PECULIAR PEOPLE

diamond with cross

Their HOPE is peculiar: They hope to attain
Joint-heirship with Jesus, and to share in his reign:
To be “the elect,” and make known God’s “free grace,”
Abundant provisions of life for the race.

Their LOVE is peculiar: They love God supreme,
His will is their will, nor their life they esteem,
But lay it down joyfully, spending and spent,
And every power to sacrifice bent.

Their JOY is peculiar: A deep constant joy,
Whatever the troubles or things that annoy;
Rejoicing to suffer for Christ and his name,
To bear his reproach, ignominy and shame.

Their HOME is peculiar: A heavenly home,
And heavenly citizens have they become.
Forsaking earth’s blessing, homes, houses and land,
To dwell with the Lord in His mansions so grand.

Sr. Margie Hagensick

The URL for this post:
https://biblestudentsdaily.com/2016/04/13/peculiar-people/

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Beautiful Lessons from the Passover Type

passoverfinal Why should we, as consecrated Christians living near the close of the Gospel age, be interested in examining the details behind the Passover ceremony which commemorates the escape of the Israelites from the land of Egypt more than 3500 years ago?

Because we believe the event is also of great significance to the followers of Jesus, particularly in a symbolic manner, and that it relates intimately to our Lord’s death and our walk with him.

As a Jew, Jesus faithfully kept the Passover. In the closing scenes of his earthly ministry he gathered together with his disciples in the upper room for this very purpose. “When the evening had come,” Matthew tells us, “he sat down with the twelve” (Matt. 26:20) and commenced to eat the Passover meal.

According to Jewish reckoning, it was the start of the fourteenth day of Nisan, the first month of the religious year.

This day was to be a crucial one in the life of Jesus, and a day that was to become a turning point in the history of the world.

“With desire have I desired to eat this Passover with you,” Jesus said (Luke 22:15).

WHY might Jesus have expressed such a desire?

Jesus realized it would be the last occasion he would have to be together with his disciples before his death. And Jesus had carefully planned to use the occasion of the Passover to institute an entirely new thing, a ceremony that would become especially precious and dear to the hearts of his followers down through the age.

Hidden in the details of this Passover “type” is a lovely and instructive picture that portrays the method God will use to bring salvation and blessing to the human family. Thus it is really a preview of the grand deliverance God has in store for the whole world of mankind.

When we think of the original Passover, two aspects come to mind:

The escape of the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt across the Red Sea.

Natural Israel — may here represent the whole people of God, who shall ultimately become God’s people;

Egyptians — represent the opponents of God, both men and fallen angels;

Pharaoh — may represent Satan, the prince of evil and the arch enemy of God.

Moses — may here represent Christ, both head and body, the great deliverer;

Red Sea — represents second death.

The sparing or passing over of the firstborn from the tenth and final phase of plagues, the plague of death. Only the firstborn were subjected to the possibility of death in advance of their brethren. By passing over them and sparing their lives, God reckoned them as his own hallowed possession. Later, during the wilderness wanderings, God exchanged these for the tribe of Levi. They were separated from their brethren, gave up all inheritance in the land, and became priests and teachers. How fittingly they picture the Royal Priesthood class, who are also subject to death in advance of their brethren—during the Gospel age. They are the “church of the first born,” whose names are written in heaven (Hebrews 12:23). These give up their earthly inheritance also, accepting in its place the great prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

The Lamb

The account of the Passover lamb is described in Exodus 12. Exodus 12:3 explains that “on the tenth day of this month (Nisan) every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household.”

The Gospel of John clearly details the time sequence of Jesus’ last days. Our Lord, six days before the feast of the Passover, came to Bethany and stayed at the home of Mary and Martha (John 12:1). That would have made it the ninth day of Nisan. The next day, Jesus presented himself to the people (John 12:12-14). Thus it was on the tenth day of Nisan that the sacrificial lamb was brought into the Jewish households, and Jesus of Nazareth was hailed “king” by the national Jewish house, symbolized by the people of Jerusalem.

In Exodus 12:5 we are told that the paschal lamb was without blemish and a one-year-old male. The position of the New Testament in regard to the nature of Jesus is that he was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26).

Our Lord Jesus was born into the world as a perfect human being untainted with sin.

How was this possible?

Our Lord’s human life was begotten by Jehovah God, thus bypassing the detrimental hereditary effects of birth to sinful, fallen parents. Only by such miraculous birth was it possible for a human being to appear entirely free from any blemish or evidence of imperfection. Thus we see our Lord, a male of the first year—that is, in the prime of his life—just thirty three and a half years old, brought as a lamb to the slaughter. Yet, as Isaiah tells us, “he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth” (Isaiah 53:9).

