So this past Sabbath while listening to some great Messianic teachings from some of the world's best Messianic teachers, I was taken by the passage in John where the Master described Himself as being the "light of the world." John records the Master as thus: "I am the...
Plans for Consecrating the Levitical Priesthood and What it Means to Messianics Today
Plans for Consecrating the Levitical Priesthood and What it Means to Messianics Today
The Art of Effective Messianic Torah Study
As with any study of Torah, the true disciple of Y’shua haMashiyach considers the contents contained therein from a Messianic—Yeshua-centric—Yeshua-focused perspective.
How is such a thing done? There are a number of ways in which a Messianic Torah student to accomplish this. However, I would suggest the following ways to structure your studies:
(1) Seek understanding as to what instructions and mitzvah YHVH requires His children keep and observe.
(2) Through the leading and teaching of the Ruach haKodesh, identify, ponder and explore the types and shadows of the various elements of Torah, the Tabernacle worship and experiences of the patriarchs that point to the Person and Office of Mashiyach. Such understanding helps us rationalize how we are to carry out our walk in Mashiyach each and every day. For we are called to conform to the image of Mashiyach. Y’shua is the prototype of Child that Father requires all his other sons and daughters to conform to.
So, we study the Torah Readings each week with these (and other) things in mind. Not simply going through the motions each week of getting a reading done and out of the way as many choose to do throughout the world. We love Torah; Yah’s Word. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (I.e., embodied in the Menorah). It is our [spiritual] sustenance that nourishes us and leads us along the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.
Our intent must be to think bigger. To not only read for understanding, but to also read with Master’s admonishment at the forefront of our hearts and minds—in Spirit and in Truth.
Shemot 29:1-46 (This is the Thing you shall do unto them to hallow them…)
The consecration of the Levitical Priesthood as featured in this week’s Torah Reading foreshadowed the role we–Messianics-are appointed to fulfill as Melchizedekian Priests under the High Priesthood of Yeshua Messiah.
But this consecration ceremony would serve to “hallow” or “set Aharon and his sons” apart for service unto YHVH. Moshe would of course conduct the ceremony. And the ceremony would be conducted at the entrance to the Tabernacle. Precisely, in the outer court where the brazen altar and laver would be situated.
Remember, this narrative as recorded in Exodus 29 was conceptual in nature. The discussion Father was having with Moshe was occurring during the 40-days Moshe was on Mount Sinai receiving Yah’s Torah. Again, this instruction as received by Moshe would not manifest until some weeks in the future when the elements of the Tabernacle were constructed.
The Men Who Would Be Priests—Forerunners of Modern Day Priests Unto YHVH
These men who would be priests—Aharon and sons—would serve as progenitors to the Melchizedekian Priesthood that we modern-day Netzari come under today, through the renewed covenant and new birth as facilitated by our Master Yahoshua HaMashiyach. It is important to remember when studying things related to the Levitical Priesthood that under the renewed covenant and new birth, we modern day Netzari are afforded appointment to an ancient but also new priestly office.
The Emissary Kepha (aka, Peter) wrote concerning this:
“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood. To offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:5-9; ESV).
This same appointment is affirmed by the Emissary Yochanan (aka, John), as received by him from Mashiyach:
“When He (i.e., Yahoshua) took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one held a harp and gold bowls filled with pieces of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people; and they sang a new song, ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals; because you were slaughtered; at the cost of blood you ransomed for God persons from every tribe, language, people and nation. You made them into a kingdom of God to rule, cohanim to serve Him; and they will rule over the earth” (Rev. 5:8-10; CJB).
So we being priests unto YHVH; under the Melchizedian Priesthood and under the auspices of the renewed covenant, execute our appointed office under the High Priest Yahoshua HaMashiyach. This is firmly supported by the writings of the Cepher of Hebrews:
“Therefore, brothers whom God has set apart, who share in the call from heaven, think carefully about Yeshua, whom we acknowledge publicly as God’s emissary (aka, God’s apostle) and as cohen gadol (aka, High Priest)” (Heb. 3:1; CJB).
