When we consider sacrifice offerings, whether for worship or sin, holocaust offerings, we see how weak and incomplete it is to take animals and kill them, over and over again, when Jesus already shed his blood for us. There are people who believe animal sacrifices are the only way to atone before Yahweh Elohim, but that is not correct during this time period. The sacrifice we are required to bring is far more valuable than an animal. The sacrifice we are to bring is something we ourselves value above all else. Today our sacrifice is better than that of animals, grains, or vegetables. We saw that Noah sacrificed the most valuable thing they had, animals for food. Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, the most valuable thing Abraham had. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice of laying down his life for us, so that if we believe on him we will have eternal life. So what sacrifice are we to make that supersedes animals, food, and our promised child? Our sacrifice is ourselves. We are the sacrifice. This is a far more important sacrifice than anything else. We are the living sacrifice. What does that mean? How do we do this? This is what is required of disciples. It was Yahweh’s intended purpose, to present us before him, continually, living sacrifices. Let’s explore.
We have all memorized Jesus’ words when asked about the greatest most important commandment. This scribe asks a great question.
Mark 12:28 Then one of the scribes came up and listened to them disputing with one another, and, noticing that Jesus answered them fitly and admirably, he asked Him, Which commandment is first and most important of all [in its nature]?
29 Jesus answered, The first and principal one of all commands is: Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord;
30 And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. [Deut. 6:4, 5.]
31 The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. [Lev. 19:18.]
The scribe responds with some great points.
Mark 12:32 And the scribe said to Him, Excellently and fitly and admirably answered, Teacher! You have said truly that He is One, and there is no other but Him;
33 And to love Him out of and with all the heart and with all the understanding [with the faculty of quick apprehension and intelligence and keenness of discernment] and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. [I Sam. 15:22; Hos. 6:6; Mic. 6:6-8; Heb. 10:8.]
Notice what the scribe’s response was. These two commands are much more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. These two commands lived the way Jesus tells us to are what is required of us. There is no temple, no altars for sacrifices and sin sacrifices. There is no way to atone for our sin unless we believe on Jesus as Yahweh Messiah. Yet if we live, loving Yahweh Elohim with all our heart, mind, and strength and our neighbors as we love ourselves, we will be close to the kingdom of God.
Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered intelligently (discreetly and having his wits about him), He said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God. And after that no one ventured or dared to ask Him any further question.
The Amplified Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1987), Mk 12:28–34.
This is a great realization from this scribe. He really understood the importance of Jesus’ words. Jesus then says that he is not far from the kingdom of God, meaning, he is much closer than those people who take an animal to be sacrificed for their sin, then go back to living sinfully until the next animal sacrifice. This is a weak and foolish way to live. And yet there are people who want a temple to be built so that they can start the animal sacrifices again. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for us once for all time, but there is more to this story. While there are many people who reject Jesus Messiah, some may even think he is not as good a sacrifice offering as if they brought their own bull or goat, the new sacrifice that we bring before Yahweh Elohim is better than animals. However the point here is that the Elohim does not desire burnt animals. He desires that we live righteously.
Micah 6:6 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God? [Deut. 10:12, 13.]
The Amplified Bible (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1987), Mic 6:6–8.
Jesus is our once for all atonement, but we are the sacrifice now. We present ourselves before Yahweh Elohim as living sacrifices. Instead of bringing an animal every year to atone for our sin, Jesus died for our sin, so that our offering is not an animal or plant, it is our actual selves. We are the offering. We present ourselves before the Lord and we are the offering, not something that we have that is important to us, it is us. We are the sacrifice, and we live as a sacrifice for our entire lives. Our sacrifice of ourselves is far better, far greater, and far more important than using an animal as a “stand in”. There are people who think the age that Jesus established for us is abominable because Jesus made us free in Christ, and we are not under the law, so they demand everyone live under the law. However our age, even though it is characterized by grace, our sacrifice offering is ourselves, but not unto salvation, Jesus accomplished that, but unto rewards. The rewards for being disciples is first and foremost entrance into the kingdom of heaven where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are. If we are not living sacrifices then the kingdom of God is still available, but it is not where the patriarchs and prophets reside.
