Tag: Jesus

I am a Worm

On By TimIn Jesus, Prophecy, Psalm 022Leave a comment

But I am a worm, and not a man; a reproach of men and despised by the people.

Psalm 22:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love the psalms. For many reasons, yes I love them. There are gems like this verse that give a stark contrast to a fleeting moment compared to eternity.

It is written by King David, the man after God’s heart. One that was far from perfect yet God favored. This is David’s lament, yet with prophetic significance as that speaks to the experience Jesus had on Earth.

Yes, Jesus suffered the disapproval of others, He suffered the dismissal of indifference.

Sometimes, circumstance leads some of us right into that lonely place of reproach and despair. It can happen at any moment, even in a crowded room. And if our minds are not focused correctly, we can easily slip further into a circular morass of depression.

The real idea that permeates David’s song is not the singular focus of that verse. There is the steadfast focus on God in the rest of the psalm that gives encouragement. Read it for yourself. David, and writing prophetically of Jesus, knew the reproach of men. He also knew the promises of God and in Whom hope never is disappointed.

I‘ve experienced this solitary place more than I would like to admit over my lifetime. I’ve been called more names than I want to remember… Even by adults who supposedly cared for me. I can be alone in my thoughts anywhere, anytime.

Things I know… Knowledge is a firmer foundation than emotion. What I feel is fleeting and can change. What I know can change what I feel.

The man after God’s heart knew that place. Jesus also isn’t unfamiliar with the same. He has suffered despair far worse than David, you, or I could imagine.

The God of the universe has firsthand experience with hate and spite given to Him by the very creatures He made in His likeness and whom He sustains.

That is my God!

He’s the One Who set aside what it is to be God to experience the things I experience… Even death. The Bible says that He even tasted that death for me.

He didn’t deserve to get what I ought to have.

“I am a worm,” Jesus says.

He stooped to serve me. He didn’t hide from it. Yet in that same instant that I remember that it comes to mind, He did that so I could have no fear.

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hid His face from him; but when he cried to Him, He heard.

Psalm 22:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I need not fear despair. I need not fear reproach. I need not even fear death. For He has conquered it all. And He does not hide from it.

Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has prevailed. The One that stooped to serve me, will have all willingly kneel to Him.

All the prosperous ones of the earth will eat and worship; all who go down to the dust will bow before Him, even he who cannot keep his own soul alive. Posterity will serve Him; it will be told to generations about the Lord; they will come and declare His righteousness to a people yet to be born, that He has acted.

Psalm 22:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He is alive. He has overcome. Behold, He is risen and coming back for His own.

The Name: Scepter

On By TimIn Esther 5, Jesus3 Comments

On the third day, Esther put on her royal apparel and positioned herself in the king’s palace courtyard so that she would be directly in line with the part of the king’s throne room where the king sat facing the entrance of the room on his royal throne in the royal hall. When the king saw Queen Esther standing quietly out in the courtyard, she gained favor in his sight, so the king held out the golden scepter in his hand to Esther. Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.

Esther 5:1–2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love the types and shadows that are present in the Scriptures. I think there is one here that, like all, is profound.

For those not familiar with Esther, she is the queen of Persia and Media. The entire account is a fascinating read. In defeating the evil Haman by exposing his plot to destroy her cousin Mordecai. The king had Haman hung on his own gallows.

There was also a law written in the books created by this Haman, that on a certain day the citizens were permitted and expected to kill all the Jewish folk in the nation. The culture in that nation didn’t allow for the voiding of laws.

How was Esther going to save her people?

The laws didn’t permit anyone to approach the king, even his bride, without an invitation. The penalty was death.

To the types and shadows…

It’s that golden scepter… The extension of it toward Esther granting her favor to enter the presence of the king. It is the extension of favor wherein she may now let the king know her petition without fear in his very presence.

The underlying word in Hebrew makes connections that are astounding. Our English translations also make the connection.

