Numbers 18:1 "So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and
your father’s household with you shall bear the guilt in connection with the
sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear the guilt in connection
with your priesthood."
Numbers 18:32 ‘You will bear no sin by reason of it when you have offered the best of it. But
you shall not profane the sacred gifts of the sons of Israel, or you will die.’”
For the past several days we have been comparing Aaron, the first high priest of Israel to the ministry and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In nearly 30 spots in the book of Hebrews, parallels and pictures are drawn in showing how Aaron's life and ministry functions as a faint shadow of the substance of Christ's everlasting priesthood. (Hebrews 5:4-5) We have seen how Aaron foreshadows Jesus Christ as the Forever standing and living Mediator. Today we want to consider how Aaron and his sons ministries as the officiating priests of Israel picture Jesus Christ as the believer's Forever Present Mediator.
Picturing the Present Mediator bearing the burdens of the people
Aaron had stood as the people's mediator in Numbers 16, literally standing between the living and the dead - shutting down the wrath of God in the plague that killed nearly 15,000 Israelites. In Numbers 17 Aaron was confirmed by God to be the living mediator, with the miracle of the rod budding in the tent of meeting. God reveals in Numbers 18:1 that Aaron and his sons were to function as the guilt bearers "in connection with" the people and the tabernacle.
When we consider the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did in coming to earth, His work on the cross no doubt bore the sins of the people.
1. Isaiah 53:5 predicted Christ bearing our guilt - "But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed."
2.Hebrews 2:17 "Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."
Having said that, we also know that following His resurrection and ascension, Jesus Christ is our Present mediator bearing the burdens of the people.
3. Hebrews 4:14-16 states: "14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who
has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our
confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who cannot
sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as
we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to
the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time
of need."
We could cite many other passages, but the point is made: Jesus Christ is the Forever Present Mediator who bore the people's burdens, fulfilling the pattern pictured for us by Aaron.
Picturing the Present Mediator with possessions bought with a price
Numbers 18:16 states - “As to their redemption price, from a month old
you shall redeem them, by your valuation, five shekels in silver, according to
the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs." Whenever an Israelite came to the sanctuary, they were to pay a price on behalf of every firstborn male on their household in the prescribed amount of silver. The reason being was because every firstborn in every home belonged to the Lord. Rather than having those boys be given to the service of the tabernacle, God prescribed the Jews to give money - redemption money - instead.
This money was to be used for the upkeep of the temple and to aid in the feeding and clothing of the priests who served. This was necessary, since Aaron and his sons did not have land and holdings like the rest of the tribes and clans of Israel. (Numbers 18:24) Quite literally every bit of food and provision that Aaron and his sons had was "redeemed", "bought with a price". As it was given to God, it was reckoned as belonging to Aaron and His sons. (Numbers 18:19)
When Jesus Christ came to die on the cross and rise from the dead, He had purchased sinners with His blood. Ephesians 1:7 states: "in whom we have redemption in His blood, the forgiveness of sins". According to Acts 20:28, the church, His bride, was purchased by the giving of His life. Ephesians 5:22-25 and others texts also bear out the fact that as Christians, we belong to the Lord, we have been bought with a price. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:17-18) Every single believer as been bought and paid for by Christ. Christians are His inheritance according to Ephesians 1:12 - "to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise
of His glory."
So having seen how Aaron pictures a present mediator bearing the people's burdens and with possessions bought and paid for, we consider the third pattern of the Eternal Present mediator...
Picturing the Present Mediator's work as the best offering to God
As much as Aaron and his sons were to bear the guilt of the people, we also read another truth in Numbers 18:32 - ‘You will bear no sin by reason of it when you
have offered the best of it. But you shall not profane the sacred gifts of the
sons of Israel, or you will die.’” As the people brought their gifts and tithes to the Levites, the Levites in turn would tithe that amount to Aaron and his sons. It would be from those tithes that Aaron and his sons would be offering the "best of the best" to God.
This sacred set of gifts would enable the sons of Aaron to be deemed blameless in God's sight. If in anyway the gifts were profaned by Aaron or his sons - death would result. Clearly the limitations of even the best of gifts was looking forward to an ultimate gift, given by an Ultimate High Priest, that would never have the stigma of guilt or profaning by the Giver.
Thanks be to God when Jesus Christ offered Himself, He offered the Best that could be given. Furthermore, when He offered Himself on the cross, it was an offering incapable of being profaned, since the One offering was without spot nor blemish. (1 Peter 1:17-18). In fact we read these words in Hebrews 7:26-27 "For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled,
separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27who does
not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His
own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once
for all when He offered up Himself."
Conclusion: Jesus Christ is the Forever Present Mediator
As we close out today's blog, we have looked at the ministry of Aaron once again. We have noted how he pictures Jesus Christ as the believer's Forever Present Mediator. We have noted three characteristics of Jesus Christ as the Forever Present Mediator, namely....
1. He bears the burdens of the people, both in the past on the cross and currently for believers at the Father's right hand in Heaven. (1 John 2:1-2)
2. He has bought us with a price. We are His redeemed possession, His inheritance, saved to bring Him glory and pleasure. (Ephesians 1:12)
3. He gave His life as the Best offering possible to God. (Romans 5:6-10)
Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ, the Forever Present Mediator!
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Jesus Christ the forever living mediator
Numbers 17:8 Now on the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the
rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced
blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds.
Numbers 17 is a rich chapter in that it not only has something to say to the Christian with regards to the Lord being for them, but moreso in pointing us to the ministry of Jesus Christ. We have already seen how Aaron's ministry and person is a type or pattern of the ministry and Person of Jesus Christ. Numbers 16:41-50 gave us a pattern of Christ the forever standing mediator. Just as Aaron stood in place of the people before Holy God, making atonement and shutting down the plague, Christ has moreso done the same in making atonement by the cross and staying the wrath of God on all who believe on Him.
Today we want to consider the significance of the rod of Aaron that budded as revealing to us Christ the Forever Living mediator.
The Rod that Budded - its significance and meaning
In Numbers 17 God had Moses tell the leaders fo the twelve tribes to bring forth their staffs or rods. Each man was to writer their name on their respective rod, with Aaron writing his name upon the rod of Levi. Moses was then to place all the rods in the tent of testimony and retrieve them the next morning. When he did that, the eleven rods remained as they had the day before - dead sticks. However Aaron's rod had budded almond leaves, flowers and fruit.
