In the previous post we discussed how Jacob assumed the identity of his brother Esau to receive the blessing from his father. While this gives us an example of how we approach our Father by assuming the identity of Christ, there are other important lessons we can learn from this passage about how we should conduct ourselves, or rather how not to conduct ourselves when trusting in the Lord.
A lot of things were done wrong in this story and all participants were at fault: first we will start a few chapters earlier in Genesis 25:29-34 when Esau sold Jacob his birthright for a bowl of beans.
Esau is portrayed in these verses as being emotional: he was fainting and gasping, and then despising. To live on this base level, to satisfy one’s appetites, inevitably leads to a despising of spiritual things.
On this same note, Isaac was attempting to thwart God’s plan by blessing Esau instead of Jacob in chapter 27. Natural senses play a conspicuous part in this part of the story as well. Notice the emphasis placed on Isaac’s love for the taste of wild game and also his sense of touch and smell to try and identify Esau. Our natural senses and the things we desire are always at odds with what God desires for us and more often than not these senses and appetites deceive us just as they did Isaac. We must trust in God and his plan for our well being. We must be careful about what our human senses desire as they almost always led us away from the Lord. Giving in to the physical senses and fleshly appetite is also how Eve was deceived in the garden.
Genesis 3:6
“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
Next, Rebekah and Jacob tried to achieve God’s blessing by deception. Their “victory” would ultimately reap hatred and separation in the family; Rebekah never saw Jacob again and vice versa. In a sense Rebekah and Jacob did win, though they gained nothing that God would not have given them anyway; and they ultimately lost much more. Their family life was destroyed, and each had to bear lonely hours of separation, disillusionment, and regret. Rebekah would never see her favorite son again, and Jacob would have to face life without a father, mother, or brother. Their activities accomplished only what God had already ordained. Yet God would work through their conniving. God’s program will triumph, often in spite of human activities. However if we remove these human interventions, God’s plan will work without all the heartache and difficulty that occurs when we are impatient and try to assist Him or hurry Him along. We must realize that God does not need our help, and whenever we try to intervene, we always cause problems that would not have arisen had we simply been patient and trusted in Him to act. The saying that “God helps those who help themselves” IS NOT in the Bible. What the Bible does continually instruct us to do however is to “be still” and “wait”. Psalms 145:15 “The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.” Other verses that tell us to wait on the Lord include Pslams 25:21, 27:14, 37:7, 37:9, 37:34, 39:7, 52:9, 59:9, 62:5, 104:27, 123:2, 130:5, Isa 8:17, 30:18, 40:31, 49:23, Jer 14:22, Lam 3:25-26, Hosea 12:6, Micah 7:7, Zeph 3:8, Luke 12:36, Acts 1:4, Gal 5:5, 1ST Thes. 1:10 This can be seen in the story of Jacob as well as various other passages including when Abraham fathered a child by Sarah’s maidservant. Sarah and Abraham were not waiting on the Lord to accomplish what He said He would do, they tried to help God bring a son into the world. The problems that arose from this incident have been with us for 6,000 years.
It is also interesting to note that Jacob deceived his father, and throughout Jacob’s life we find that Jacob was deceived by others. He was first deceived by Laban when he was fooled into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. Laban’s excuse for this deception was that “It must not be done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.” Genesis 29:26 This must have cut Jacob deeply since in his case the younger had come before the firstborn. Jacob was also deceived by his children when they told him that his beloved son Joseph had been killed by wild beast. Interestingly enough Jacob’s sons used Joseph’s coat to deceive their father, much like Jacob had used to deceive Isaac. Remember Galatians 6:7 says “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Showing posts with label Genesis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Genesis. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Day of Double Blessing
Since we just discussed Christ’s first miracle at the wedding in Cana, I thought I would mention an interesting fact about this passage regarding what day the wedding was held.
We know from Scripture that this wedding took place on the "third day"
“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:” John 2:1
Just like with our week, the third day of the week for the Jewish people is Tuesday.
Day 1) Sunday
Day 2) Monday
Day 3) Tuesday
Day 4) Wednesday
Day 5) Thursday
Day 6) Friday
Day 7) Saturday (The Jewish Sabbath, the day The Lord rested.)
So why is this wedding taking place on “the third day” a Tuesday?
Well for the answer to that question, we have to go all the way back to the first chapter of Genesis.
