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Archive for the ‘Christ’ Category

Menorah, Only a Model

Posted in Bible, Christ's Body, Church, Explanations, tagged , on September 19, 2011| Leave a Comment »

And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold, unto the shaft thereof, unto the flowers thereof, was beaten work: according unto the pattern which the LORD had shewed Moses, so he made the candlestick — Numbers 8:3-5

One symbol for Israel is the Menorah — seven lamps, or candlesticks, for a perpetual light in the Old Testament Tabernacle’s holy place.

But the Bible says it was made from a pattern, or model, shown to Moses when he met God on Mount Sinai — A model represents something bigger, like the model cars I made when I was a child. So what’s the real thing?

We see candlesticks before God’s throne in another place

I saw a gold menorah
with seven branches,
And in the center, the Son of Man,
in a robe and gold breastplate,
hair a blizzard of white,
Eyes pouring fire-blaze,
both feet furnace-fired bronze,
— Revelation 1:12-13 (Message Bible)

Jesus, wanting us to know what this really represents, told John,:

“Now write down everything you see: things that are, things about to be. [T]he seven-branched gold menorah—do you want to know what’s behind them? … the menorah’s seven branches are the seven churches.” – Revelation 1:20 (Message Bible)

Seven represents completeness. Long ago in that Old Testament Tabernacle those seven lamps were standing in for the Church in this world, shining light in a dark sanctuary, letting people see to sacrifice their offerings and burn their incense.

We, the holy Church of God, corporately and individually have a holy calling and a wonderful purpose.

fritz@langgang.com

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Pointing Patterns

Posted in Bible, Christ, Explanations, Jesus, Moses, tagged , , on September 18, 2011| Leave a Comment »

“[M]ake me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, … make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount” – Exodus 25:8-9, 40

God reveals himself throughout history — some even call “History”, “His-Story”. When God revealed himself to Israel he commanded a tabernacle be built from a pattern, or template, which Moses saw when he met with God. The instructions were very detailed.

Why would God do that unless he desires we see the “pattern” and understand the reality it represents? Hebrews, in the Bible, picks up on this, calling them “Shadows” of the reality (Hebrews 8:5) — the tabernacle, the laws, the dishes, the colors, all patterns.

I remember my mother making my clothes and her own dresses when I was little; she had shelves full of patterns — she kept them and re-used them. She would change some of the minor details but following the pattern made sure it fit right. There’s a way God does things and it’s not quite so arbitrary when we let the pattern point to what God reality had in mind. Example: Paul writes about paying teaching elders a living wage saying:

“For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.” — 1st Corinthians 9:8-10

In the bible there is an event where the risen Jesus walked and talked with two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:27), pointing to himself in all the Scriptures from Genesis to Malachi.

Read the Old Testament asking him to “walk” that same walk with you.

fritz@langgang.com
— See Also “2 Birds, 1 Stick, Red Thread, and a Branch” – February 25, 2011

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Christ — Seated King

Posted in Assurance, Christ, Explanations, God, Jesus, tagged , , , , , on September 16, 2011| Leave a Comment »

God … hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, … who … sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” — Hebrews 1:1-3

God has always been pure spirit (John 4:24) and though we may not realize it, today, before Jesus the idea a human could sit on God’s throne was just not thinkable.

Prophets looking into heaven were amazed at what they saw,

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. — Ezekiel 1:26

No one at the time thought it could be literal yet when Jesus purged our sin he bodily came out of the tomb, bodily ascended to heaven, and bodily sits on God’s throne next to Majesty.

What’s he doing there? Lots!

The Bible says he is praying for God’s mercy and grace on this dying world. It’s been noticed the wrath of God seldom falls like it did before Christ. That’s possibly because Jesus is there praying for mercy and grace — always referring to his sacrifice on the cross.

“He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.” — Hebrews 4:25 (Message)

He’s preparing a place to receive us, his followers,

“I’m on my way to get a room ready for you. And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live.” — John 14:3-4 (Message)

He’s preparing us for his new world government.

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” — Revelation 11:15

We are his now and have his ear, the ear of God. What a privilidge.

Sound bite: The King of the Universe knows my name and I have his ear!fritz@langgang.com
— See Also “Is Jesus ‘Smart’” – June 13, 2011

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