Romans 12:1 G3870 Then I exhort G3767 G1473 you, G80 brethren, G1223 by G3588 the G3628 compassions G3588 G2316 of God, G3936 to present G3588 G4983 your bodies G1473 G2378 [2sacrifices G2198 1living], G39 holy, G2101 well-pleasing G3588 to G2316 God, G3588 the G3050 rational G2999 service G1473 of yours.
We are the sacrifice offering. We are not dead bodies, we are living human sacrifices. This is the sacrifice we make as people alive in Christ. We are far better than animals. For those who still want to pretend that there is salvation under the law, the blood and bodies of animals are an incomplete sacrifice. We need Jesus’ sacrifice to make our bodily sacrifice acceptable and complete. His blood cleanses us and our body so that we are presented as sacrifices. Peter adds to this thought.
1 Peter 2:5 G2532 also G1473 yourselves, G5613 as G3037 [2stones G2198 1living], G3618 are being built up G3624 [2house G4152 1a spiritual], G2406 [2priesthood G39 1a holy], G399 to offer G4152 spiritual G2378 sacrifices, G2144 well-received G3588 G2316 to God G1223 through G* Jesus G5547 Christ.
We are living stones being utilized in a building for a spiritual house. We are a holy priesthood and as holy priests we offer spiritual sacrifices. We make the offering of our body as well as spiritual sacrifices. We pray in the Spirit. We sing praises. We worship in Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. This is how the holy priesthood makes spiritual sacrifices. Spiritual sacrifices, and our body as living sacrifices, is what this holy priesthood offers to Yahweh Elohim.
Jesus explains this to us when speaking to his disciples. Jesus did not come to earth to throw peace, he came to throw a sword. This means division. Jesus came for division, not unity with the world.
We are to unify in the Body of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Yet it might be that our families and relatives are Jesus rejecters or anti-Christs. Jesus came to divide. This does not mean we cannot ever speak to those who are not part of the Body of Christ, but it does mean that there is a separation between those who believe on Jesus and those who do not. If non-believers are happy to hang out with us we should be thankful. Practically, this is not hard to understand. There is no hereditary salvation. Each individual must choose for themselves. Jesus explains this to us and then adds something else.
Matthew 10:34 G3361 You should not G3543 think G3754 that G2064 I came G906 to cast G1515 peace G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 earth; G3756 I came not G2064 G906 to cast G1515 peace, G235 but G3162 a sword.
35 G2064 For I came G1063 G1369 to cleave G444 a man G2596 against G3588 G3962 his father, G1473 G2532 and G2364 a daughter G2596 against G3588 G3384 her mother, G1473 G2532 and G3565 a daughter-in-law G2596 against G3588 G3994 her mother-in-law; G1473
36 G2532 and G2190 the enemies G3588 of the G444 man G3588 are the ones G3615 of his own house. G1473
37 G3588 The one G5368 being fond of G3962 a father G2228 or G3384 mother G5228 above G1473 me, G3756 is not G1510.2.3 G1473 worthy of me; G514 G2532 and G3588 the one G5368 being fond of G5207 a son G2228 or G2364 daughter G5228 above G1473 me, G3756 is not G1510.2.3 G1473 worthy of me. G514
While it is not surprising to us that sometimes our enemies are of our own household, Jesus explains that in this life it is not about living a happy life. It is instead walking a hard road, taking up our own cross, and following him. Jesus came to cleave or separate people.
Matthew 10:38 G2532 And G3739 the one who G3756 does not G2983 take G3588 G4716 his cross G1473 G2532 and G190 follow G3694 after G1473 me, G3756 is not G1510.2.3 G1473 worthy of me. G514
39 G3588 The one G2147 finding G3588 G5590 his life, G1473 G622 shall lose it; G1473 G2532 and G3588 the one G622 losing G3588 G5590 his life, G1473 G1752 because of G1473 me, G2147 shall find G1473 it.