But first I want to point out that scholars think this scepter was a small version of a shepherd’s crook. You are probably familiar with an Egyptian version. It is represented in ancient carvings. Even Disney has an accurate depiction at Epcot in Spaceship Earth.

This scepter as a representative shepherd’s crook is a good reminder to us all, that the leaders of a nation are appointed by God to be good stewards of the people, just as a shepherd cares for sheep. In that way, they are to be like Jesus. This brings this digression back to the point. In Numbers, there was a prophecy of Jesus given.

“I will see him, but not now; I will behold him, but not near; a star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel, and will crush the borderlands of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. Edom will be a possession, and Seir, a possession of its enemies, while Israel does valiantly. One out of Jacob shall have dominion, and destroy the survivors of the city.”

Numbers 24:17–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Here, Jesus is referred to as “a scepter.” The underlying Hebrew words are related. This one Numbers is the Hebrew shêbeṭ. Whereas in Esther, it is the derivative sharbı̂yṭ. It is only used four times in the Old Testament and all of them are in Esther. Our reference word for scepter is specific and exclusive, yet is derived from the same word in the Numbers prophecy.

Furthermore, the phrase “the golden scepter” is used three times in Esther. The Hebrew phrase is ’eṯ sharbı̂yṭ hǎ zāhāḇ. Each time it is used it is a demonstration of grace and acceptance extended by the king.

That is Jesus.

He is the Sceptre, the extension of grace and acceptance from God. Jesus told us…

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In Hebrews, it is explained this way.

Since then we have a great High Priest who has passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14–16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Saved or unsaved… pagan or Christian… Jew or Gentile… There is only one Way to enter the presence of the King. And that’s via the Sceptre extended to us in favor… Jesus Christ.

Not convinced? There’s more.

That little two-letter word et may easily be passed over. In my opinion, it is one of those things in Hebrew that point directly to Jesus.

The Hebrew letters that make up the word et are the aleph and the tav. The aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and the tav is the last.

Look at the screenshot included. You can see the Hebrew aleph and tav depicted in the callout box. (In the “Lemma” line next to the number 1.)

These two letters appear (sometimes untranslated) occasionally in the Hebrew Bible. An important one for me to discover was some years back. It is in the first line of the Bible. Genesis 1, in the beginning, God. Right next to the word elohim is these two Hebrew letters. In the beginning God aleph-tav (think Alpha Omega.)

Conclusion.

People say that Esther doesn’t mention God. It certainly doesn’t mention Jesus. But, a little digging into the underlying text reveals that He is indeed there. Don’t be afraid to use the vast tools available to you. There are many to allow such digging. If I can find it, you can.

I think I understand why this has been knocking around in my head for some weeks now. God had something important to show. I am also very cognizant of Michael Heiser and his adage. “If it’s weird. It’s important.” I always keep that in mind. Along with those little ideas that arise as God causes them to be stuck in your mind.

Jesus Sets the Timing

On By TimIn 2 Thessalonians 02, Jesus, Last DaysLeave a comment

Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For that Day will not come unless a falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction,

2 Thessalonians 2:3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. I have kept those whom You have given Me. And none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

John 17:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is unmistakable that the coming prince shares the same epithet that Judas shared. It is also unmistakable that this imposter is not in control of timing.

There is some controversy on exactly what falling away entails. It could be the abandonment of orthodox Christianity by some. If so, it’s easy to see the beginnings of that even now. There are some who see it as a removal of people, specifically believers. Regardless, the revealing of the son of perdition cannot occur until after the event.

If Satan is not in control of the timing of things, that means he has had to have a man ready at any given time. He knows his time is short but has a specific beginning. He has no idea when the specific time starts.

God knows. In fact, God has shared intelligence with us in His Word. We are given vivid descriptions of exactly what is going to happen. But it won’t start until God gives the go-ahead.

For lots of Christians, we think that is what is called the rapture. That word comes with some baggage, too. But I think of it as a catching away of the believers.