And Hebrews 6:19, 20:
“We have this hope as a sure and safe anchor for ourselves; a hope that goes right on through to what is inside the parokhet (aka, the veil) where a forerunner has entered on our behalf, namely, Yeshua, who has become a cohen gadol (I.e., a High Priest) forever, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek” (CJB).
The Preparatory Instruction
Moshe was instructed to take 1-young bullock; 2-rams without blemish; and wheat-matzah cakes seasoned with oil and have them ready for the consecration ceremony.
The planned ceremony was intended, through it’s solemnities, to teach the people the importance and exalted nature of the priestly office. The ceremony also served to bring to the attention of the priest initiates that they too had just as much invested in this thing they were entering into. These were in effect offering themselves up fully to the service of the Almighty. Nothing would remain of their former lives. It would from this point forward in the nation’s and Levite’s history, all or nothing as it related to the Levitical Priesthood’s office (29:1).
This would be a public inauguration whereby the people would assemble in the court outside the Tabernacle Tent of Meeting (29:4-10). The washing portion of the ceremony was also symbolic of the inextricable link between moral purity or holiness to the priestly office (Isa. 52:11; Joh. 13:10; II Cor. 7:1; I Pet. 3:21). There was also the inextricable link involving the priestly garments and righteousness (Rev. 19:8). We, as modern-day Melchizedekian Priests are prophesied to be arrayed in fine linen (similar to the fabric used to make the High Priest’s garments), clean and white, which is representative of righteousness.
The ceremony would effectively show the world that the men appointed to the Levitical Priestly office were indeed prepared for service unto YHVH.
Anointing the High Priest With the Sacred Oil
The typology seen in the anointing of the Cohen Gadol with sacred oil should be obvious. The would be Melchizedekian Priest, as is our Cohen Gadol Yeshua Mashiyach, is filled with YHVH’s Ruach haKodesh. And it is the influence of that Ruach haKodesh that will lead the true Melchizedekian Priest in their work today. The infilling of the Holy Spirit is crucial to the function and work of the Body of Mashiyach.
The Washing of the Priest Initiates
At the dedication, all the above elements, in addition to Aharon and sons, would be brought before the entrance/door of the Tabernacle. The priestly initiates would be washed by Moshe. The waters of washing in this case would come from the waters of the Brazen Laver situated just outside the outer veil of the Tabernacle. This washing would serve as a personal cleansing, as well as sanctification of the initiates. Then, they would don their priestly garments, the creation of which was detailed in chapter (28:3-6). Fully and properly attired, Moshe would anoint them with the sacred anointing oil (29:7).
It would be then that the office of the Levitical Priesthood would be activated and firmly established. Aharon and his descendants would be set-apart/consecrated to minister unto YHVH perpetually (29:28, 29).
The Sin Offering
Part of the consecration ceremony involved the placing of a sin offering. Aharon and sons were to place their hands upon the head of the bullock (29:10). This would be a symbolic transference of the initiates’ sins onto the bullock. The bullock would then be slaughtered and its blood collected. Moshe would smear some of the collected blood on the horns of the Altar of Burnt Offerings and pour the remaining blood onto the base of the altar (29:11, 12). This would be an introduction to how future sin offerings would be conducted.
Sin offerings were always to be burnt outside the camp. It should not be too much of a stretch to see the shadow that is depicted in this type of offering. Sinless Yeshua, who would be made sin for us, suffered and died outside the gates of Yerushalayim, would put sin away from us through His sacrifice once and for all, forever (2 Cor. 5:21).
The smearing of the blood upon the horns of the Brazen Altar was both symbolic and efficacious. It is widely accepted that the horns of the Brazen Altar symbolized the concept of “power.” Power.
For the longest time I tried to discern what the horns were for on the Brazen Altar. From a practical, operational standpoint, it became clear that they served to help secure certain sacrifices to the altar so that they would not fall off or into the altar. But from a spiritual standpoint, it has become clear to me that in order for us to fully understand the spiritual importance of the horns on the brazen altar, we have to look at the whole altar and its use from a spiritual perspective.
