Tag: Old Covenant

Rebellion Is Their Name

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It was my observation after reading Ezekiel chapter 1 and then progressing to chapter 2 that we are given a detailed image of the throne. Why did God show this to Ezekiel? Consider the message that Paul heard on the Damascus Road. Paul was clearly chosen by God, things happened around hi to be sure he got the message. There was no question in his mind what had happened. Now in the case of Ezekiel we see something similar.  His nickname appears in this chapter – Son of Man.  I suspect God applied this phrase to Ezekiel as an affectionate nickname; as a term of endearment. The Hebrew term for Son of Man is Ben-Adam. We see something similar in Daniel 7:17, we find the term Son of Adam, Son of the earth. I think this means he was called to be a representative of God on earth.

In the passage we are about to read, Ezekiel is told — Get up. Get off the ground, I want to talk to you.  I think that God did not want to talk to the back of Ezekiel’s head. He stood Ezekiel up so Ezekiel was looking at the glory before him – this reveals the affection God has for people who walk with God.  As much as we could imagine, within the confines of extreme holiness and the translucent shroud that protected us, they were looking at each other.  Ezekiel’s instinct is to get prostrate, God says to him, not today.  I am affirming your commission.  Right here, right now. Face to Face.

Ezekiel 2:1-5 says — He said to me, Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you. As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. He said: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says. And whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are a rebellious people, they will know that a prophet has been among them. [NIV]

The short version of this passage is simple – Get up.  You are my prophet to Isreal.  They will not like you, but they will know one thing for sure – A prophet has been called to walk among them.  They will know that I am the Lord their God and I am not Silent.  This tells us something about how God thinks.  He is immensely pleased to work with us.  He delights in our willingness to serve.  When we show a tiny bit of interest, he is all over it.  He brings power and strength. He fills us with himself and then works from within us to accomplish his tasks.  If you ponder this for a bit, you will realize how truly amazing this situation is.  The one true living God choosing to work through us, training us in his way.  He does not need help, but he has decided to partner with us to implement his plan.  Goodness.  We are loved.


Matthew Henry said — Thus, in a similar case, Daniel was strengthened by a divine touch (Daniel 10:18) and John was raised by the right hand of Christ laid upon him (Revelation 1:17). The Spirit set him upon his feet, made him willing and forward to do as he was bidden, and then he heard him that spoke to him. He heard the voice before, but now he heard it more distinctly and clearly, heard it and submitted to it. The Spirit sets us upon our feet by inclining our will to our duty, and thereby disposes the understanding to receive the knowledge of it.

We find the conclusion of this passage, Ezekiel is being called, prepared, strengthened and sent to deliver a message to a rabble. A rebellious group of people who have been pushed off the island, the land of the promise to the land of Babylon.  Ezekiel knew what this was all about.  He knew it would not be an easy life.  But he had a calling and purpose.  His people were in captivity for rebellion against Gods law.  He hoped God would be gracious, but his resolve to serve was clear.  We do the same. I choose Jesus.

A Broken and Contrite Heart

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After reading my first essay on God’s holiness, Pepper commented — I can see the mirror concept, it is like being in the desert on a moonless night, surrounded by many cars with their brights on, with no place to hide – his holiness illuminates everything. Then she asked – How does it work in practice?

I think a close reading of scripture that reveals God’s holiness defines both (1) moral structure and (2) personality. This interesting feature of holiness is what causes us to cry out — My Lord and my God, forgive me; yet, the following day we kneel with delighted reverence to admire, adore, and worship the one true living God that inhabits eternity.

In this framework, let us consider the moral structure of God’s holiness. I believe moral structure is defined by the law. But not a version of the law that is meant to crush us with rules. Rather a law that defines life boundaries and clearly identifies the things used by Lucifer to put a wedge between us and God. Additionally, through the Law, the one true living God has given us extraordinary insight into the operations and methods of Lucifer. Each element of the law specifies a tool that Lucifer uses to harm us. For example, the law tells us – do not bear false witness against your neighbor. I suggest we view this as a ‘clue’. Lucifer will set us up with opportunities to bear false witness, if he can get us to take the bait, he will snare us. Cleverly, God has given us advanced warning that this is one of Lucifer’s tricks. God is telling us to stay clear of the snare and avoid trouble.