The word translated “take” is the word lambanō, meaning to “accept or receive”. If one does not accept their cross, or one does not receive their cross, and accompany or attend to, akoloutheō, Jesus, that one is not worthy of Him. That is a big deal. We are to accept our cross. What is our cross? Whatever the Lord has called us to. It means we accept and receive our calling until we die. Our calling may change over time, or our calling may be difficult. No matter, we accept our calling until the end of our days. We don’t retire at a certain age. We do not decide to let others do what we have been called to do. What was Jesus’ cross? It was to bring salvation and redemption to the world via his death. He accepted his calling and knew he would live until he was crucified. Once we accept that cross, we accompany and attend after Jesus. Those who do not receive their cross and do not accompany Jesus are not deserving of Him.
We are talking about the holy priesthood, the living sacrifices to Yahweh Elohim. Of course we should carry our cross and lay our lives down for our Lord and Savior.
Now think of this in light of living sacrifices. We are living sacrifices. Each of us has a calling and we are to accompany behind Jesus. Jesus is in the lead, he is the head of the Body of Christ. He is orchestrating his body the way he sees fit. He is putting people in places within the Body of Christ to carry out His plans for humans on earth. If we receive our cross, then we follow behind Jesus. If not, then we do not deserve him.
Something is important here. We do not choose what we want to do and then tell Jesus this is what we are going to do. We do not find for ourselves our soul life, or obtain or procure for ourselves our soul life. We do not do it in our own mind and strength and give that to Jesus. Otherwise we will be utterly destroyed. Instead we utterly destroy our soul life for Jesus and then we will find our soul life in Him.
Jesus explains again.
Matthew 16:24 G5119 Then G3588 G* Jesus G2036 said G3588 to G3101 his disciples, G1473 G1536 If any G2309 wants G3694 [2after G1473 3me G2064 1to come], G533 let him totally reject G1438 himself, G2532 and G142 lift G3588 G4716 his cross, G1473 G2532 and G190 follow G1473 me!
If someone desires or intends to come behind Jesus, that one should deny utterly, disregard, or disown, himself. The word aparneomai is a compound word meaning “away from” and “disavow, reject, abnegate, deny, refuse, or disown”. Once someone renounces themself, they then can lift up, or take up, or bear, their cross, their calling from Jesus and accompany or attend to Jesus. This is what the holy priesthood should look like.
Matthew 16:25 G3739 For who G1063 G302 ever G2309 should want G3588 G5590 [2his life G1473 G4982 1to preserve], G622 will lose G1473 it. G3739 But who G1161 G302 ever G622 should lose G3588 G5590 his life G1473 G1752 because of G1473 me, G2147 shall find G1473 it.
If someone desires or wishes to save, deliver, or protect, sōzō, his soul life, he will utterly destroy it. And if someone utterly destroys his soul life, for Jesus’ sake, he will learn, discover, or find, his soul life.
Matthew 16:26 G5100 For what G5623 benefits G444 a man G1437 if G3588 the G2889 [2world G3650 1entire] G2770 he should gain, G3588 G1161 but G5590 his soul G1473 G2210 should suffer loss? G2228 Or G5100 what G1325 [2will 4give G444 3a man G465 1bargain] G3588 G5590 for his soul? G1473
What use is it or to what profit is it for manfaced to acquire the complete and entire cosmos but his soul life is lost or forfeited? Gain the world, forfeit life. This is the story of Satanas. He gained the cosmos and lost his life. Satanas’ end is the lake of fire. We however have eternal life. What exchange or ransom can manfaced offer for his soul life? How many people have exchanged their soul for something in this lifetime? How many people want to make deals with Satanas for a comfortable life now? Some do not care to live with Jesus Messiah eternally, but we know they would change their mind if they saw Hades.
