Month: March 2025

What Will it Cost?

On By Bp. Justin ElwellIn Applied Theology, Inspiration, UncategorizedLeave a comment

How does one approach the Lord God? The answer to this question is the subject of the Book of Leviticus. At first glance, Leviticus seems to deal entirely with subject matters lost with the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD, if not earlier by the sacrifice of Messiah. While the types and shadows of Leviticus may no longer be literally normative for messianic living, the primary subject matter of Leviticus is, namely: holiness.  

 

“The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said, ‘Speak to the children of Israel; say to them, ‘When any of you brings an offering to the Lord, you may bring your animal offering either from the herd or from the flock’” (Lev. 1:1-2).

 The word, application, and practice of holiness, and “holy” for that matter, is often confused with legalistic or self-righteous behaviors. Holy, however, simply means to be set-apart, or special, in relation to something else. The Book of Leviticus reveals many “holy” things and persons set-apart to the Lord, and many others that cause separation from the Lord. 

 Holy belongs to the language of relationship – as it designates something of importance to its owner that is not for common usage. In the Book of Exodus, we considered the redemption (buying back) of the children of Israel by the covenant Lord. The act of redemption created a unique relationship between the Lord God and this people-group called Israel. To move still deeper into the language of holy, something is holy by its chosen status. Israel was a unique people-group in the world, as it was chosen, and therefore holy unto the Lord. 

 The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “In the Messiah he chose us in love before the creation of the universe to be holy and without defect in his presence” (Eph. 1:4). Paul is writing to a largely gentile audience emphasizing their new condition as “chosen” and “holy,” a status equal to that of covenant Israel, something inconceivable apart from the revelation of Messiah. Along with the language of election in the Body of Messiah, Paul includes sacrificial language – “without defect.” This is the language of sacrifice, specifically that of drawing near to the Lord, as we read in Leviticus 1:1-8.

 Sacrifice in the Torah was the way of drawing near to God, being reconciled with Him and dedicating oneself to his purpose. Sacrifice was a means of approaching the Lord by demonstrating trust in His covenant promises; as the offering had to be precious, costly, and a diminishing of the worshipper’s life. It was a means of humbling self in the presence of the Living God. Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, reveals this from the language of Leviticus 1:2, “When any of you brings an offering to the Lord…” which he rightly translated as, “If any man brings an offering of you to the Lord.” The sacrifice was intended to be you. In Christ, His choosing of you, as part of the Body of Messiah, naturally causes one to be diminished or humbled. Consider these verses:

 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6). 

 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10). 

 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Eph. 4:2). 

 “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Lk. 14:11). 

 The burnt offering, described in Leviticus 1:1-8, is understood to be the sacrifice that “draws close” and “raises up.” This sacrifice, which is completely consumed, is the source of Paul’s admonition to the Roman congregations to be “living sacrifices” unto the Lord. It is the giving of our life to him; which then allows us to be used as servants of love, mercy and compassion to the world around us, as we read, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8); and as the author of Hebrews explains, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16). 

 In the New Covenant life, the sacrifice, humbling, of the faithful becomes perfect when we share in the death of Christ – the once for all sacrifice for sin – share in His resurrected life and receive His imputed righteousness by faith – and therein, live a life set-apart (holy) for His purpose. This, then, is holiness – a life in communion with the covenant Lord through His Son, Yeshua/Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit.  

 As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life.”

 Maranatha. Shalom.

The Eighth Commandment: New Podcast Available!

On By Bp. Justin ElwellIn podcast, Torah AudioLeave a comment
Tap pic for link!

Does the 8th commandment only speak to theft? The impact of experiencing robbery or theft can last for years. Could this be why the penalty for stealing was so severe? In this episode of Messiah in Life we consider the 8th commandment in light of messianic faith, and draw from a number of sources to unpack the broad and specific meaning of this commandment. 

Follow the Pattern

On By Bp. Justin ElwellIn Applied Theology, InspirationLeave a comment

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘On the first day of the first month, you are to set up the tabernacle, the tent of meeting.’” (Exodus 40:1-2).

George Bernard Shaw once said, “Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery – it’s the sincerest form of learning.” As the fabrication of the elements of the tabernacle were completed, the Lord instructs Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons for their positions as priests among the children of Israel for a period of seven days (Ex. 29:35); on the eighth day they would begin their ministry (Lev. 9). It was during this seven-day period of consecration that Aaron and his sons learned, not only the service of the tabernacle – its sacrifices and offerings – but also how the tabernacle was assembled. They learned this by observing Moses, and they would later imitate him as they matured into their ministry. The rabbis explained that over the seven days of consecration that Moses assembled and disassembled the tabernacle before the eyes of Aaron and his sons – a feat that is physically impossible for one man to accomplish.

The priests of Israel did not flatter Moses by imitating him, rather, they fulfilled their solemn duty and learned the pattern of ministry established in heaven. Imitation in our modern culture is often frowned upon – as it is considered “unoriginal.” Yet, in biblical faith imitation of the Lord, Yeshua/Jesus, and elders in the faith is considered a serious matter indeed; as Messiah said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another (Jn. 13:34; cf. Matt. 16:24). To fulfill this commandment, we must consider closely just how he loved us, and how to replicate his actions of love. Additionally, we can consider these examples:

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1; cf. 1 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 5:1).

“For to this you have been called, because Messiah also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (1 Pet. 2:21). 

“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 Jn. 2:6).

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil. 3:17; cf. 1 Thess. 1:6).

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Messiah loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Eph. 5:1-2). 

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:9).   

When we consider the above examples from Scripture, we find the same pattern at work in the New Testament model, as we do in the Levitical model; and this for good reason, as the priesthood of Messiah was the original pattern that Moses witnessed upon Mt. Sinai. Just as Aaron and his sons watched and closely observed how to administer the ministry of reconciliation, the Body of Messiah must also closely watch, observe, and pattern itself on the examples of godly faith that have come before – both biblical, historic and contemporary. 

The key is that we must, as much as possible, follow the pattern. In Exodus 40:34, when the tabernacle and its furnishing were properly set according to the pattern shown to Moses, the presence of the Living God filled the tabernacle and dwelt among his people. Following that same pattern, whenever two or more are gathered in the name of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus, he is in their midst – the fullness of his prophetic name Emmanuel – God with us, God among us, and God in us. 

Maranatha. Shalom.