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What You May Have Missed About The Priesthood

5/8/2020

This week's Torah portion Emor (say/speak) is from Leviticus 21:1-24:23. It contains additional instructions/purity laws for the priesthood. The Haftorah (the weekly selective reading from the Prophets) is from Ezekiel 44:15-31 which speaks of the restoration of the Levitical priesthood during Yeshua's Millennial Kingdom reign. Sadly, there are many persons who have missed this very important truth in Scripture: When Yeshua returns, there will be a restoration of all things including the Levitical priesthood.

We usually do not make the connection between this and the question that the disciples asked Yeshua in Acts 1:6 "Are you going to restore the Kingdom to Israel at this time?". The disciples knew what the Hebrew Prophets had written. Israel would become divided, they would eventually lose their sovereignty because of their disobedience, some would be exiled from the land and those who remained/returned, would be ruled by foreign powers. However Messiah would come, gather the exiles, reunite Ephraim/Israel and Judah and He (Messiah) would take His seat on David's throne.

This raises all sorts of questions, especially for those who do not see the Biblical prophecies as literal occurances. However, if we see ADONAI as the covenant keeping God, then we understand that EVERY covenant that He has made with His people are literal and are still in effect. So here are a few things that you may have missed about the priesthood

The Priestly Covenant and the Kingdom to Come

Numbers 25:1-13 tells us about the account of Phineas (Pinchas in Hebrew). He was the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the High Priest, and he defended ADONAI's holiness at a time when Israel was unfaithful to Him. The LORD promised Phineas, and his descendants after him, an everlasting priesthood; a covenant of peace. During the time of Israel's united Kingdom, we learn that Zadok, a descendant of Phineas, was the Priest (1Chr 6:1-15). The Zadokites continued to serve in the Temple.

Although Israel as a nation was punished by the LORD, He never forgot or broke His covenant with them. In Jeremiah 33, we read of God's promise to restore them. This includes the kingship and the priesthood. We read:

"For this is what the LORD says: ‘David will never fail to have a man to sit on the throne of Israel, nor will the Levitical priests ever fail to have a man to stand before me continually to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings and to present sacrifices.’” (Jeremiah 33:17-18)

During the Millennial reign when Israel is reunited and Yeshua sits on David's throne, the Levitical priesthood will also take their place in a rebuilt Temple. Ezekiel 44:15-31 gives us a detailed discription this. At that time, the question that the disciples asked in Acts 1:6 will become a reality - the physical Kingdom will be restored and Yeshua will be their King! But isn't Yeshua also a Priest? Absolutely - but not from the Levitical order.

The Current Priesthood

In Psalm 110:4 as well as in Hebrews 7:17, 21 we read that Yeshua is a Priest in the order of Melchizedek. The Melchizedek priesthood is a superior order that existed long before the Levitical priesthood. It is not based on one's tribe or man's appointment but is passed on from a Father to a Son. It is also eternal. As an aside, the first priest from this superior order of priesthood would be Adam - but that is for another discussion.

A closer look at Hebrews 7 shows us how Yeshua entered into the Most Holy Place once and for all and sprinkled His own blood upon the mercy seat and made atonement for our sins. Today, Yeshua is seated at the right hand of the Father, carrying out His High Priestly duties in the heavenly Tabernacle making intercession for us. He is an Eternal Priest!

As believers in Yeshua, we are a part of a royal priesthood and a holy nation in the earth (1 Peter 2:9). Our bodies are the Temple and as priests we minister before ADONAI daily. However, this does not take away from the fact that in the Millennial Kingdom, the sons of Zadok will daily offer up sacrifices before God. Why? Because God never breaks His covenant!

Shabbat Shalom!

