One
of my favorite books of the Bible is the book of Hebrews. Andrew Murray stirred that love for the book
of Hebrews in me after reading his book The
Holiest of All. I’ve heard there are
some who profess to be believers in Christ who have dared to suggest we throw
out the book of Hebrews. I would suggest
that the problem resides not in the book itself but in ones’ own understanding
of who Jesus is. If one does not believe
Jesus is our High Priest, that one cannot be a believer in Jesus as the
Messiah. Jesus fulfilled all the
regulations of the priesthood. Two sin
offerings had to be made by temple priests, one for the priest’s sins and one
for the people’s sins. Jesus did not
have to bring a sin offering for himself as He was without sin. He then became
the sin offering for the people. During
the season of Tabernacles we are reminded to rejoice, not only for the fall
harvest or that God rescued Israel out of Egypt, but also for Jesus being our
High Priest.
I
happen to enjoy primitive camping. One
of the things you realize in a tent is that weather forecasts are not always
correct. The second thing you realize is that you have no control over the
weather, whatever it may bring. That
being said, good gear makes sleeping in a tent quite bearable, dare I say, even
comfortable. If we want to “remember”
the experience of the children of Israel, we can spend a week in the desert, in
a tent, or a sukkah. The Israelites spent 40 years in sukkah’s. We might bring our own food as the promise
was not made to feed us, but they were fed with manna and quail. Once
“unplugged” from the rest of the world, we have no problems resting and
fellowshipping with God because there is very little to distract people from
Him. No matter what happens in the world
among the news sources, e-mails, tweets, blogs, or texts, being disconnected
from all of that keeps ones’ eyes on God, or searching for God. This is what the
Feast of Tabernacles is intended to
do, help us remember Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness where God took care of
them, remind us to be thankful for the harvest, and for us to rejoice as we now remember that our
High Priest reigns. During this season we are to rejoice seven days, feast unto
the Lord for seven days, and dwell in booths seven days. Let’s look at Leviticus for a quick reminder
of Tabernacles.
Lev
23:40-44 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees,
branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the
brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days.41 And ye shall
keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for
ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month.42 Ye
shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in
booths:43 That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to
dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord
your God.44 And Moses declared unto the children of Israel the feasts of the
Lord.KJV
Jesus
was the word and he was also made human and dwelt among us. He tabernacled among
the people.
John
1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.KJV
Dwelt NT:4637 skenoo
(skay-no'-o); from NT:4636; to tent or encamp, i.e. (figuratively) to occupy
(as a mansion) or (specifically) to reside (as God did in the Tabernacle of
old, a symbol of protection and communion):KJV - dwell.(Biblesoft's New
Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:4636
skenos (skay'-nos); from NT:4633; a hut or temporary residence, i.e.
(figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the spirit):KJV -
tabernacle.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:4633
skene (skay-nay'); apparently akin to NT:4632 and NT:4639; a tent or cloth hut
(literally or figuratively):KJV - habitation, tabernacle.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive
Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary.
Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible
Translators, Inc.)
Not
only did Jesus attend the feast of Tabernacles, he was the one who rent the
veil so we could enter in. We have to remember there was a tabernacle that
Moses was commanded to construct, a place of meeting with God. Abraham did not need a tent or tabernacle to
meet with God and today neither do we.
Moses and the Israelites did need a tent of meeting, but later Ezekiel
records that the glory of the Lord departed from the temple. After that time people performed ritual
service but did not meet with God in the temple.
Ex
25:8-9 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.9
According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the
pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.KJV
Ex
29:43-46 And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle
shall be sanctified by my glory.44 And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the
congregation, and the altar: I will sanctify also both Aaron and his sons, to
minister to me in the priest's office.45 And I will dwell among the children of
Israel, and will be their God.46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their
God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among
them: I am the Lord their God.KJV
Ex
33:7-11 And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar
off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it
came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle
of the congregation, which was without the camp.8 And it came to pass, when
Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood
every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the
tabernacle.9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the
cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord
talked with Moses.10 And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the
tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his
tent door.11 And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh
unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua,
the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.KJV
Abraham spoke to the Lord face to face, like a
friend without the tabernacle; Moses spoke to the Lord face to face like a
friend in the tabernacle. If Elohim is
plural in the Hebrew, meaning three or more, and Jesus said no man had seen God
at any time, yet Moses saw the Lord’s glory and Abraham walked with the Lord,
who did Moses and Abraham speak to, the Father or the Son?
John
1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the
bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.KJV
1
John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God
dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.KJV
The
Son, Jesus, was the one who tabernacled with us. The Word tabernacled with us, in human flesh,
once he came he should have been recognized for who he was on earth. Have you ever noticed how God has to change
the way things go because humans simply can’t figure things out. God is quite flexible, he doesn’t need structures
to help himself; we need them to search for Him. This is why the way things are done in
regards to fellowshipping with God changes throughout the history of humanity.
God used to walk with Adam, in the cool of the day. Adam
saw God face to face. Once we lost the ability to see God (our eyes being
opened knowing good and evil) we needed a tabernacle. Then we had a temple, but the glory of the
Lord left and Jesus came, dwelling with us.
Then when Jesus became the sacrifice, as our perfect sacrifice, the veil
of the temple was torn from top to bottom so that we had a way in to God
again. I think this is why some people
don’t like the book of Hebrews, they may want works over fellowship with God.
Jesus taught in the temple during tabernacles. People could not understand him.
John
7:14-24 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and
taught.15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having
never learned?16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but
his that sent me.17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,
whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.18 He that speaketh of
himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the
same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.19 Did not Moses give you the
law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?20 The
people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?21
Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.22
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of
the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.23 If a man on the
sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken;
are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath
day?24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.KJV
Jesus
healed a man on the Sabbath, and then fed the multitudes so the Jews wanted to
kill him. Jesus sent the disciples to
Judea for the Feast of Tabernacles, but Jesus himself went in secret because
the Jews were looking for him. So when
Jesus showed up in the middle of the Feast and started teaching, people were
divided. Some believed he was the Christ
and some did not. Jesus goes on to speak to both the rulers and the people:
John
7:25-39 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to
kill?26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the
rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?27 Howbeit we know this man
whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.28 Then cried
Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know
whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom
ye know not.29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.30 Then
they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not
yet come.31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh,
will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?32 The Pharisees
heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees
and the chief priests sent officers to take him.33 Then said Jesus unto them,
Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.34 Ye
shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.35
Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find
him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the
Gentiles?36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and
shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?37 In the last day,
that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst,
let him come unto me, and drink.38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture
hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.39 (But this
spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the
Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)KJV
‘You
both know me, those who believe on me and those who despise me, you both know
me. And you both know where I am’. Those are powerful words, very condemning to
one group and very reassuring to the other. On the last day of the feast Jesus
declared the coming of the Holy Spirit. (see http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/09/fall-feasts-asteroids-and-aquarius.html for further
understanding of this verse)
Once
the perfect and final sacrifice was made the way into the holy of holies was
made open. No longer would anyone need the blood of animals or the high priest
to make atonement for sin, Jesus did it all. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus
who is the Word, came in human form and tabernacled among the people, and then
opened the veil of separation between the Father and man? The Son of God is our
High Priest!
Matt
27:50-53 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the
ghost.51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to
the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;52 And the graves were
opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,53 And came out of the
graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto
many.KJV
Now
the way is open for everyone who believes on Jesus to have access to the Father
by way of the Holy Spirit. Again, the
way things were done changed; no longer do we need a temple, tabernacle, or
blood from animals. Neither do we need
to wander for forty years or keep the law because the way of fellowshipping
with God is open to everyone by faith, just like it was to Abraham. And although our eyes may still be
spiritually dark and we may not be able to “see” God, we feel Him, hear Him,
and know Him by fellowshipping with Him.
Eph
2:18-22 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with
the saints, and of the household of God;20 And are built upon the foundation of
the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in
the Lord:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God
through the Spirit.KJV
We
are now the habitation of God, how awesome is that? Instead of Jesus taking the
form of Angels or some demi-god, or mythological figure he came as the seed of
Abraham. If he looked like Thor
people might have believed him but he looked like Abraham’s seed. That stumps people even today.
Heb
2:16-3:6 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him
the seed of Abraham.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like
unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in
things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.18
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them
that are tempted.3 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling,
consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;2 Who was
faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his
house.3 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.4 For every house
is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.5 And Moses verily
was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things
which were to be spoken after;6 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.KJV
Moses
built the tabernacle, and gave the law, but the law wasn’t available to follow
until Moses received it. Adam did not
have the Mosaic Law, nor did Noah, or Shem, or Abraham, or Isaac, or
Jacob. There was a change for the
benefit of men. After Jesus died there was another change, now we are the
building, the building is not greater than the builder who is God.
Heb
4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15 For we have
not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us
therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace to help in time of need.KJV
Jesus
was tempted in all points as we are which is why he succors us when we are in
need. And when we are in need we can come boldly to obtain mercy. We do not need to be in fear of Christ.
Heb
7:25-27 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.26 For such an
high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners,
and made higher than the heavens;27 Who needeth not daily, as those high
priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the
people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.KJV
Jesus
lives to make intercession for us, as the high priests did for the people. The transfer of intercession from the high
priests to Jesus, The High Priest is another change that took
place.
Heb
8:1-2 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;2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the
Lord pitched, and not man.KJV
Jesus
is everything we need.
Heb
9:6-12 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into
the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.7 But into the second
went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered
for himself, and for the errors of the people:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying,
that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the
first tabernacle was yet standing:9 Which was a figure for the time then
present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make
him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;10 Which
stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances,
imposed on them until the time of reformation.11 But Christ being come
an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle,
not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;12 Neither by the
blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the
holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.KJV
The
change for this time period was a time of reformation. That is the testimony to
God’s flexibility. He never had to
change anything in the first place, from the time of Adam, God never had to
change at all, but he established ways for us to know him where we could
understand him. Reforming times and ways
to suit the needs of His people, God did that for us.
Heb
9:24-28 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which
are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the
high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;26 For
then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now
once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice
of himself.27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the
judgment:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them
that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.KJV
Jesus
never went into the holy of holies on earth, yet he entered the holy place of
heaven.
Heb
10:19-23 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the
blood of Jesus,20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;21 And having an high priest over
the house of God;22 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.23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without
wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)KJV
Let
us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering. That is great admonition for us to live by. I have very little respect for anyone who
would like to throw away the book of Hebrews but I can see why the devil wants
to get rid of it. And if a man believes
we should tear out the book of Hebrews he is not saved, he does not know Jesus
our High Priest. I’ve also heard of many
people who would like to erase dispensations from the Bible as well. As I have said before I don’t necessarily care
to divide the Bible up, there is one hinge point that we have to consider, the
day of Pentecost. But as we can see, God
is flexible, he changes, and reforms the way we are to approach Him to be
conducive to us. This is not about God
changing rules for his pleasure, but for our understanding. Our eyes have grown dim on spiritual matters. It may be that as humans continue to
reproduce, we are lacking some things Adam had, even after the fall. Nevertheless, God is flexible; he changes
things, and that is evident. We however
should remember our High Priest this Tabernacle season, rejoice, and hold fast
the profession of our faith, without wavering, because He is faithful that
promised.