You will find when you read in Genesis that God would create, declare those things “good” aka bless those things (the Hebrew word is Towb Strong’s H2896) and then conclude the day.
This declaration of "good" happened on the first day (Sunday) of course.
4] And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5] And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Genesis 1:4-5
On the second day (Monday) however, God does not declare anything "good". I have to agree with Him on this one, there is nothing good about Monday's!!
6] And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
7] And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
8] And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
Genesis 1:6-8
So again, nothing is declared good on the second day
God makes up for the lack of any blessings or declarations of "good" on the second day, by declaring two things "good" on the third day (Tuesday).
9] And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
10] And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
1st declaration of "good"
12] And the earth brought forth grass, [and] herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
2nd declaration of "good"
13] And the evening and the morning were the third day.
Genesis 1:9-10 & 12-13
Since God declared that what he had created was "good" 2 times on the third day (Tuesday), to the Jewish people the third day came to be known as the “Day of Double Blessing”
So all good little Jewish girls, if possible, will hold their weddings on Tuesday, the third day, the “Day of Double Blessing”
And it was no different for the young couple whose wedding Jesus attended in Cana.
We know from Scripture that this wedding took place on the "third day"
“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:” John 2:1
Just like with our week, the third day of the week for the Jewish people is Tuesday.
Day 1) Sunday
Day 2) Monday
Day 3) Tuesday
Day 4) Wednesday
Day 5) Thursday
Day 6) Friday
Day 7) Saturday (The Jewish Sabbath, the day The Lord rested.)
So why is this wedding taking place on “the third day” a Tuesday?
Well for the answer to that question, we have to go all the way back to the first chapter of Genesis.
You will find when you read in Genesis that God would create, declare those things “good” aka bless those things (the Hebrew word is Towb Strong’s H2896) and then conclude the day.
This declaration of "good" happened on the first day (Sunday) of course.
4] And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5] And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Genesis 1:4-5
On the second day (Monday) however, God does not declare anything "good". I have to agree with Him on this one, there is nothing good about Monday's!!
6] And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
7] And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
8] And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
Genesis 1:6-8
So again, nothing is declared good on the second day
God makes up for the lack of any blessings or declarations of "good" on the second day, by declaring two things "good" on the third day (Tuesday).
9] And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
10] And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
1st declaration of "good"
12] And the earth brought forth grass, [and] herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
2nd declaration of "good"
13] And the evening and the morning were the third day.
Genesis 1:9-10 & 12-13
Since God declared that what he had created was "good" 2 times on the third day (Tuesday), to the Jewish people the third day came to be known as the “Day of Double Blessing”
So all good little Jewish girls, if possible, will hold their weddings on Tuesday, the third day, the “Day of Double Blessing”
And it was no different for the young couple whose wedding Jesus attended in Cana.
While We're On The Topic!
I saw this in the news today and thought it was pretty amazing. A contractor in Holland has built a replica that is roughly half the size of the Biblical Ark.
The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was thrown open Saturday for the first crowd of curious Pilgrims and townsfolk to behold the wonder.
Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark, built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.
The ark is 150 cubits long, 20 cubits wide and 30 cubits high. Huibers replica is half the length, and less than half the width of the Biblical Ark. The height of the replica is the same dimension as that given in the Bible. (The Biblical Ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high.) Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.
A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine
Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.
Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005.
On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.
Visitors on the first day were stunned.
There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark.
Huibers said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands , where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.
www.cbn.com/CBNnews/147622.aspx
The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was thrown open Saturday for the first crowd of curious Pilgrims and townsfolk to behold the wonder.
Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark, built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.
The ark is 150 cubits long, 20 cubits wide and 30 cubits high. Huibers replica is half the length, and less than half the width of the Biblical Ark. The height of the replica is the same dimension as that given in the Bible. (The Biblical Ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high.) Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.
A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine
Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.
Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005.
On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.
Visitors on the first day were stunned.
There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark.
