Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die.” (Exodus 28:42-43, KJV)

Those of us who reside in the temperate and frigid zones can’t help but long for the annual return to more hours of sunlight than darkness, and the reflowering of the earth. Warmth! Ah, the time when we can discard the bulky, constricting clothing of winter and traipse light and airy into the balminess of springtime. Lest you forget the capriciousness of the season, however, best keep those warm wraps handy, as evidenced by this tombstone epitaph:

“Neath this stone, like a lump of clay,
Lies Uncle Peter Daniels,
Who, early in the month of May,
Took off his winter flannels.”

Uncle Peter was likely wearing a type of warm underwear called a “union suit.” It originated as women's wear during the 19th-century United States clothing reform efforts, as an alternative to constricting garments, and soon gained popularity among men as well. The first union suit was patented in 1868 as "emancipation union under flannel." Traditionally made of red flannel with long arms and long legs, it buttoned up the front and had a button-up flap in the rear.
It was not uncommon until the mid-20th century for rural men to wear the same union suit continuously all week, or even all winter. Yes, a different life style, indeed!
Underwear can be used to preserve the wearer's modesty, as was demanded of the Aaronic priests when officiating at the altar of the tabernacle or temple. The breeches or undergarments were made of linen (Exodus 28:39), since the priest must not perspire when officiating (Ezekiel 44:18).
The LORD instructed Moses, “These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. “ (Exodus 28:4-5)
While the breeches were part of the daily dress of the priest, they were worn under the Tunic, a long or half-sleeved shirtlike garb reaching to the ankles.
The first "over" piece to be put on was the robe of the Ephod. This garment, probably sleeveless, was essentially a large blue mantle with a hole for the wearer's head. (Exodus 28:31-34) The Ephod, (Exodus 28:6-12) a kind of apron made of materials woven out of gold and linen thread and variously colored yarns, was perhaps the most important item of the priestly clothing. It covered the back and chest, reaching nearly to the knees. It was fastened to the body by two shoulder straps and a belt with which it was lined. The breastpiece, so called because of its position when worn, was a pouch made from the same materials as the ephod. Chains of braided gold and golden rings with loops of blue secured the breastpiece in position. Its primary purpose was to contain the sacred lot, the Urim and Thummim. By wearing them above his heart, Aaron would indicate that justice originates with God and would remind God to maintain the administration of justice in Israel.
The priests’ garments were for glory and beauty (Ex. 28:2,40), with the priest demonstrating modesty through the wearing of linen breeches or undergarments.
Paul describes appropriate garments for followers of Christ in Ephesians 6:10-18 - The whole armour of God - including the breastplate of righteousness; feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; the shield of faith, (wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked); the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. But under it all, have your “loins girt about with truth.” (KJV) Wear it all week, for every season. Truth is central to the Faith. We must always remain loyal to God’s truth and keep His Law.
March 11, 2011

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Scared Speechless
* Scripture: "Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the alter of incense."
Luke 1: 11, NKJV

Few things get your attention as much as someone suddenly appearing beside you when you think you are alone. Talk about an adrenaline spike! Blood pressure probably goes out the top, too. The effect is all the more heightened if you are the only person supposed to be there, such as a night watchman in a locked building. Or a priest serving in the temple at Jerusalem.
Most of the activity that we read about involving the temple in The New Testament took place in a large, open courtyard surrounding the sacred enclosure. This area was open to all, and was called the Court of the Gentiles.
The temple was enclosed with walls defining the Women's Court and the Court of Israel, or Men's Court. The great altar and vessels holding water for the rituals of washing and sacrifice were located in the Court of Priests, at the eastern end of the temple.
The temple proper contained two rooms. The first room, the Holy Place, contained a golden alter for burning incense, a table for showbread, and a lampstand.
It was separated from the Holy of Holies by a veil. It was this veil, dividing the two rooms, that was torn on the day of Christ's crucifixion.
The Holy of Holies was entered only by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, and then only after purification rituals. Still, it must have been an awe inspiring moment for any priest to stand just outside that curtain, knowing that you were representing the entire nation of Israel before the Lord.
Imagine for a moment that you are a priest, and you have finally been chosen by lot to burn incense in the Holy Place. It is possibly a once in a lifetime event for any priest. You arrive at the temple complex, ascending the steps leading to the great court. The temple rises above you, gleaming golden and shining white in the sunlight. You make your way through the throng, conspicuous in your white linen garments and cap. You enter the court of Israel through one of the six sanctuary gates, and proceed to the great altar in the Court of the Priests.
The familiar rituals of preparation and cleansing seem extra special today. This is where you have spent much of your life, serving God and the Nation of Israel, praying, praising, accepting offerings, and ministering in the ritual of sacrifice. Today is different, though, for you will walk up those twelve steps, beneath the portico, and through those enormous, golden doors.
The sound of the multitudes praying in the outer courts behind you recedes as you enter the Holy Place. The curtain veiling the Holy of Holies hangs before you, but you can go no farther.
You are alone, in the presence of God.
The smoke from the burning incense rises slowly in the still air, carrying the prayers of priest and people.
People! You have heard no one enter; no one else is permitted to so much as ascend those steps leading to the only door, but a man is standing there by the altar of incense! In the presence of God, in this Holy Place. . .
Scared speechless? Well, fearful and trembling, anyway. Actually, a holy visitor in this holiest of places announces the beginning of a new age, the coming of the Christ, the Messiah, and you, Zacharias, will be the father of one who will make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Elizabeth, your long-barren wife, will bear you a son, John, the Forerunner of Christ. He will be great in the sight of the Lord.
The angel Gabriel not only delivers these glad tidings, but also takes away your power of speech. You will not be able to speak until the day these things take place.
Centuries have passed since God spoke through the prophets. But now:
"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people."
Luke 1:68, NKJV