Do you have questions on the Levitical or the Melchizedek Priesthood? Feel free to comment below or drop us a line at greaterworksapostoliccenter@gmail.com

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Prevailing in the face of struggle

12/18/2019

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In this week's Torah portion Vayishlach (He sent) Jacob wrestles with the angel of the LORD. The end result? His name was changed from Yaakov (a holder of the heel/a follower) to Israel (struggle with God). It also speaks to "prevailing".
In Genesis 32 we read:

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

In Scripture, when an individual received a name change, it not only spoke to a change in that person's nature but it also had meaning for his mission/destiny. Jacob had indeed lived a life of struggle beginning from the womb but he always prevailed. How much more so after that encounter where God had promised to always be with him.

I remember the first time I saw the meaning of Jacob's name in relation to the nation of Israel. The name provides the perfect picture of the unique relationship of "struggle contention and dialogue" between the people of Israel and their God.

In addition to this, the Jewish people have had many struggles throughout history with peoples/nations who have tried to annihilate them but they have always prevailed. Why? "because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

The Jewish people and the Land are divinely protected. How fitting a reminder this is, especially as we move towards Hanukkah; a celebration of victory and miracles.

For those of us who have been joined to Israel through Messiah Yeshua, there is a lesson for us as well. Jacob wrestled for his blessing. Actually, he received his blessing because he prevailed. May we stand up in the power of the Holy Spirit to anything that seeks to rob us of our inheritance. The blessing comes to the one who prevails.

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The Ark of Salvation

11/1/2019

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In this week's Torah portion we read about Noah, a man who was found righteous in his generation. The account tells us that during that time, wickedness was so great upon the earth that God regretted having made man. In Genesis 6:5-7 we read:

"The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.”

Even in the midst of chaos and darkness there was a righteous man. This serves as a reminder that God never leaves himself without a witness. Mankind had to be judged for the wickedness upon the earth but God made a way of escape for Noah and his family; He instructed him to build an ark.

Contrary to popular belief, grace is not a New Testament concept. The first time we come upon the word grace in Scripture is in verse 8 of Genesis 6. We read that "Noah found favor(grace) in the eyes of the Lord." Admittedly, the story of Noah has caused me to re-think the popular teaching of grace being God's "unmerited" favor, meaning we cannot earn God's grace. While this is true, I believe that God's grace is also extended towards those who keep His commandments (Exodus 20:6)

Interestingly, Noah's name is from the root word "nacham" which means "rest" and "comfort", however we see something beautiful in the Hebrew spelling of the name Noah. It is spelled identically with the Hebrew word for grace backward:

Noah: נח (letters: nun, chet)
Grace: חן (letters: chet, nun)

This is not by coincidence.

Concerning the flood, the Bible tells us that not only did it rain but water was jetting out of the earth/ocean floor (see Gen. 7:11). The Jewish sages teach that the purpose of the Flood was not just to destroy wicked mankind, but also to transform and cleanse the earth. The earth experienced a type of ceremonial washing/cleansing or "mikvah" as we say in Hebrew, a term that speaks to immersion or baptism.

There are many powerful insights for us to learn about the ark and how it paints a very powerful picture of salvation. First, the Hebrew word translated “ark” is used in only two places in the Hebrew Scriptures. In both places it basically means “box” or “container.” This is significant when we consider that the other place this particular Hebrew word occurs is in Exodus 2 where it refers to the basket in which Moses was placed as a baby. So, an ark is a box or container that serves to protect those who enter in from the flood waters of destruction! This is exactly who Yeshua is for us! He is God's Ark of Salvation and when we enter in by faith we are saved.

Here is another insight:

In verse 14 God instructed Noah to seal the ark inside and out with “pitch.” The Hebrew word for this substance comes from the same root word as kapparah which means “atonement” or “covering.” The kapporet was the covering on the Ark of the Covenant upon which the High Priest would put the blood for the sins of the people on Yom Kippur. Just as the pitch sealed and covered the spaces in the ark and kept it afloat, Yeshua's finished work on the execution stake keeps us.