Matthew 16:27 G3195 [5is about G1063 1For G3588 2the G5207 3son G3588 G444 4of man] G2064 to come G1722 in G3588 the G1391 glory G3588 G3962 of his father G1473 G3326 with G3588 G32 his angels; G1473 G2532 and G5119 then G591 he shall recompense G1538 each G2596 according to G3588 G4234 his actions. G1473
28 G281 Amen G3004 I say G1473 to you, G1510.2.6 there are G5100 some G3588 of the ones G5602 here G2476 standing, G3748 the ones who G3766.2 in no way G1089 shall taste G2288 death, G2193 until G302 whenever G1492 they should behold G3588 the G5207 son G3588 G444 of man G2064 coming G1722 in G3588 G932 his kingdom.
Jesus will render an account in a good way or a bad way, to each person based on that individuals deeds. When is this going to take place? At the start of the millennial kingdom. Why won’t some of the people that Jesus is speaking to, “eat death”? Because they will die after Jesus’ crucifixion and they will not enter death or hades but paradise instead. They will see Jesus coming in his kingdom, the millennial kingdom.
Mark 10:17 G2532 And G1607 in his going forth G1473 G1519 into G3598 the way, G4370 [2running up G1520 1one] G2532 and G1120 kneeling G1473 at him, G1905 asked G1473 him, G1320 [2teacher G18 1Good], G5100 what G4160 shall I do G2443 that G2222 [3life G166 2eternal G2816 1I should inherit]?
18 G3588 And G1161 G* Jesus G2036 said G1473 to him, G5100 Why G1473 do you call me G3004 G18 good? G3762 No one G18 is good G1508 except G1520 one -- G3588 G2316 God.
19 G3588 The G1785 commandments G1492 you know, G3361 do not G3431 commit adultery, G3361 do not G5407 murder, G3361 do not G2813 steal, G3361 do not G5576 witness falsely, G3361 do not G650 wrong, G5091 esteem G3588 G3962 your father G1473 G2532 and G3588 G3384 mother!
20 G3588 And he G1161 G611 answering G2036 said G1473 to him, G1320 Teacher, G3778 these things G3956 all G5442 I kept G1537 from G3503 my youth. G1473
21 G3588 G1161 And G* Jesus G1689 looking at G1473 him G25 loved G1473 him, G2532 and G2036 said G1473 to him, G1520 One thing G1473 to you G5302 is lacking, G5217 Go, G3745 as much as G2192 you have G4453 sell, G2532 and G1325 give G3588 to the G4434 poor, G2532 and G2192 you shall have G2344 treasure G1722 in G3772 heaven! G2532 And G1204 come G190 follow G1473 me, G142 taking up G3588 the G4716 cross!
This is something that makes people hesitate in laying down their lives. People have to give it up to have it all. Whatever it is that holds us back, give it up and carry off the cross.
Mark 10: 22 G3588 But he G1161 G4768 being gloomy G1909 over G3588 the G3056 word G565 went forth G3076 fretting; G1510.7.3 for he was G1063 G2192 holding G2933 [2possessions G4183 1many].
23 G2532 And G4017 looking round about, G3588 G* Jesus G3004 says G3588 to G3101 his disciples, G1473 G4459 How G1423 with difficulty G3588 the ones G3588 G5536 [2things G2192 1having] G1519 [2into G3588 3the G932 4kingdom G3588 G2316 5of God G1525 1shall enter].
24 G3588 And the G1161 G3101 disciples G2284 were distraught G1909 at G3588 G3056 his words. G1473 G3588 And G1161 G* Jesus G3825 again G611 responding G3004 says G1473 to them, G5043 Sons, G4459 how G1422 difficult G1510.2.3 it is G3588 for the ones G3982 yielding G1909 upon G3588 G5536 things G1519 [2into G3588 3the G932 4kingdom G3588 G2316 5of God G1525 1to enter].
The word translated “things” here is chrēma, meaning “wealth, riches, or money”. How difficult it is to obey money, and enter the kingdom of God. If we yield to money rather than to Jesus, we are not able to enter the kingdom of God. Now remember, there are two kingdoms, the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is inside the kingdom of God. This young man cannot even get into the kingdom of God if he doesn’t give up following riches.