As God would have it come to mind… Jesus also controlled the timing of the previous son of perdition. Sitting down to share a meal with his disciples, this is what happened.

Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. After receiving the piece of bread, Satan entered him.
Then Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” But no one at the table knew why He said this to him.

John 13:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was Jesus that controlled the timing of His crucifixion.

Satan couldn’t move against Jesus at his own discretion and timing. He also can’t move in his short window of time in the end at his own discretion. He must first wait for God.

The very context of 2 Thessalonians tells us the sign…

Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things? Now you know what restrains him that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already working. Only He who is now restraining him will do so until He is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth, and destroy with the brightness of His presence, even him, whose coming is in accordance with the working of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all deception of unrighteousness among those who perish, because they did not receive the love for the truth that they might be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:5–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He can’t move until that happens. He Who restrains. This time, it’s not Jesus… But the Holy Spirit Who works in the hearts of all believers now.

Time seems short.

The Name: See Jesus LORD

On By TimIn Exodus 14, JesusLeave a comment

But Moses said to the people, “Fear not! Stand firm! And see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show you today. For the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see again. The Lord shall fight for you, while you hold your peace.”

Exodus 14:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I love the Old Testament shadows that are given for our edification. At this particular point in history, the Israelis are being pursued by Pharaoh’s army and are in a seeming dead-end. They are hemmed in by mountains and the Red Sea, and the old ways are dogging them. There is no perceivable way of escape. (Israel serves as a type of the world and its sin.)

There are some important points that we must see clearly. First, Moses commands the Israelis to not be afraid. Fear is a tool of the enemy. It leads us to doubt God. Moses is telling those to stand firm. That is to be ready. God makes ways where there are none.

He makes a statement at the end to show the entirety of what he is speaking about. “The LORD shall fight for you.” When the word LORD is capitalized in English it is to convey what some say is the unspeakable name of God… YHWH. It’s odd that Moses used it twice in just the passage cited above.

What is expected of the Israelis to keep their salvation from the Egyptians?

  • Fear not.
  • Stand firm.
  • Hold your peace.

What is the promise to the Israelis?

They will never see the Egyptians again.

The application is easy. As we are saved from the world and sin, our admonition is to not be afraid and to stand firm holding our peace. It isn’t to work or find a way out. Trust God. He promises they will never see that again.

Amidst all of that Moses explains to the Israelis “see the salvation of the LORD.” In English, it is easy to brush over the phrase. But knowing just a bit about Hebrew leads us to dig just beneath the text. We know the word LORD is the name of God, YHWH. The other word, salvation is a translation of the Hebrew word Yeshua.

In the screenshot of an interlinear Bible, reading from right to left the phrase is literally Yeshua Yahweh (or Yeshua Jehovah.) Yeshuah is the Hebrew word that is the name of Jesus. What Moses is telling the Israelis hundreds of years before Jesus came is “Fear not. Stand firm! And see Jesus LORD.

The Name: No One Knows

On By TimIn Jesus, Revelation 19Leave a comment

I saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse. He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name is called The Word of God.

Revelation 19:11–13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Name no one knows. Continuing from the previous installment, we learned the Name of Jesus is too wonderful. As it would be, I literally stumbled upon this text this morning. There are no coincidences.

Look at how John describes what He sees. I find it particularly interesting that it is part of what he is seeing. The idea of the name being solely known by Jesus wasn’t spoken to John. But there it is… His Name is too wonderful that only He knows it.

Then as it were, John clearly apprehends the opening of his Gospel and uses it here.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created. In Him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light shines in darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:2–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

All of these things (and more) are part of the too wonderful Name. He is above all things. As God has exalted Him and His Name above all.

Even Jesus Himself hallows this name. In one of His earliest teachings, He taught how to pray. Of utmost importance is recognizing the uniqueness and position of the Name.

Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Matthew 6:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

His Name is to be consecrated and venerated. It is not to be something not said at all, as some practice. No, it is to be proclaimed plainly. Proclaiming His Name is part of worship.