I think we are wise to pay attention to the insight from the law, for we are informed and apprised in advance of when and how Lucifer hoovers, schemes, and works to pull us away from the one true living God. In all of this we can not loose sight of the concept – less of me and more of Jesus. Jesus gives us the insight and power to avoid the snare.

There is more – Consider the beatitudes – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you, persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account (Matthew 5:2-12).

The Beatitudes (beautiful blessings) is a profound rendering (application) of the law, presented in unconditional Love, to nudge our thoughts and actions towards his goodness. I think this is a grand view of how to exude holiness in our daily life. The beatitude blessings tell us there is a reward for our yielding to the nudge of God. This is not works-righteousness – this is victorious living. The message from the blessings is humbling and encouraging at the same time.

What then, is God’s holy personality? I believe his personality (holiness) is represented in human terms by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I am speaking of things such as self-control, meekness, faith, goodness, gentleness, patience, peace, joy, and the most important thing of all – love. God is the gold standard for each of these attributes. He is these things. What a wondrous thing to have this fruit of His Spirit laid upon us like a mantle of his glory. Paul says – hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5 paraphrased). A broken and contrite heart will never be rejected by God, our unholiness is wiped clean by Jesus. We take refuge in Jesus. When God looks at us, he sees our redeemer, embedded in us.

I choose Jesus.

Finding the Path Home

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Essay By Dan

It has been my observation from Genesis 3 that we have been rebellious since the beginning. The rebellion started with Adam and expanded to all of us. Then Elohim (God) pushed the reset button on civilization (Noah and the flood) and started fresh with one family. Gradually, after the flood, Elohim introduced rules to live by (Leviticus) – a process of self-regulation that required our attention.

When I read Leviticus, I am struck by the sheer volume and range of trouble we can get ourselves into. Human sin is very destructive. It disfigures our soul, pollutes our mind, and taints our heart with darkness. God’s work in us is impaired, distracted, weakened. Our relationships are fractured, we struggle for power, we become aggressive in our heart, and eventually we become comfortable with evil. Rebellion and self-aggrandizement become our highway to mediocracy. Our sin is invasive; it spreads from our heart to our family – then the rebellion quickly infects the community and creeps into God’s house. The Holy of Holies becomes unclean. How does God feel? I suspect a combination of exasperation and compassion for us. We vandalize his house with our sin, leaving our tags everywhere. His tears form. We leave our trash in heaps at his feet (as we unburden ourselves) and then head straight back into the cesspool. He sighs. He is holy, we are mired in rebellion. Yes, I too am guilty of creating trash heaps.

The ancient story of Israel and Egypt is a story of sorrow when God’s people choose to take ownership of God’s plan and redefine morality to suit their desires. As a result, they became slaves in Egypt. Enter Moses, the Red Sea, the Tabernacle, and the book of Leviticus. Tabernacle operations (defined in Leviticus) was the method where God opened the door to dwell amongst the people with a new leadership plan (sin payments). The tabernacle walls protected our eyes from Elohim’s shekinah light.

You know that sin is infectious. It is easier to continue than stop. The Israelites needed a path that pulled them away from sin, cleared the debt of sin, and opened the door to sustainable operations in God’s presence. This leads us to the reason for animal sacrifice. The sacrifice was first seen in the skins provided by God to Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness (self-awareness of sin); then, as time progressed, sin became much more deplorable. Rampant sin illustrated the need for a new covenant.

I would not find it easy to cut an animal’s throat and watch it die, even if it were necessary to rectify my personal foolishness. Please understand, I am a carnivorous person, killing animals is part of that lifestyle. But this sacrifice thing is different. Watching life (blood) drain into a bowl, a visceral image of the outcome of sin, would be an overwhelming event for me. We (through our sin) accelerate the darkness that tries to crush the world. The impact cannot be overstated; it may not seem like much to yell at your neighbor. Who gets injured? Yet, looking at sin on the global scale, the multiplication factor drives the number of sins towards infinity every moment of every day. The aggregate of our sin grieves God. The old covenant law exposes Lucifer and our weakness. The new covenant is built on grace.