Huibers said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands , where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years.
www.cbn.com/CBNnews/147622.aspx
More Interesting Facts About Noah's Ark
The ark of Noah was the ONLY way that one could be saved from the coming judgment due to sin. Christ is our ONLY way to be saved from the coming judgment due to sin. There was ONE ark, ONE way to be saved. There were not a number of different arks with varying sizes and accommodations of which you could choose the one that fit you best. Christ said Romans tells us that there is “ONE name given among men, by which it is appointed unto man to be saved”. In keeping with the one way theme, the Holy Spirit also makes a point to tell us that there was only one door, only one way into the security the ark provided. Christ said “I am the door of the sheep” and also again “I am the way the truth and the life no man may enter in unto the Father except by me.” And also “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” I would also point out that our Lord suggested that the one door leading into the Ark was relatively narrow. “Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life and few there are who find it.”
The ark was a shelter from the judgment handed down due to sin. Christ provides this same shelter for those who believe in Him. “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” Psalms 61:3
Although some translations say that God said “Go” into the ark, the original text states that God said “Come” into the Ark. This is the same invitation that Christ gives today to all mankind. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you Rest” Do you know what the Hebrew word for rest is? “Noah”. Noah = Rest.
It is worth mentioning that the world outside of the ark was in turmoil. Huge waves were crashing against the bow, torrential rains were pouring down, but it was the Ark that bore the full brunt of the judgment while Noah and his family rested comfortably inside. “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalms 107:29 Also Isa. 4:6, 25:4. That can be an invaluable lesson, especially in these troubled times, as to what Christ did and is continuing to do for us. Christ says in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Christ continually speaks of His desire for us to dwell in Him. What is outside of the Ark? Judgment and Turmoil. What is inside the Ark? Noah. Remember Noah is the Hebrew word for Rest. If you enter into the ark, you will find Noah (Rest).
The Lord told Noah in Genesis 6:14 “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” The Hebrew word translated as “pitch” in this verse is “Kaphar” (Strong’s # H3722). Every other time “kaphar” is used in scripture it is translated as atonement. Hummm, so The Ark of Noah was sealed by way of atonement!! That’s interesting! It is also interesting that the Ark was covered with “pitch” both inside and out. This seems like overkill, but could it be possible that this was done in order to preserve the Ark. Is it possible that sometime in the near future The Ark of Noah will actually be discovered and once again serve as a witness and a warning to a sinful world about a coming judgment? Stay tuned to find out!!
There were 3 types of people affected by the judgment of the flood,
1) those who were preserved through the judgment, Noah and his family
2) those who perished in the judgment, All who were not on the ark
3) those who were removed before the judgment, namely Enoch. “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” Genesis 5:24.
Many scholars believe that story of the flood points towards a future judgment which has yet to occur where there will be 3 distinct types of people.
1) The scholars believe that Noah and his family represent the nation of Israel who God will preserve through the coming judgment.
2) Those that perished in the flood represent those referred to as “Earth Dwellers” in Revelation who refuse to give glory to the Most High God and perish in God’s judgment of the Earth.
3) Enoch represents Christ’s Church who, like Enoch, will be removed before the coming judgment and sit down with our risen Savior at the marriage supper of the lamb.
There is an interesting Jewish tradition that states that Enoch was born on Pentecost, which is also the day the Church was born as recorded in the book of Acts. Tradition also states that Enoch was removed “taken out” on his birthday. Could it be possible that on some future Pentecost, the Church will be removed on its birthday before the Earth’s impending Judgment? Stay tuned and keep looking up, but remember that only the Father knows the hour.
Lastly, the text in Genesis states that God himself shut the door and sealed Noah and His family in the Ark Genesis 7:16. Once the door of the Ark was closed, all arguments over religion or theology were over. You were either within the safety of the Ark, or you were outside facing judgment. Remember that Christ said “When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are” Luke 13:25 Today, the door to our Ark of security our shelter from the storm, Jesus Christ, is open to all and our Father calls us all to “Come”. A day will come however; when The Lord will shut this door as well, and the season of grace will be ended. Where will you be when the door is shut? Will you be within the security offered by the Lord Jesus Christ through belief in his sacrifice for forgiveness of your sin, or outside looking in, awaiting judgment?
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE RAIN!!!
The ark was a shelter from the judgment handed down due to sin. Christ provides this same shelter for those who believe in Him. “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” Psalms 61:3
Although some translations say that God said “Go” into the ark, the original text states that God said “Come” into the Ark. This is the same invitation that Christ gives today to all mankind. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you Rest” Do you know what the Hebrew word for rest is? “Noah”. Noah = Rest.
