and bound to receive a mark in their right hand, or their forehead, And that no man can buy or sell, save he that has the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” He will point to the First Beast of Revelation 13:3-10, known as the Antichrist, and cause all to worship him. The scripture in Daniel 7:25, regarding the Antichrist says, “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and dividing of times [three and one-half years].” He will rule the world with a global government. We are seeing it beginning to come to pass.

This new Agenda will affect means to control “the economy, poverty, guns, end hunger, promote proper nutrition, (haven’t you noticed how much government control is coming in to how we eat), ensuring inclusive and equitable education, to achieve gender equality, manage water and sanitation, sustainable energy for all, promote sustainable economic growth, reduce inequality among countries, take urgent action to combat climate change,” and many other things. It is to affect the whole planet and cover just about every aspect of human existence. This truly is a template for radically expanded “global governance.” This meeting will take place September 25-27. What significance does it have that the last Blood moon of the tetrad is September 28th?

What do you see in these announcements? It looks like the bride of the Lord Jesus Christ will soon be caught away. II Peter 3:11 says, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.”

STRANGE HAPPENINGS IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN. – Recently, the El Nino weather pattern has had an effect of creating a hurricane which went up the coast of California. The El Nino is farther south than usual, which weather authorities say will bring us a hotter summer this year. This warmth has caused a mass of warmer water to rise and move farther north. Hundreds of thousands of red crabs, not often seen in the area of California, have moved upward from the depths and have been marooned and are dying on the beaches from San Diego to Orange County, near L.A. People have been warned not to eat the crabs because they have eaten “toxic algae bloom,” which could affect humans. Also, Tuna and other fish have been moving north following the crabs, their food source.

Just recently, two very exotic deep sea fish, called Oar fish, were found on the beaches of California. Scientists don’t know why they have washed ashore, but they suspect that either they are washed toward the beaches by storms or come to surface when they’re injured or dying. These fish can grow to 50 feet long and are usually found in water of 656 foot depth to even 3,280 feet.

Japanese have noted that often they are found beached preceding an earthquake, but also they are washed ashore sometimes because of severe storms. What does this beaching suggest to mankind? The Scripture comes to mind in Romans 8:22 speaking of the desire for the coming of the Lord, “For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.” Is creation groaning? Yes, it is. Very soon Jesus Christ will come again. After that incident Creation will not be delivered for another 7 years of the Tribulation which is rapidly approaching us.

Weary Christians, look up and lift up your heads, our deliverance draw nigh, and is even at the door. Our trials and tests are strong, but He is stronger. He is our Victor! We triumph through His strength! Remember, the trial you are facing today may be the last thing you must endure before you see Jesus Christ, face to face.

Made Meet



“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:” Colossians 1:12

The Greek word translated “made us meet” means “to enable” or “to qualify.” There is something very important for which we were not qualified, and never could be on our own. We needed someone to intervene for us and make us qualified. We cannot even fully comprehend all that is encompassed by this.

This is a great truth that often escapes many of God’s precious people. How undeserving we are, and how great an entrance has been made for us. We often place great value on things in this world, and fail to understand the value of what has been given to us.

The idea of salvation is often spoken of so lightly because it seems so easy. All we have to do is believe, and it is easy. However, the results are far beyond what we can imagine.

The thought here is that He “qualified” us completely on His own. We did nothing to assist in that endeavor. In order for us to be qualified for this place, He had to leave His place. We are made partakers of His glory because He left His glory. For us to be accepted, He had to be rejected. There is no way to overstate the amazing wonder of this act.

Do we truly appreciate what we have in Christ? This is mind boggling. Imagine being brought into the house of a billionaire, and told that everything he has is now yours. This does not even compare to what we find in this passage. The creator and owner of all things that ever were or will be, has brought us in to His house and made it all available to us.

We have been brought in to partake of all that God has. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32 “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:17

When we place undue value on the things of this earth, things that are so passing, we are devaluing the work that Christ did for us. A true appreciation of this truth only comes by revelation of the Holy Spirit. How sad to waste such a great opportunity by failing to lay hold of all that is made available to us.

