Wednesday, December 21, 2016

The Priestly Blessing


The Jewish Priest held his hands a certain way when he blessed. 
(We practiced trying to hold our hands this way)

The Priestly Blessing 

Our Bible Study teacher was referring to the Altar of Incense in the Tent Tabernacle.  We were reminded that our prayers are as sweet incense before God as we pray and worship. From my notes I present an edited message:

As Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the Holies of Holies in the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.  The finger of God reached out and ripped the curtain so that we might enter into the Holy Place provided by Jesus. 

In the tent tabernacle as the priest burnt the incense, he would pronounce a blessing over the people.  This was relating to the "Altar of incense," where the special perfume was crushed and the fragrance filled the temple and drifted out to the congregation.

This is a picture of the Holy Spirit poured out upon those who position themselves to receive.

The Priest wore special garments made to specifications with beautiful stones on a breastplate representing the twelve tribes. He was to perform the offerings and ceremonies carefully and in the order regulated by God. 
 
Then the Priest would come out and bless the people.  While the blessing was being said, the people were not to look at him, but were to keep their heads bowed and their eyes to the ground.  From the fingers of the Priest would come light as he gave the blessing.  

We try to picture it, but it may not be exactly what we can imagine.  It must have been a beautiful and glorious sight, and such an intimate approval of God’s pleasure.

One of the names of God is El Shaddai; meaning “God Almighty.”  He is our Protector; He is omnipotent and All-powerful.

The Blessing pronounced over the people was from: Numbers 6:25  “The LORD make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” 

Can you picture God as a loving father holding a child?  This is the savor and flavor of Christ our King and our intimate relationship with Him as Lord.

God who created the universe desires to be intimate with each of us.  His desire is to prosper us with good health and with provision.  His face shines with pleasure in His people.

Abraham returning from battle met Melchizedek King of Salem, a priest onto God of the Most High.  He blessed Abraham and offered him bread and the spoils.  Abraham refused to take anything other than what his men had eaten, lest it be said that Melchizedek had made him rich.  Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek as an example to us.  It is interesting that there is no record of the linage of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:20 tells us that Jesus was made a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek and He forever lives.  The Priesthood changed with Jesus and also the law.  Jesus made a better testament and a better covenant.

Jesus was born from the line of Judah and not from the Levitical tribe where the Priests were selected.  The Virgin Mary was from the tribe of Judah, and Jesus’ father was God.  Jesus shed his blood on the cross and God was pleased with His sacrifice and He tore the veil in two opening up the way for us to enter in.

God raised Jesus from the dead, and He ever lives to make intercession for us.

Can you see Jesus now granting to you and me the Blessing and His face shining upon us?

 

1 comment:

caryjo said...

As usual, all I can say is: Bless you and thank you!!