In Exodus 12:6 we read that the typical lamb was to be kept until the fourteenth day of Nisan, slaughtered “between the two evenings,” as the margin and literal Hebrew expresses it. (Leeser and the Septuagint version translate this, “toward evening.”)

The New Testament informs us that the heavenly Father so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to become the ransom (John 3:16). Upon our Lord Jesus was to be laid “the iniquity of us all” and “with his stripes we are [to be] healed.” He would become “the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (Isaiah 53:5, 6; 1 John 2:2).

It was on the fourteenth day of Nisan in the year AD 33 when our Lord was arraigned before the authorities, subjected to a mock and illegal trial, and crucified by Roman soldiers to appease the wrath of the Jewish hierarchy. This was the day of preparation, when the lambs were slain in the temple preparatory to the feast.

It was at around 3 pm of this day, (the 9th hour according to the prevailing time reckoning), between the lesser and the greater of the two so-called evenings of Jewish custom, that our Lord gave his supreme sacrifice. By the grace of God and in accordance with his great plan of the ages, Jesus Christ tasted death for every man.

So primarily, the Passover pictures Jesus Christ as “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world,” and points forward to the costly sacrifice which he would make (John 1:29).

Role of the Household

As soon as the Passover lamb was slain, its blood was used to cover the two side posts and upper post (or lintel) of the doorway of each house. This was done to deter the death angel from entering that household and to cause him to pass over the firstborn ones residing there (Exodus 12:13, 22). What a powerful illustration we have here of the efficacy of Christ’s blood! By exercising faith in the redeeming work of Jesus, all believers during the night time of the present evil world are passed over and rescued from death–from the plague of the Adamic condemnation which rests on all others. Oh, they may appear to die like other men; but their demise is actually a sacrificial offering in God’s sight, which is far different from Adamic death.

“Having a high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience” (Hebrews 10:21, 22).

What an interesting use of language here, suggesting that the door posts of our hearts are to be sprinkled with Christ’s blood. As we are justified in the Father’s sight, we are to do all in our power to lay aside the evil and sinful tendencies that would hinder us.

Note also that the blood was not to be sprinkled on the threshold or entry way into the house. No, that which was represented by the blood was far too precious to be stepped upon. The Apostle Paul speaks in somber terms of those who “tread under foot the Son of God and count the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified an unholy thing.” He says these have “affronted the grace [or unmerited favor] of God’s spirit” (Hebrews 10:29).

Strength for the Journey

The members of the household were to eat the paschal lamb and unleavened bread that night (Exodus 12:8). The strength received from this meal was to carry them through the initial stages of the arduous exodus as they journeyed across the Red Sea and escaped from Egypt. Today, all the footstep followers of the Master ‘feed’ upon the Lamb of God. It is still dark outside. The reign of Satan, sin, sickness, and death still abound.

All through the night, by faith the church class has been feeding upon the anti-typical Lamb, partaking of Jesus’ sacrifice and appropriating it to themselves. It is because we thus feed on Jesus, by faith partake of his sacrifice and wholly trust in him as our Redeemer, that we receive a standing of justification in the Father’s sight. “There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).

We must also eat of the unleavened bread of truth to become strong and fortified for our pilgrim journey. The precious promises of God’s Word and the complete message of present truth now available in the harvest period are all needed. We want to be fully prepared for our deliverance in the morning for the work of blessing to follow.

There was yet another ingredient in that Passover meal. What was it? The bitter herbs!

What true follower of the Master has not tasted of the bitterness of persecution or trial or difficulty; who has not suffered for the cause of righteousness?

“All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

“Now for a season … ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6, 7).

But these bitter herbs serve only to whet our appetites all the more for the lamb and for the unleavened bread. The Lord is calling us for a high and lofty purpose; we need to be adequately tested for the positions of responsibility and honor that await the overcomers.

Therefore, let us bear with patience and acceptance those experiences that our heavenly Father permits in our lives (Romans 5:3, 4).

Not a Leisurely Meal

Were the Israelites to recline in their chair dressed in carefree clothes, with slippers on their feet while eating their Passover meal? No. All members of this household were to have “no continuing city” (Hebrews 13:14)—no resting place. Their loins were girded, their shoes were on their feet, and their staff was in their hands (Exodus 12:11). They were to eat the meal in haste.