It is worth mentioning that the world outside of the ark was in turmoil. Huge waves were crashing against the bow, torrential rains were pouring down, but it was the Ark that bore the full brunt of the judgment while Noah and his family rested comfortably inside. “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalms 107:29 Also Isa. 4:6, 25:4. That can be an invaluable lesson, especially in these troubled times, as to what Christ did and is continuing to do for us. Christ says in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Christ continually speaks of His desire for us to dwell in Him. What is outside of the Ark? Judgment and Turmoil. What is inside the Ark? Noah. Remember Noah is the Hebrew word for Rest. If you enter into the ark, you will find Noah (Rest).
The Lord told Noah in Genesis 6:14 “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” The Hebrew word translated as “pitch” in this verse is “Kaphar” (Strong’s # H3722). Every other time “kaphar” is used in scripture it is translated as atonement. Hummm, so The Ark of Noah was sealed by way of atonement!! That’s interesting! It is also interesting that the Ark was covered with “pitch” both inside and out. This seems like overkill, but could it be possible that this was done in order to preserve the Ark. Is it possible that sometime in the near future The Ark of Noah will actually be discovered and once again serve as a witness and a warning to a sinful world about a coming judgment? Stay tuned to find out!!
There were 3 types of people affected by the judgment of the flood,
1) those who were preserved through the judgment, Noah and his family
2) those who perished in the judgment, All who were not on the ark
3) those who were removed before the judgment, namely Enoch. “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” Genesis 5:24.
Many scholars believe that story of the flood points towards a future judgment which has yet to occur where there will be 3 distinct types of people.
1) The scholars believe that Noah and his family represent the nation of Israel who God will preserve through the coming judgment.
2) Those that perished in the flood represent those referred to as “Earth Dwellers” in Revelation who refuse to give glory to the Most High God and perish in God’s judgment of the Earth.
3) Enoch represents Christ’s Church who, like Enoch, will be removed before the coming judgment and sit down with our risen Savior at the marriage supper of the lamb.
There is an interesting Jewish tradition that states that Enoch was born on Pentecost, which is also the day the Church was born as recorded in the book of Acts. Tradition also states that Enoch was removed “taken out” on his birthday. Could it be possible that on some future Pentecost, the Church will be removed on its birthday before the Earth’s impending Judgment? Stay tuned and keep looking up, but remember that only the Father knows the hour.
Lastly, the text in Genesis states that God himself shut the door and sealed Noah and His family in the Ark Genesis 7:16. Once the door of the Ark was closed, all arguments over religion or theology were over. You were either within the safety of the Ark, or you were outside facing judgment. Remember that Christ said “When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are” Luke 13:25 Today, the door to our Ark of security our shelter from the storm, Jesus Christ, is open to all and our Father calls us all to “Come”. A day will come however; when The Lord will shut this door as well, and the season of grace will be ended. Where will you be when the door is shut? Will you be within the security offered by the Lord Jesus Christ through belief in his sacrifice for forgiveness of your sin, or outside looking in, awaiting judgment?
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE RAIN!!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Christ Is Our Ark
And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. - Genesis 8:4
Why did the Holy Spirit think it was important that we know the ark rested on the 17th day of the 7th month? Every detail is there for our learning. 2nd Timothy 3:16
Remeber Proverbs 25:2 says "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings to search out a matter."
Okay, This one takes a little digging. We know that the seven feasts of Moses are not only commemorative of events in Israel's past; they are also prophetic of Christ. Passover is celebrated on the 14th of Nisan, this is commemorative of Israel being "passed over" by the angel taking the firstborn in Egypt, but it is also prophetic of our Passover, Jesus Christ; who, as the Lamb of God, was also offered on the 14th of Nisan. Just like the blood of the lamb on the doorpost caused the angel of death to "Passover" the house in Egypt, the shed blood of Christ the Lamb causes death to pass over us. In fact, even the food that is eaten during the Passover meal, as well as how the food is prepared and eaten is prophetic of Christ.