Mark 10:25 G2123 It is easier G1510.2.3 G2574 for a camel rope G1223 [2through G3588 3the G5168 4hole G4476 5 made by an awl G1525 1to enter], G2228 than G4145 a rich person G1519 [2into G3588 3the G932 4kingdom G3588 G2316 5of God G1525 1to enter].
The word camel is a mistranslation, it is the word rope. It is harder for a rope to go through the eye of a needle than to a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Mark 10:26 G3588 And they G1161 G4057 were extremely G1605 overwhelmed, G3004 saying G4314 to G1438 themselves, G2532 And G5100 who G1410 is able G4982 to be delivered?
27 G1689 And looking at G1161 G1473 them, G3588 G* Jesus G3004 says, G3844 With G444 men G102 impossible, G235 but G3756 not G3844 with G2316 God; G3956 for all things G1063 G1415 are possible G1510.2.3 G3844 with G3588 G2316 God.
It is possible to be holy priests in this age or dispensation. No one could be a holy priest under the last dispensation or administration because the blood of bulls and goats were imperfect sacrifices. People want to bundle all the riches and treasures they have stored up for themselves and take it all to heaven, but we have to let go of those things in order to enter in.
Mark 10:28 G2532 And G756 Peter began G3588 G* G3004 to say G1473 to him, G2400 Behold, G1473 we G863 left G3956 all G2532 and G190 followed G1473 you.
29 G611 And answering G1161 G3588 G* Jesus G2036 said, G281 Amen G3004 I say G1473 to you, G3762 There is no one G1510.2.3 G3739 who G863 left G3614 house, G2228 or G80 brothers, G2228 or G79 sisters, G2228 or G3962 father, G2228 or G3384 mother, G2228 or G1135 wife, G2228 or G5043 children, G2228 or G68 fields, G1752 because of G1473 me G2532 and G3588 the G2098 good news,
30 G1437 that should not G3361 G2983 receive G1542 a hundred fold G3568 now G1722 in G3588 G2540 this time -- G3778 G3614 houses, G2532 and G80 brethren, G2532 and G79 sisters, G2532 and G3384 mothers, G2532 and G5043 children, G2532 and G68 fields, G3326 with G1375 persecutions, G2532 and G1722 in G3588 the G165 [2eon G3588 G2064 1coming] G2222 life G166 eternal.
31 G4183 But many G1161 G1510.8.6 first will be G4413 G2078 last, G2532 and G3588 the G2078 last G4413 first.
We again see the word lambanō, receive, being used. People will receive one hundred fold or one hundred times what they gave up now, meaning in this life. However, giving up our old lives comes with persecutions. We have to suffer the persecutions, and then we receive, now and in the future age, with our eternal life. For example, if we give up wealth and follow after Jesus, taking up our cross, there will be persecutions, but we will prosper one hundred times more. That could mean that we are abundantly blessed, filled with joy, in need of nothing, and able to enjoy life without being held back by riches and wealth.
Many who are first in time and place will be at the end and many at the end will be at the beginning. It seems as if Jesus is referring to finishing our calling, like the laborers in the field who were hired for the same amount of money but at different times of the day. Many are called but few are chosen. We are to stay faithful until death. We can’t be a living sacrifice on a part time basis. We can’t commit early on to be a living sacrifice and to take up our cross and then retire at age 65. We continue in the calling where we are called until we die.
Luke 14:25 G4848 And going with G1161 G1473 him G3793 [2multitudes G4183 1 were great]; G2532 and G4762 having turned G2036 he said G4314 to G1473 them,
26 G1536 If anyone G2064 comes G4314 to G1473 me, G2532 and G3756 does not G3404 detest G3588 G3962 his father G1473 G2532 and G3588 G3384 mother, G2532 and G3588 G1135 wife G2532 and G3588 G5043 children, G2532 and G3588 G80 brothers G2532 and G3588 G79 sisters, G2089 and still G1161 G2532 also G3588 G1438 his own G5590 life, G3756 he is not able G1410 G1473 [2my G3101 3disciple G1510.1 1to be].