I trust that you will take time to meditate upon this passage, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you the great inheritance which is laid up for you because of the work of Christ on the cross. Do not allow the world to drown out and override this great message of love and grace.
Gordon Crook

GOD




Mankind is guilty of not knowing God. In order to live an unrighteous life man denies the truth which is evident, so manifested before him. For the heavens declare the glory of God (Ps. 19:1). Man is without excuse. The heart is deceitful above all things, and is desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9). Unregenerated man became so foolish because his heart was darkened that he imagined God to be like unto corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and even creeping things (Rom. 1:21-25). They worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator.

Egypt worshiped many gods of this sort in the days of Moses and they were the most advanced society in those ancient times. Even the people of Israel fashioned a golden calf and worshiped it, when Moses was up in the mount receiving the Law from God. Men make themselves idols, the work of their own hands and then worship it as their God (Ps. 115:4-8). There are so many so called gods in the world today.

Even among those who profess to believe in God, have a false image in their minds of God. Some picture God to be a man with a grandfatherly look. Some think he is a black man and some think God is a woman, etc. Num. 23:19 says, “God is not a man…neither the son of man.” God spoke to Israel in Hosea 11:9 and said, “I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee.” In Job 33:12 It is stated “that God is greater than man.” In Ps. 83:18 we are told God’s name is “Johovah, the most high over all the earth.” Jehovah means, “He is, He was.” It has two tenses in Hebrew, past and future, denoting what is continued even in the present. He is eternal (Deut. 33:27). “There is none other God but one” (I Cor. 8:4).

“God is a Spirit” Jesus tells us in Jn. 4:24. “No man hath seen God at any time” (I Jn. 4:12). Jesus said in Mk. 12:29, “The Lord our God is One.” David said in II Sam. 7:22, “Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee.” God is holy (Lev. 11:44). He is Omniscient, all wise (Ps. 139:1-6). He is Omnipresent, everywhere present (Ps. 139:7-12). He is Omnipotent, all powerful, the Almighty (Gen. 17:1). There are numerous scriptures we could read of God’s attributes, (unchangeable, incomprehensible, just, merciful, gracious, longsuffering, good, etc) which would be more than we could cover in this article. One citation I love, is found in Psalm 68:20, “He that is our God is the God of salvation.”

I John 5:7 tells us of the Trinity of Spirits in the Godhead, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” Sometimes people will say, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It is true they are God, but they are not three God’s. These three are one God, one in heart, in spirit and in aim. Each has their distinct office, fulfilling a distinct function. They were plainly distinguishable when Jesus was baptized (Mt. 3:16-17). Jesus came up out of the water and the heavens were open, the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. Then a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (the Father).

We also see all three in the first three verses of the Bible (Gen. 1:1-3). “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (V. 1). The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (V. 2). “And God said, the Word (V. 3). All three involved in creation. Also the Hebrew word for God in the first chapters of Geneses is plural – ELOHIM – meaning three personalities. Elohim is found 2500 times in Hebrew in the Old Testament. Consider Gen. 1:26, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” How are we made in God image? He made us a trinity, body, soul, and spirit, yet one.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (Jn. 1:1). Verse 3, “All things were made by Him.” Verse 14, “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus words in John 3:16, “God so loved…He gave His only begotten Son.” God’s grace, He had a plan to redeem His fallen creatures. Praise God! Our God is a God of salvation. Mankind is responsible to accept or reject God’s grace, for God has provided salvation for all. In Jesus is everlasting life. The Trinity is involved in our new birth. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins by the Word of God and our need of the Savior. The Holy Spirit plants the seed of the New Creation life, the life of Christ in us when we believe and receive Jesus as our Savior. We then are called the sons of God.
Earlene Davis

RUTH



Debra Isenbletter


Ruth 2:22 – “And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.”