(If you have never had the privilege to participate in a traditional Seder or Passover dinner which focuses on how the Passover meal is representative of Christ, then I urge you to give it a try. Many churches offer Passover meals around “Easter” and there are many guides you can find online that will walk you through preparation of all the food and the ceremonial meal itself. You will be greatly rewarded, and it is a great dress rehearsal for the type of things we will be doing in the coming kingdom)
Passover is always celebrated on the 14th of Nisan". In the fourteenth day of the first month at evening is the Lord's Passover." Leviticus 23:5 Remember that Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the Passover dinner on the night that he was arrested. In fact when Christ breaks the bread and says take and eat, for this is my body, he is speaking about one of the pieces of motzah that is eaten during the Passover dinner. Also when he says take and drink for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins he is speaking of the 3rd cup of 4 total cups taken during the Passover meal which interestingly enough was known as the cup of redemption.
So we know Christ was crucified on Passover Nisan 14th. The Jewish day begins at sundown, so the night the Lord and His disciples were celebrating in the upper room, the same night that Jesus was later arrested and tried, was actually the beginning of the day of Nisan 14th / Passover. Of course later on that same ”day”, what we would consider the “next” day, Jesus was crucified.
Now as we have stated and as we all know, Christ was crucified on Passover Nisan 14th. Christ of course rose on the 3rd day after his death just as He told us He would. Nisan 14th + 3 days = Nisan 17th
So what does Noah’s Ark resting on the 17th day of the 7th month have to do with Christ being resurrected on the 17th day of Nisan? The key is understanding that the Jews have two calendars, a civil calendar and a religious calendar. The religious calendar was instituted in Genesis 12. When you examine the institution of Passover, God instructed Moses in Exodus 12:2 to make that month, Nisan, the "beginning of months." "this month (The month of Nisan) shall be unto you the beginning of months." Therefore, the Jews observe two calendars: the original (Genesis) calendar which begins on Rosh Hoshana, the 1st of Tishri, in the fall; and the religious calendar instituted in Exodus 12 which begins on the 1st of Nisan, in the spring.
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So on the old civil calendar of Genesis, Nisan is the 7th month. Remember, scripture tells us that the ark rested on the 17th day of the 7th month. So for Noah and all those living before the institution of the religious calendar in Exodus 12, the 17th day of the 7th month would be Nisan 17th! As we discussed earlier, this is the exact day that Christ rose from the dead. So the day the ark of Noah rested and ushered in a new beginning for mankind on planet earth, was on the anniversary, in advance, of the day that Christ would raise from the dead and usher in our new beginning on earth through Him and His finished work.
The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed, and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed. It is staggering to realize the lengths that our Father has gone to in order that we may know him more. In all his graciousness He blessed us with a collection of 66 books, penned by 40 different authors over 1000's of years, yet it is an integrated message system dictated directly from the God of Eternity. One Book, one message. It's all about Him!!!
Why did the Holy Spirit think it was important that we know the ark rested on the 17th day of the 7th month? Every detail is there for our learning. 2nd Timothy 3:16
Remeber Proverbs 25:2 says "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings to search out a matter."
Okay, This one takes a little digging. We know that the seven feasts of Moses are not only commemorative of events in Israel's past; they are also prophetic of Christ. Passover is celebrated on the 14th of Nisan, this is commemorative of Israel being "passed over" by the angel taking the firstborn in Egypt, but it is also prophetic of our Passover, Jesus Christ; who, as the Lamb of God, was also offered on the 14th of Nisan. Just like the blood of the lamb on the doorpost caused the angel of death to "Passover" the house in Egypt, the shed blood of Christ the Lamb causes death to pass over us. In fact, even the food that is eaten during the Passover meal, as well as how the food is prepared and eaten is prophetic of Christ.
(If you have never had the privilege to participate in a traditional Seder or Passover dinner which focuses on how the Passover meal is representative of Christ, then I urge you to give it a try. Many churches offer Passover meals around “Easter” and there are many guides you can find online that will walk you through preparation of all the food and the ceremonial meal itself. You will be greatly rewarded, and it is a great dress rehearsal for the type of things we will be doing in the coming kingdom)
Passover is always celebrated on the 14th of Nisan". In the fourteenth day of the first month at evening is the Lord's Passover." Leviticus 23:5 Remember that Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the Passover dinner on the night that he was arrested. In fact when Christ breaks the bread and says take and eat, for this is my body, he is speaking about one of the pieces of motzah that is eaten during the Passover dinner. Also when he says take and drink for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins he is speaking of the 3rd cup of 4 total cups taken during the Passover meal which interestingly enough was known as the cup of redemption.