Jesus is not telling us to hate our family, but not to love them more than Him. If someone's family despises Jesus Messiah we should not put them ahead of Jesus. Sometimes families want to sabotage our relationship with Jesus because they are anti-Christs and do not see the value in following the Messiah. This is what Jesus is commenting on. Think about this in light of being a holy priest and how we are to live.
Luke 14:27 G2532 And G3748 whosoever G3756 does not G941 bear G3588 G4716 his cross, G1473 G2532 and G2064 come G3694 after G1473 me, G3756 is not G1410 able G1473 to be my G1510.1 G3101 disciple.
Here Jesus explains our function as living sacrifices, we are to pick up our cross and come after or accompany Him. Only disciples follow after Jesus.
Luke 14:28 G5100 For who G1063 G1537 of G1473 you G2309 wanting G4444 [2a tower G3618 1to build], G3780 not having G4412 first G2523 sat down G5585 to tally G3588 the G1160 expense, G1487 sees if G2192 he has G3588 the things G4314 for G535 completion?
29 G2443 that G3379 lest at any time G5087 having set G1473 its G2310 foundation, G2532 and G3361 not G2480 being able G1615 to complete it, G3956 all G3588 the ones G2334 viewing G756 should begin G1702 to mock G1473 him,
30 G3004 saying G3754 that, G3778 This G3588 G444 man G756 began G3618 to build, G2532 and G3756 was not G2480 able G1615 to complete.
There is a cost to accompanying Jesus. We should calculate the cost and not start following after him and then leave and go back to our old life. It should be a one way ticket to eternal life. Someone who turns back from following Jesus will be mocked for not understanding the cost.
Luke 14:31 G2228 Or G5100 what G935 king G4198 going G4820 to engage with G2087 another G935 king G1519 in G4171 war, G3780 does not G2523 sit G4412 first G1011 to consult G1487 if G1415 he is able G1510.2.3 G1722 with G1176 ten G5505 thousand G528 to meet G3588 the one G3326 with G1501 twenty G5505 thousand G2064 coming G1909 against G1473 him?
32 G1490 But if not, G2089 still G4206 [3at a distance G1473 1of his G1510.6 2being], G4242 [2an embassy G649 1having sent], G2065 he asks G3588 the terms G4314 for G1515 peace.
It is logical to ask the Lord what it is he wants us to do and what might be the costs. We may have to negotiate some things. For example if the Lord wants us to do something that requires equipment and supplies, we have to ask him to provide the equipment and supplies otherwise we will try and do it in our own strength. He expects us to be smart, ask questions, and find out about what it is he is calling us to. Our calling is not Jesus demanding we do things as slaves, it is a partnership. If I do not have the capital needed to start the calling that He asks me to start then He knows that. He just wants us to ask so that we can be successful, rather than us trying to do it all in our own strength. Negotiate with Him.
Luke 14:33 G3779 So G3767 then, G3956 every one G1537 of G1473 you G3739 who G3756 does not G657 send away G3956 to all G3588 the things G1438 he himself G5224 possesses, G3756 is not G1410 able G1473 to be my G1510.1 G3101 disciple.
“In this manner then all from out of you this not renounce all the he possesses not he capable exist of my disciple.”
Renounce the world and its entrapments then we can be disciples.
Luke 14:34 G2570 [2 is good G3588 G217 1Salt], G1437 but if G1161 G3588 the G217 salt G3471 should become insipid, G1722 by G5100 what means G741 shall it be seasoned?
35 G3777 Neither G1519 for G1093 earth, G3777 nor G1519 for G2874 manure G2111 is it fit, G1510.2.3 G1854 but outside G906 they throw G1473 it. G3588 The one G2192 having G3775 ears G191 to hear G191 let him hear!