The symbolism of the sacrifice is a physical expression of God’s demand for justice and desire to offer grace. Elohim is justified when he wants people to face the consequences (owning the sacrifice). But, at the same time, he feels compassion for us. So, he accepts the animal’s life as a temporary payment. Consider the impact of the Yom Kippur’s blood offering and the scapegoat (sin removal). This is a precursor for the ransom of Jesus and the Holy Spirit to write Elohim’s precepts on our hearts.

John wrote — God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:9-10). His love and sacrifice for us defines our path home.

I choose Jesus.

The Freedom to Give

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Essay By Dan

It was my observation while making a survey of Leviticus that Elohim set up a series of rules for the application of sacrifice to address the commission of sin. What I found interesting was the list of problems that require a sacrifice served as a roadmap for Lucifer’s sphere of operations. God chose to define the areas Lucifer uses to draw us into a state of rebellion. God then conveniently provides a path back from each operational area used by Lucifer. The more we understand about Lucifer’s sphere of operation the less effective Lucifer is trying to dismantle our relationship with the one true living God.

Consider the implication of the sacrificial guidelines (see Leviticus 16). The animal being offered had to be perfect. There needed to be a connection between the animal and the person offering the animal for sacrifice. The person offering the animal had to be part of the death process (direct kill or a sanctioned kill by a priest). The person offering the animal knows the sacrifice is only a temporary cover for sin. I think this lays the framework for the death, burial, and resurrection of our perfect ransom — Jesus.

Once per year, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) provides full forgiveness and sin removal at the national level for the Israelites. The high priest presented two male goats; one for a sin offering and the other was released into the wilderness as a scapegoat. The sin offering incurred God’s forgiveness; the released goat provided removal of sin. Humm… Sound a bit familiar?

Jesus functioned as the sin offering (similar to the Yom Kippur). The Yom Kippur scapegoat carried the sins of the people into the desert to be lost for all time. The impact? Our sin is forgotten. I think it is reasonable to view the sacrifice of Jesus as a perfect version of the Yom Kippur. Peter tells us that Jesus carried our sin in his body (implied in 1 Peter 2:24); the author of Hebrews tells us the sacrifice of Jesus caused the permanent removal of our sin (implied in Hebrews 9:8-14).

Let us dig a little more. When I read Exodus, Leviticus, or Numbers; I note a plethora of verses on sacrificial operations. We cannot help but notice the group of people selected to be priests (Hebrew term — Kohanim) during the exodus from Egypt. They were the only ones who were allowed to accomplish the sacrifices and bring the nation closer to God. Aaron was the first priest (Hebrew term — Kohen), gradually his male children became the group of priests (Kohanim) who managed the temple. The Kohanim (priests) were required to clear their own sin first, then they were able to address the sin of individuals, or even the entire nation (Yom Kippur).

The sacrifices offered by the Kohanim (priests) were called Korban (Hebrew term for sacrifice). The Korban was presented in the temple at least three times a day. The Korban (often translated sacrifice) means ‘draws close.’ There were three types of korbans – animal sacrifice, grain offering, and money donations. The desired effect of the Korban was to prepare a path for God to dwell amongst us on a daily basis (Exodus 25:8). The Korban was a constant reminder to us of the areas where Lucifer would attack — his modus operandi. If we want to know how he will move against us (sphere of operation) then we should get familiar with the law. Lucifer’s battle plan is very clearly presented in the law.

The deeper truth – the Korban, in its purest form, brings us closer to God. Jesus chose to offer himself for us as the ultimate Korban. Unlike the animals who do not have a say in their role as the Korban, Jesus offered himself with no pressure from Elohim. Jesus said — Just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father— I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR THE SHEEP (John 10:15 paraphrased). He chose to be the sacrifice. Jesus freely gave his life for us. His offering was far better than the Old Testament Korban. His ransom payment was a permanent response for our sin.

I choose Jesus.