We know from the design of the tabernacle itself that almond nuts, buds and flowers were incorporated in the design. For example in Exodus 25:31-40 the design of the Golden Lampstand featured such detail. Undoubtedly God was tying Aaron's identity to the tabernacle in which he ministered.
Later on in biblical history the prophet Jeremiah, at the onset of his ministry, is shown a vision of an almond tree in Jeremiah 1:11-12 - "The word of the LORD came to me saying, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “I see a rod of an almond tree.” 12Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.” Undoubtedly God was validating Aaron's future place in His overall redemptive plan for His people.
Almond trees were usually one of the first trees to bud and sprout in the springtime. They were marked by showing forth their fruit and flowers before their leaves, a feature quite different from many other plants which put forth their leaves before their fruit. Furthermore, the word for Almond in the Hebrew language literally means: "to hasten, to quicken", thus God made Aaron's rod to have life that would put forth fruit haralding life and hope amidst death.
Aaron's ministry was being validated by God in the eyes of the people. His rod alone budded, reminding the people that only through Aaron and his descendants could the nation have the proper representation needed to stand before Holy God.
How Aaron's Rod points us to Christ, the Forever Living Mediator
We have pointed out in prior blogs that Aaron is a pattern or "type" of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 5:4-5 states this typology - And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. 5So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, “YOU ARE MY SON,
TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”. In other words, when we look at the historical figure of Aaron the High Priest, we can gain a pattern and faint outline of the far superior Priesthood of Jesus Christ.
In Hebrews 9:4 and 11 we see mention of Aaron's rod that budded: "Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. 4having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant". According to the writer of Hebrews, these details were used by the Holy Spirit to signify the truth revealed in Hebrews 9:11 "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation." Thus the rod of Aaron says something to us about Jesus Christ and His ministry as the believer's Forever Living Mediator.
Why Aaron's Rod? Note from the details we brought out already how this episode in Numbers 17 points the way to Christ the Forever Living Mediator:
1. Resurrection Life.
What is ressurrection life? It is life that is marked by incorruption and unfading power. When Moses found that rod, it had life in and of itself. Christ described how His ressurrection from the dead would be of His own accord. (John 10:17). We can also note that the Rod of Aaron was placed as a testimony against the rebels. From what we can tell, those leaves, buds and fruit did not wither. Whenever you take a branch off of a tree, it withers - but Aaron's rod had life in itself. Ressurrection life is also Divine life. Moses did not infuse the rod, nor did Aaron. It was God who did the work.
2. Resurrection Life is at the heart of faith
When Moses placed that rod at the doorway of the tent of testimony, it convicted the unbelief of the rebels. (Numbers 17:12-13) Biblical faith has at its heart the very essence of resurrection life. Romans 6:8-11states - "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
Just as Aaron's rod had the miraculous power of God flowing through it, a power that was not part of it before, so it is with the Christian. Faith had to come to us. Galatians 3:25-26 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." It was by grace through faith we believed on Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and Treasure. (Ephesians 2:8-9) This faith is tied to the resurrection life that so raised Jesus from the dead - 1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
3. Resurrection life at the heart of faith points us to our Forever Living Mediator
Once Moses put Aaron's Rod in front of the Tent of Testimony, the congregation got the point: Aaron is the representative before God, and that they had better be careful how the treat Him. The people realized that without proper representation, they were exposed, without a means of defense. The miracle was used by God to affirm and confirm the identity of Aaron as the rightful mediator between God and the people of that time. The heart of faith recognizes the constant need for reliance upon Jesus Christ. Scripture and faith affirm and confirm the forever identity of Jesus Christ as the living mediator between believers and God:
-1 Timothy 2:5-6 "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time."
-1 John 2:1-2 "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world."
-Hebrews 7:24-25 "but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."
Numbers 17 is a rich chapter in that it not only has something to say to the Christian with regards to the Lord being for them, but moreso in pointing us to the ministry of Jesus Christ. We have already seen how Aaron's ministry and person is a type or pattern of the ministry and Person of Jesus Christ. Numbers 16:41-50 gave us a pattern of Christ the forever standing mediator. Just as Aaron stood in place of the people before Holy God, making atonement and shutting down the plague, Christ has moreso done the same in making atonement by the cross and staying the wrath of God on all who believe on Him.
Today we want to consider the significance of the rod of Aaron that budded as revealing to us Christ the Forever Living mediator.
The Rod that Budded - its significance and meaning
In Numbers 17 God had Moses tell the leaders fo the twelve tribes to bring forth their staffs or rods. Each man was to writer their name on their respective rod, with Aaron writing his name upon the rod of Levi. Moses was then to place all the rods in the tent of testimony and retrieve them the next morning. When he did that, the eleven rods remained as they had the day before - dead sticks. However Aaron's rod had budded almond leaves, flowers and fruit.
We know from the design of the tabernacle itself that almond nuts, buds and flowers were incorporated in the design. For example in Exodus 25:31-40 the design of the Golden Lampstand featured such detail. Undoubtedly God was tying Aaron's identity to the tabernacle in which he ministered.
Later on in biblical history the prophet Jeremiah, at the onset of his ministry, is shown a vision of an almond tree in Jeremiah 1:11-12 - "The word of the LORD came to me saying, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “I see a rod of an almond tree.” 12Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.” Undoubtedly God was validating Aaron's future place in His overall redemptive plan for His people.
Almond trees were usually one of the first trees to bud and sprout in the springtime. They were marked by showing forth their fruit and flowers before their leaves, a feature quite different from many other plants which put forth their leaves before their fruit. Furthermore, the word for Almond in the Hebrew language literally means: "to hasten, to quicken", thus God made Aaron's rod to have life that would put forth fruit haralding life and hope amidst death.
Aaron's ministry was being validated by God in the eyes of the people. His rod alone budded, reminding the people that only through Aaron and his descendants could the nation have the proper representation needed to stand before Holy God.
