“Drive careful now and be safe!”
When my parents first said this to me, I was baffled! Why wouldn’t I drive safely? But at 16, the concept of being careful wasn’t really in my daily vocabulary or brain. In hindsight, I can see why the reminder was given.
In this week’s study, Yahweh speaks or says to the priests, “Don’t defile yourselves, be careful with the holy gifts, and don’t profane my name.” What would this all mean to a group of people already dedicated to holy service? What does it mean for us today?
Honestly, I had to struggle with this week’s portions, especially in the area of priesthood. In that it was the priests who interceded for the people in their offerings. They had to follow rules to stay clean. And of course, they were the ones that represented “the name.” But, according to those who walked with the Messiah, a new priesthood is being formed.
The apostle Peter writes:
5 . . . you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Yeshua Messiah.
STOP! What does this mean? In the preceding chapter, Peter reminds us that Yeshua was prophesied for our salvation. He reminds us that Yeshua causes us to be born again! Therefore, we no longer need a physical sacrifice to put on the altar. Instead, we are to bring our spiritual sacrifice, which is acceptable due to the workings of Yeshua. We are being built into a priest.
Peter continues:
“. . . and the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers,“ A stone which the builders rejected, This became the chief cornerstone,”8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed.
STOP! Who are the unbelievers? According to this text, they are ones who are disobedient to the Word. And have rejected Messiah as the spotless lamb. The believers are those who have not taken offense from the “being in” the Word.
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; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
STOP! Who are the chosen people? And, what does “you were once not a people, but now are a people” refer to?
The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans that if we are under the law, we are judged by the law. But if we are of Christ, we are judged by mercy. Yeshua’s death provides mercy and is better than bulls or goats. Therefore, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or freeman. Instead, we are equal in His sight.
Ok, so What does this have to do with the feasts of Yahweh in Leviticus 23? Let’s look at two of them:
- First Fruits—A sheaf offering waved before YHWH. “And he shall wave (aleph/tav) the sheaf before Yahweh. . . .and you shall offer that day when you wave (aleph/tav) the sheaf and the lamb without blemish.” Lev. 23:11-12
Who is being waved before YHWH? Yeshua Himself the beginning and end offers Himself as our first fruit offering. He is the One without blemish and stands up for us.
- Day of Atonement. “. . . it shall be unto you and you shall afflict (Aleph/Tav) your souls.” Lev. 23:32
Did you Notice? If we deny ourselves on Day of Atonement, Aleph/Tav (Yashua/Jesus) associates with our affliction. He walks beside us to take away our affliction of sin.
In short, it is Yeshua’s qualifications that build a priesthood.
The study of Emor includes Ezekiel 44 into this discussion. Why? I suggest you read the chapter. Though from my perspective, we see a priesthood that was called, but they defiled the sanctuary and failed to guard or cherish the holy gifts. Consequently, YHWH seeks another priesthood—a priesthood that will guard, cherish and protect.
But what or who is being cherished? Is it just a sanctuary or is there more to it? There is another Aleph/Tav mentioned in the Torah portion that should help us.
In Leviticus 24:11, we read about a son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian. This man spoke against Yahweh and even wrestled with an Israelite. This event happened right after Aaron dedicates the Sabbath. Yahweh then decrees death to this man by stoning. Why?
Consider the words “blaspheme” and “in vain.” Blaspheming is a curse of ill will towards another. Speaking in vain means something is ineffective, hollow, empty, worthless.
The word picture of Aleph/Tav showing up in this text implies that this person cursed the very One who gives Salvation by denying His work as being worthless. Wow! Did this attitude carry on into the priesthood of man?
Yeshua was brought before Annas and Caiaphas, two Roman appointed puppets posing as high priests. But by holding this holy position, their own words brought destruction on the Jewish people. Caiaphas stated, “It would be expedient that one man should die for the Jewish people.” These words haunted a nation. Praise Yah, many repented from this curse during Peter’s sermon in the book of Acts.
Here are a few take aways?
- Yahweh requires a spiritual sacrifice through Messiah. I am no longer bound to put a physical animal on the altar. Instead, I am required to give up myself.
- I chose to follow feast days not for my salvation or as an act of righteousness, but as a reminder of what Yashua is doing and has done.
- Any person who curses Yahshua as being worthless will be held accountable.
- Because I believe in Yahshua, I am a living stone and will be built up as a priest in His Kingdom
Drive carefully everyone! Try not to blame others or justify yourself by works that have already been covered by Yahshua, our Messiah. Praise His Name and come Home safely!
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn