There is a belief within the Charismatic sect of Christianity that claims that certain ministers (usually those with large followings) are God’s Generals. 

I once heard a minister (a self proclaimed prophet) tell about a “supernatural experience” he had in which he was introduced to the archangel Michael. Supposedly, this man was introduced to the archangel, by Jesus, with the title “General” in front of his name. 

Supposedly the minister was given a warfare strategy which he demonstrated. He seriously looked into the camera and gave a quite interesting “shout.” The older I get, the more I laugh.

The truly sad part of this is that so many will fall prey to things like this. Many have been conditioned to exalt men, and in their exaltation of men, they seek out those who claim to have had supernatural experiences.

Someone else made the following observation regarding the minister’s experience which I mentioned above. He writes, “Paul of the New Covenant didn’t get a new doctrine or military strategy from Michael the Archangel when they were slaughtering new believers. Beware of visitations from Angels that provide new doctrine. New Movements and new religions are built (and were built in the past) on these kinds of visitations.”

This is well said, and this is why we need to follow the scriptures for our doctrine regarding those who lead in ministry.

You may have noticed that I titled this post, Roberts Liardon’s Generals. That was intentional, because Roberts Liardon is largely responsible for this spiritual error that promotes certain ministers as generals. Liardon claims that when he was 12 years old Jesus appeared to him and instructed him to study the lives of his Generals and to know why they succeeded and what they failed.

Liardon’s claim that this came directly from Jesus is concerning because those, in scripture, whose lives were examples for us to learn from, such as Moses and King Daivd, were never, ever, referred to as God’s Generals. They were all referred to as God’s Servants.

Referring to certain ministers as Generals, some of whom were actually false teachers, such as William Brannon, is scripturally in error. Having charisma, and being able to persuade large audiences does not equate to being anointed.

In the New Testament, the anointing guides us into truth, and teaches us to abide in Christ (1 John 2:27). Liardon’s choice of “Generals” mostly consists of Pentecostal type, and/or ministers who had large followings, some of which were of very flawed character. Missing from his list are men like Andrew Murray who quietly, and humbly served the Lord, and whose life and ministry has pointed others to set their gaze on the exalted Christ, instead of themselves.

In his Pastoral epistles, (the letters to Timothy and Titus) Paul gives the qualifications for those who should be leaders in ministry. Never once does Paul mention visions, or supernatural experiences as a qualification for ministry service. What he does mention is a godly character, and that alone should raise red flags concerning Liardon’s Generals, because some of them did not exude godly character.  

Paul’s lists of qualifications include godly character, integrity, and being well respected among unbelievers so as not to bring reproach on the gospel.

Referring to ministers as “generals” because they have garnered large followings with their claims of “divine revelation” and “supernatural experiences” is not a Biblical practice, and it is doctrinally unsound.

If anyone in the history of the church were deserving of such a title, it would have been the apostles who walked with Jesus, along with men like the apostle Paul. Yet these men did not view themselves as generals, but as servants of God, because this is what they had been taught by Jesus.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant… ~ Matthew 20:25-27

Ironically, many in the “Generals” camp, who promote such ideology, had ministries in which people serve them, yet Jesus plainly says, this shall not be so among you. Those who are great in the kingdom of God see themselves as servants, and not as Generals. 

Those on Liardon’s list are his Generals, not God’s, because there is only One who could be given such honor and that is Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!

Called of God, a high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. ~ Hebrews 5:12-6:3 

Among the many truths set before us in the book of Hebrews is the invitation to enter into a deeper, more intimate, spiritual life.

This is not a mystical, alternate state of spiritual reality. Instead, it is fellowship with the living Christ within the veil, in the presence of God. This is the aim of the writer of Hebrews in teaching his audience regarding Christ’s Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek: Christ, abides forever in the presence of God!

In our text above, the writer of Hebrews speaks of this (Jesus’s High Priestly ministry after the order of Melchisedek) as being difficult to communicate, but it is not because of his ability to teach it. Instead, it is  the dullness of their hearing that makes it difficult.