Writing Love in Our Heart

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Essay By Dan

It was my observation while learning about the mediator function held by Jesus that I was not very knowledgeable about the origins of sacrifice as defined by scripture. I followed this tangent and started learning. In the book of Leviticus, the Israelites were instructed by God on the topic of sacrifice. In my view, the notion of sacrifice is a God directed process where blessings are appropriated through the offering of a specified element for a specified sin. But I must be clear – the sacrifice begins and ends with God. In His kindness, He provides this avenue to his people so that they, by faith, might receive grace.

When I looked for the first sacrifice, I noted that God covered Adam and Eve with animal skins. These animals were used (sacrificed) to address Adam and Eve’s rebellion (Genesis 3:21). This event was not specifically called a sacrifice, but the metaphor is clear. Their sin (rebellion) was covered (literally with skins) by the death (shed blood) of another being. Their anxiety was relieved, and they were willing to talk with God once the coverings were in place. The next sacrifice occurs when Abel offers a sacrificial animal (firstling) as gratitude for a good year of crops (Genesis 4:3-5). I should mention — Abel’s attitude was correct, the sacrifice was effective; Cain’s attitude was incorrect, his sacrifice was not accepted.

The Lord said to Moses in Leviticus 17:3-7 (paraphrased) — Any Israelite who offers a sacrifice in the camp or outside of it instead of bringing it to the tabernacle of the Lord—that person shall be considered guilty of bloodshed. This is so the Israelites will bring to the Lord the sacrifices they are now making in the open fields. They must bring them to the Lord and sacrifice them as fellowship offerings. The priest is to splash the blood against the altar of the Lord and burn the fat as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. They must no longer offer any sacrifices to their idols. (NIV).

Then we read in Leviticus 17:11 why the sacrifice and more specifically why the blood is important. We read — For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life (ESV).

In this verse, I noted the life of the flesh is in the blood. The essential life of all beings is contained in their blood. To touch the blood is to touch life. Blood moves us from the abstract idea of life to a visual, tactile presentation of life. If there is no blood in the sacrifice, then sin remains. A life un-ransomed is no life. Not only do we need blood to live, but God also conveys eternal life to us through sacrificial blood. Let us take a deeper look by examining two key phrases in the verse.

On the Altar. The altar starts with death (the sacrifice) but quickly transitions to life. Blood is placed on the altar; when they connect (the blood and altar) then the offering becomes holy (see Exodus 29:37) and imparts life (forgiveness) to the offeror (the person bringing a sacrifice to the altar).

To make atonement for your souls. We have established that blood imparts life to sinners. Blood on the altar eradicates sin, reverses death sentences, and brings us closer to God. This begins with the death of the offering but is made complete when the blood is placed on the altar.

The deeper truth — The blood offering was much more substantial than the rest of the offering. No part of the offering was transported into the holy of holies except for the blood. Without the blood, there was no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22). In the old covenant, blood covered our sin in much the same way that the skins covered Adam and Eve – yet their heart remained corrupted. In the new covenant the blood of Jesus paid our ransom completely – our heart is changed. His life was in that blood – His life changed us. His blood was offered in our stead – we are transformed. The Spirit writes love in our heart.

I choose Jesus.

The Deal is Off!

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Essay By Dan

It has been my observation while reading the Book of Hebrews, the author has gone to great lengths to relate the importance of the last supper to the old and new covenant. Now let us couple the message from the Book of Hebrews on the covenant with events that occurred during the Last Supper. We see in Matthew and Luke that Jesus explained to the disciples why He was going to be nailed to a cross. During that discussion, He took them right to the blood of the covenant and its purpose therein.

In Matthew we read – “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup and he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you; I will not drink from this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.’ ” (Matthew 26:26-29 paraphrased)

At the Last Supper, Jesus carefully explains the spilling of his blood initiates the new covenant (atoning ransom sacrifice for our sins), this ransom message is noticeably clear in Matthew. Jesus presents himself as both the high priest (mediator) offering the sacrifice and the sacrifice himself.

In Luke, we read — After taking the cup, he said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, — This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you (Luke 22: 17-20 paraphrased).