The ark was a picture of God's grace in the face of judgment but it also serves a prophetic picture of a future time to come. In Matthew 24:37-39 Yeshua said that as it was in the days of Noah so shall it be in the end. At that time, the earth was filled with wickedness and God judged the world. The same thing will be repeated in the end of days. In His mercy, God has provided a way of escape through Yeshua. In Noah's time, God provided only one ark. Today, He has provided only one Way to salvation and that is Yeshua. As He drew Noah, his family and the animals into the ark, so too is God drawing men by means of His Ruach (Spirit). May people everywhere respond to the call and enter in before it is too late.

Shabbat Shalom!

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The Second Adam - A life giving Spirit

10/25/2019

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After the fall feasts we enter into a season of "newness". It is a time when we roll the Torah scroll back to B'reisheet (Genesis) and we begin studying Torah all over again. Interestingly, I got out of bed this morning with this passage of Scripture ringing in my spirit "the first Adam was a living soul, the second Adam is a life giving Spirit", so I thought I would share a little with you from 1 Corinthians 15: 45

In his letter to the church in Corinth, Rabbi Sha'ul (the apostle Paul) addressed the very Jewish concept of the resurrection of the dead. In verse 1 he reminded his audience of the Good News that he proclaimed to them. I like the fact that he connected the Good News to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) which is a wonderful reminder to us that the Good News is not a New Testament concept. He also connected the resurrection to the Good News since both are inextricably linked. If Yeshua had not been raised from the dead then our faith would be in vain.

Rabbi Sha'ul further underscored His point by making reference to First fruits, celebrated during Passover, because it was a prophetic picture of Yeshua's resurrection. The point he was making was that if Yeshua died and was resurrected as a kind of "firstfruits" unto God, then those who put their trust in Him would also be raised from the dead.

In verse 45 the apostle made reference to the first and second Adam. It is worthy to note that the apostle was referencing an ancient Jewish literature that states that the second or heavenly Adam was in reference to the Spirit of Messiah. The Sages taught that earth was a reflection of heaven, therefore if there was an earthly Adam, there had to be a heavenly Adam, in whose image the first Adam was made. As a Pharisee, Sha'ul would have had first hand knowledge of this. the passage reads:

"So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man." ( 1 Cor. 15: 45-49)

The first Adam was formed from the earth. He and wife Eve disobeyed ADONAI's commandment and ate from the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As a result, all of humanity had sin imputed or transferred to them. The Scriptures teach us that "through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin". Through Adam all are subject to sin and ultimately death.

However, the second Adam, Yeshua, is a life giving Spirit, meaning He is not from this world but from heaven. As the first Adam imputed sin and death to humanity, the second Adam imputes His Image to all who believe. Those who trust in Yeshua have an awesome hope of a new beginning, for as the Scriptures say "therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature: The old has gone, the new is here! ( 2 Corinthian 5:17) I believe this is a great reminder to begin this new season!

Shalom!

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Israel: A light unto the nations

9/18/2019

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My love for the land of Israel and the Jewish people is supernatural. I always believed that the Jewish people were chosen by God and that Israel was His land that He has given to them as an inheritance, but it was all head knowledge. This caused me to stoutly defend Israel in one of my Theology classes when my Lecturer said that the Jewish people were now replaced by the Church and the land of Israel was no longer important. It was the first time that I was coming face to face with Replacement Theology (at the time I didn't even know it had a name) but I was shocked at hearing a fellow believer take this position when the Bible is replete with passages that say otherwise. Heart knowledge came later when the Holy Spirit began supernaturally drawing me to the Hebrew Scriptures, the Land and the Jewish people.

God chose Israel as His personal possession, His very own nation through which He would show forth His power and bless the other nations of he world. They were to be a moral, social and spiritual compass in a dark world. Through them, the world would learn about righteousness, justice and mercy as they walked in obedience to God's commandments. In the book of Isaiah we read of Israel's mission; that of being a light to the nations. (Isaiah 42:6, 60:3)

We know that Israel did not walk in obedience to God's commandments. Their disobedience led to them losing their monarchy, experiencing the harsh realities of being ruled by foreign powers, the destruction of their temples and being taken into exile on more that one occasion. Actually, the fact that the Jewish people have survived many attempts at complete annihilation is a testament of God's hand of protection at work.

