Accurate Priesthood

Burnt Offering 

Isaiah 53 : 7,8

"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken."

Genesis 12 : 6-7

"And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him." In Genesis 12:6, the passage describes the geographical journey of Abram (later known as Abraham). It mentions specific locations, such as Sichem (Shechem) and the plain of Moreh. It provides a sense of the physical journey Abram took through the land. Where is Sichem?

Shechem, also spelled Sichem or Sychem, is an ancient city mentioned in the Bible. It is located in the central highlands of ancient Canaan, in what is now modern-day Israel. The site of Shechem is associated with the present-day city of Nablus in the West Bank. The geographical location is significant in biblical narratives, including the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) passing through the land, as mentioned in Genesis 12:6. Shechem holds historical and religious importance in various biblical events.

Where is Moreh?

The term "Moreh" in the context of Genesis 12:6 refers to the plain or oak tree of Moreh. It is not a separate location but part of the description of the journey of Abram (later known as Abraham) through the land. The plain of Moreh is associated with the area near Shechem (Sichem). The mention of Moreh could be a reference to a specific landmark, such as an oak tree or a plain, in the region. The term itself doesn't have a specific meaning but is used to describe a location along Abram's journey. What can we learn from this?

• Life as a Precision Instrument: Aligning with God's Guidance

The analogy draws a connection between life as a precision instrument and the guidance provided by God. God is akin to a skilled craftsman, gives specific instructions for aligning our lives with His divine plan. This aligns with biblical teachings that emphasize seeking God's guidance, following His will, and trusting in His plan. The precision instrument analogy implies that, similar to the careful calibration required for effective functioning, our lives need alignment with God's guidance for optimal fulfillment of our purpose. It underscores the importance of seeking and trusting in divine guidance.

• Divine Guidance in Facing Challenges: Trusting in God's Power

The Lord may allow us to face burdens and challenges that appear beyond our own strength, directing our focus toward Him. These situations are designed to show us that it is something greater than ourselves, and only through His divine intervention can we overcome. In these moments, we are reminded that our dependence should be on God, as nothing is possible through our own efforts alone, but everything is achievable through His power and grace.

• Abraham's Faithful Response: Building Altars of Dedication (consecration)

In a pivotal biblical episode featuring Abram, later known as Abraham, he experienced a divine encounter with God before God fully revealed Himself. Abraham consistently responded to such encounters with unwavering faith and obedience. An illustrative example unfolds in Genesis 12, where God calls Abram, promising to make him the patriarch of a great nation. In a heartfelt response to this divine covenant, Abram constructs an altar—a powerful symbol of his dedication and unwavering faith in God's promises.

The act of building an altar carries profound significance as an expression of worship, consecration, and profound commitment to God. It serves as a tangible demonstration of faith and devotion. Throughout biblical narratives, the practice of raising altars emerges as a meaningful way for individuals to outwardly express their commitment to God and acknowledge His continuous presence and guidance in their lives. This act becomes a poignant and tangible expression of one's faith and dedication to the unfolding plan of God.

Peace Offering

Isaiah 53 : 5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed" Roman 5 : 1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:"

The implication of the cross, as described in Romans 5:1, is that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers are justified and reconciled with God. Here are some key implications:

1. Justification through Faith: The cross represents the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, which leads to the justification of believers. Through faith in Christ, individuals are declared righteous before God, their sins are forgiven, and they are reconciled with God.
2. Peace with God: The cross brings about reconciliation between humanity and God. Before faith in Christ, there was a separation due to sin. The sacrifice of Jesus establishes peace, removing the enmity between God and believers.
3. Access to God's Grace: The cross signifies the access believers have to God's grace. Instead of being under the condemnation of sin, believers now stand in a state of grace through Christ's redemptive work.
4. New Covenant: The cross establishes a new covenant between God and humanity. The Old Testament sacrificial system is fulfilled in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, inaugurating a new era of grace and salvation.
5. Assurance of Salvation: The cross provides believers with assurance in their salvation. The sacrifice of Christ is the foundation of their faith, and through it, they find hope and confidence in God's promises.

In terms of the type of peace, it is a peace that goes beyond the absence of conflict. It is a peace that signifies reconciliation and harmony with God. This peace is not based on human efforts or achievements but is a result of justification through faith in the sacrificial work of Jesus on the cross. Believers can now experience a deep, abiding peace with God, knowing that their sins are forgiven and that they have been reconciled to Him.

This is the priesthood being mentioned – the one through which we are declared righteous by Christ, Jesus. Justification grants us access.

2 Corinthians 3 : 17

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Ephesians 2 : 11-18

"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father."