Category: Inspiration

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.

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. 

The Vine and Branches

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

From a distance, the Tabernacle of the Lord appeared to be a rather ordinary tent surrounded by a linen fence and a camp of people. To the passerby the glory of the Tabernacle was hidden, but to those who drew near, the glory was awesome. Beneath the covering of goat skins and linen, behind embroidered curtains, a room of communion was created. In this small room, called the Holy Place, a table of bread and an altar of incense sat positioned for their respective ministry. Illuminating the room was a single lamp of seven lights – the Menorah.

 

“He made the menorah of pure gold. He made it of hammered work; its base, shaft, cups, rings of outer leaves and flowers were a single unit. There were six branches extending from its sides, three branches of the menorah on one side of it and three on the other. On one branch were three cups shaped like almond blossoms, a ring of outer leaves and petals; likewise, on the opposite branch three cups shaped like almond blossoms, a ring of outer leaves and petals; and similarly for all six branches extending from the menorah.” (Ex. 28:1-3).

 The Holy Place symbolized the inner life of man in communion with God, both his prayer life and his daily need for food. The ever-present bread upon the Table of Shewbread (the table of the sent one), in the presence of the Golden Altar, represented the Lord’s promised provision of sustenance and man’s need for unceasing prayer. Lighting this room, symbolizing the inner man, was a golden lampstand of seven lights burning the purest of olive oil. This light was the only light in the Tabernacle, and it brought to light, thereby making it possible, the communion between man and God.

 As we read above, the Menorah was of a hammered work. Its appearance was that of an almond tree, which is known for its beauty when in bloom. Unlike some of the other furnishings of the Tabernacle, the Menorah had no inner support structure, it should collapse, yet it stood. This silent source of light stood under the weight and heat of burning olive oil. It stood as a miraculous testimony of the power and resurrection found with the Lord and symbolized the anointed one and his complete congregation (Rev. 1:13, Ch. 2-3).

 The almond tree, or a branch of it, was a symbol of power and authority, but also resurrection. The staff of the high priest Aaron was made from an almond branch. As Moses and Aaron led Israel out of Egypt, and they witnessed the miracles of heaven, it was an almond staff in Aaron’s hand. When the children of Israel revolted against the high priest, the Lord caused Aaron’s staff to sprout “not only buds but flowers and ripe almonds as well” (Num. 17:8). This dead branch brought forth buds, flowers and fruit; and resurrection would then come to signify the appointed high priest of the Lord. 

 The apostle John writes of Messiah (anointed one), “In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not suppressed it” (Jn. 1:4-5). As life came to be through Him (Jn. 1:3), the inner life of the regenerate is illuminated and nourished by connection to Him – much like a branch. In John 15:5-6 Messiah says, “I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can’t do a thing. Unless a person remains united with me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up. Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, where they are burned up.”

 The picture that Messiah is utilizing here is like the Menorah. In ancient times, the central shaft of the Menorah was known as “the vine,” from which the branches sprouted. Messiah is the light of the world, and while He is preparing a place for His bride, the betrothed remains as a light in the world. John records this picture in the first chapter of Revelation, as Messiah stands amid “seven gold menorahs; and among the menorahs was someone like a Son of Man, wearing a robe down to his feet and a gold band around his chest” (Rev. 1:12-13, cf. Rev. 1:20). Yeshua/Jesus, standing among forty-nine lights, is showing Himself to be the jubilee (the fiftieth light), the source of freedom for those in him. 

 Still, the Menorah and its illuminating oil, bring forth beautiful light after they have endured pressure. The Menorah was a hammered work, meaning that it was shaped by pounding, and its beauty was brought forth by this process. The olive oil for the lamps, being the purest quality, was brought forth by the pressure of the fingers holding the olive, very light pressure. Yet, in this we see the transformative power of pressure applied by the hand of God. Messiah as He prayed on the night of his betrayal, in the place of Gethsemane (olive press), sweat blood because of the strain He was enduring (Lk. 22:44). And in His resurrection, He would fulfill the type of the almond branch of resurrection, signifying His anointed position, as those who shared in His death and resurrection are joined supernaturally to His body, sharing in His anointing, and giving forth light as they burn with the fire of the Holy Spirit. 

 As believers, we often endure terrible trial and tribulation in life. We are refined by this process, shaped for His purpose, and set to live as witnesses to the glory of God. Recognizing that we are joined to the Messiah, as branches on His vine, we will share in His sufferings to illuminate the inner life of those receiving the Gospel. While this process may seem to be a hammering on us, Christ endured the hammering, while we experience the merciful fingers of God, as opposed to His wrath (Ro. 8:1). As we begin to burn brighter, we must always remember that we shine because we abide in Him, and He in us.   

 “When you truly know the holiness of God, you’ll burn and burn and burn and not be consumed only because of the merits of your savior.” Dr. Timothy Keller

 Maranatha. Shalom.