The audience of Hebrews was stuck in a perpetual state of stunted growth with regards to their spiritual life. They should have been teachers of the very truths the writer is communicating to them, but instead, they were in need of being taught again the elementary truths in Christ.

Rather than growing into spiritual maturity, they were still babes in Christ.
The writer urges them to move forward spiritually from the foundational principles of the faith, but adds, this will we do, if God permit.

If God permits. Consider with me the weight of this statement.

These words need to be considered by every believer because Jesus, who is the source of our faith, is the vine that gives us spiritual life. In John 15:1, Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.” The Greek word for husbandman in this text is geórgos, meaning Farmer, Husbandman, Vinedresser.

Consider with me that God the Father, is indeed the vinedresser, or Farmer over the garden of our spiritual life, and as such it is God who prunes us so that we will become more fruitful in our union with Christ.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. ~ John 15:2

There are two types of branches in Christ (these represent the two types of Christians). There are those who produce fruit and glorify God, and there are those who do not produce fruit, and only glorify their flesh and ego.

On the surface, the latter may have the appearance of true Christianity, but bears no lasting fruit to the glory of God. It often brings shame and reproach on the gospel.

Throughout our journey in this life, we are all confronted with fruitless Christianity that comes to rob us of the joy of knowing Christ. It comes in many forms, often through false teachings and heresies, which lead believers to focus their attention elsewhere instead of Christ, the source of our life, in the presence of God.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. ~ John 15:4-6

Take note of the language of Jesus. It is by abiding in Christ that we bear fruit, and it is in this abiding that we experience the Father’s pruning that we may produce more fruit. Now notice the similarities between John 15:6 and Hebrews 6:6-7

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. ~ John 15:4-6

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. ~ Hebrews 6:7-8 

In John’s gospel, the branches that are removed and discarded are those who do not abide in Christ. In Hebrews, it is those who fall away (v.4).

The Hebrew believers had not yet become mature believers, and were still stuck in a baby state in their faith. Those who are babies are still under the rule of the power of their flesh when it comes to living out their faith. In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul writes:

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? ~ 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Notice the similarities of Paul’s words to the Corinthians and the words of the writer of Hebrews to his audience. In both cases, they could not hear the higher teaching (the spiritual meat), and they were babes still dependent on the milk of God’s Word.

We can conclude that the Hebrew believers were without question struggling with carnality, like the Corinthians were. Carnality is a gateway to spiritual error, which can lead a person away from Christ. However, they had not fallen away, nor were they altogether fruitless. The author of Hebrews has not given up on them because God had not given up on them. Thus he writes the following.

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. ~ v. 9-10

There are many things which can contribute to stunted growth in Christ, and even though the Hebrew believers had not yet grown to a place of full maturity in Christ, God had not forgotten their service to him. Thus they were being invited into the higher life, a life of being settled once for all in the grace of God, and the writer of Hebrews is desiring to show them how to get there. And we can as well!

After telling them that God is not unrighteous to forget them, he turns their attention to God’s willingness to bring them into the fulness of the life in Christ that he has for them, and thus the writer seeks to draw their attention to Jesus who has entered beyond the veil into the presence of God. That is where their life is, that is where the source of their faith is to abide.

Andrew Murray, in his book, The Holiest of All, writes, “Many believers never in experience enter into this life of the inner sanctuary, the more complete and abiding nearness to God. They have, in the inner court, seen the altar, and received the pardon of sin; they have entered upon the service of God, they seek to do his will, but the joy of His presence as their abiding portion they know not. And very often they do not know that there is a better life, that there is an entering within the veil, a real dwelling in the secret of God’s presence…”

This is what the book of Hebrews is all about, Jesus in the presence of God, and our invitation to enter in, and abide.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. ~ Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  ~ Hebrews 10:19-23

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.~ Hebrews 8:1-2

All that has been said up until now about Jesus has to do with his Priesthood. From his introduction as the express image of the Father, to his being made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, and all in between, has one great aim in the book of Hebrews and that is to show us our Great High Priest: Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest.

The book of Hebrews is an inspired tapestry, consisting of many themes tightly woven together, each deserving its own consideration, while co-existing harmoniously with all the other themes, that when brought together, reveals Jesus, Our Great High Priest. 

One such theme which deserves our consideration is that of the House of God. Not the house of God in the sense of brick and mortar, but the household of God with regards to people.

We are told that Moses was faithful in all of his house, as God’s servant, but Jesus was faithful over God’s house, as the Son. The Son, not the servant, is the heir. As great as Moses was, he was not qualified to be over the household of God’s family (his sons and daughters). Only Jesus could qualify to serve over the household of God’s children.

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. ~ Hebrews 3:1-6

And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ~ Hebrews 10:21-22

We may now come boldly into the Holiest, because “relationally” we are no longer servants, but sons and daughters of God. Yet it is our desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to serve others that our Father might be glorified.

Many view the book of Hebrews as a doctrinal book and it does contain many very helpful doctrinal truths but in the mind of its author, it was a letter of exhortation to believers. In 13:22 he says, “I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.”

When we consider the content of Hebrews we can conclude that it was written before the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D., because the writer of Hebrews makes reference to the temple service, the priests, and the sacrifices in the present tense. In the present tense, he makes a comparison between the superiority of Jesus’ ministry in the heavens (in the greater and more perfect tabernacle) to that which was on earth (which only served as a shadow and an example) to point men to Christ.

Many who continued in the old Jewish system rejected the Christian faith and persecuted the Jewish Christians. We see this play out in Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts. In Hebrews 10:32-34 the writer of Hebrews addresses it as well.

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. ~ Hebrews 10:32-34 TNLT

According to the author, his audience had suffered for their faith in Christ.

In chapter 2, he tells them that they are sanctified by Jesus as brethren to Christ and as the church. He goes on to say that Jesus is a faithful high priest for them: his brethren.

In 3:1, the author of Hebrews addresses his audience as holy brethren and partakers of the heavenly calling. He tells them that Jesus is the apostle and high priest of their profession of faith. This would no doubt be believers and not unbelievers.

Nowhere in the entire letter is he talking to unbelievers. He calls them brethren throughout the letter (2:11, 12, 17; 3:1, 12; 7:5; 10:19; 13:22). He also includes himself by using the pronouns we (51 times) us (31 times) and our (16 times). He also refers to his audience as “beloved” in 6:9.

The author of Hebrews tells them they are partakers of Christ’s house if they hold fast to the faith (3:6,14). In chapter 5 and 6 he admonishes them to move on from the elementary stages of the Christian faith to maturity.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ~ Hebrews 5:12-14

According to the author of Hebrews his audience was still living as babes in Christ in their spiritual growth and unable to teach others because they were not yet skillful in the word of righteousness. In chapter 6, he urges them to move on to perfection (i.e., spiritual maturity).

He admonished them regarding those who turn back (6:4-5) and declares that he is persuaded differently about them.

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. ~ Hebrews 6:7-9

Verse 9 (above) speaks volumes of the author’s view of those to whom he is writing. Though he gives them repeated warnings concerning the danger of apostasy, he constantly affirms them as believers and admonishes them to persevere in their faith. Notice verses 10-12 which follows the previous verses of Hebrews 6:7-9 above.

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. ~ Hebrews 6:10-12 

Again, notice how the author of Hebrews mixes admonition with encouragement. Encouragement that God has not forgotten, and admonishment not to give up but to persevere until the end.

Exhortation mixed with admonition is weaved all throughout the letter to the Hebrews as he repeatedly explains to them, and admonishes them concerning the importance of perseverance in the faith.

Later in his letter (chapter 11) he speaks of many of the Old Testament saints who persevered in faith, referring to them as “a great cloud of witnesses,” as he urges his audience to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets them. He tells them to run with patience the (spiritual) race that is set before them as they look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

He also admonishes them concerning the chastisement of the Lord which comes through in the stern warnings given in his letter as he reminds them to whom they belong.

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:). Ye are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. ~ Hebrews 12:22-24

He exhorts them to not refuse him who speaks from heaven but rather to have grace so that they will serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire. ~ 12:25-29

As he begins to close his letter (chapter 13) he tells them to do the following:

• continue in brotherly love
• entertain strangers
• remember those who are in prison
• remember those who are being mistreated
• be faithful in marriage
• do not love money
• remember God’s promise to never fail or leave them
• remember those who have taught them the word of God and follow their faith
• do not be carried away by various and strange doctrines
• establish your hearts in grace
• bear the Lord’s reproach (i.e., suffer for his name)
• offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually in the name of Jesus
• don’t neglect doing good to the needy
• submit to those who are their leaders in the Lord
• continue praying for him (the writer) and those with him.

Finally, he closes his letter with the following words:

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. And I beseech you, brethren,suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. Know ye that our brother Timothyis set at liberty; with whom, if he comes shortly, I will see you. Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.  Grace be with you all. Amen.

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus… ~ Hebrews 3:1

The word apostle means sent one, and as the apostle of our faith, Jesus is the sent one from God. He is the very face of God to us. In Jesus we have all that our faith needs to comprehend the character and nature of God. When we consider the actual ministry of the apostles whom Jesus discipled and ordained, along with the ministry of Paul, we find that the apostles were entrusted with laying the foundation for New Testament doctrine, worship, and practice.

Thus the apostleship of Jesus speaks to the truth that Christ is the founder of the faith, the One who laid the very foundation of our faith. This is echoed in Hebrews 12:2, where the writer of Hebrews encourages us to run our spiritual race with patience, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

In the following verse (12:3), the writer says, For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. This is the same language he uses when speaking of Jesus as the apostle and High Priest: consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.

As apostle, Jesus is the author of our faith. As High Priest he is the finisher. As our Great High Priest Jesus abides in the presence of God to aid us, keep us, and daily cleanse us by his blood. He is our intercessor and representative, who lives forever to make intercession for us (7:25). Jesus’s is God’s guarantee to us that what he has began in us, he will bring to its completion.

Because of Jesus abiding in the presence of God as our representative, we have unrestricted access to the grace and mercy we need as we journey through life in the walk of faith. Jesus is the apostle (the founder), and High Priest (the finisher) of our faith!

May God grant us all a deeper understanding of what it means that Christ is indeed our Apostle and High Priest.

You have attracted people who are determined that ideology is more important than facts. ~ Ted Koppel to Sean Hannity. 

In the United States, there is a clash between the facts that non Christian people see and experience and the ideology of many Christians, especially  white Christians.

Rather than being the light of the world (John 5:14) that Jesus called us to be, the ideology of many Christians has intensified the rejection of Christianity among our fellow citizens. Rather than being light to their fellow Americans, many American Christians are at war with them.

The light we are called to be as Christians is expressed in the traits that Jesus reveals in the sermon on the mount, which we often refer to as the Beattitudes. Being meek, poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers never once caused anyone outside the faith to blaspheme.

The culture wars that many American Christians have engaged in against their fellow citizens is steeped in right winged politics rather than the truth that is in Christ.

Consider the title of a podcast I recently came across as two Christian rightwingers engaged in political conversation about “Christian warfare” against the left. I have changed the name of the person to American Christian Activist, because my point is not to bring attention to any one particular person, but the mindset behind American Christian ideology. The title said:

American Christian Activist EXPOSES the “Love your neighbor” Fake Christianity.

When loving your neighbor is met with contempt, true motives are revealed. Ironically, Jesus employed the truth of loving your neighbor many times, and he did so to expose the hypocrisy of those who presented themselves as spiritual people. The story of the Good Samaritan is a visual illustration given by the Lord of glory regarding what loving your neighbor actually looks like.

Unfortunately, the ideology of many American Christians who like to use terms such as “biblical” to defend their culture war positions, looks nothing like the model Jesus gave us in the Good Samaritan.

Rather than being a light to the world around us in true holiness and the fear of the Lord, many American Christians have embraced a persecution mentality and feel threatened by the lifestyles of their fellow American citizens, and rather than showing kindness and mercy, they have chosen to engage in culture wars against their neighbor. 

In this ideology the Bible no longer points them to fear of a Holy God in true humility, but the sacred scriptures now serve as their political guide book for justifying the hatred they have for their neighbor. 

Under the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant was made of acacia wood (a very durable wood) and overlaid with gold. The combination of these two materials (wood and gold) points us to Jesus who was both human and divine. The word was made flesh, and we beheld his glory. Wood and gold express the divine and human nature of Christ in one.

Within the Ark, Moses placed the Ten Commandments, a pot with some of the manner which came down from Heaven, and Aarons rod, or staff which blossomed as a sign to the people of Aarons’s authority as the one God had chosen as Priest. Jesus is the Ark of God, for in him the law is fulfilled, he is the true bread from Heaven, and he is the chosen one with all authority and power as our Great High Priest.

The Ark also had the crown of pure gold and no wood, because the Kingship of Jesus is based on his divinity. He is the King from above. Seated inside of the crown was the covering of the Ark which was called the Mercy Seat. The Mercy Seat was made of pure gold and had two cherubims (angels) made of beaten work on its two ends.

18 And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten workshalt thou make them,in the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end:even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. ~ Exodus 25:18-19

Beaten work is actually hammered work in the Hebrew. As Jesus was making his way to the cross he could have asked the Father for more than twelve legions of angels to deliver him, but such a request would not have fulfilled the scriptures.

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? ~ Matthew 26:52-54

The scriptures would not have been fulfilled if the angels had delivered Jesus from the cross. Jesus had to die on the cross by nails being hammered through his hands and feet, and on the morning that he was raised from the dead, Mary weeping, looked into the tomb where the body of Jesus had been laid. To her astonishment she did not see the Lord’s body, but she did see two angels – one at the head, and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been laid. She saw the fulfilment of the mercy seat.

11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. ~ John 20:11-12 

God’s words to Moses regarding the cherubims were, “thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten workshalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end:even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.” ~ Exodus 25:18-19 

What God gave to Moses as the pattern of Heavenly things, Mary saw in its fulfillment.

The Psalmist tells us that God dwells between the Cherubims.

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. ~ Psalm 80:1

The resurrection of the crucified, bloodied body of Jesus, is the shinning forth of God’s mercy, bringing hope and salvation through the risen Christ!

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. ~ Isaiah 61:1-3

WOW! There is a lot in this set of scriptures. Just reading it is inspiring. If you are in a place where you feel somewhat cold in your relationship with the Lord, these verses can help stir your heart once again.

With that said, I want to draw your attention to the phrase,“beauty for ashes.”

Nearly 25 years ago, I returned to the Bible College that I had graduated from close to a decade earlier, and I had the privilege of teaching the students on the topic of Christ in the Old Testament. The things I am about to share with you are taken from my notes which I used to teach on this important topic. I hope to share more from my notes at a later time.

When God instructed Moses to construct the tabernacle, he said to him: See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain. ~ Exodus 25:40

The tabernacle was the dwelling place of God in the midst of his people Israel, and later in Israel’s history the temple built by Solomon would become the central focus.

Everything in the tabernacle and later in the temple were divinely orchestrated. The decor, the furnishings, the ministry of the priests, and the sacrifices was so divinely inspired that in the tabernacle the gospel of Christ was hidden in the midst of the Israelites as they journeyed in the wilderness and eventually entered into the promised land.

The writer of Hebrews tells us For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. ~ Hebrews 4:2

The gospel was preached to the Israelites, and the tabernacle was filled with revelation of the coming Messiah. For example, the sacrifices which were offered on the altar of sacrifice in the tabernacle all point to Christ in various ways. The offerings consisted of the burnt offering, the grain offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering.

The burnt offering, unlike the other offerings, was wholly consumed. This represented Christ who was completely given to the will of God, and was wholly committed to laying down his life for us when he died on the cross. Jesus held nothing back, he gave himself entirely! That was foreshadowed in the burnt offering which was also called “the whole burnt offering.”