The Brazen Altar was the absolute first stop one must make when approaching YHVH. Thus the Altar is the only means by which sinful man has access to the Almighty. The animals that would be offered upon it served a vicarious role—that is, in place of the sinner. The animals’ blood would be collected in a bin and poured out at the base or foot of the altar, atoning for the sins of the offerer.
Spiritually speaking, the smearing of the sacrificed animal’s blood upon the horns of the Brazen Altar foreshadowed [in part] the blood that our Master would shed for the remission of sins. The power of that shed blood to atone for the sins of the world is limitless. It was wholly efficacious and powerful.
In other words, as described in an old Gospel song I grew up singing in the Baptist Church of my youth:
“There is power—Power—wonder working power. In the blood, of the Lamb. There is power—power—wonder working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb. Would you be free from your passion and pride? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood. Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide. There’s wonderful power in the blood. ” (Alan Jackson).
Thus, the smearing of the sin offering’s blood on the horns of the Brazen Altar, was symbolic of the “unlimited power” of the blood to atone for the sins of the offerer and it foreshadowed the power—the efficacious nature that our Master’s spilled blood would have over the sins of the world.
There were other meanings and purposes attached to the horns of the Brazen Altar that we won’t get into today. But suffice to say, we will discuss them in future installments of this program, Abba willing.
The Brazen Altar Offerings
The Sin Offering
The fat of the bullock (i.e., the best, most tasty and desired part of the animal) would be burnt upon the Altar of Burnt Offering (aka, the Brazen Altar), while the rest of the animal would be incinerated outside the camp (29:13, 14).
Regardless the fact that these men–Aharon and his sons–would be selected by YHVH to serve as holy priests Himself, at the end of the, they were like the rest of the people of Yisrael. They were still sinners. And whenever we are talking about service unto YHVH, regardless what that service may be, the initiate must have their sins atoned for.
The Burnt Offering
Next, one of the two rams was to be slaughtered. Again, as would be done with the young bullock [sin offering], Aharon and sons were to place their hands upon the head of this ram. Then it would be slaughtered. However, unlike the bullock, (1) its blood was to be sprinkled round about and upon the Altar of Burnt Offering, and (2) it’s remains cut into pieces and burnt upon the Altar. So, instead of the blood of this ram being poured out onto the base of and smeared upon the horns of the Altar, as in the case of the bullock [sin offering], this ram’s blood would be sprinkled around and upon the Altar. This would be the template for the Burnt Offering (29:15-18).
The entire Burnt Offering was to be burnt. In fact, none of it was to be eaten at all. The whole of the Burnt Offering was to be consumed by the flames of the Brazen Altar.
Symbolically, the Burnt Offering was meant to atone for the sins of the offerer against YHVH. The Burnt Offering also served as a dedicatory offering whereby the offerer would dedicate himself for service unto YHVH. In a sense, this offering served as a confirmation of an agreement between YHVH and the offerer to do whatever was agreed to by both parties.
The sprinkling of blood, therefore, served as a testimony or covenant as well as the means by which one would be put into a state of ritual purity.
Recall that the people of Yisrael were sprinkled with blood in a ratification or confirmation of the Covenant that was established between YHVH and Yisrael (Heb. 9:19-21).
More importantly, the Burnt Offering foreshadowed the work of our Master in justifying and making a way for us to come into YHVH’s presence and to serve Him. In Mashiyach’s sacrifice there’s purification, sanctification and certification unto YHVH our Elohim. Halleluyah.
The Peace Offering
Aharon and sons were to repeat the same laying of their hands upon the head of the remaining ram prior to it being slaughtered. But a portion of the blood of this ram was to be smeared upon the tip of the priests’ right ear; their right thumb; and their right great toe.
This strange ritual has what I believe to be some really fascinating spiritual application attached to it.