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27

How willing are we to serve in Jesus’ name?
As I was dwelling on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, I began thinking about the actions of all of the persons involved in this passage of scripture. And, I wondered, would I do differently, walking in their shoes?
The lawyer was an expert in Jewish religious teachings of Mosiac law. Eternal life was a current topic of religious debate. He thus answered Jesus’ question by stating the Jewish Shema, a Hebrew text consisting of three passages from the Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 6:4, 11:13–21; Numbers 15:37–41) and beginning “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.” It forms an important part of Jewish evening and morning prayer and is used as a Jewish confession of faith.
He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind
(from Deut 6:5) and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.”(from Leviticus 19:18 - “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”)
Jesus responded, “You have answered correctly - do this and you will live.”
(Leviticus 18:5 “Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.”)
Yes, Jesus died to bring salvation to the world, but this does not absolve us from loving God with all of our being, and loving our neighbor, even as Jesus loves.
We can readily identify with the man - everyone; mankind - at the mercy of the world, who was attacked, beaten and robbed. Mankind has a history of descending. From Genesis to Revelation, we get a picture of descent, especially if Satan has his way with us. Satan: robber, murderer. Taker, of lives. What will be left? Sin! Robbers and thieves act out, “What you have is mine, if I can take it from you.”
The priest and Levite represent ritualism and ceremonialism. Perhaps they tended to think, “What I have is mine, and I am going to keep it.” They were a privileged class. There were many rules & regulations governing them. For example, they had to dress a certain way, and carry out very specific actions as worship. They were not to defile themselves, such as by contact with a corpse. Priests could not even attend a burial except of a close relative. Was the man possibly dead? They knew the dangers, and avoided them. Wouldn’t you?
The Samaritan embodies the concept, “What I have is yours if I can help you.” I found these words from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
“It is lamentable to observe how selfishness governs all ranks; how many excuses men will make to avoid trouble or expense in relieving others. But the true Christian has the law of love written in his heart. The Spirit of Christ dwells in him; Christ's image is renewed in his soul. The parable is a beautiful explanation of the law of loving our neighbour as ourselves, without regard to nation, party, or any other distinction. It also sets forth the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward sinful, miserable men.”
Ritualism, ceremonialism, and legalism could not save the man, nor nor can it save mankind. The question is not whether we will have eternal life, but whether that life will be with God, rather than with Satan. Jesus, through the Grace of God, offers salvation. Having chosen Jesus, then, let us embody fully this example: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Scared Speechless
* Scripture: "Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the alter of incense."
Luke 1: 11, NKJV