We cannot re-season salt. Weak tasteless salt is of no use for anything so it is thrown out. Weak or foolish people who will not renounce everything and follow after Him are also of no use. While that one may have eternal life, the question is where; outside the kingdom of heaven and inside the kingdom of God? Wouldn’t we all desire to be inside the kingdom of heaven?
The holy priests who are living sacrifices are displayed before the Elohim like the shewbread. Yahweh rolls out the offer and whoever chooses receives eternal life. The plan was predefined, the choice is ours.
Ephesians 1:11 G1722 In G3739 whom G2532 also G2820 we were chosen by lot, G4309 being predefined G2596 according to G4286 the intention G3588 of the one G3588 [2all things G3956 G1754 1operating] G2596 according to G3588 the G1012 counsel G3588 G2307 of his will, G1473
“In this and cast lots before marked out boundaries downward setting forth the show bread the the all active downward the deliberate wisdom the his will.”
The Elohim cast lots, or rolled the dice. What does this mean? He rolled out the offer, and whoever chose to follow Him did so. No one is destined to eternal death or eternal life without their own choosing. He rolled out the offer of the predetermined path, from heaven to earth. He chose the plan and the race of beings when the earth had become formless, void, and dark all over the water and the land. Why? Paul tells us in Colossians and Ephesians that we are the plan to make known to the fallen sons of God the manifold wisdom of the Elohim and Jesus Messiah who openly triumphed over them.
We are an offering to the father. We are the bread in the temple, the table of show bread. We, who choose the Messiah, are seen by the Elohim as if we are the bread offering in the temple. This is an active downward motion from heaven to earth, meaning people choose the path any time they wish, and actively are displayed to the Elohim. This is His deliberate wisdom of His will. He wants a relationship with us, not as an overlord or harsh taskmaster, but as a loving friend, and Father. Our path to Him is open before his face. He sees us, our struggles, our victories, our pain, and our joy. We move towards him as fast as we would like.
https://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2022/11/administration-of-completion-in-messiah.html
The word translated “intention” here is the word prothesis, meaning “setting forth the shewbread”. The shewbread or showbread was also called the “bread of the face (of Yahweh)”, “the bread of offering”, or “the continual bread”. The shewbread was offered every Sabbath and stayed presented for seven days. His purpose or intention is for us to be presented like the shewbread, continually, like the bread before His face. The bread of the face is a picture of His people, those who believe and live for Him as living sacrifices, arranged in his presence and looking into His face. That is who we are. We present ourselves before him continually. This means we do His will not our own, we take up our cross and follow behind Jesus. We lay our lives down, not trying to do whatever we want but we do whatever He wants.
Our sacrificial holy priesthood includes laying down our lives for the believers in Christ.
1 John 3:16 G1722 By G3778 this G1097 we have known G3588 the G26 love G3588 G2316 of God, G3754 because G1565 that one G5228 [3for G1473 4us G3588 G5590 2his life G1473 G5087 1placed]; G2532 and G1473 we G3784 ought G5228 [3for G3588 4the G80 5brethren G3588 G5590 2 our lives G5087 1to place].
Who are the brethren? Those in the Body of Christ. While we show love and kindness to all people, we are to be most of all, particularly, and chiefly, good to the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10 G686 So G3767 then G5613 as G2540 [2occasion G2192 1we have], G2038 we should work G3588 G18 good G4314 to G3956 all, G3122 and especially G1161 G4314 to G3588 the G3609 members of the family G3588 of the G4102 belief
This is what makes us a priesthood, a holy organization. We not only lay our lives down for Jesus Messiah, we lay our lives down for others in the family of the Elohim. We are supposed to be a group of people accompanying Jesus, called to our individual callings, but working together for Him and the others in our group. We are the offering, the living sacrifice, that in all things we consult with Jesus Messiah, and then take up and receive our cross, and follow behind Him. His blood made us holy and now we sacrificially lay our lives down for him.We are a far better offering than animals, grains, and produce. We, the holy priesthood are the living sacrifices before his face every day. We take up our cross and accompany Jesus our Messiah.