(1) The ear of course is the organ by which one hears. The smearing of blood on the tip of the priest initiate’s right ear spoke to the priest idealistically being sanctified and set apart to exclusively hear the Word of the Almighty. It foreshadows, of course the modern day Netzari priest which we are, to have our ears sanctified and set apart to hear the Word of YHVH; to hear His still small voice that will lead us into all understanding and in the paths of righteousness.
(2) The thumb is representative of the hand being the tool by which ministry is physically done. Thus, the priest initiate is set apart to do the spiritual work of the nation and to serve YHVH. It also foreshadowed the Netzari priest’s hands being sanctified and set apart to do the work of the Kingdom as disciples of Yeshua HaMashiyach.
And (3) the right big toe was representative of the set-apart—sanctified walk that would become the priest’s initiate’s life from that point forward. And of course this foreshadowed the modern day Netzari priest’s sanctified walk in the True Faith once delivered.
The remaining portion of that same blood along with sacred anointing oil was to be sprinkled upon the priest inititates and their garments. This sacred act of sprinkling the blood and oil upon the priest initiates and their garments would be symbolic of sanctifying them–setting them apart for service unto YHVH (29:21). In addition, the sprinkling of blood upon the priest initiates served as a legal cleansing and an act of justification and certification of their readiness to serve the office of Levitical Priest. In other words, these specific acts–better, solemn rituals–the sprinkling of blood:
“According to Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Heb. 9:22; CJB).
The remainder of the blood from this second ram would be sprinkled round about on the Burnt Altar (29:19-20).
This set the pattern for the Peace Offering. The Peace Offering was for the direct benefit of the priestly initiates. It served to open the door, if you will, to communion and fellowship with YHVH.
The blood of the Peace Offering aside, the animal carcass was split such that a portion was rendered unto YHVH and the other portion was shared and enjoyed by the initiates in what could be described as a covenant celebratory-type meal.
Thus, select portions of this ram would be cut (consecration offering). And along with a grain wave offering (after Aharon and sons waved them before YHVH), would all be burned on the brazen altar as a sweet aroma before YHVH (29:22-25).
The remaining portions of this ram (consecration offering)–specifically the breast and left shoulder-would be waved before YHVH.
Then the breast and left shoulder, along with a portion of the grain heave offering would be consumed by the priests by the door of the Tabernacle (29:31-33) as being holy unto them alone. This was to be a heave offering from the nation of their peace offering sacrifice (29:26-28). None of the meal eaten by the priests could remain over into the next day. That which was left was to be burned–presumably on the brazen altar as it remained holy (29:34).
This special meal could be seen as sort of a ceremonial, covenant ratification meal, not unlike the blood covenant meal that was enjoyed by Moshe and his entourage on God’s Holy Mountain just after ratification of the Covenant discussed earlier in the Cepher of Shemot.
The Focus is NOT the Sacrificed Animal…But the Blood that was Shed by the Animal
We will find throughout Torah that Father uses blood to purify or sanctify elements of worship; to atone (vicariously) for sin; and to ratify agreements (aka, covenants).
There is a natural tendency for the ignorant among us to focus on the carcass of the slaughtered animal. These through their westernized, humanistic sense of morality see such acts as senseless and barbarous. That’s why so many who oppose things of the Faith criticize and reject YHVH; much to their own spiritual demise.
In every instance Father stipulated the slaughter of innocent animals for whatever the ultimate purpose, it was primarily to extract the blood.
Why? Why blood?
From the beginning of time, Father has place tremendous attention on the importance of blood. The shedding of blood held tremendous vicarious and symbolic importance. Blood from the beginning has always been an element to address the human condition, particularly the human condition of sin.
When Adam and Eve sinned, blood was shed in order that they may be properly clothed. When Cain slew Abel, Father did not simply say to Cain that He knew where Abel’s body was buried. He brings to Cain’s attention that Abel’s blood cried out from his grave because of Cain’s sin against him.
Blood has always had some symbolic, and dare I say even mystical element attached to it such that Father chose to use it to accomplish various things such as ratifying agreements, purifying things to be set apart for His purposes, and atoning for the scourge of sin.