Oh, give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing unto Him, sing praises unto Him; proclaim all His wondrous works. Glory in His holy name; let the heart rejoice for those who seek the Lord. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continuously.

Psalm 105:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is an integral part of salvation.

And in that day you shall say:
O Lord, I will praise You; though You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away,
and You comforted me. Certainly God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song; He also has become my salvation. Therefore with joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation.
In that day you shall say: Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His deeds among the peoples, make them remember that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; let this be known in all the earth. Cry out and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion. For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst.

Isaiah 12:1–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

With joy we honor His name. Those that call on It exalt Him and are saved. It is also how we share the truth to others… Call upon His Name! make known His deeds among the people.

Consecrating the Name of God is the foremost ideas God communicated to His people in the covenant He made with them. His name will not be sullied.

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold guiltless anyone who takes His name in vain.

Exodus 20:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You shall not defile My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the children of Israel: I am the Lord who sanctifies you, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord.

Leviticus 22:32–33 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Name is even part of the national identity of Israel, which comes from roots that mean wrestle and God. Even you by the appellation applied to you as a Christian are exalting the Name.

Even as much as we exalt the Name of God in worship. It is just a small glimpse into the presence of God. The people that gathered with Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem offered a song of of praise.

It is in that song that the Name of God is hallowed. As it tells of the many ways that Israel attempted to defile the Name of God with their actions. Yet it is in the mercies of God amidst those sins that God establishes His Name:

Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! Let them bless Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and You preserve them all. And the host of heaven worships You.

Nehemiah 9:5b–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Read the rest of Nehemiah 9 for homework.

The Name: It is too Wonderful

On By TimIn Jesus, Judges 13Leave a comment

Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that we can honor you when your words come true?”
The angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask my name? It is too wonderful.”

Judges 13:17–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Manoah is the father of the biblical strongman Samson. His wife was visited by the angel of the Lord. This we know as a Theophany or a pre-incarnate visit from Jesus. Manoah boldly asked for the angel’s name. It is answered.

I find it interesting that this is written long before the kings and prophets, and specifically Isaiah. It draws a particular target to a specific verse.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The two words translated to wonderful are related and come from the same Hebrew root. The first usage in Judges is striking as the particular form of Hebrew hints at something secretively wonderful. Even the answer given to Manoah is ripe with intrigue.

The second usage is subtly different. It offers the idea of miraculous wonder. Again, given the way Isaiah writes, that idea is clearly conveyed in the text a human child is born, a divine Son is given.

I also hear that particular verse in Isaiah with the comma between wonderful and counselor. With the list provided, His name is too wonderful.

Therefore God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name,

Philippians 2:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is the Name above every other Name. It is also the only Name by which anyone can be saved… That is rescued from perdition.

There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Acts 4:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is no other. When the Angle of the Lord said His name was too wonderful, it wasn’t braggadocios boast. It was a simple truth. Jesus is exalted above all.

He is the example for us and how to conduct ourselves.

Let this mind be in you all, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. But He emptied Himself, taking upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. Therefore God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He didn’t just teach us what servant humility looks like. He took on the dirt body we humans have. He submitted Himself to death, the penalty for our sins. (He didn’t have any.)

That Name is too wonderful. There are no words that can adequately explain all that it encompasses.

Yet… Every tongue will confess His Name and honor His position. For those under the earth, there is no benefit. But you are reading this now, there is a great benefit available for you. By calling on His name, you can receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Why wait?

Whoever Drinks

On By TimIn Eternal Security, Jesus, John 04Leave a comment

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water that I shall give him will become in him a well of water springing up into eternal life.”

John 4:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There was a recent discussion using this passage. In it, someone mocked the idea of a person taking just a sip of the water Jesus gives, and that being enough to never thirst. The scorned idea centers on the assertion that salvation can be lost.

What do you think can be gleaned from this selection as to what Jesus is really saying?

I want to draw attention to one particular verb used two ways. The verb is translated to the English ‘drinks.’ But the underlying Greek reveals something substantial we might miss.