Few things get your attention as much as someone suddenly appearing beside you when you think you are alone. Talk about an adrenaline spike! Blood pressure probably goes out the top, too. The effect is all the more heightened if you are the only person supposed to be there, such as a night watchman in a locked building. Or a priest serving in the temple at Jerusalem.
Most of the activity that we read about involving the temple in The New Testament took place in a large, open courtyard surrounding the sacred enclosure. This area was open to all, and was called the Court of the Gentiles.
The temple was enclosed with walls defining the Women's Court and the Court of Israel, or Men's Court. The great altar and vessels holding water for the rituals of washing and sacrifice were located in the Court of Priests, at the eastern end of the temple.
The temple proper contained two rooms. The first room, the Holy Place, contained a golden alter for burning incense, a table for showbread, and a lampstand.
It was separated from the Holy of Holies by a veil. It was this veil, dividing the two rooms, that was torn on the day of Christ's crucifixion.
The Holy of Holies was entered only by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, and then only after purification rituals. Still, it must have been an awe inspiring moment for any priest to stand just outside that curtain, knowing that you were representing the entire nation of Israel before the Lord.
Imagine for a moment that you are a priest, and you have finally been chosen by lot to burn incense in the Holy Place. It a possibly a once in a lifetime event for any priest. You arrive at the temple complex, ascending the steps leading to the great court. The temple rises above you, gleaming golden and shining white in the sunlight. You make your way through the throng, conspicuous in your white linen garments and cap. You enter the court of Israel through one of the six sanctuary gates, and proceed to the great altar in the Court of the Priests.
The familiar rituals of preparation and cleansing seem extra special today. This is where you have spent much of your life, serving God and the Nation of Israel, praying, praising, accepting offerings, and ministering in the ritual of sacrifice. Today is different, though, for you will walk up those twelve steps, beneath the portico, and through those enormous, golden doors.
The sound of the multitudes praying in the outer courts behind you recedes as you enter the Holy Place. The curtain veiling the Holy of Holies hangs before you, but you can go no farther.
You are alone, in the presence of God.
The smoke from the burning incense rises slowly in the still air, carrying the prayers of priest and people.
People! You have heard no one enter; no one else is permitted to so much as ascend those steps leading to the only door, but a man is standing there by the altar of incense! In the presence of God, in this Holy Place. . .
Scared speechless? Well, fearful and trembling, anyway. Actually, a holy visitor in this holiest of places announces the beginning of a new age, the coming of the Christ, the Messiah, and you, Zacharias, will be the father of one who will make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Elizabeth, your long-barren wife, will bear you a son, John, the Forerunner of Christ. He will be great in the sight of the Lord.
The angel Gabriel not only delivers these glad tidings, but also takes away your power of speech. You will not be able to speak until the day these things take place.
Centuries have passed since God spoke through the prophets. But now:
"Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people."
Luke 1:68, NKJV
December 10, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Step Forward
* Scripture: "And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap." (Joshua 3:13, NKJV

The crossing through the Jordan river into the land that was to become Israel has to rank as one of the greatest walks of faith in an Exodus filled with faith and miracles.
Yes, they had crossed through the midst of the sea when they left Egypt. Note, however, that Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground. (Exodus 14:21-22)
A mighty miracle, to be sure, but the path of dry ground through the midst of the sea was there when they started forward in the morning.
The Jordan river was in full flood as the Israelites camped near it. The Bible explains that the Jordan river overflows its banks all during harvest season. The river remained in full flood as the priests carrying the ark of the covenant approached it; they actually waded into the water while it overflowed onto the banks of the river.
A rapidly moving river of water is an awesome sight! There is power at work within the flow, and it is expressed with a rumbling, grumbling, burbling sound. The very ground vibrates. You enter such a flood stream at the peril of your life!
Yet, enter it they did! Walked right into that river. That is what I call a real walk of faith.
"And the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam." (vs. 16; possibly 20 miles upstream from Jericho) The priests remained standing in the middle of the Jordan river bed until all the people had passed over.
A miracle? To be sure! They set up a memorial of stones to commemorate the event, "that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever." (Joshua 4:24)
Why, then, do we so often treat God as a sort of kindly, distant 'Grandpa' figure? Put yourself in the place of those priests who walked into that full-flooded river. No question of faith, no lack of belief, no doubt of the might of the hand of the Lord.
We have our own 'rivers' to cross. Things we dread, truths we do not want to accept, perhaps a future we do not want to venture into.
Take hold of the mighty hand of God, and step forward boldly.
October 8, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. (Luke 1:5, NIV)