How Aaron's Rod points us to Christ, the Forever Living Mediator
We have pointed out in prior blogs that Aaron is a pattern or "type" of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 5:4-5 states this typology - And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. 5So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, “YOU ARE MY SON,
TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”. In other words, when we look at the historical figure of Aaron the High Priest, we can gain a pattern and faint outline of the far superior Priesthood of Jesus Christ.
In Hebrews 9:4 and 11 we see mention of Aaron's rod that budded: "Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. 4having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant". According to the writer of Hebrews, these details were used by the Holy Spirit to signify the truth revealed in Hebrews 9:11 "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation." Thus the rod of Aaron says something to us about Jesus Christ and His ministry as the believer's Forever Living Mediator.
Why Aaron's Rod? Note from the details we brought out already how this episode in Numbers 17 points the way to Christ the Forever Living Mediator:
1. Resurrection Life.
What is ressurrection life? It is life that is marked by incorruption and unfading power. When Moses found that rod, it had life in and of itself. Christ described how His ressurrection from the dead would be of His own accord. (John 10:17). We can also note that the Rod of Aaron was placed as a testimony against the rebels. From what we can tell, those leaves, buds and fruit did not wither. Whenever you take a branch off of a tree, it withers - but Aaron's rod had life in itself. Ressurrection life is also Divine life. Moses did not infuse the rod, nor did Aaron. It was God who did the work.
2. Resurrection Life is at the heart of faith
When Moses placed that rod at the doorway of the tent of testimony, it convicted the unbelief of the rebels. (Numbers 17:12-13) Biblical faith has at its heart the very essence of resurrection life. Romans 6:8-11states - "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus."
Just as Aaron's rod had the miraculous power of God flowing through it, a power that was not part of it before, so it is with the Christian. Faith had to come to us. Galatians 3:25-26 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." It was by grace through faith we believed on Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and Treasure. (Ephesians 2:8-9) This faith is tied to the resurrection life that so raised Jesus from the dead - 1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."
3. Resurrection life at the heart of faith points us to our Forever Living Mediator
Once Moses put Aaron's Rod in front of the Tent of Testimony, the congregation got the point: Aaron is the representative before God, and that they had better be careful how the treat Him. The people realized that without proper representation, they were exposed, without a means of defense. The miracle was used by God to affirm and confirm the identity of Aaron as the rightful mediator between God and the people of that time. The heart of faith recognizes the constant need for reliance upon Jesus Christ. Scripture and faith affirm and confirm the forever identity of Jesus Christ as the living mediator between believers and God:
-1 Timothy 2:5-6 "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time."
-1 John 2:1-2 "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world."
-Hebrews 7:24-25 "but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."
Sunday, October 21, 2012
How God validates you His servants
Numbers 17:1-5 "Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2“Speak to the sons of Israel, and get from them a
rod for each father’s household: twelve rods, from all their leaders according
to their fathers’ households. You shall write each name on his rod, 3and write Aaron’s name on the rod of Levi; for
there is one rod for the head of each of their fathers’ households. 4“You shall then deposit them in the tent of
meeting in front of the testimony, where I meet with you. 5“It will
come about that the rod of the man whom I choose will sprout. Thus I will lessen
from upon Myself the grumblings of the sons of Israel, who are grumbling against
you.”
Perhaps you have come to today's blog, disappointed with life or disillusioned. You are a Christian, you read your Bible and are doing all you can to serve the Lord - and yet it seems as if everything is against you. Aaron in Numbers 16 and 17 would know what you are going through. He had survived two major attacks on his character and ministry. God speaks forth here in Numbers 17. Nearly 15,000 people lost their lives as a result of the twin mutinies recorded in Numbers 16. What God does for Aaron can truly offer encouragement to those who have been on the receiving end of attempted character assassinations.
How does God validate those who serve Him?
1. God identifies with His servants. Numbers 17:1-5
Notice what God says in Numbers 17:5 "Thus I will lessen from upon Myself the grumblings of the sons of Israel, who are grumbling against you." You and I have to remember that when people attack God's servants, they are attacking Him. Jesus said that as much as is done to the least of His people, it is tantamount to being a direct attack upon Himself. (Matthew 18:1-10) God has not hung you out to dry - He is fighting for you and will stand by your side through your difficult circumstance. The Lord does not merely sympathize for you at a distance, he empathizes with you in close proximity to where you are at. He is there with you. At times he will speak loud and clear, and at other times His voice will be still and small, like with Elijah. (1 Kings 19:9-21) He is there with you no matter what. Remembers, Jesus said: "I'll never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
2. God indicates His servants. Numbers 17:6-8
What God did to validate Aaron in front of the people was to have each of the twelve tribes bring a rod to place in the tent of testimony. Each one was to write their name on the rod, with Aaron writing his name on the rod of Levi. (Numbers 17:3) Moses did as God commanded and placed all of those rods as dead sticks in the tabernacle of God. The next day when he went to retrieve them, eleven of them remained dead wood - however Aarons rod had budded!
God indicated his servant Aaron as a testimony to the whole nation! Aaron's calling and ministry had the life and favor of God running through it. His claims as Israel's High Priest were reinforced. God was not ashamed of his man. Woe to the others who would dare lay a hand on God's chosen man! 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 is a great verse to you who feel inadequate: "Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. 5Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
3. God immobilizes attacks upon His servants Numbers 17:9-13
The text tells us that when Moses' placed Aaron's rod before the Tent of Testimony as a sign against the rebels, they got the point! (Numbers 17:17:9-11). As a matter of fact, the people stated in Numbers 17:12-13 "Then the sons of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish, we are dying, we are all dying! 13“Everyone who comes near, who comes near to the tabernacle of the LORD, must die. Are we to perish completely?”
God totally immobilized the naysayers, he fought Aaron's battle - Aaron won in the Lord! The great preacher Warren Wiersby has made this observation of the outcome of Aaron's Rod and the people's response here in Numbers 17: "The people were fearful after they they had seen this demonstration of God's power. What the death of nearly 15,000 people could not do, the sole blossoming of a dead stick did accomplish." What was the accomplishment? The silencing of the enemy's lips.
We know after this episode in Israel's history, Aaron was never spoken against ever again. God demonstrated He was for Aaron, and understand He is for you too! My prayer today is that this blog has encouraged you. Do not fear, nor be dismayed, for greater is He (the Lord) in you who believes on Him, than he (Satan) that is in the world.
