A CHANGE OF PRIESTHOOD
Wednesday – December 13, 2017
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being my Lord and Savior, even my High Priest, a changed Priesthood, with a better Covenant. The worshipers of God of old had a covenant of innocent animal blood, they received atonement, a temporary covering of sin. You and I brother and sister have a New Blood Covenant, the Blood of the Lamb of God, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world which blots out our sin forever. Let’s review our primary text for our Bible Study from this wonderful Book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 7:11-15 (KJV)
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
The Levitical priesthood was certainly imperfect but it protected, covered, the people of God until Messiah could come and a permanent priesthood established that blotted out sin. Melchisedec was not of a Hebrew tribe since Abraham is the first one to be called a Hebrew (Genesis 14:13). As an aside, on examination it seems that the word Hebrew or designation of one being a Hebrew arises from the line of Eber whose great grandfather was Shem a son of Noah. So, we see that the Jewish peoples, starting with Abraham, arise from the line of Shem. Those who arose from Abraham are a distinct people for their father Abraham made Covenant with God to bring Messiah to bring the Blessing to all peoples. God chose Moses and commanded him to choose his own tribe of Levi to the priesthood (represent the people before God). We have received a better Covenant and a better Priest. That is not to say that the priests of the Old Covenant were not necessary for they played a vital role in the plan of God providing salvation albeit limited until Shiloh come. The new priest Who is Jesus serves at the alter after the similitude of Melchisedec.
The Lord has drawn my attention to the Biblical Numerology of the passage we have just reviewed. The Old Covenant was not perfect, not being in full alignment with the full and perfect will of God, however was necessary until the perfect could come and thus alignment established. With Jesus there has been a full reconciliation with God, a return to the original intent of God, full alignment. Twelve is the number of God’s perfect government and laws are associated with government therefore a need for a change of law with the coming of Messiah. The Old Testament saints lived under the curse of the law of sin and death. Jesus has made us free of the law of sin and death. We have a safety net, when we sin we have a way back, we have forgiveness when we run to our High Priest, to the Blood, the Blood Covenant. Referring to our primary text, read the thirteenth verse in the knowledge that thirteen is the number of rebellion and depravity. We needed a Savior for mankind’s full restoration and release from the imprisonment brought on by rebellion and depravity. Now Jesus Christ is attending at the altar, the One who makes us completely free from the curse and restores us fully to the Father. Fourteen is the number of salvation and deliverance and we see the man spoken of by Jacob (Israel) to his son Judah will provide that salvation and deliverance. Fifteen is the number of rest, God’s provision, another priest. As we go forward in our text to the sixteenth verse we find the love of God, performing His Word to mankind. Eternal life came by and is restored to those who will receive Him as Lord and Savior.
Hebrews 7:16 (KJV)
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Right from the Day of Sin we had the promise of God that the authority Adam surrendered to the Serpent would be restored, taken back, first by the Savior then by power of attorney to those who are in the Savior.
Genesis 3:15 (KJV)
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
The “it” in “it shall bruise thy head” should be “He” referring to the One (Jesus) who will regain the authority surrendered by Adam. The word “seed” in both instances above is masculine and singular with “her seed” referring to Jesus, The Seed. The words “woman” and “her” are both feminine singular telling us that the woman (Virgin Mary) would receive (the Word which is the Seed) and give Him birth into the earth. The Seed would strip the devil of all authority and this Seed (the Word) sown into other men (mankind) would produce a mighty nation (1 Peter 2:9). This mighty nation, the Church, was to exercise this delegated authority backed by the Blessing (Holy Spirit and Power) destroying the works of the devil at every turn.
Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Until our next publication, I speak blessing into your life right now, receive it in the name of Jesus, confess it, and walk it out with thanksgiving.
Numbers 6:24-26 (GW)
24 The LORD will bless you and watch over you.
25 The LORD will smile on you and be kind to you.
26 The LORD will look on you with favor and give you peace.’
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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