So too, we, as the anti-typical firstborn, are pilgrims and strangers in the world (1 Peter 2:11), and we are working as ambassadors for Christ, witnessing to the world regarding his kingdom and holding forth the Word of life (2 Corinthians 5:20; Philippians 2:15, 16).

We are not to become involved in the affairs of this world, or entangled in seeking pleasure, wealth, and status. We must focus on our goal and be disciplined, knowing that we are enrolled in strict training for a future office as Kings and Priests who desire to be part of the Body of Christ. Nothing must be permitted to allure us from our goal or to detour us from the pathway that we are on. We have girded ourselves for our journey and we look for the heavenly Canaan. By and by, IF faithful, we WILL receive those glorious things God has in reservation for them which love him.

What beautiful lessons we have found in the Passover type! None who recognize Christ as the Passover Lamb could any longer with propriety carry out the typical ceremony. It is the reality of these things in which we are interested and their chief fulfilment in Christ. The Passover connection, is a strong reminder of our heritage, providing the colorful and instructive backdrop to the introduction of the Lord’s supper, with its even more profound understanding. How grateful we can be that our eyes have been opened to grasp these marvelous truths!

Who Are “THE HOLY REMNANT” Class of Israel?

Isaiah 10, 20-22

After its decisive victory over the Arabs (Isaiah 11:14; Zephaniah 2:4-10; Ezekiel 36:7), Israel will dwell in peace and “unwalled villages” as symbolized in Ezekiel (38:11).

At this juncture, Gog and the nations listed will invade Israel (Ezekiel 38:3-6). Here we disagree with many of our “born-again” Christian friends. We do not believe in a so called “second holocaust”—in which nine-tenths of the Israelis will be eternally condemned when slain by the forces of Gog and only a one-tenth holy remnant remain.

The Purpose of Gog’s Invasion

Is the purpose of Gog’s invasion to once and for all teach Israel a lesson of God’s sovereignty? Or is it to teach the Gentile nations which attack the Land the sovereignty of the God of Israel?

The answer is “Yes” to both questions.

But the way God accomplishes this lesson is different in each case. On Israel’s behalf, He fights for them as He did in ancient times.

“Then shall the LORD go forth and fight against those nations as when he fought in the day of battle” (Zechariah 14:1-3).

In their spectacular deliverance the LORD says, “I will bring again the captivity of Jacob and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel…for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel…” (Ezekiel 39:25,29).

On the other hand, the way God will sanctity Himself “in the eyes of many nations” so that “they shall know that I am the LORD” is by defeating them (Ezekiel 38:23). They will be so dumbstruck by Israel’s extraordinarily outstanding victory, that they will have no choice but to glorify God.

“For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee, though I make a full end of all nations [governments, not the people] whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee…” (Jeremiah 30:11).

Actually, Ezekiel’s prophecy does not indicate how many Jews are killed during Gog’s invasion. But great emphasis is given to the Lord’s destruction of the forces of Gog. By contrast is Israel’s prospect:

“Now I shall restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:25, NAS).

A parallel prophecy speaks of half of Jerusalem being exiled (not destroyed) but the rest of the people would remain (Zechariah 14:2,3).

What becomes of those who went into exile?

The prophet Isaiah shows a further regathering of Jews to Israel after the invasion of Gog (Isaiah 66:19,20; 60:4-9). The “half” who are taken into exile during the invasion will return in this post-Gog invasion regathering.

The Scepter Over Israel

This concept of the destruction of nine-tenths is based on the Revised Standard Version’s (1952) gross mis-translation of Ezekiel 20:37 which among several errors implies the “rod” that Israelis pass under is a shepherd’s counting rod.

The New Revised Standard Version has corrected its former mis-translation and shows that the thought of counting or numbering is not contained in the Hebrew text. The Hebrew word shebet is translated rod in the King James rendering of this text, but it can be translated also staff or scepter. The thought of counting is not contained in shebet even though “second holocaust” commentators unfortunately couple it with tithing (Leviticus 27:32,33).

The Hebrew word shebet (here rendered rod) is often translated scepter when the thought of a reigning king is in the context. Actually the context of Ezekiel 20:37 presents God as reigning over the Jewish people during their regathering (vs. 34). That is why some Bibles have scepter in the margin as an alternative rendering of shebet.

In any case, under the Law when every tenth animal was tithed—given to God (Leviticus 27:32,33) the tenth animal was not to be inspected and determined better than the rest. Even if the animal was bad, blemished or defective, it was still the Lord’s. This procedure does not fit as a picture of “Jews of faith” as a tenth part being delivered out of Gog’s invasion as some claim.

Since every tenth animal in the flock or herd was given to the Lord, what happened to the other nine-tenths? Were they killed? No. They remained alive as the flock or herd of the shepherd. Therefore, the nine-tenths of living animals cannot portray the death of nine tenths of Israel in Gog’s invasion. In fact, nothing in the description of Gog indicates such a massive destruction of Jewish life. Rather the outcome of the invasion will be glorious for Israel, “the whole house of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:25, NAS).

Is the Holy Remnant Small?

The several Hebrew words translated remnant mean remainder, descendants, survivors. The thought of a minority is not implicit in these Hebrew words. The meaning for remnant can refer to either a minority or a majority. When a tenth part of an ephah (1½ bushels) of flour is given to the priest for a sin-offering, he only used one handful of the flour as an offering upon the altar. The leftover flour (still more than a bushel) is referred to as a remnant (Leviticus 5:11-13; 2:3).

Here the remnant (Hebrew yathar) is significantly the larger portion.

Another example in the New Testament of a remnant being the larger portion is in the Apostle Peter’s discourse (Acts 15:14-17). When the Apostle described the residue of men who will seek the Lord in His Kingdom, he quotes from the Old Testament which renders the phrase, “remnant [Hebrew word “she’eriyth”] of Edom” (Amos 9:11). In the Hebrew Edom means reddish, Adam or man. Conversely, Adam or man means reddish. Hence the phrase, residue of men in Peter’s discourse, refers to the overwhelming majority of the human race who will be on trial for eternal life in the Kingdom. Since both of these Hebrew words (yathar and she’eriyth) are used in Scripture to refer to the remnant of Israel, obviously, the thought of “a minority” is not inherent in the phrase, remnant of Israel.

The Prophet Micah (2:12) gives insight as to the size of the remnant of Israel in three different instances:

“I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.”

“Jacob” always refers to natural Israel. Therefore, “O Jacob, all of thee,” whom the Lord assembles or gathers to the Land equals the remnant of Israel in the next phrase. This internal equation demonstrates remnant is not a small 1/10 minority.

This remnant of Israel is like a flock of sheep of Bozrah. Bozrah was not only noted for large sheep but for very large flocks of sheep.

The sheepfold is noisy because it is crowded with men. Therefore the remnant must be a large flock.

The Rotherham translation speaks of this remnant as “sheep in distress.” This rendering locates the context at the time of Gog’s invasion when Israel will be surrounded by enemies. The next verse shows how these sheep of Israel are delivered (Micah 2:13): “The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up [out], and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them.”

The Hebrew for “breaker” is the “one who breaks out or through.” Their king will deliver them from the forces of Gog. Only those who are “feeble” (Hebrew, “bend the knee”), that is, turn to the Lord in prayers of faith will be delivered (Zechariah 12:8).

Those lacking this faith will be killed (Ezekiel 20:38) and not immediately share in the special blessings of the remnant or flock that are brought through the trouble safely. But even these lacking faith who die will come forth from their graves in the general resurrection of the “unjust” to a fair trial or “judgment” (John 5:28,29 NAS).

Only after their deliverance from Gog’s invasion will the Messiah or Christ reveal himself to Israel by pouring God’s spirit upon them (Zechariah 12:9-14). Those who accept Christ at this time are described as “all families [of Israel] that remain.” Therefore, all the remnant of Israel, who are a large flock, shall recognize their Savior who died for them…and there will be “great mourning” throughout the Land. But the very next verse shows a wonderful opportunity will be opened:

“In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1).

Further Regathering After Gog’s Defeat

Not only is there a pre-Gog invasion gathering of Jews, but also a post-Gog invasion regathering. This further regathering after the destruction of Gog is prophesied in Isaiah 66 & 60 and also Ezekiel 36. The Isaiah 66 prophecy parallels the time after Gog’s defeat when the Gentile nations see the Lord’s glory through the great destruction He brings upon them (Isaiah 66:15,16,18 and Ezekiel 39:21). This prophecy in Isaiah additionally explains that some Gentiles escape.

“…I will send those that escape of them unto the nations…and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. And they shall bring all your brethren…out of all nations…to my holy mountain Jerusalem” (Isaiah 66:19,20).

Similarly, the prophecy in Isaiah 60 reveals that the Gentiles shall see God’s glory upon Israel and they come into harmony with God’s Kingdom in Israel, “and the Gentiles shall come to thy light.”

After the trouble is over and the Kingdom is set up in Israel, there is a further regathering. “Thy sons shall come from far” on “ships” to Israel and “to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee” (Isaiah 60:2-9).

The parallel passages in Ezekiel 36 supply added details (vss. 23-38). Specifically, vs. 23 focuses on the time after Gog’s defeat.

“I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes” (Ezekiel 36:23 and Ezekiel 39:21-23, 27).

After the heathen nations see the Lord in the miraculous deliverance of Israel from their invading forces, a further regathering is expected.

“For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean…” (Ezekiel 36:24,25).

Also, at this time the newly gathered flock will receive the holy Spirit as did the flock of Israel who was already in the Land and delivered during Gog’s invasion (Zechariah 12:9,10). The remnant of Israel which was a large flock before Gog’s invasion (Micah 2:12) is now increased in size to include these cleansed Jews regathered after Gog’s defeat. “I will increase them with men like a flock.” This combined flock that is now increased in size is described as a “holy flock” (Ezekiel 36:37,38).

The “second holocaust” commentators believe all of the Jewish people will return to Israel before Gog’s invasion. But the nine-tenths ratio of judgment on the Jews in the Land during Gog’s invasion becomes meaningless if there are still Jews outside of Israel who will return (also Isaiah 66:18-20; 60:4-9 and Ezekiel 36:23-28). The nine-tenths destruction becomes even more pointless since during Gog’s invasion, “half of the city shall go forth into captivity [exile]” (Zechariah 14:2). These recently exiled Jews will be also part of the grouping of Jews who return after Gog’s invasion is over. They will have the opportunity to be cleansed, receive the Holy spirit and be part of the “holy flock” together with those who lived through Gog’s invasion.

Both segments of this flock–those that lived through Gog’s invasion and those who are gathered to Israel after Gog’s defeat–accept the Savior, are washed and receive the Holy spirit. Therefore, it is a holy flock, a sanctified flock, that is set aside to God’s service, God’s destined purpose. For what service is the holy flock sanctified?

The Destined Purpose of the “Holy Flock”

This large and cleansed holy flock, the descendants of Jacob, is the earthly seed of Abraham (“sand which is upon the sea shore”) which will work with the spiritual seed, Christ and his Church (“stars of the heaven”) to bless all the families of the earth (Genesis 22:16-18; Galatians 3:16, 27-29). All the Land promised from the Euphrates to the River of Egypt will then belong to these descendants, the remnant of Jacob (Genesis 13:15,16; 15:18) for Jerusalem will be the capital of God’s Kingdom and the Land of Israel its operational base.

“All Israel shall be saved” then is not a gross exaggeration on the part of the Apostle Paul (Romans 11:26).

How are they saved?

Israel is saved by the Deliverer, the Christ, that comes out of Zion, the Kingdom of God. The Deliverer saves them by turning away ungodliness from Jacob. By Christ’s death they are saved from Adamic death and the condemnation of the Mosaic Law.

Why are they saved?

“They are beloved for the fathers’ sake. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:28,29).

Then the fathers of Israel–Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Samuel, Elijah and the rest– will constitute the government of Israel and will be “princes” on earth, “children” of the King and of his Bride Psalm 45:10-16). God will restore (by raising from the dead) their “judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning” (Isaiah 1:25,26). What will begin as God’s Kingdom on earth in Jerusalem and Israel will eventually extend to the ends of the earth.

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain [Kingdom] of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion [the spiritual seed of blessing] shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem [the natural seed of blessing]” (Isaiah 2:2,3).

The whole world—the Arab peoples too–will come up to worship the God of Jacob in Jerusalem. Peoples of all national tongues will come to pray to the LORD God of Israel because they will understand God is blessing Israel.

“…Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain…O house of Judah and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing; fear not, but let your hands be strong….It shall yet come to pass that there shall come people and the inhabitants of many cities,….saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts…ten men shall take hold out of all the languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you” (Zechariah 8:3, 21-23).

God’s own peace process will succeed when man’s has failed. The peace God will give Israel and the whole world will be all-comprehensive and permanent. All peoples, both Jews and Gentiles, even Israelis and Arabs who faithfully drink of the “water of life freely” and who overcome “shall inherit all things” (Revelation 22:17; 21:7).

To read about “Israel the Nation of Miracles” please go to: http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/doctrine/israel%20a%20nation%20of%20miracles.htm