Perhaps you have come to today's blog, disappointed with life or disillusioned. You are a Christian, you read your Bible and are doing all you can to serve the Lord - and yet it seems as if everything is against you. Aaron in Numbers 16 and 17 would know what you are going through. He had survived two major attacks on his character and ministry. God speaks forth here in Numbers 17. Nearly 15,000 people lost their lives as a result of the twin mutinies recorded in Numbers 16. What God does for Aaron can truly offer encouragement to those who have been on the receiving end of attempted character assassinations.
How does God validate those who serve Him?
1. God identifies with His servants. Numbers 17:1-5
Notice what God says in Numbers 17:5 "Thus I will lessen from upon Myself the grumblings of the sons of Israel, who are grumbling against you." You and I have to remember that when people attack God's servants, they are attacking Him. Jesus said that as much as is done to the least of His people, it is tantamount to being a direct attack upon Himself. (Matthew 18:1-10) God has not hung you out to dry - He is fighting for you and will stand by your side through your difficult circumstance. The Lord does not merely sympathize for you at a distance, he empathizes with you in close proximity to where you are at. He is there with you. At times he will speak loud and clear, and at other times His voice will be still and small, like with Elijah. (1 Kings 19:9-21) He is there with you no matter what. Remembers, Jesus said: "I'll never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
2. God indicates His servants. Numbers 17:6-8
What God did to validate Aaron in front of the people was to have each of the twelve tribes bring a rod to place in the tent of testimony. Each one was to write their name on the rod, with Aaron writing his name on the rod of Levi. (Numbers 17:3) Moses did as God commanded and placed all of those rods as dead sticks in the tabernacle of God. The next day when he went to retrieve them, eleven of them remained dead wood - however Aarons rod had budded!
God indicated his servant Aaron as a testimony to the whole nation! Aaron's calling and ministry had the life and favor of God running through it. His claims as Israel's High Priest were reinforced. God was not ashamed of his man. Woe to the others who would dare lay a hand on God's chosen man! 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 is a great verse to you who feel inadequate: "Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. 5Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, 6who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
3. God immobilizes attacks upon His servants Numbers 17:9-13
The text tells us that when Moses' placed Aaron's rod before the Tent of Testimony as a sign against the rebels, they got the point! (Numbers 17:17:9-11). As a matter of fact, the people stated in Numbers 17:12-13 "Then the sons of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish, we are dying, we are all dying! 13“Everyone who comes near, who comes near to the tabernacle of the LORD, must die. Are we to perish completely?”
God totally immobilized the naysayers, he fought Aaron's battle - Aaron won in the Lord! The great preacher Warren Wiersby has made this observation of the outcome of Aaron's Rod and the people's response here in Numbers 17: "The people were fearful after they they had seen this demonstration of God's power. What the death of nearly 15,000 people could not do, the sole blossoming of a dead stick did accomplish." What was the accomplishment? The silencing of the enemy's lips.
We know after this episode in Israel's history, Aaron was never spoken against ever again. God demonstrated He was for Aaron, and understand He is for you too! My prayer today is that this blog has encouraged you. Do not fear, nor be dismayed, for greater is He (the Lord) in you who believes on Him, than he (Satan) that is in the world.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Jesus Christ the forever standing mediator
Numbers 16:46-48 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put in it fire from the altar, and
lay incense on it; then bring it quickly to the congregation and make
atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the LORD, the plague has begun!” 47Then
Aaron took it as Moses had spoken, and ran into the midst of the
assembly, for behold, the plague had begun among the people. So he put on
the incense and made atonement for the people. 48He took
his stand between the dead and the living, so that the plague was checked.
Brief review from yesterday
Yesterday we demonstrated the comparisons between Jesus and Aaron, Israel's first high priest. We noted that in nearly 30 verses of the book of Hebrews, Aaron and the priesthood of Old Testament Israel stands as a type, a shadow, a pattern, of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 5:4-5)
Quick background of Numbers 16 - A Nation with two tragedies
In Numbers 16, tragedy had struck the nation of Israel not once but twice. In Numbers 16:1-40 we see the rebellion of Korah, the great grandson of Levi, leading 250 men to mutiny against Moses and Aaron. God judges them, resulting in their falling live into hell after being swallowed up by the earth.
In Numbers 16:41-50, the rest of the congregation responds the next day, accusing Moses and Aaron of killing God's people. The Lord wants to wipe out the nation, however Moses and Aaron intercede. This is the eighth prayer recorded in the book of Numbers. In this particular intercession of Moses on behalf of the people, he instructs Aaron, his brother and Israel's high priest, to make atonement and stave off the plague that had at that point wiped out nearly 15,000 people. What Aaron does as mediator between God and the people provides some striking foreshadowings of Jesus Christ - the Forever Mediator who stands between the people and God.
1. Satisfaction is made Numbers 16:46
Numbers 16:46 tells us that Aaron went as Moses instructed: "make atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the LORD" To make atonement means to satisfy the wrath of God. Thus Aaron, acting as a representative for the whole congregation, stood in the gap. Only he and his actions could stop the plague of death. Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest, provided atonement, satisfaction (propitation) for the sins of the whole world that was to be applied to all who by grace through faith believe. (1 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:2). Christ alone can protect the sinner from the plague of sin that leads to the second death - eternal punishment. (John 3:16) Christ came to provide protection from the wrath of God that is coming on this world. (Romans 5:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
2.Standing in the place of sinners Numbers 16:48b
Numbers 16:48a states about Aaron: "48He took his stand between the dead and the living". That phrase "He took His stand" refers to Aaron stationing himself, in firm resolve, not retreating until the wrath of God was complete. Those rebels did not deserve Aaron's standing in their place, nonetheless he did it. When Jesus Christ "took His stand", he did so not out of compulsion, but of His own accord. (John 10:17). As the Good Shepherd He gave His life for the Sheep. (Acts 20:28). He stood in the sinner's place - your place and mine, the innocent in place of the guilty, the wonderful in the place of the wicked - in order to bring us who believe unto God. (2 Coritnhains 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18)
3. Shutting down the wrath of God Numbers 16:48b
In the NASB the text reads in Numbers 16:48b - so that the plague was checked. In the original Hebrew we could literally translated this last phrase: "so that the plague was shut down". Think about how the sinner who believes on Jesus Christ is exempted from the wrath of God. The wrath of God is "shut down" for them. They are not subject to due penalty - they are justified by faith, declared righteous with the righteousness earned for them by Jesus Christ. (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21) Its as if around the cross is the Divinely dug fireline.