In the first instance, the Greek verb translated ‘drinks’ is present tense in a nominative mood. In essence, it is saying that every time one drinks of this water, thirst will return.

In the second instance, the verb translated as drinks is changed to aorist tense in a subjunctive mood. The aorist tense is best understood as a once-and-done action that carries forward. In other words, it is similar to the present perfect like he is born. The birth happened and the effect it caused carries forth. The birth is not undone, nor does it have to be repeated or continued.

That second instance is also in a subjunctive mood. This can convey a potentiality in the verb, which is translated correctly in the above quotation, whoever drinks.

What we can deduce logically, since no minimum quantity is given by Jesus to qualify how much is needed, a sip suffices to satisfy the thirst forever. He did say never thirst. Think of the thief on the cross.

This coincides with what Jesus continues to say. That one drink will become a well in the saved person that springs into eternal life. Eternal life doesn’t end or go away.

Hidden in typology is the Holy Spirit pictured as the Living Water. It is He Who gives life. This coincides with the Spirit’s ministry in the life of the believer… Keeping such saved because He never leaves.

You cannot buy this Water. Jesus gives it freely to anyone who wants.

You cannot earn this Water, it’s given freely.

One sip suffices forever… But keep drinking in and sharing!

What Seems to be Vengeance Becomes a Beautiful Picture of Redemption

On By TimIn Jesus, Numbers 35, RedemptionLeave a comment

So these things will be for a statute of judgment to you throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.

Numbers 35:29 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Moses by direction from God had just given established the idea of sanctuary cities. These are places where someone who accidentally kills another person can flee and escape vengeance.

When reading through this portion, it is quick to realize that the cities of refuge become a typification of our refuge in Jesus. It is a fascinating concept to study. Let’s leave that for another time.

After Moses declares the statute to the Israelites, there are other important concepts that must be understood.

The Bondage of Blood Vengeance

Whoever kills another person, the murderer will be put to death by the testimony of witnesses, but one witness will not testify against a person for death.

Numbers 35:30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This establishes the idea of capital punishment. It would be easy to read past this and think nothing further. One who willfully murders must be killed. A closer examination also reveals how that is to happen. Multiple witnesses are required. Think about that.

The Bible tells us that the wages of sin are death. We know from the Gospel of John that by the time people can understand right and wrong, and the standard needed to be righteous… Each of us has already failed. We stand condemned to capital punishment.

We also know that there is a purpose for it. Every person has the same Redeemer.

For God has imprisoned them all in disobedience, so that He might be merciful to all.

Romans 11:32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As that is established and to avoid digression, let’s move forward.

There is tension just underneath the surface of the idea that multiple witnesses are necessary for a sentence of capital punishment to be imposed. If this is true for the murderer, it must be true for other instances of capital punishment. Deuteronomy 19:15 clearly establishes precedent. When we think of the judgment of God and the penalty of death for sins, who are the witnesses against us?

What I am thinking, is that this is a hint to the nature of God. Specifically, the idea of personhood in the Godhead. Informally, we use the word triune (or Trinity) to convey this idea.

Nevertheless, the requirement is for more than one witness to establish a matter. While that is an interesting bit of enlightenment, let’s move on and see if we can find any more information on the nature of God.

Ransom

And you will not take a ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he will surely be put to death.
You will not take a ransom for him who fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come out again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.

Numbers 35:31–32 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Hebrew word translated into English ransom specifically infers the use of money. There would be no way to fix this with money. Cash payment cannot fix bloodshed.

As we will soon encounter, bloodshed has a much broader impact. It defiles the land. The murderer cannot be freed by an act of ransom, nor can the one who has caused another to die by accident escape by ransom.

That presents a unique conundrum, as we often speak of what Jesus did at Calvary as ransom or better redemption. The Bible uses those terms to describe it. Jesus even declared He would do just that, ransom many.

It shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you, let him serve you, and whoever would be first among you, let him be your slave, even as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In the midst of the text that speaks of vengeance for homicide and capital punishment for murder, we clearly see Jesus. In fact, He is woven intricately into this entire chapter in typologies. The Bible says the law is a schoolmaster to lead us to Jesus. Here, He is a sure Refuge for the person. He is the place (or city of) refuge from vengeance. He is the place to flee to escape the sword. We have respite until the death of the high priest. We know Jesus is the ultimate High Priest. We also know that He doesn’t die.

But what if one purposefully sins?

In this context, it’s the murderer. The murderer is cut-off by the testimony of more than one witness. In other words, the murderer has his blood shed in vengeance on the testimony of multiple witnesses. There is no ransom by money.

So you will not defile the land which you are in, because blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of him that shed it. So do not defile the land which you are dwelling in, where I am residing, because I the Lord am residing among the children of Israel.

Numbers 35:33–34 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Since the very first murder, God declared the truth about death… Blood on the land cries out.

And then He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to Me from the ground.

Genesis 4:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The very creation itself demands justice!

Bloodshed defiles the land. The land cannot be cleansed except by the blood of the person who shed it. This stands true for both the willful and accidental shedding of blood.

This idea of redemption has to be much greater than just an application to an individual. It has to be much greater than applying it to the entire human race. The creation itself yearns to be redeemed.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Romans 8:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Redemption of Creation.

So then, as the children share in flesh and blood, He likewise took part in these, so that through death He might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver those who through fear of death were throughout their lives subject to bondage.

Hebrews 2:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Death was introduced into creation by one man. It came through insurrection, really. Nevertheless, it was introduced as something foreign.

This isn’t the idea of original sin or even spiritual death. Those ideas are over-simplifications that lead to gross error.

We also know that the bondage of death is something God placed all men under. And He came as a Kinsman… As a human… To shed His own blood to satisfy all of this at once. You and I are redeemed… Purchased… Ransomed not with money. We are rescued from bondage by His blood. This is true for the entirety of Adam’s race, also. (It doesn’t mean that everyone goes to heaven, though.)

But it was through this foreign enemy introduced into His perfect creation by insurrection. God would seize death and use it to deliver the entire creation from bonds. Though the enemy had the power of death and used the fear of it to enslave humanity. It is ultimately God Who placed all under that bondage of futility.

In essence, when a man dies the blood on the ground cries out!

Death is something forbidden in creation. It’s not permitted. Yet, it is here nevertheless. As the enemy uses it to place us in the bondage of fear, God uses it to vanquish the enemy. He has shed His own blood to free us (and the creation) from that nasty intrusion.

Truth reconciles.

It was God who prescribed the penalty for sin… Death. It’s not that death is a good thing. It is not. It is the very enemy. It is the sharpest tool in the enemy’s arsenal to subdue humanity. Yet, in all his craftiness, the nefarious one cannot out-maneuver God. God wrenched that tool from the grip of Satan. He used it to defeat the enemy.

I don’t think I can adequately explain all of the details to come to this conclusion, but I hope I have supplied enough to pique interest.

God alone has the power of life and death. The blood of humanity cries out for redemption. It pollutes creation. The only way to cleanse it is by vengeance on the one who shed the blood.

God steps in as the One Who ultimately is responsible for shedding the blood (placing all under the bondage of futility.) Not that He murders, as it is a just recompense. Nevertheless, the blood is shed. And it defiles the land. So God also steps in to shed His own blood to cleanse the land.

Bring Two Live Clean Birds

On By TimIn Jesus, Leviticus 14Leave a comment

Then the priest shall command that two live clean birds and cedar wood and scarlet fabric and hyssop be brought for him who is to be cleansed.

Leviticus 14:4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember, this is not a ritual to perform that cleanses leprosy. It is one performed to show that one who had leprosy is now clean.

