On July 17 of this year (2019) we began a study of the Book of Leviticus. A Block of Scripture that holds far more pertinent information about our Lord Jesus than I ever imagined! Leviticus reveals the Heart of God the Father in amazing ways, too!

Today we are considering a fact, a truth, embedded (generally) in Leviticus chapter 8. I would like to compare the Typology behind the HIGH PRIEST and the other SONS OF AARON, who were also priests, mind you.

There was always just ONE High Priest holding Office. While there were MANY other priests aiding the work of the Tabernacle, the work of Worship, one might say.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take AARON (the High Priest, singular) and HIS SONS (the other priests, plural) with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; and gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. “ Leviticus 8:1-3

My point today, quickly …

Aaron, then upon his death, his eldest surviving son (Eleazar) were the first two HIGH PRIESTS of ancient Israel. (Still keep in mind, only ONE of them at a time held that august office. Only Aaron until he died, then only Eleazar until he died.)

Now the Office of High Priest was (undoubtedly) a Picture of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Many Bible Verses validate that fact, that thought. Hebrews 9:11, for example … “But CHRIST BEING COME AN HIGH PRIEST of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle.”

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and HIGH PRIEST of our profession, CHRIST JESUS.” Hebrews 3:1

“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.” Hebrews 4:14

And Jesus did not take this Title/Honor (High Priest) upon Himself, either! Hebrews 5:10 informs us that Jesus was: “Called of God (the Father) an HIGH PRIEST.” 

Yes, His Father made him Such, our great High Priest!

But now … what of the “sons of Aaron,” the number of whom grew as the years progressed. They are not specifically (even as a group) a “type” of Christ, nearly as much as they are a “picture/symbol” of those of us who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ!

We are priests!

How so?

Revelation 1:5-6 tells us that Jesus has made us … “PRIESTS (plural) unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Wow!

Even Revelation 20:6 sheds light here. “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but THEY SHALL BE PRIESTS of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

I am discussing the “priesthood” of every true (born-again) believer today!

Peter writes of us: “But ye are a chosen generation, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” 1 Peter 2:9, again written to Christians.

And as priests, we today can do what no Old Testament believer (Jew or converted Gentile) could do … approach the very Mercy Seat of Almighty God! Approach His Very Throne!

We are, in fact, invited there! “Let us therefore come boldly unto the THRONE OF GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

This Paragraph might say it better. Hebrews 10:19-22 …“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.”

Wow again!

Yes, along the very lines of the “sons of Aaron,” we too are “priests” unto our great God! Because of the incorruptible Blood of our dear Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ!

THE HIGH PRIEST … JESUS!

The sons of Aaron, also priests, you and me as followers of Jesus, as Blood-washed Christians!

Hallelujah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

That Jesus might always have the PREEMINENCE! Colossians 1:18 … “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Amen!

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Leviticus chapter 8 is today’s focus, 36 verses of instruction from God to Moses. Entirely regarding the priesthood, the ministry of Aaron and his sons.

And within those 36 verses … we find many times words like these: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying …” Leviticus 8:1

Verse 5 … “And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.” Where the “thing” commanded is the consecration/dedication of the priests of Israel.

Verse 9 … “And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; AS THE LORD COMMANDED MOSES.”

Verse 13 uses these words too, this Consecration was obviously GOD’S IDEA! GOD’S REQUIREMENT!

Again in verse 21 … Moses did: “the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.”

If I count them correctly … 12 times in one chapter … such words of “commandment/direction” from the Lord!

Wow, a dozen times!

Here’s my point this morning. God communicating with mankind … a priesthood (being a go-between) linking God and man in some sort of communion … was not of man’s initiative!

God began, yea commanded, the process! (Along the same line as “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19)

Aaron can do nothing … apart from God’s anointing being upon him! That anointing (the “how to do it” portion) being God’s idea totally! (Yet do note, Moses and Aaron and the sons of Aaron had to obey God’s injunctions here!) Here is human responsibility added to God’s Holy Demands!

Now … having established the fact of God the Father’s initiative here … let me mention some things about Jesus. OUR great High Priest!

He too never did anything without “Commandment” from His Father! (In fact, Jesus’ very Consecration was God appointed, all the way back to the Holy Spirit like a dove descending upon Him as He was baptized!)

God “orchestrating” the Life of Jesus … the Father “commanding” His every Move … “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of HIM (the Father) that sent me.” John 6:38, so said our Lord.

John 5:30 … “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the FATHER which hath sent me.”

Wow!

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my FATHER hath taught me, I speak these things.” John 8:28

The whole idea of Jesus’ Priesthood is summed as follows: “And no man taketh this honour (the Priesthood) unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest.” Hebrews 5:4-5

Jesus’ Priesthood was God’s Prerogative, God the father’s Behest … every bit as much as was Aaron’s Priesthood! Jesus was “given” that office … by Divine Command! (And by the way, HE IS WORTHY!)