Mention the word “nativity” and most people will likely think of the Nativity of Jesus, the Christ Child. Actually, the word ‘nativity’ with a lower case ‘n’ is the occasion of a person’s birth - yours, mine, anyone’s. The first nativity mentioned in the gospel of Luke is that of Jesus’ relative and Forerunner, John, the Baptizer.
John was born into a priestly family, desendents of Aaron, the first priest. Both parents were “upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. “ (Luke 1:6-7)
The scriptural recounting by Luke tells of the angel Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah while he was serving in the temple, the subsequent conception by Elizabeth, and the birth of John, one who would bear witness to The Light (The Christ) as the “voice of one crying in the wilderness.” (John 1:23)
It is easy to skip over one little detail mentioned in the scriptural text, that of the role of the priestly division of Abijah. It is one bit of knowledge that can add detail to the story of Zechariah’s service to the Lord.
1 Chronicles chapter 23 recounts a gathering of all the leaders of Israel, with the priests and Levites, at the time King David was turning the kingdom over to his son, Solomon. The Levites were to look after the work of the house of the LORD., as officers, judges, gatekeepers and musicians. They were desendents of Levi, but not of Aaron.
Chapter 24 recounts the divisions of the sons of Aaron. David knew that because there were so many descendents of Aaron by this time, the priests should be divided so they could fairly be assigned the privileged service of the temple. They were divided by lot into twenty-four divisions; Abijah was the eighth priestly division. Like the other divisions, the priests of Abijah served in the temple for one week twice a year.
Duties for the day were assigned by drawing lots, the first two including such duties as cleaning the altar and preparing its fires, offering the sacrifice and cleansing the candlestick and the altar of incense. Many rituals were observed throughout the service, including prayer.
After this a third lot was cast for burning the incense. To be so selected for this service was a great honor; No one might take part in it who had ministered in that office before. The officiating priest entered the Holy Place with assistants, who helped prepare the alter of incense, then left the chief officiating priest alone within the Holy Place, to await the signal of the president before burning the incense. It was probably at this time that the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah.
The people marveled that Zechariah took so long in the temple. If it had been the duty of Zechariah, as incensing priest for the day, to lead in the priestly blessing, we can all the better understand the wonder of the people as 'he beckoned to them, and remained speechless' (Luke 1:21-22) while they waited for his benediction.
The priests themselves lived not only in Jerusalem but also in other settlements in the land of Israel. When it was time for the division to go up to Jerusalem, the priests left their homes, went up to Jerusalem for a week, and afterwards returned to their homes in Judea or Galilee.
Luke notes that Elizabeth was related to Mary, the mother of Jesus (Lk. 1:36). The two nativity stories further intertwine when Mary visits Elizabeth. The babe (John) leaped in Elizabeth’s womb for joy upon hearing Mary’s greeting. (Luke 1:41) Mary spent three months with her at this very special time in their lives.

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Scripture: The angel said, “He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:6a, NIV
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. . . They all tell a story unlike any other in the long history of story telling. Their Teacher, “Rabboni” in their language of Aramaic, was the subject of much controversy in the land of Palestine. A carpenter’s son, from the insignificant village of Nazareth in Galilee, yet so able to dominate the learned Priests and Teachers of the Judaic law in Jerusalem that they became reluctant to argue with Jesus.
His discourses were unlike any other; “He teaches with authority,” they observed. He taught that the Commandments could be summed up in two: “Love God, and Love your neighbor as yourself.” He not only associated with the unloved and the unlovely, but also healed them, and blessed them. Publicans and sinners, lepers and even the dead - untouchable all - yet he touched them, ate with them, cured their ailments, forgave their sins, and restored them to their family, and to society.
“Who is this,” the authorities wondered, “That can forgive sins?”
Naturally, many also wondered if Jesus was the promised Messiah. He certainly fit the image of being at least a prophet. He was outspoken, he had a great following among the people, and he had the power of healing. Although Jesus did not proclaim openly that he was the Messiah, The Christ, many others were claiming that they were.
Judea had been fought over for years. Three centuries earlier, Alexander The Great led Greek armies through the land on their way to conquer Egypt. Years of strife and repressive governments made the people long for a leader to restore Judah/Israel to the religious and civil covenant promised them at Sinai, through Moses. The Pharisees sought to revitalize religion through synagogues in the local community; the priests clung to the sacrificial system of the Temple. The Zealots wanted the foreign rulers and their soldiers out, no matter the cost. Was Jesus The One to make their dreams come true?
No, as far as they could see, Jesus was not of the royal kingly families, nor was he a priest, an educated rabbi, or even a military leader. Rather, he was perceived to be a threat to their hopes and security, so they arranged to have the Romans crucify Jesus. Executed men cause no trouble.
Where are they now, priest and king, rabbi and zealot? Gone!
Yet the carpenter’s son, whom they crucified, arose from the dead. He was the prophet, priest and king they longed for, and didn’t recognize. He fit God’s image, but not their image, of the Messiah.
He died, and rose again, and salvation for all people became a reality.
March 31, 2002