All of those who huddle on the ground around that barren cross are untouched by the wrath of God flaming around the edges. The circle is large in circumference, with room for you. When you by grace through faith believe in Jesus Christ, you are admitted. The flames cannot touch you. In that circle around the cross blows the sweet breezes of Heaven, the cool winds of grace and grows the lush grasses of faith. Outside the cross and its perimeter burns the wrath of God. All who remain in their sin will never smell Heaven nor feel a gentle breeze. They will ever be in torment.
Like the people in Numbers 16, only one could stay the plague - Aaron. In a far more profound sense, only Christ, the Forever Standing Mediator, can stay the consequences of wrath upon those who by grace through faith believe on Him. I pray you have so trusted in Him.
Brief review from yesterday
Yesterday we demonstrated the comparisons between Jesus and Aaron, Israel's first high priest. We noted that in nearly 30 verses of the book of Hebrews, Aaron and the priesthood of Old Testament Israel stands as a type, a shadow, a pattern, of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 5:4-5)
Quick background of Numbers 16 - A Nation with two tragedies
In Numbers 16, tragedy had struck the nation of Israel not once but twice. In Numbers 16:1-40 we see the rebellion of Korah, the great grandson of Levi, leading 250 men to mutiny against Moses and Aaron. God judges them, resulting in their falling live into hell after being swallowed up by the earth.
In Numbers 16:41-50, the rest of the congregation responds the next day, accusing Moses and Aaron of killing God's people. The Lord wants to wipe out the nation, however Moses and Aaron intercede. This is the eighth prayer recorded in the book of Numbers. In this particular intercession of Moses on behalf of the people, he instructs Aaron, his brother and Israel's high priest, to make atonement and stave off the plague that had at that point wiped out nearly 15,000 people. What Aaron does as mediator between God and the people provides some striking foreshadowings of Jesus Christ - the Forever Mediator who stands between the people and God.
1. Satisfaction is made Numbers 16:46
Numbers 16:46 tells us that Aaron went as Moses instructed: "make atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the LORD" To make atonement means to satisfy the wrath of God. Thus Aaron, acting as a representative for the whole congregation, stood in the gap. Only he and his actions could stop the plague of death. Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest, provided atonement, satisfaction (propitation) for the sins of the whole world that was to be applied to all who by grace through faith believe. (1 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:2). Christ alone can protect the sinner from the plague of sin that leads to the second death - eternal punishment. (John 3:16) Christ came to provide protection from the wrath of God that is coming on this world. (Romans 5:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
2.Standing in the place of sinners Numbers 16:48b
Numbers 16:48a states about Aaron: "48He took his stand between the dead and the living". That phrase "He took His stand" refers to Aaron stationing himself, in firm resolve, not retreating until the wrath of God was complete. Those rebels did not deserve Aaron's standing in their place, nonetheless he did it. When Jesus Christ "took His stand", he did so not out of compulsion, but of His own accord. (John 10:17). As the Good Shepherd He gave His life for the Sheep. (Acts 20:28). He stood in the sinner's place - your place and mine, the innocent in place of the guilty, the wonderful in the place of the wicked - in order to bring us who believe unto God. (2 Coritnhains 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18)
3. Shutting down the wrath of God Numbers 16:48b
In the NASB the text reads in Numbers 16:48b - so that the plague was checked. In the original Hebrew we could literally translated this last phrase: "so that the plague was shut down". Think about how the sinner who believes on Jesus Christ is exempted from the wrath of God. The wrath of God is "shut down" for them. They are not subject to due penalty - they are justified by faith, declared righteous with the righteousness earned for them by Jesus Christ. (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:1-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21) Its as if around the cross is the Divinely dug fireline.
All of those who huddle on the ground around that barren cross are untouched by the wrath of God flaming around the edges. The circle is large in circumference, with room for you. When you by grace through faith believe in Jesus Christ, you are admitted. The flames cannot touch you. In that circle around the cross blows the sweet breezes of Heaven, the cool winds of grace and grows the lush grasses of faith. Outside the cross and its perimeter burns the wrath of God. All who remain in their sin will never smell Heaven nor feel a gentle breeze. They will ever be in torment.
Like the people in Numbers 16, only one could stay the plague - Aaron. In a far more profound sense, only Christ, the Forever Standing Mediator, can stay the consequences of wrath upon those who by grace through faith believe on Him. I pray you have so trusted in Him.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Jesus Christ: The Supreme High Priest
Numbers 16:47-48 Then Aaron took it as Moses had spoken, and ran into the midst of the
assembly, for behold, the plague had begun among the people. So he put on
the incense and made atonement for the people. 48He took
his stand between the dead and the living, so that the plague was checked.
Hebrews 5:4-5 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. 5So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him,“YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”;
Comparing Aaron (the Old Testament High Priest) and Jesus Christ
Throughout the book of Hebrews we are treated to comparisons between Old Testament people and events to that of Jesus Christ. One of those Old Testament figures that Hebrews uses to picture the person and work of Jesus Christ is Aaron. Whenever a person, event or situation is used to illustrate Christ or a doctrine in the New Testament - we call that manner of illustration "typology". A "type" or "typology" refers to a foreshadowing, a pattern, a form. The person or doctrine that is being pointed to is what Bible teachers call "an anti-type".
We see then in the above two scripture passages, Aaron, Israel's first high priest, as a "type", and Christ, the eternal high priest, as the "anti-type". Aaron's life, ministry and characteristics have points of commonality that point to the fuller and rich life, ministry and characteristics of Jesus Christ. Aaron is the shadow, Christ is the substance. With that said lets look at how the book of Hebrews uses Aaron to illustrate Jesus Christ, the Supreme High Priest.