I hope you see my thought today.

Twelve times in Leviticus 8 … “and God commanded”(or similar words) … regarding the Aaronic priesthood, concerning its consecration, dedication, ordination!

And many, many times (equally so, if not more) “and God commanded or taught or authorized or empowered” Jesus to do all He did on earth!

Jesus, our great High Priest!

Hallelujah!

Operating under the Power of God the Father!

No wonder the Father was always so deeply well-pleased with the Son!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Us communing, fellowshipping, spiritually dwelling together with God Almighty … through a powerfully effective Priesthood, now being the resurrected, ascended, glorified Lord Jesus at the Father’s Right Hand … totally God’s Idea! And a vital one … or else we old sinners would have spent eternity in Hell!

One more thought … this gravity, this seriousness about God’s Hand being on the Old Testament Priests surely says something about how God’s Men, even in this dispensation, need the assurance of God’s Call upon their lives, ministries. I for one am certain … God called (drafted, placed, ordained) me into the Gospel Ministry, the delightful occupation of preaching His predacious Word! Paul wrote of this, using the word “necessity!” That’s how “binding” the call to preach really is! (1 Corinthians 9:16 … “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for NECESSITY is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”)

Wow!

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Yes, God had forbidden any of His Priests in Israel to own land, thus being able to farm, raising their own food.

These men were to live off the food brought to the Tabernacle! The remains of certain portions of the Offerings presented to God!

For example, concerning the meat (meal) offering here … “And the remainder thereof shall AARON and HIS SONS: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it.” Leviticus 6:16, though it must be eaten within the confines of the Tabernacle itself. With no leaven (a picture of sin) being involved!

God “feeding” His men!

(In fact, a chapter and a half, in several different paragraphs, discuss the specifics of these food portions! What the priests could eat! The last half of Leviticus 6 and a lot of Leviticus 7.)

Even including some of the “whole burnt offering” … “And the priest that offereth any man’s burnt offering, even the priest shall have to himself the SKIN of the burnt offering which he hath offered.” They can eat its skin! According to Leviticus 7:8, surprising!

And especially the “peace offering,” the priest enjoys much of it! “And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the BREAST shall be Aaron’s and his sons’.” But there’s more … “And the RIGHT SHOULDER shall ye give unto the PRIEST for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.” Leviticus 7:31-32

Priests’ food … but God’s idea, God’s bounty … provision for serving Him so faithfully!

Wow!

Read this too, a new truth I have learned this very morning!“For the WAVE breast and the HEAVE shoulder have I taken of the children of Israel from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them unto Aaron the priest and unto his sons by a statute for ever from among the children of Israel.” Leviticus 7:34

“Heave” is derived from a Hebrew verb meaning “to lift up!” Though the meat is the priests to eat … he must first lift it up to God, acknowledging the Source of these blessings, these provisions! God in Heaven. (Upward!)

And then “wave” means “swinging” (back and forth, horizontally) … acknowledging God’s Presence too … in the tabernacle, abiding/living all around these hungry men!

This is the Old Testament “equivalent” of us asking God to bless our food, of thanking God for our daily nourishment … each time we sit down to eat a meal!

Wow!

Paul later wrote, reflecting on the Principle we have studied here: “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

God cares for His servants!

Indeed, He feeds us well.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

This query too … Since Jesus is our great High Priest, does HE feed off the Offering of His Blood, His Body on Calvary? I say “YES!” He has been feasting off the results of his Sacrifice for centuries now!

The Cross (what happened there, including Redemption and Propitiation being provided for “whosoever will”) is pictured as a Feast time and time again in Scripture! Psalm 22:26 being one example: “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” In the immediate context of Jesus’ vicarious Death, the shedding of His incorruptible Blood.

Jesus … eternally satisfied!

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My thoughts today linger upon Jesus, the Real Trespass Offering!

In this sense particularly …

We as sinners are ALL indebted to God, a Holy God, THE Holy God.

For our unrighteousness, our wickedness and rebellion as an affront to God, as a “trespass” against God … see one little (but powerful, weighty) clause of the Lord’s Prayer!

“And forgive us our DEBTS, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew’s Version, quoting Matthew 6:12. This Line (this whole prayer) is addressed to our Father in Heaven. To Whom, clearly here, we owe a debt! Against Whom, therefore, we have “trespassed!”To Whom we owe reparation!

Luke’s parallel Account of the Lord’s Prayer differs only slightly. “And forgive us our SINS; for we also forgive every one that is INDEBTED to us.” Luke 11:4, where our “sins” and our “indebtedness/trespasses” are equated.

And even several of Jesus’ Parables hint at our impoverished status before God, at our spiritual penury.