The burnt offering is the most prominent of all the offerings and the more we learn about this offering the more we will understand the power in the others and how they foreshadowed Christ. In like manner, the more we know of the person of Christ, the more we will grasp the greatness of his work in laying down his life for us. 

When we consider the ashes that accumulated from the burnt offerings, as well as all the other offerings which give us a portrait of Christ, we quickly learn that the ashes carry a divine message of “it is finished.”  

Christ allowed himself to be reduced to ashes on our behalf, holding nothing back and giving himself wholly. He is now crowned with honor and glory and sits at the right hand of God. The same God that accomplished his purpose in and through Christ giving him beauty for ashes (a throne for a cross) will also exalt us in Christ and with Christ, as we die to our old selves and surrender to him. This is the work of His Holy Spirit in our lives.

Our God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, truly gives beauty for ashes, and Christ is the living, breathing representation of that reality.

Under the Old Testament, the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the peace offerings were considered voluntary offerings. Conversely, the sin and trespass offerings were compulsory offerings. The first three were freely given by the worshipper, testifying to us that Jesus voluntarily gave himself for us, and freely served the Father to do his will.

On the other hand, the sin and trespass offering were required offerings because they involved the atonement for sins. Though Christ willingly gave himself to die for our sins, the compulsory nature of the sin and trespass offering teaches us that there was no other way for our sins to be cleansed. Christ had to die!

Now before we take a deep dive into the burnt offering, let’s look a little further into the other two voluntary offerings. First, let’s consider the grain offering (aka, the meat offering in the KJV).

This offering (as unleavened bread) foreshadowed the sinless humanity of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the unleavened bread who gave his flesh for our sins. Below is a list of facts that you will find in the Old Testament, particularly the book of Leviticus, regarding this grain offering.

• It was unleavened. 
• It was offered with flour and frankincense.
• It was voluntarily offered.
• It was most holy (Christ was without sin though tempted at all points in the flesh). 
• Oil was poured on it, (a type of the anointing of Spirit in Christ’s humanity).
• It was an offering made by fire. (Christ endured the fiery crucible of the crucifixion in his flesh). 
• It was seasoned with salt. (Salt is a preservative, and though Christ suffered severely in the flesh he was preserved by God’s righteousness).
• It was sweet fragrance. Christ’s humanity was pleasing to God.
• It made provision for both the poor and the rich. (No one is outside of the scope of the saving power of the man, Jesus Christ, He died for all).
• It was offered with the daily sacrifices. (The daily sacrifices were burnt offerings and we will cover this when we circle back to the burnt offerings). 
• It was an offering of consecration, preservation, and purity. Consider 2 Kings 3:20; Joel 1:8-9,13; 2:12-14
• It foreshadowed Christ’s sinless humanity(2 Co 5:21; Heb 4:15), and that Christ’s body did not decay in the tomb (Acts 2:30-31; 13:33-34). 

One of the beautiful truths about the grain (meat) offering is that it sanctifies. In Leviticus 2 which covers the law of the grain offering, we also read about a new grain offering.

No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the Lord, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the Lordmade by fire. As for the oblation (offering) of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the Lord: but they shall not be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour. ~ Leviticus 2:11-12

Notice that these verses above speak of two separate offerings. One is to be offered without leaven on the altar, the other is to be offered to the Lord, but not on the altar, and it is called the offering of the first fruits which was one of the feasts of the Lord that Israel was to celebrate.

Consider the following from Leviticus 23.

Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days;
and ye shall offer a new meat offeringunto the Lord. Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loavesof two tenth deals; they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven;they arethe firstfruits unto the Lord. And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be for a burnt offering unto the Lord, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the Lord. Then ye shall sacrifice one kid of the goats for a sin offering, and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings. And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the Lord,with the two lambs: they shall be holy to the Lordfor the priest. ~ Leviticus 23:16-20

The new meat (i.e., grain) offering was offered fifty days after the feast of first fruits, which followed the feast of unleavened bread, which followed Passover. Christ was crucified on the 14th day of the month of Nisan which was the first month on the Jewish calendar, (see Ex 12:6,14,18,19; Numbers 9:2; 28:16; Deuteronomy 16:1; Joshua 5:10; Ezekiel 45:21). He was then buried and his body rested in the tomb as the unleavened bread on the 15th which was the first day of the seven day feast of unleavened bread. Then on the next day (the 16th) was the feast of first fruits which signified the resurrection of Jesus. Then 50 days later there was Pentecost. It was during the time of Pentecost that the new meat (grain) offering was to be offered to the Lord. This would be an offering that had not been offered on the altar of sacrifice, and would consist of two loaves made with leaven.

In the New Testament, Peter on the Day of Pentecost stood up and preached the gospel of the Messiah to his kinsmen in the flesh, and those who believed from the two houses (Judah and Israel) became one as they were sanctified in the Messiah. The two loaves with leaven became the firstfruits of the salvation that would later spread to the entire world.

The foreshadowing of the two leavened loaves would have an even wider application as the believing Jews would soon understand that Jesus did not die only for the people of Israel. He died for the whole world, and there is no doubt that the two loaves (the new grain offering) made with leaven, represent the union of the Jews and Gentiles who are presented as an offering to God through Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, we who are sinners (the leavened loaves) are made holy being sanctified by the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ.

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul seems to draw on this marvelous truth when he writes the following:

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. ~ Romans 15:15-16 

Notice the language of the offering up of the Gentiles. In Christ Jesus, we are made an offering to God for his glory and honor. We who have believed from among the Jews and Gentile are the leavened loaves that have been sanctified by the perfect lamb of God and are now seated with Christ in Heavenly places. And this was foreshadowed in the tabernacle in Old Testament where the revelation of Christ was divinely hidden in a mystery.

Would you like to hear more? If so, leave a comment.

The Psalmist wondered as to the significance of humanity in the thoughts of God in view of God’s greatness and the works of his hands.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet… ~ Psalm 8:3-6 

Among the many quotations from the Old Testament that the writer of Hebrews cites to speak of the magnificence of Christ, this is one of them.

For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ~ Hebrews 2:5-9

Andrew Murray writes, “It was by his union with us in our life in the flesh, by his identifying himself with our nature, that Jesus was able to claim and to work out and enter into possession of the glory God had promised to man.”

Have you ever thought about this in such a way, that Jesus has possessed the glory that God prepared for man created in his image? In Jesus we find all the fulness of what God has prepared for us.

We are living in a time in which false teachers prey on unsuspecting Christians by appealing to their need for a meaningful Christian life. This is often presented as destiny, and is often tied to donating to the false teachers’ ministry. The Bible never presents such doctrines to us. 

The goal of the Christian life is to be daily conformed to the image of Christ, to allow the Holy Spirit’s work to transform us more into the likeness of Christ. Paul says to the Colossians, ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power… ~ Colossians 2:10.

This comes on the heels of Paul’s words to be firmly rooted and built up in Christ and not to have our faith in Christ supplanted through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world… ~ 8

In Christ, God has brought forth the perfect image of himself in humanity, and the likeness of Christ is what the Holy Spirit works within our inner life, moment by moment, as we fix our gaze of him and trust him with all our hearts.

As we consider the vastness of God’s creation, and the heavens declaring the glory of God, think how rich, and deep, and glorious his work in us by His Spirit must be, as he transforms us into the very likeness of Christ through our journey of faith?

Blessings…

HEBREWS: A LETTER OF EXHORTATION

“I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation…” — Hebrews 13:22

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Hebrews Is a Book of Exhortation

• A letter written to encourage believers to persevere in faith.

Hebrews Is a Book of Warnings

1. Warning not to neglect our great salvation.
2. Warning not to harden our hearts against the Holy Spirit.
3. Warning not to become slothful.
4. Warning not to draw back into apostasy.
5. Warning of sin and rejection of Jesus.