As in the previous post, there are important typologies presented. In this case, there is a similarity that will be echoed later in Leviticus involving Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement.) Two offerings are presented there, one died for the presence of God, and the other to carry away sins. We have a likeness with two clean birds.

Accompanying the birds were cedar, scarlet cloth, and hyssop. Perhaps this was used as an applicator for sprinkling. It could have had some medicinal properties, but I think that is precluded by the purpose of the rite. It could even be to foreshadow Jesus… As much as this does… Particularly the events at Calvary.

The priest shall command that one of the birds be slaughtered in a clay vessel over running water. As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood, the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.

Leviticus 14:5–6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Just as on the Day of Atonement, one animal was sacrificed by killing it. The other by letting it go. This ritual introduces the idea. One dove was killed, representing the death of Jesus. The other let go, demonstrating His resurrection.

For the previously leprous person, the priest had these things brought out of the camp. These had to be brought to the individual. Just as Jesus would leave heaven to die on Earth and rise again.

That clay vessel is a typification of us. The running water typifies the life that the Spirit gives. It is a perfect representation of the condition of humanity, made of clay with the breath of life.

One bird is slaughtered in this vessel. Its blood would mingle with the water. We talk of putting things under the blood, but I don’t think many of us take this literal picture to mind. It is ourselves we put under the blood, too.

The living bird is then plunged into the vessel with the other three items. This is to unify them, to identify all of them with the blood offered.

Then he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from leprosy, and he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird loose into the open field.

Leviticus 14:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think the sequence is important. The cedar, a symbol of incorruptibility is used as a handle, too which scarlet cloth is used to tie a just branch to it. The scarlet cloth represents faith and the hyssop purging. This is used to sprinkle the bloody water onto the already cleansed person. This unified the person to this law of the leper in his cleansing.

The live bird is then set free!

This elaborate rite is for the already clean person.

That clay vessel is forever altered by that blood and water. Parts of that would mingle with the earthenware and always remain with it. The bird that is set free is no longer hindered. The entire rite shows how a saved person is forever altered by the blood of Jesus. And just as Jesus rose again, is forever freed by His life.

The Priest Shall Go Out of the Camp

On By TimIn Jesus, Leviticus 14Leave a comment

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:

Leviticus 14:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was Moses who got a direct revelation from God. I ponder over that, especially in light of what follows in this part.

This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: It shall be reported to the priest, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall examine him and see if the disease is healed in the leprous person.

Leviticus 14:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Watch the types and shadows intertwined here. You will probably see more than addressed in this post. But let’s start with the first… Leprosy. It is a Biblical typification of sin. It would follow that a letter would typify all of us in our sin. A leper cleansed of leprosy would be representative of a sinner saved.

The next typology is the priest. And in some ways, his role points to Jesus in subtle ways. The first is factual. It is the priest who declared leprosy on the individual and created the exile. Think back to the garden where Adam sinned. He was expelled from God’s garden. (I could hope that we think together that God’s garden is where He lives and does business. That’s a simple way to think of something that is far greater in importance than just a garden.)

Much more of a representation is that the priest shall go out of the camp.

Remember, this isn’t a ritual to heal a leper. It is for the priest to declare that person cleansed. The priest had to travel outside of the camp… Or garden. He has to go to the place of exile. This is a foretelling of a necessary thing, God will leave His abode and come to the leper in exile.

The priest leaves his place and comes to the one healed of a disease that left him outside of society. This was the ritual to proclaim the leper cleansed and how such would repented society.

In one sense, the overt text is dealing with a person being declared clean. But just under the surface are hints to something far greater. The leper was ostracized by the priest. He was sent away from his family and people.

God is explaining His plan. He is going to undo the ill effects of what transpired in Eden. He will do it by coming to us.

We have the benefit of the New Testament writings. There are many that explain what lingers just inside the plain text. These show that God took on humanity, humbling Himself. This we can read for ourselves.

But those that didn’t have the benefit of the New Testament are given a veiled glimpse into the future. One that shows the panorama of history written in advance. And God will continue to intervene personally.