1. Hebrews 1:3 refers to Jesus Christ having "provided purification for sins"
2. Hebrews 3:1 calls Christ the "High Priest of our confession"
3. Hebrews 4:14 calls Jesus the "High Priest who has passed through the heavens
How Jesus Christ is shown Supreme compared to Aaron and Melchizedek
These first three references use the title "High Priest" to describe Jesus Christ in His office as the believer's repesentative before God the Father. This title of course would had reminded the Jewish readers of the high priestly office of Israel. Of all the High Priests in Israel's history - none were considered greater than Aaron. However as you go further into Hebrews, you will discover that the author will use the mysterious figure Melchizedek (who is perhaps none other than Jesus Himself) to illustrate a superior priesthood to that of Aaron's, with Jesus then revealed to be greatest!
4. Hebrews 5:1-4 refers to Jesus as being "the appointed high priest", a desgination shared by Aaron in Hebrews 5:4. With Hebrews 5:4 being the clearest statement of Aaron being "a type" of Jesus Christ the Eternal High Priest, the book of Hebrews also uses another figure, Melchizedek, to reveal how Christ is superior to Aaron. Melchizedek was a priest that ministered to Abraham in Genesis 14, some 600 years before Aaron. With Aaron as the main figure of comparison, and Melchizedek the secondary figure, the writer of Hebrews weaves for us a rich tapestry of how Jesus Christ is the Eternal High Priest.
5. Hebrews 6:20 tells us that Jesus is "high priest forever"
6. Hebrews 7:5, 11-22 we see Christ's eternal priesthood being unlimited by death, whereby Aaron's priesthood changed from one generation to the next due to death.
7. In Hebrews 7:23-28 we see Christ the high priest who "is able to save to the uttermost". As the comparison between Christ and Aaron proceeds (with Melechizedek as background comparison), the differences between both starts to exceed their similarities.
8. Hebrews 8:1-6 reveals how both Aaron and Christ represent not merely two priesthoods, but two completely different covenants - Old (Aaron) and New (Christ). The point of Hebrews 8 is to show how Aaron's priesthood was temporary, whereas Christ's priesthood is a permanant priest hood.
9. Hebrews 9 and 10 finishes out the typology of Aaron and Christ by noting that Jesus alone could ascend and enter into heaven on behalf of the saints. Israel's priesthood (the Levitical priesthood, led by Aaron) was limited to service in the earthly tabernacle of the Old Testament, bring into that sanctuary the blood of sheep and goats. However Christ was able to enter the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, cleansing the consciences of those who by grace through faith believed on Him. Neither the Aaronic priesthood nor the Old Covenant system could cleanse the conscience of the worshipper. (Hebrews 9:14)
Jesus Christ, the Supreme High Priest
In all nearly 30 verses in Hebrews provides the powerful analogies between Aaron and Jesus. Through it all we learn that Jesus Christ is the believer's Supreme High Priest, ever able to mediate between God and man. Jesus Christ is the Eternal High Priest who passed through the Heavens, having sat down at the Father's right hand after providing purification for sins. (Hebrews 1-3) He is the
Eternal High Priest, able to save to the uttermost, forever being the source of salvation to all who believe, world without end. (Hebrews 4-10)
Hebrews 5:4-5 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. 5So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him,“YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”;
Comparing Aaron (the Old Testament High Priest) and Jesus Christ
Throughout the book of Hebrews we are treated to comparisons between Old Testament people and events to that of Jesus Christ. One of those Old Testament figures that Hebrews uses to picture the person and work of Jesus Christ is Aaron. Whenever a person, event or situation is used to illustrate Christ or a doctrine in the New Testament - we call that manner of illustration "typology". A "type" or "typology" refers to a foreshadowing, a pattern, a form. The person or doctrine that is being pointed to is what Bible teachers call "an anti-type".
We see then in the above two scripture passages, Aaron, Israel's first high priest, as a "type", and Christ, the eternal high priest, as the "anti-type". Aaron's life, ministry and characteristics have points of commonality that point to the fuller and rich life, ministry and characteristics of Jesus Christ. Aaron is the shadow, Christ is the substance. With that said lets look at how the book of Hebrews uses Aaron to illustrate Jesus Christ, the Supreme High Priest.
1. Hebrews 1:3 refers to Jesus Christ having "provided purification for sins"
2. Hebrews 3:1 calls Christ the "High Priest of our confession"
3. Hebrews 4:14 calls Jesus the "High Priest who has passed through the heavens
How Jesus Christ is shown Supreme compared to Aaron and Melchizedek
These first three references use the title "High Priest" to describe Jesus Christ in His office as the believer's repesentative before God the Father. This title of course would had reminded the Jewish readers of the high priestly office of Israel. Of all the High Priests in Israel's history - none were considered greater than Aaron. However as you go further into Hebrews, you will discover that the author will use the mysterious figure Melchizedek (who is perhaps none other than Jesus Himself) to illustrate a superior priesthood to that of Aaron's, with Jesus then revealed to be greatest!
4. Hebrews 5:1-4 refers to Jesus as being "the appointed high priest", a desgination shared by Aaron in Hebrews 5:4. With Hebrews 5:4 being the clearest statement of Aaron being "a type" of Jesus Christ the Eternal High Priest, the book of Hebrews also uses another figure, Melchizedek, to reveal how Christ is superior to Aaron. Melchizedek was a priest that ministered to Abraham in Genesis 14, some 600 years before Aaron. With Aaron as the main figure of comparison, and Melchizedek the secondary figure, the writer of Hebrews weaves for us a rich tapestry of how Jesus Christ is the Eternal High Priest.
5. Hebrews 6:20 tells us that Jesus is "high priest forever"
6. Hebrews 7:5, 11-22 we see Christ's eternal priesthood being unlimited by death, whereby Aaron's priesthood changed from one generation to the next due to death.
7. In Hebrews 7:23-28 we see Christ the high priest who "is able to save to the uttermost". As the comparison between Christ and Aaron proceeds (with Melechizedek as background comparison), the differences between both starts to exceed their similarities.
8. Hebrews 8:1-6 reveals how both Aaron and Christ represent not merely two priesthoods, but two completely different covenants - Old (Aaron) and New (Christ). The point of Hebrews 8 is to show how Aaron's priesthood was temporary, whereas Christ's priesthood is a permanant priest hood.
9. Hebrews 9 and 10 finishes out the typology of Aaron and Christ by noting that Jesus alone could ascend and enter into heaven on behalf of the saints. Israel's priesthood (the Levitical priesthood, led by Aaron) was limited to service in the earthly tabernacle of the Old Testament, bring into that sanctuary the blood of sheep and goats. However Christ was able to enter the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood, cleansing the consciences of those who by grace through faith believed on Him. Neither the Aaronic priesthood nor the Old Covenant system could cleanse the conscience of the worshipper. (Hebrews 9:14)
Jesus Christ, the Supreme High Priest
In all nearly 30 verses in Hebrews provides the powerful analogies between Aaron and Jesus. Through it all we learn that Jesus Christ is the believer's Supreme High Priest, ever able to mediate between God and man. Jesus Christ is the Eternal High Priest who passed through the Heavens, having sat down at the Father's right hand after providing purification for sins. (Hebrews 1-3) He is the
Eternal High Priest, able to save to the uttermost, forever being the source of salvation to all who believe, world without end. (Hebrews 4-10)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Experiencing Heaven on Earth
Hebrews 12:18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing
fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind
Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
Experiencing Heaven on Earth in a dirt floor house
I'll never forget the time I went to visit a family at a broken down cinder-block shack. On a dirt road on the outskirts of town lived a man, his wife and their four children in a house riddled with beer bottles, broken furniture and windows.
The house was a one bedroom with one mattress and a dirt floor. It had one room with working electricity and no backdoor. Over a period of weeks this family had been attending the nearby church and I had occasion to meet them in my travels. The family was the poorest family I had ever met. They each had one outfit, the husband had an amputated arm and the mother was on food stamps. After several weeks of talking to the family, I went for a visit one Sunday afternoon. I shared the Gospel with them. The father was non-receptive, however the children (ages 6-12) were very receptive.
I asked if they would like to pray to the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and trust Him as their Savior, Lord and treasure. In the presence of the father and mother, sitting on the broken, mouse-eaten couch, the children and I knelt down on that dirt-floor living room. The Holy Spirit orchestrated the work in their hearts. That day, as those children prayed with me in unison, outloud, we were experiencing a moment where Heaven came down to earth. The dirt floor of that old run down shack became a mansion of salvation for those kids. Hebrews 12:18-22 describes the miracle of salvation, and how the hopelesseness of the human condition can be reversed by the life changing power of Jesus Christ received by grace alone through faith alone.
Salvation is as much about Heaven coming down to me as me having the promise of someday going to Heaven
When I read Hebrews 12:18-22, I see salvation being described as involving two mountains, one valley and one miracle.
Salvation's two mountains
On the day those children prayed to receive Christ, they made a journey from the slopes of Mount Sinai to Mount Zion. Heaven came down to them, and through the cross they were by faith brought into the blessed hope of salvation.
In Biblical history Mount Sinai was the mountain about which the nation of Israel was situated following their Exodus from Egypt. (Exodus 19-20) God revealed His Law in a cloud of thunder and lightening on top of the mountain. The people were not allowed to touch the Mountain, lest they die. Mount Sinai is pictured as the Mountain of God's justice. No hope, only judgment.
Mount Zion is another name for the Heavenly Jerusalem or the abode where God is. Both of these mountains are mentioned in Galatians 4:25-26 "Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother."
The Miracle of salvation
Quite literally the miracle of salvation is about the power of God in salvation coming down to us. Heaven's reality comes to me, through faith, by which I receive and believe on Christ. I'm told that I must abandon the quest of trying to get to God through keeping the law. This is the fool's errand of those camped around Sinai. They think they can get to the God of the mountain, however He is too holy and they are too sinful.
The Cross in the valley
The law of Sinai points to the cross of calvary. Once I identify with Christ in His death - I die. According to Romans 6:4-11, I'm buried and then raised with Him. I have crossed the valley between these two mountains. Between the mountain of God's justice and the mountain of God's grace lies a valley wherein the cross stands. Lest the sinner by grace through faith leaves the slopes of judgment at Sinai to be declared dead at the cross and raised, they will never know the glory of Mount Zion.
In the Old Testament the God of the Mountain came to dwell among the people. In the New Testament the God dwelling among the people brings the people to the Mountain
So what results when the miracle of salvation has occured? Notice the seven-fold description given by Hebrews 12:22-23:
1. Change of Address. "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God. The heavenly Jerusalem". I am now viewed as a citizen of heaven, and look forward to Jesus Christ's return. (Philippians 3:20-21)
2. Change of spiritual environment. "And to myriads of angels". Hebrews 1:14 tells us the angels of heaven are sent to serve and aid those who are believers in Christ. I'm no longer under the power of the Kingdom of Darkness. (Ephesians 2:1-2) The Kingdom of Heaven characterizes the disposition of my heart, with the Spirit's leading characterizing how I approach life. (2 Peter 1:3-4)
3. Change of identity. "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven". As a Christian I have been seated in the heavenly realms in Christ and am an heir of God, a co-heir of Christ, a child of the King! (Romans 8:14-16; Ephesians 2:4-9)
4. Change in relationship to God. "And to God, the Judge of all," Once I was separated from God, now I am reconciled through Christ, by faith, to be brought unto God. (1 Peter 3:18)
5. Change in spiritual condition. "And to the spirits of the righteous made perfect". This of course is speaking of those saints who have went on before us. Our spiritual condition is changed to partake in the same promises of salvation as they. (2 Peter 1:3-11)
6. Change in how I view Jesus. "And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant." Jesus Christ is more precious to me, my Savior, Lord and treasure. (1 Peter 1:8; 2:1-9)
7. Change in the basis of my confidence. "And to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel." My confidence in God lies not in what I have done, but His accomplishment, His righteousness and His blood cleansing me from the guilt and shame of my sin. (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 9:14)
In sum, we can close out today's blog with these words from a hymn entitled: "Heaven Came Down": "Heaven came down and glory filled my soul. There at the cross the Savior made me whole. My sins were washed away, and my night was turned to day. Heaven came down and glory filled my soul".