Father instructed Noah:
“But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man” (Gen. 9:4, 5; ESV).
Why? Because life is the central element of blood. We are told this by Father in Leviticus:
“For the life of all flesh is in its blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life” (Lev. 17:11; QBE).
“For the life of every creature is its blood: its blood is its life. Therefore, I have said to the people of Israel, ‘You shall not eat the blood of any creature, for the life of every creature is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off” (Lev. 17:14; ESV).
“Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life, and you shall not eat the life with the flesh” (Deu. 12:23; ESV).
And just as an aside, I would caution each of us to be careful when we dine on various meats, especially steak products. I know that a lot of us prefer to eat rare steaks. Most of us, especially those of us in the west, are ignorant as to how our meats were processed. Was the blood properly drained from the animal? It’s often impossible to tell.
So I would caution that we not settle upon consuming raw or very rare meats. It is required of each of us to ensure that we are not consuming blood. I know, the meat industry loves to tell us that the red fluid that issues from our meats and poultry is not blood, but simply juices. Well, all I know is that the so-called juices tend to be red and its coming from the meats and we don’t know how the animal was slaughtered. It’s best not to take chances in my opinion and maybe cook the meat just a bit longer to get beyond the rare state.
The Blood Cleanses and Justifies
The blood served as a legal cleansing and justification agent, making the priest initiate acceptable for His service. For without the blood elements of the ceremony, applied according to the specific pattern as stipulated by YHVH, the priest initiate would not be a valid priest, regardless His biological heritage.
The holy priestly garment were to be worn by Aharon and sons 7-days per week as they went about their Tabernacle ministerial duties (29:29-30).
This planned Levitical Consecration would last 7-days. And each day of this 7-day consecration, the Brazen Altar was to be cleansed and anointed via bullock sin offering sacrifice (29:36-37).
The Consecration of the Levitical Priesthood
Everything associated with the Levitical Priesthood was intended to be symbolical and typal. This would include the office, the functions, the dress and outward support attributed to the Levitical Priests.
The design of the nation itself was to be unto YHVH ‘a kingdom of priests and an holy nation” (Exo. 19:5, 6). However, this was to be accomplished in YHVH’s good time. Baby steps first.
Consideration of the Priests’ Consecration
The function and purpose of the Levitical Priesthood serves in symbolic and typal fashion to underscore the following critical elements of relationship between YHVH and His chosen people:
- Sin–sin being the central element that hinders any relationship with the Almighty. It first and foremost has to be effectively dealt with.
- The proper means by which YHVH’s children may approach Him which is stipulated in the manner in which He (YHVH) specifically appoints: through (1) sacrifice; (2) feasts; (3) and worship details.
- Reconciliation–accomplished through specific atoning sacrifices.
- Mediation–accomplished through an intervening priesthood.
- Holiness–accomplished through the spilling and sprinkling of blood which permits the convert to be brought near and to be kept in fellowship with YHVH. Holiness is symbolized in every aspect of the Priesthood.
Take Away From This Reading
Turn to Exodus 19 and find the following:
In the third month after the sons of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 When they set out from Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness; and there Israel camped in front of the mountain. 3 Moses went up to Elohim, and YHVH called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. 5 ‘Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; 6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” (NAU)
Have you ever had something or some person that you valued as special beyond any of the whole of your possessions or all of your friends? That thing or that person has done something to qualify them to be special to you, not just because you want them to be. It’s because that thing or that person has produced value for you. And because of the value they bring to you, you set them high above the whole of your treasured possessions or that favored person above others.
This is the very thing Father had in mind for His chosen, elect people and what He currently has for His elect Netzari. To be His special people above all the peoples of the earth. These would be a set-apart (I.e., holy) nation of priests.
What Did Father Have in Mind With the Whole Kingdom of Priests Thing?
Priests represent people before the Creator.
The way this was supposed to work: We were supposed to receive our priestly training directly from YHVH.
From there, we were to represent YHVH to the world and teach the nations Father’s way of life. We were to be His Ambassadors to the nations.