Every time we partake in Communion, we hear the message specifying why we take the cup: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins” You are hearing the explanation from Jesus of why He had to die. Communion is part of the definition for a new covenant with God, you violated the old covenant, you deserve to die. Jesus made a new deal for us. Jesus implies — I spoke to my Father, I am going to die (ransom sacrifice) in your place, then my Father will be glorified, and my followers will be redeemed forever.

When I ponder on the implications of communion, I think that Jesus is saying — every time you come to that table, I want you to remember that you are in fellowship with My Father, not because of anything that you have done, but because of what I have done. I died in your place to fulfill the curses that should have fallen on your head. I died the death of a covenant-breaker, even though I was the one who was faithful to the covenant so that all you covenant-breakers who believe on Me, who trust in Me, who have faith in Me alone for your salvation, might come into fellowship, reconciled with God.

Final thoughts – the author of Hebrews is encouraging his Jewish readers to not look back to the old covenant rituals as their way into fellowship with God. The old rituals mean nothing apart from Jesus. Do not look at your works, your service, your status, your reputation, your church job title; do not look at anything but Jesus for your reconciliation with God. Why? If we distance ourselves from the ransom and resurrection of Jesus, inserting our works as proof of worthiness into the formula, there is no reconciliation. The deal is off – the impact of the new covenant has been rendered impotent by our feeble proof!

I choose Jesus.

The Ransom Death

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Essay by Dan

It has been my observation while pouring through the Book of Hebrews there is an interesting linkage between the mediator role and the ransom payment. For example, we read – He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance –now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant (Hebrews 9:15).

The central purpose of Jesus as our mediator for sin is found in the interesting phrase “by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant.” This phrase defines the basis and expression of Christ’s mediatorship in the new covenant as His unwarranted (Jesus had no sin) sacrificial death (Jesus stepped into our place with a ransom for our sin). Therefore, His sinless payment of the ransom and the promises of the new covenant emerge with unmistakable power and victory.

God has been nurturing and growing the Israelites for eons. He was passionately protective of them. Furthermore, we note — Jesus bought (purchased with his ransom) all the sins committed (by Israel, God’s chosen people) under the first covenant. He bought every sin committed by each individual son and daughter of Abraham with his sacrifice. We are wise to notice a key element of the pro bono new covenant implemented by a gracious God that extended this ransom over the gentiles. Jesus explained His death just before His crucifixion; both Matthew and Mark documented Jesus citing a phrase from Exodus 24;”this is the blood of the covenant.” Selah!

Contrasting the Old Testament rituals with the work of Jesus leads us to understand the old ways will never impart everlasting life with the one true living God. In Hebrews 6:1 we find clear affirmation; the old school rituals lead to death. The new covenant (replacement for the old rituals) sets us perfectly free from any need to engage in such things. I think the extensive discussion about the blood of Christ in the Book of Hebrews is designed to calm the Jewish conscience and leave them ready to embrace the eternal inheritance provided by the new covenant (see Hebrews 6:12).

We know from Luke and from Paul the importance of the Jeremiah 31 phrase; “this is the new covenant in my blood.” It was as if Jesus was saying — If you want to understand the covenant, you need to understand that My death and resurrection is the event that delivers the covenant promises prophesied hundreds of years earlier through Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Moses. My death brings a resurrection through those promises. My death unlocks your heart. This is my gift as mediator of the new covenant.

As the mediator, He is paying for the penalty of sin and buying back those sins committed by all those who believe in Him as Savior and choose to walk with God. This begs the question — is there any possibility of someone saying, “Well, that is nice that Jesus has done that, but I am going to find my path to God – on my own.” Our response? “Huh?” How did you decide on your defense? How did you present your case to Elohim? What was his response? Have you appealed your case? To whom? How is that working out for you? There is only one path to the Father. Jesus said, of himself – “I am the way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6)

The deeper truth – The ransom death is intense, draconian, and brutal. Yet, the ransom is embedded in the message of our salvation. It is the cornerstone of God’s unconditional love for us. His ransom death paid the penalty for all sin; do you know of any other way for that ransom to be paid? I think not. Only the death of the Mediator can clear the debt. Only a perfect offering presented in the heavenly temple can adjudicate our sin. There is no other path possible. None. Nada.

I choose Jesus.