Hebrews 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
Experiencing Heaven on Earth in a dirt floor house
I'll never forget the time I went to visit a family at a broken down cinder-block shack. On a dirt road on the outskirts of town lived a man, his wife and their four children in a house riddled with beer bottles, broken furniture and windows.
The house was a one bedroom with one mattress and a dirt floor. It had one room with working electricity and no backdoor. Over a period of weeks this family had been attending the nearby church and I had occasion to meet them in my travels. The family was the poorest family I had ever met. They each had one outfit, the husband had an amputated arm and the mother was on food stamps. After several weeks of talking to the family, I went for a visit one Sunday afternoon. I shared the Gospel with them. The father was non-receptive, however the children (ages 6-12) were very receptive.
I asked if they would like to pray to the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and trust Him as their Savior, Lord and treasure. In the presence of the father and mother, sitting on the broken, mouse-eaten couch, the children and I knelt down on that dirt-floor living room. The Holy Spirit orchestrated the work in their hearts. That day, as those children prayed with me in unison, outloud, we were experiencing a moment where Heaven came down to earth. The dirt floor of that old run down shack became a mansion of salvation for those kids. Hebrews 12:18-22 describes the miracle of salvation, and how the hopelesseness of the human condition can be reversed by the life changing power of Jesus Christ received by grace alone through faith alone.
Salvation is as much about Heaven coming down to me as me having the promise of someday going to Heaven
When I read Hebrews 12:18-22, I see salvation being described as involving two mountains, one valley and one miracle.
Salvation's two mountains
On the day those children prayed to receive Christ, they made a journey from the slopes of Mount Sinai to Mount Zion. Heaven came down to them, and through the cross they were by faith brought into the blessed hope of salvation.
In Biblical history Mount Sinai was the mountain about which the nation of Israel was situated following their Exodus from Egypt. (Exodus 19-20) God revealed His Law in a cloud of thunder and lightening on top of the mountain. The people were not allowed to touch the Mountain, lest they die. Mount Sinai is pictured as the Mountain of God's justice. No hope, only judgment.
Mount Zion is another name for the Heavenly Jerusalem or the abode where God is. Both of these mountains are mentioned in Galatians 4:25-26 "Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother."
The Miracle of salvation
Quite literally the miracle of salvation is about the power of God in salvation coming down to us. Heaven's reality comes to me, through faith, by which I receive and believe on Christ. I'm told that I must abandon the quest of trying to get to God through keeping the law. This is the fool's errand of those camped around Sinai. They think they can get to the God of the mountain, however He is too holy and they are too sinful.
The Cross in the valley
The law of Sinai points to the cross of calvary. Once I identify with Christ in His death - I die. According to Romans 6:4-11, I'm buried and then raised with Him. I have crossed the valley between these two mountains. Between the mountain of God's justice and the mountain of God's grace lies a valley wherein the cross stands. Lest the sinner by grace through faith leaves the slopes of judgment at Sinai to be declared dead at the cross and raised, they will never know the glory of Mount Zion.
In the Old Testament the God of the Mountain came to dwell among the people. In the New Testament the God dwelling among the people brings the people to the Mountain
So what results when the miracle of salvation has occured? Notice the seven-fold description given by Hebrews 12:22-23:
1. Change of Address. "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God. The heavenly Jerusalem". I am now viewed as a citizen of heaven, and look forward to Jesus Christ's return. (Philippians 3:20-21)
2. Change of spiritual environment. "And to myriads of angels". Hebrews 1:14 tells us the angels of heaven are sent to serve and aid those who are believers in Christ. I'm no longer under the power of the Kingdom of Darkness. (Ephesians 2:1-2) The Kingdom of Heaven characterizes the disposition of my heart, with the Spirit's leading characterizing how I approach life. (2 Peter 1:3-4)
3. Change of identity. "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven". As a Christian I have been seated in the heavenly realms in Christ and am an heir of God, a co-heir of Christ, a child of the King! (Romans 8:14-16; Ephesians 2:4-9)
4. Change in relationship to God. "And to God, the Judge of all," Once I was separated from God, now I am reconciled through Christ, by faith, to be brought unto God. (1 Peter 3:18)
5. Change in spiritual condition. "And to the spirits of the righteous made perfect". This of course is speaking of those saints who have went on before us. Our spiritual condition is changed to partake in the same promises of salvation as they. (2 Peter 1:3-11)
6. Change in how I view Jesus. "And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant." Jesus Christ is more precious to me, my Savior, Lord and treasure. (1 Peter 1:8; 2:1-9)
7. Change in the basis of my confidence. "And to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel." My confidence in God lies not in what I have done, but His accomplishment, His righteousness and His blood cleansing me from the guilt and shame of my sin. (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 9:14)
In sum, we can close out today's blog with these words from a hymn entitled: "Heaven Came Down": "Heaven came down and glory filled my soul. There at the cross the Savior made me whole. My sins were washed away, and my night was turned to day. Heaven came down and glory filled my soul".
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
D.L Moody's thoughts on the Bible
Job 23:12 “I have not departed from the command of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."
Today's blog is going to feature a statement about scripture written in the flyleaf of the Bible of famous 19th century evangelist D.L Moody. It is so wonderfully encouraging and edifying that I felt it necessary to share it with you today dear reader. Enjoy!
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."
Today's blog is going to feature a statement about scripture written in the flyleaf of the Bible of famous 19th century evangelist D.L Moody. It is so wonderfully encouraging and edifying that I felt it necessary to share it with you today dear reader. Enjoy!
The Bible: The Book of Books
by D.L Moody
"The Bible reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of life, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Read it to be wise.
It gives light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the soldier's sword, the Christian's chart
In the Bible paradise is restored; heaven is opened; and the gates of hell are described. Christ is its theme, our good its design and the glory of God its purpose.
The Bible should fill our memories, rule our hearts and guide our feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, a river of pleasure. It is given to us in life; it will be open in judgment and remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor and condemns all who trifle with it.
The Bible sets forth two things: the cross and the throne. The Old Testament points toward the cross. The Gospels tell the story of the cross. The Epistles point toward the throne. The Book of Revelation tells the story of the throne.
The Old Testament tells us what sin leads to and ends with: 'Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse'. (Malachi 4:6)
The New Testament shows the way out of sin and ends like this: 'The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all'. (Revelation 22:21)"
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