In this verse we see what Naomi says to Ruth concerning the words of Boaz. Naomi says that Boaz’s words were good: “It is good, my daughter.” One translation reads: “It will be a good thing for you” (NIV). The word “good” comes from “a good thing.” It means “kindness,” “better,” “beautiful.” Each of those meanings is a reflection of Boaz and what Ruth enjoys because of him. Boaz’s words showed his “kindness,” he didn’t have to say this, he could have let Ruth glean in his field and fend for herself (defend herself). His words make Ruth’s situation “better,” she is safer and more protected, and through Ruth Naomi’s situation. Ruth like the Psalmist could exclaim: “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee” (Psalm 63:3). Boaz’s words were “beautiful” in their grace and their graciousness. Ruth has wondered at them when she said, “Why have I found grace in thine eyes” (Ruth 2:10). Each of these meanings is a description of Boaz and what she enjoys through him. Naomi examines all that Boaz has said and sees that it is a “good thing.” She sees that there is nothing bad, negative, or harmful in his words to Ruth. She sees that his words were “good” sound advice.

The first part of what is “good” has to do with what Ruth is willing to do. She must be willing to follow “good” words and sound advice. Ruth was a young woman; she had the independence of youth to overcome. Many times the young want their independence. Many times the young fail to listen to good advice. Many times the young fail to see the danger or ignore the danger and go ahead. If Ruth listened to what Boaz said there would be a cost, a loss of independence. She must be willing to be separated – separation is good. She must be willing to serve – service is good. It is only by following Boaz’s maidens that Ruth is taught these two things. They will show her how to please Boaz!

The second part of what is “good” is how Ruth will test Boaz’s promises. There is a promise, a reward if she “keeps fast” or close to his servants. There is a reward for separation and service and it is always good. There is a reward from Boaz for Ruth, a hidden reward; it is his grace for enabling, for service, his grace that helps her in her work, his grace that makes it a good work. Boaz will “make all grace abound” toward her and Ruth will learn to “abound in every good work” (2 Cor 9:8). But Ruth by faith must prove, must put Boaz’s words, his promises to the test. Paul says that we “may prove that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Ro 12:2). The “good” is there, it is her obedience that proves the truth of his words.

Boaz has said to stay close to his maidens: “that thou go out with his maidens.” Ruth can learn from the maidens of Boaz, they can be examples to her of behavior both in the field and out of the field. The word “go out” means to “go after” or “go forth” or “go with.” Ruth is given companions to labor with and learn from. This is also command from the master to his servants. It means “to send with commandment.” One translation is “to keep going out with his girls” (Complete Jewish Bible). Don’t start and stop, do this every day of the harvest. This is Ruth’s choice; her heart must choose to do this and to keep doing this. Boaz is asking Ruth to start with small steps, little steps of obedience that will have long lasting consequences.

Naomi ends with why these words of Boaz are so good, a very practical reason. Ruth will be protected: “that they meet thee not in any other field.” The word “meet” means “to strike or clash with (by accident) or violence.” It is translated “molested” (Amp); “harmed” (NIV) and “encounter hostility” (Complete Jewish Bible). This is a reminder of how precarious Ruth’s position was, she was a Moabite, they were hated and there was prejudice. Remember, this was the times of the Judges and “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6) There was a very real danger for Ruth out alone in the fields alone.

The final part of what is good is the consequences, the results. Notice that it is Ruth’s proximity to Boaz’s handmaidens that protects her. Boaz was “a mighty man of wealth” (2:1), he was respected and feared. Staying close to them, and serving Boaz identifies her as one of his handmaidens. Naomi recognizes that Boaz does not want Ruth to be harmed or hurt, but knows she might be. Ruth is under his protection only as long as she remains in his fields! Naomi recognizes there were those who might hate and hurt Ruth and until Boaz claims her and she is joined to him, she is vulnerable. We need to be aware of the danger outside the will of God. If we stray and don’t stay, there can be terrible consequences. The Lord, like Boaz, says to “go not” and “abide fast” (2:8) for our protection and blessing. It is by abiding in Him and in the place He puts us that brings froth fruit (Jn 15:4-5). Ruth will show she is faithful and abide and Boaz will see her fruit. Boaz will say “thou art a virtuous woman” (3:11). It is abiding in His Word that also enables us to ask correctly and receive (Jn 15:7). Ruth will come to Boaz and ask of him (3:9) and ask correctly and he cannot deny her, he will grant her request (3:11).

