Have you ever wanted to be deemed important? For most, a title can give status. A designated name seems to give permission to assume importance or authority. But, in reality, is a title overly significant? Personally, I almost think it is detrimental, in that onlookers can easily size up an individual to see if the title truly belongs to the person wearing the badge. In this week’s study, Israel is called to be a priesthood. Do they measure up? And what does Yeshua tell us about becoming a priest today?
At the time of Yeshua’s death, the veil between the Most Holy Place and the Holy Place in YHWH’s Temple was torn from top to bottom, eliminating the sacrificial system for Yah’s people and re-directing the function of priesthood. Through the death and resurrection of Yeshua Messiah, a new priesthood was formed. The Apostle Peter reminds us of this fact in I Peter chapter two, when he compares the priesthood of the Jewish leadership (who had rejected the cornerstone) to a new and broader priesthood.
“9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; I Peter 2:9
All the way back at Mount Sinai when Isreal was pulled out of Egypt, they were called to be a priesthood by YHWH Himself. What an honor! And of course, it was gladly accepted by the people, when things looked good.
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 (Moses) shall speak to the sons of Israel.” 7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the Lord had commanded him. 8 Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. 9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also trust in you forever.” Ex. 19: 5-6
But we all know what happened after Yahweh showed up in a cloud with smoke and fire, shaking the mountain with a fanfare of trumpets. Isreal began to walk back their statement to accept their title and asked for Moses to take on the duties of a priest, “lest they die.” (Ex. 20:18-21)
So, just what are the priestly duties? In short, the priests of Israel took on the role of interceding for the people before Yahweh. They were the laborers of sacrifice washing their hands in the basin before entering the Holy Place of bread and light.
The high priest would be the only one to go into the Most Holy Place on Yom Kippur to mediate the sins of Israel. He would literally “take on” the sins of Israel onto himself. His glorious robes were then taken off in exchange for simple, white linen garments, in order to proceed into the holy of holies. Does this remind you of anyone?
Most people assume the High Priest went in, did the business, and (all being well) came back out again. Job well done. But no. The priest went in and out at least three times. Before he was acceptable in God’s sight to offer sacrifices for the people, the priest had to go in and offer incense that would cover the ark “so that he would not die” (Leviticus 16:13). Then after that, he had to go back in and take some bull’s blood to sprinkle on the ark cover for him and his family. And only after was he to make atonement for the holy place via the blood of the goat, on behalf of the people of Israel.
Now let’s fast forward to the words of Yeshua as He spoke about the heart of those of whom He calls. These words are given in the Book of Matthew, chapter five. As you read His Words, consider the following concepts:
- Do the “Blessed are they” sections address the heart and purpose of a priest?
- How beneficial is a priesthood if there is no salt or light to be given to those around them?
- From the description of the following verses does Yeshua address title or heart change?
1 Now whenYeshua saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 And He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
I’m convinced if we desire to be a priest in the Kingdom for title alone, we may in fact miss the blessing. Kingdom work requires people who have humbled themselves before Yahweh. For He gives us “Kingdom Favor” and “Kingdom Light.”
If you read further in Matthew 5, Yeshua reminds those who are listening, that the law still applies, but that the law keeper must have a change of heart. He defines the difference when he states, “you have heard it said, but I tell you this.” From this point on, Yeshua clarifies the nature and heart of the law—something that is much more difficult for a sinful body to obey.
When Nicodemus, a well titled Pharisee came to Yeshua to find out the nature of His teachings and where His healing power came from, he finds a perplexing answer.
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again. . . unless someone is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” Jn. 3:3-5
Are you ready to move from seeking a position to seeking direction? Draw near to Yeshua. Let Him change your heart through the baptism of water and Spirit. You will be blessed.
Be blessed,
Rollyn