In 70 AD Rome invaded and destroyed Jerusalem, the Jewish people were scattered to the nations of the earth. No one thought that Israel would have made a comeback until 1948 when something supernatural occurred. On May 14, 1948, Former Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion announced the establishment of the Jewish state and Israel took its place among the nations. God restored them as a nation just as it was written by the Prophet Isaiah. "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?" ( Isaiah 66:8)

Has Israel failed to be a light to the world?

While I am sure that many persons will not readily agree with me, Israel's mission has not changed. The world has been gifted with both spiritual and natural blessings through Israel and the Jewish people. Foremost of all the blessings is Messiah Yeshua who is the Savior and Light of the world (John 8:12). Just as God had promised Abraham in Genesis 12, all the nations of the world have been blessed because now salvation is available to all who will believe.

Then there is Torah (all of Scripture). The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 3:2 that the Word of God was entrusted to the Jewish people. Without them, we would not have a revelation of God, for that is what the Bible is - a revelation of God and His plan for mankind. First of all, we would continue to hold to a pagan belief that there are many gods, but through Israel and His Torah we know that God is One. We know about His nature and His character and we know that He has an awesome plan of salvation and restoration for humanity. In addition, the Torah forms the foundation for the western legal system - just take a look at your Constitution.

Israel has made and continues to make remarkable contributions to the world through technological innovations and in the field of medicine and research; just to name a few. Israel has stepped in to offer aid and support to many countries around the world. Like any other nation, Israel is not perfect. However, I have learnt that perfection is not a requirement to be chosen or used by God. In Romans, the apostle Paul says the calling of God is irrevocable. Those without spiritual insight have missed it, but God is using the State of Israel and the Jewish people to show forth His power to every nation of the world.

Speaking last year at the nation's 70th Anniversary, Israel’s Deputy Minister of Public Diplomacy and historian Michael Oren stated “Our economy has one of the most highest growth rates in the world. We have one of the most powerful armies in the world; we’re a world leader in technology and Israel is regularly listed as one of the seventh or eighth most powerful countries in the world.”* This he said is a "miracle" considering Israel's history and I concur. God continues to reveal himself to the nations and powers of the world through Israel; a small country in the Middle East divinely protected by God, and her people.

Shalom!

*https://kehilanews.allisrael.com/israel-at-70-a-light-to-the-nations/

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The truth about self-image

9/5/2019

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Every time I stand to minister I do a disclaimer. I say in part "the word that you are about to hear are not my words. It is the word that God has given to me for His people. May you receive it as such". I am applying that same disclaimer to this blog post.

On the night of September 4th, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me as I slept and instructed me to write a blog titled "the truth about self-image". Then He said "it diminishes you". I awoke to write what I had heard but was too groggy to make sense of it. How does one's self-image diminish them? I went back to sleep figuring that the Holy Spirit would give me clarity in the morning, which He did.

Self-image or self concept is defined as the way a person sees or feels about him/herself. It is the mental image or picture that we hold about our abilities, appearance and personality, which can either be positive or negative. For example there are persons who see themselves as smart and beautiful, then there are those who see themselves as unintelligent and unattractive. Self-image also has to do with how we believe that others view us.

Our concept of self is usually shaped by our experiences as well as by what others have said to us about ourselves. If an individual is constantly criticized during the formative (early childhood) years, that individual will enter adulthood with a poor view of self. Other factors that shape our self concept include societal influence, mass media and entertainment. We are constantly being bombarded by advertisements, movies, music videos etc. where we see models, actors/actresses and flashy celebrity lifestyles and the tendency is there for us to compare ourselves to these people who appear to have it all. In recent times, quite a number of studies have emerged linking depression, poor self-esteem and even suicide to the social media influence.