What a testimony of the Lord and his concern and care for us in the “good” words spoken by Boaz and what a testimony of the saints and their subjection to Jesus in Ruth’s attitude toward Boaz’s words, and what a glorious reward will be enjoyed after all the labor and service. Ruth, like the Bride of Christ is making herself ready. Let us do this, listen to those “good” words and stay close to those the Lord sets before us as examples. Let us embrace His protection and care and let Him take care of us and prepare us for the best place!
To be continued

The Priesthood


 By Corina Medina



In the book of Hebrews we see the Lord our Savior, is also our great High Priest. Hebrews is a book of better things. Jesus is better than angels, better than Moses and it is certainly a better covenant–grace, not the Law. He is a better sacrifice, the perfect sinless Son of God and we have a better hope. We put our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are some comparisons with the Aaronic priesthood and Jesus Christ’s priesthood. The sons of Aaron, the high priest were Levites (priests). Aaron was the son of Levi, who was the third son of Leah and Jacob. And now Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest, is the Son of God.

These high priests offered the sacrifices. Going back to Gen. 3:8, Adam and Eve walked in the garden and “they heard the voice of the Lord God…and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam…Where art thou?” God knew! Verse 21, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” The first animal or animals that died spoke of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ that had been in the purpose of God from before the foundation of the earth. When God clothed them in skins of the sacrifice He was, in type, clothing Adam and Eve in the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is nothing of our selves that we should boast. That first sacrifice was made to cover the sin of our father, Adam. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ covered the sins of “whosoever will” in the whole world.

The sons of Levi, who were also High priests and offered sacrifices we see in Heb. 5:1-3: “For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity, and by reason thereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.” The priest also needed a sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:6-7: “Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle accomplishing the service of God. But into  the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.” The high priest was to be a compassionate man, having compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Were all high priest compassionate? In Samuel 1, we read of Elkanah going up with his two wives to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts. One wife, Hannah was barren and was provoked or mocked by her adversary, the wife who had children. Hannah was grieved and wanted a child. She was loved by her husband who gave her worthy portions, but the Lord had shut up her womb, so she had great grief and sorrow and did not eat. Vs. 8-14: “Then said Elkanah, her husband, to  her, Hannah, why weepest thou: and why eatest thou not? And why is thy heart grieved? Am not I better to thee than ten sons?” Even her husband could not understand her. “So Hannah rose up after they had eaten…and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow and said, O Lord of host, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head…as she continued praying before the Lord, Eli (the high priest) marked her mouth. Now Hannah, spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. Eli said unto her How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away thy wine from thee.” Was Eli a compassionate high priest? Did he know all about Hannah’s suffering? No. He was a human who offered sacrifices for the people and also for himself. He was unable to understand or to be compassionate.

In Acts 23:1-5: “Paul earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest, Annanias, commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall; for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law: And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.” This man was not understanding of Paul. Was he God’s high priest? No, according to that time, Jesus Christ had died for our sins, he was buried, rose again and ascended to heaven and He is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us. So this high priest was usurping the office of high priest. Was he compassionate? No.

The first point was that the Old Testament high priest offered sacrifices for the people and for himself. Now compare Christ’s priesthood: Heb. 7:26-28: “For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needed not daily, as those high priest, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s; for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; (they died) but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” So we see an ETERNAL priesthood, NOT a sacrifice for himself and for the people!

The second point was that the Levitical high priest was to be compassionate understanding, caring - Heb. 5:1-2 – having “compassion on the ignorant, and those out of the way, for he himself also is compassed with infirmity. So he should be compassionate and gracious. We see in Acts 23:5 that the Aaronic priesthood had been set aside. Paul (standing before Annanias) knew Jesus, who is the believer’s High Priest. In Heb. 4:14-16 concerning Jesus, our High Priest: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. He is compassionate, He cares, He understands. We have at least these two men, Eli and Annanias, who were examples of those that were not. There probably are many more examples in the Old Testament showing they were simply fallible, human men.   

To be continued next month: The duration of the priesthood and his garments