At the Core of the Holy Nation is the Levitical Priest Whose Job it was To:
- Facilitate propitiation (I.e., atonement) on behalf the people of the nation.
- Teach Torah.
- Officiate Over Temple Services.
- Maintain the Temple Proper.
- Pray/Intercede on Behalf of Others.
- Inquire of YHVH His Will for the people/nation.
- Govern Society (Politics).
- Define What is Clean and What is Unclean.
- Model Godly Behavior.
With the Temple No Longer in Existence………………? What?
Is the Levitical Priesthood Still in Operation Today? Will it be Operational in the World Tomorrow?
If the Levitical Priesthood is No Longer Operational, What Priesthood Are We Training For Then?
When we look at this thing as it relates to the Tabernacle and the Levitical Priesthood, even the whole of Torah, it must be firmly implanted in our skulls that “everything must begin and end with Master Yahoshua Messiah. If we fully grasp this reality, our purpose as priests by default will be made crystal clear.
Romans 10:1-4 Brothers, my heart’s deepest desire and my prayer to God for Isra’el is for their salvation;2 for I can testify to their zeal for God. But it is not based on correct understanding;3 for, since they are unaware of God’s way of making people righteous and instead seek to set up their own, they have not submitted themselves to God’s way of making people righteous.4 For the goal at which the Torah aims is the Messiah, who offers righteousness to everyone who trusts. (CJB)
Our True Reference For Our Priestly Roles (Under the Auspices of the Renewed Covenant) is the Levitical Priesthood.
Torah and the example of the Levitical Priesthood provides the best training for our priestly responsibilities. For as it relates to Israel’s colorful history, the Apostle Shaul (aka, Paul) who wrote:
“Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come” (1 Cor. 10:11; ESV).
So when we read and study Torah each week, we must read and study with a mindset to consider the lessons to be learned from our Hebrew Patriarchs. We must take those lessons learned and apply them to our walk with Mashiyach.
But At Some Point We’re Going to Have to Think Bigger and Better—Beyond the Levitical Priesthood.
Certain Messianic teachers would have us focus all our attention upon the historical elements associated with the Levitical Priesthood. These do so without giving attention to the relevant spiritual elements that the Levitical Priesthood foreshadowed through the work and sacrifice of Yeshua HaMashiyach.
Yeshua’s sacrifice satisfied the requirements of the Levitical Priesthood.
Newsflash! The Levitical Priesthood has been done away with and is currently not in operation. So we need to get out of this mindset that is permeating areas of our Faith Community upon the re-emergence of a Levitical Priesthood. This is becoming somewhat prevalent in certain religious minds as Jews in the Land of Israel are beginning to become more and more “awoke” (if you will) to a soon coming Jewish Messiah.
No, our focus instead must be upon our Master’s Priesthood. You know, the Priesthood in which He is the High Priest (I.e., the Cohen Gadol) in the heavenly Tabernacle. I’m not saying we should take our eyes completely off Modern Day Israel. What I am saying though is that we must look at everything in a proper perspective. And that perspective is the role we are to play as priests to this world under the leadership of our Master Yeshua Messiah.
A New But Ancient Priesthood Has Stepped into the Spotlight
Hebrews 7:11-17–11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.17 For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.“ (ESV)
With Yeshua as Our High Priest (aka, Cohen Gadol) of the Order of the Melek-Tzidek, What Priesthood Must We Aspire To?
The answer to that question should be self-evident.
- Our Priestly Calling Has Massive Implications Associated With It.
- We’ve been called to do a job.
- We’ve been called to live lives unlike the majority of the world’s population.
- Our Priestly calling comes with present day and future-day responsibilities that few within and outside our Faith are willing and able to clearly recognize or even appreciate.
- We must decide whether to embrace our calling or leave it to others to do.
The Priestly Requirements Under the Order of the Melek-Tzidek Exceeds that of the Levitical.
Our Messiah-Led Priesthood:
Requires abundant Faith—Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to YHVH must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6; KJV).