With that said, what is this truth that God wants His people to know about self-image and what does He mean by "It diminishes you"?

What is God Saying?

Have you ever watched a movie and find yourself comparing your life with what you see on screen? Have you ever read a romance novel or heard a song and begin to secretly desire that your spouse was like the man or woman in the novel/song? Have you ever felt like you are not "good enough" because of something you were told as a child? Do you see yourself as a failure because your peers seem to be achieving more than you have at this stage in your life? I think we can all relate to this at some point or the other. There are many Christians who are silently struggling with feelings of low self worth and, if that is you, God has a word for you:

God wants you to know that how you see yourself is not based on reality, it is based on your perception of yourself. Your view of self has been influenced by what you've seen with your eyes, heard with your ears, and felt by way of your emotions. In other words self-image is not real; it is perceived.

I know that what I am about to say next may be shrugged off as mere conspiracy theory, but I pray that we will understand that it is not a theory, it is reality. Human beings have been (and continue to be) programmed by the demonic systems of this world. There are some very powerful men and women who control how we see life and how we feel about ourselves. The plan is that those who are "weak-willed" will become casualties and those who are 'strong" will survive.  Man's concept of self has been tainted by a system designed to diminish his true value and control him.  This is why as believers we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We have to be de-programmed from what we have been fed and have our minds renewed by the Word of God.

The Spirit of the Lord wants us to know that how we see ourselves is completely the opposite of how God sees us. I am reminded of the story in Judges 6. God called Gideon a "mighty man of valor (courage)" but that was not how Gideon saw himself. Our Father sees us, not based on where we are but based on who we are in Him. The Bible tells us that man was made in the image of God and that we are the crown (glory) of His creation (see Psalm 8).   We are His masterpiece, His very own possession; His treasure. When we come to faith in Yeshua (Jesus), we become part of a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Yes! we are royalty! We are the righteousness of God in the earth realm. We are not illegitimate children, we are sons! May we begin to see ourselves as who we truly are!

Shalom!

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Beauty that truly matters...

8/29/2019

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I was reading recently that Beauty is a $532 billion industry and based on certain trends, is rapidly moving upward. This is really not surprising especially since we are constantly being bombarded by advertisements designed to lure women into believing that we always need to buy something else to get the perfect look or the perfect "glow". We need the right skin care line, the latest makeup line and clothing to enhance our various body types. The down-side to all this is that many women are struggling with low self esteem because they believe that somehow they don't measure up. Today I feel led to remind my sisters about the type of beauty that truly matters.

The Bible is not silent on how we ought to carry ourselves as Kingdom women, with modesty being the hallmark. Admittedly modesty can vary based on culture and personal taste but in essence, most of us as women get that inner nudge from the Holy Spirit when we put on something that misses the mark.

In 1 Peter 3:1-4 we read in part "...Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

Although the text is addressed to wives and is dealing primarily with the issue of submission, I believe there is something for all of us as women as it relates to true beauty. Here, the distinction is made between the outer self (physical body) and the inner self (the spirit), followed by the fact that beauty for the Godly woman should not be measured by her outward adornment, namely; expensive clothing, elaborate hairstyles, costly jewelry etc. This is NOT an indication that there is anything sinful about nice clothes, jewelry or hairstyles. However, the point being made is that these things are superficial and fading. The Godly woman's true beauty is found in the inner self, in the form of a gentle and quiet spirit. It is with the inner self that we have the ability to love, show kindness and compassion, humility and submission, and it is these qualities that make us truly beautiful.

As women we love to look and feel beautiful but we have to be careful lest we be lured away by the world's standard. We ought to carry ourselves well, but we remember that outer beauty is fleeting. It is the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that is unfading and is of great worth in the sight of God.

Shalom!

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What You May Have Missed About The Priesthood

Prevailing in the face of struggle

The Ark of Salvation

The Second Adam - A life giving Spirit

Israel: A light unto the nations

The truth about self-image

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