Hebrews Is a Book of Comparisons

• Jesus is greater than the prophets.
• Jesus is greater than the angels.
• Jesus is greater than Moses.
• Jesus is greater than Joshua.
• Jesus’ priesthood is greater than the priesthood of Aaron.
• The new covenant is greater than the old.
• The blood of Christ is greater than the blood of animals.

Hebrews Is a Book of Redemption Themes

• The sufferings and exaltation of Jesus Christ.
• The high priestly ministry of Christ.
• The new covenant.
• The blood of Christ.
• The reward for enduring faith.

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OUTLINE OF HEBREWS

1. The Son Revealed (Ch. 1)

• The Son in whom God speaks is greater than the prophets (1:1–2).
• The glory of the Son (1:3).
• The superiority of the Son to angels (1:4–7).
• The exaltation of the Son (1:8–14).

2. First Warning

• Do not neglect our great salvation (2:1–3).
• God’s power confirming the gospel – a foretaste of the world to come (2:4–5).
• Humanity lower than angels (2:6–8).
• Jesus’ humanity and suffering for us (2:9–10).
• Jesus accepts us as His brethren (2:11–13).
• Jesus defeated the devil (2:14–15).
• Jesus is the seed of Abraham (2:16).
• Jesus is a merciful and faithful high priest (2:17–18).

3. Jesus, Our Apostle and High Priest (Ch. 3–4)

• Jesus is faithful to God (3:2).
• Jesus is greater than Moses (3:3–6).

Second Warning:

• Do not grieve the Holy Spirit or harden your hearts (3:7–15).
• Israel’s failure in the wilderness because of unbelief (3:16–19).
• Entering God’s true Sabbath rest: the finished work of Christ (4:1–11).
• Nothing hidden from Christ (4:12–13).
• Our great high priest in the heavens (4:14–16).

4. Jesus the Perfect High Priest (Ch. 5–7)

• The ministry of the high priest (5:1–4).
• Christ called and perfected as high priest (5:5–11).

Third Warning:

• Against slothfulness leading to apostasy (5:11–6:12).
• Spiritual growth and the Word of God (5:12–14).
• The principles of the doctrine of Christ (6:1–3).
• Qualifications for permanent apostasy (6:4–8).
• God’s faithfulness and encouragement (6:9–11).
• Abraham as an example of faith and patience (6:12–15).
• God’s promises and oaths give strong confidence (6:16–18).
• Jesus in the presence of God is our hope (6:19–20).
• Christ’s priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (7:1–24).

5. The New Covenant and the Blood of Christ (Ch. 8–10)

• Jesus’ more excellent ministry (8:1–6).
• The old covenant replaced by the new (8:7–13).
• Earthly sanctuary and sacrifices as shadows of Christ (9:1–10).
• Christ fulfills the foreshadowing (9:11–15).
• Only Jesus’ blood can take away sin (9:18–22; 10:1–4).
• Christ came to do God’s will (10:5–14).
• The Holy Spirit testifies to Christ’s finished work (10:15–18).
• Invitation to draw near to God by the blood of Jesus (10:19–22).
• Exhortations to persevere in faith (10:23–25).

Fourth Warning:

• Against willful sinning and drawing back (10:26–39).

6. Enduring Faith and Godly Living (Ch. 11–13)

• The faith of the great cloud of witnesses (11:1–12:1).
• Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (12:2–4).
• The Lord’s chastening (12:5–11).
• Exhortation to press on in faith (12:12–14).

Fifth Warning:

• Beware of sin and rejecting Jesus (12:15–29).

7. Practical Exhortations (Ch. 13)

• Continue in brotherly love.
• Show hospitality to strangers.
• Remember prisoners and the mistreated.
• Be faithful in marriage.
• Be free from the love of money; trust God’s promise.
• Remember and follow faithful leaders.
• Avoid strange doctrines; establish hearts in grace.
• Bear Christ’s reproach.
• Offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually.
• Do good and share with the needy.
• Submit to godly leaders.
• Pray for the writer and his companions.

Closing:

• Benediction and encouragement (13:20–21).
• Appeal to accept the letter as a word of exhortation (13:22).
• Final greetings and blessing (13:23–25).