Our Lord is speaking/teaching: “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which OWED HIM ten thousand talents.” Matthew 18:23-24, the beginning of an “earthly story” that also has a “heavenly meaning!”

Here again, in a different Gospel … God is the Creditor and (ultimately) a poor woman (sinner) is the debtor! “There was a certain CREDITOR which had two DEBTORS: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon (a Pharisee in whose home Jesus was eating) answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.”

“And he (Jesus) turned to the woman (a sinner, likely a prostitute), and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, HER SINS, which are MANY, are FORGIVEN; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” Luke 7:41-47, the whole illustration given in the context of “debts and repayment,” or lack thereof!

Sins are often pictured as debts, trespasses against God!

And (thus) when Jesus died upon the Cross … to forgive us our sins … He (in our stead) REPAID God the Father the indebtedness we had incurred against His Righteousness, His Holiness, His Essence! We had so deeply offended and flagrantly ignored and rebelliously (though in ignorance, granted) robbed God of the Honor and Glory due His Ineffable Name! Violating His Word, His Commandments!

But, if Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Trespass Offering (and He indeed is) … He repaid God not only the total indebtedness we had incurred … but the principle PLUS one fifth, plus twenty percent, a “double tithe” one Expositor says!

Wow!

We know (without question) that Jesus is THE POINT, THE GOAL … of all these Offerings anyway. Jesus, our sin Bearer!

Now one more verse this morning … “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him (Jesus); he hath put him to grief (on Calvary): when thou shalt make his soul an OFFERING FOR SIN.” Isaiah 53:10 , where “offering for sin” translates “asham,” the very Hebrew noun that is elsewhere (in the King James Version) rendered as “trespass offering” 34 times!

Jesus IS the Trespass Offering!

How (precisely) He (the Son) repaid God (the Father) more than we owed is a deep mystery, but a fact! (As in Deuteronomy 29:29, maybe. “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God.”)

Wow!

I close for today. Jesus is our (all sufficient) Saviour … and so very much, much More!

(But maybe repayment of “more” in this area … Jesus was NOT ONLY the Trespass Offering, but also (on the Cross that Day) He was in addition the whole Burnt Offering, the Peace Offering and the Sin Offering as well! Not counting His being the Meat (Meal) Offering all the years of His Life prior to Calvary!

Yes, oh yes … MUCH MORE!

Praise His Name!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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Every trespass was a sin, but not every sin was a trespass. Not every sin required a trespass offering, better said.

So … what kinds of sins did necessitate the trespass offering? (And this was NOT a voluntary act of worship, but mandatory!)

Leviticus 6, its first few verses supplies us a few typical situations needing a trespass offering. “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep …” Verses 1 and 2.

If an Israelite borrowed an item from his neighbor (or that neighbor just placed it in the Jew’s hands for safekeeping) … and, somehow, that item got lost or broken or died (if an animal) … and the trustee subsequently lied to the neighbor about what happened (out of embarrassment or greed, or whatever) … then the law of the trespass offering certainly would apply!

The person keeping the thing might have even sold it for profit! Then tried to “cover” his wrongdoing.

Anyway, a “trespass” has been committed and restitution must be paid! (To stay in good standing with Almighty God, anyway … not to mention the neighbor!)

Back to Leviticus 6 … “If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour … in a thing taken away by violence.” Still verse 2. (“Violence” translating “gazel,” meaning “robbery!”) In other words, when something was forcefully stolen! Seized or plundered! Reparation is in order! (Here it is an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth … plus 20% more!)

Wow!

Then Leviticus 6:2, the end of the verse … “Or hath deceived his neighbor.” Where “hath deceived” is “ashaq,” meaning “to defraud of wages!” (Here’s a classic example: “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the WAGES of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.” Leviticus 19:13) Do not fail to pay your employees! Or underpay them!

Maybe one more example … “Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely.” Leviticus 6:3, self explanatory. “Finders keepers,” does not apply! If the real owner comes around, or advertises the loss … and you have his possession … give it back to him! If not you have sinned, trespassed!

Then a summary statement: “In any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that HE SHALL RESTORE that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even RESTORE IT IN THE PRINCIPAL, and shall ADD THE FIFTH PART MORE thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his TRESPASS OFFERING.” Leviticus 6:3-5

God indeed wants us to “love one another!”

Another way of saying it: to be right with God, looks like one must also be right with his/her fellow human beings! (The New Testament idea of a “clear conscience” is probably inherent here.)

Remember yesterday’s Lesson too … Jesus is prefigured in this trespass offering. Jesus (the “Last Adam,” Paul says) Who on the Cross “repaid” more than Adam (the “first Adam”) ever stole, ever defrauded from humanity!

He, Christ Jesus … even more so, repaid Almighty God (the Father) more (a whole lot more) than Adam ever robbed from the God the Father as well!

What a View of Calvary!

What a View of our Saviour!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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