Is wholly Spirit-based—The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. YHVH is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23, 24; KJV).
A symbiotic organization of diverse callings, gifts and talents—And He gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors; and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints; for the work of the ministry; for the edifying of the Body of Messiah. Till we all come in the unity of the Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Yah, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah (Ephesians 4:11-13; KJV).
With a clearly defined mandate from our Master that spans time and space—Go and teach them to carry out all the things that I have commanded you forever (Matthew 28:19, 20; Hebrew Matthew).
Will reign and serve in Yeshua’s millennial Kingdom—You made them into a kingdom for YHVH to rule; cohanim to serve Him; and they will rule over the earth (Revelation 5:10; CJB).
A Small–Exclusive But Powerful Club
As it relates to our small, exclusive, but powerful club, Mashiyach it accordingly:
Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32; NASB).
Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter (Matthew 7:21; NASB).
The Requirements for Admittance into this Elite Priesthood Are Difficult
Master described the requirements for admittance into this exclusive priesthood as demanding and challenging:
“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. (NASV)
Are We Up For the Challenge?
So over the course of the next several weeks as we delve into the weekly Torah Readings, we will touch upon aspects of the Levitical Priesthood that we will consider from a typal and symbolic perspective. In so doing, we will be equipped to take on the role of priest under the Melchizekian Priesthood in grand fashion and glory our Father in heaven.
Are you up for that challenge?
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Demons Once Again Reveal Themselves through a Ouija Board Game
Just when the 21st century western world has relegated demons and the topic of demon possession to the primary domain of fictional books and blockbuster movies, comes a story from the “Daily Mail” that reminds the spiritual minded of us that demons and demon...
Israel’s Indiscretions with Moab–Moses Intervenes
Greetings Fellow Saints! Today is the 30th day of the 2nd Biblical Month and the 41st Day of the Counting of the Omer. May this great day of preparation be of most blessing to you and your family. My Torah studies today took me to a most profound place in the Children...
The God Who is Evergreen
Greetings Fellow Saints in Training! Today was the 28th Day of the 2nd Biblical Month and the 39th day of the counting of the Omer. We trust that you have a blessed day in Messiah. My Torah studies today took me to Numbers 23: 13-26. Those of you who are Torah buffs...
The Samaritan Woman at the Well and Our Salvation
Greetings Fellow Saints in Training. Today was the 27th Day of the 2nd Biblical month and the 38th day of the counting of the omer. I trust you had a lovely day in Messiah. This morning prior to going to work and as part of my daily Torah studies, I happened upon...
Look and Live
Today is the 21st Day of the 2nd biblical month and the 32nd day of the counting of the omer. I trust this brief post finds you and yours well and blessed. Shalom. My #Torah study today provided a prophetic shadow picture of the Master and His sacrifice at Calvary. In...
Am I Clean or Unclean Before the Father?
Today is the 19 day of the 2nd Biblical Month and the 30th day of the counting of the Omer. In my Torah study this morning I came across Numbers 19. This chapter dealt with the issue of cleanliness and uncleanliness; more specifically how must Israel (more so...
Special Torah Living Episode-What Every Believer Should Know About the Law or The Law vs. Grace
Christianity today is in a tremendous flux, and has been so since the last apostle John died in the late first century of the Common Era. Paganism and heathenism remained strong adversaries of the true Faith and despite common 21st century belief in the overwhelming...
Our Calling to be Priests of Yehovah is not a Trivial Matter
Shalom Saints in Training! Today is the 16th Day of the 2nd Biblical Month and the 27th day of the Counting of the Omer. My morning Torah study and time with Father brought me to Number chapter 18. Here Yehovah provides for the well-being of the Levitical priesthood....
Tzitzit Wearing
Greetings to you all this 23rd Day of the #CountingoftheOmer and the 12th Day of the 2nd Biblical Month on the Creator's Sacred Calendar. Today's #Torah reading marked the commandment by the Almighty to His people to wear #Tzitzits on each corner of their garments....