So we know Christ was crucified on Passover Nisan 14th. The Jewish day begins at sundown, so the night the Lord and His disciples were celebrating in the upper room, the same night that Jesus was later arrested and tried, was actually the beginning of the day of Nisan 14th / Passover. Of course later on that same ”day”, what we would consider the “next” day, Jesus was crucified.
Now as we have stated and as we all know, Christ was crucified on Passover Nisan 14th. Christ of course rose on the 3rd day after his death just as He told us He would. Nisan 14th + 3 days = Nisan 17th
So what does Noah’s Ark resting on the 17th day of the 7th month have to do with Christ being resurrected on the 17th day of Nisan? The key is understanding that the Jews have two calendars, a civil calendar and a religious calendar. The religious calendar was instituted in Genesis 12. When you examine the institution of Passover, God instructed Moses in Exodus 12:2 to make that month, Nisan, the "beginning of months." "this month (The month of Nisan) shall be unto you the beginning of months." Therefore, the Jews observe two calendars: the original (Genesis) calendar which begins on Rosh Hoshana, the 1st of Tishri, in the fall; and the religious calendar instituted in Exodus 12 which begins on the 1st of Nisan, in the spring.
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So on the old civil calendar of Genesis, Nisan is the 7th month. Remember, scripture tells us that the ark rested on the 17th day of the 7th month. So for Noah and all those living before the institution of the religious calendar in Exodus 12, the 17th day of the 7th month would be Nisan 17th! As we discussed earlier, this is the exact day that Christ rose from the dead. So the day the ark of Noah rested and ushered in a new beginning for mankind on planet earth, was on the anniversary, in advance, of the day that Christ would raise from the dead and usher in our new beginning on earth through Him and His finished work.
The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed, and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed. It is staggering to realize the lengths that our Father has gone to in order that we may know him more. In all his graciousness He blessed us with a collection of 66 books, penned by 40 different authors over 1000's of years, yet it is an integrated message system dictated directly from the God of Eternity. One Book, one message. It's all about Him!!!
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Gospel In Genesis
In Genesis Chapter 5, we have the genealogy of Adam through Noah. This is one of those chapters which we often tend to skim over quickly as we pass through Genesis on our way to bigger and better things. But what if anything can we learn from this chapter. Remember 2nd Timothy 3:16 tells us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Even the parts of scripture we may feel are slightly less significant than others.
God of course always rewards the diligent student. Let's examine Genesis chapter 5 more closely.
In our Bible, we read the Hebrew names, but what do these names mean in English?
A Study of Original Roots:
The meaning of proper names can be a difficult pursuit since a direct translation is often not readily available. Even a conventional Hebrew lexicon can prove disappointing. A study of the original roots, however, can yield some fascinating insights.
(Please Note: many study aids, such as a conventional lexicon, can prove rather superficial when dealing with proper nouns. Furthermore, views concerning the meanings of original roots are not free of controversy and variant readings.)
So let’s just dive right in.
Adam:
Adam's name means man. As the first man, that seems straight forward enough.
Adam = Man
Seth:
Adam's son was named Seth, which means appointed. Eve said, "For God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew."
Seth = Appointed
Enosh:
Seth's son was called Enosh, which means mortal, frail, or miserable. It is from the root anash, which is used to speak of mankind as a whole and his mortality. It also suggest the idea of being incurable, used of a wound, grief, woe, sickness, or wickedness.
Enosh = Mortal
Kenan:
Enosh's son was named Kenan, which can mean sorrow, dirge, or elegy.
(The precise denotation is somewhat elusive; some study aids unfortunately presume that Kenan is synonymous with Cainan.) Balaam, looking down from the heights of Moab, uses a pun upon the name of the Kenites when he prophesies their destruction.
Kenan = Sorrow
We have no real idea (besides being part of God’s ultimate plan, as to why these names were chosen for their children. Often they may have referred to circumstances at birth, and so on. )
Mahalalel:
Kenan's son was Mahalalel from Mahalal which means blessed or praise; and El, the name for God. Thus, Mahalalel means the Blessed God. Often Hebrew names include El, the name of God, such as Dan-i-el, "God is my Judge", Beth-el “House of God” etc.
Mahalalel = The Blessed God
Jared:
Mahalalel's son was named Jared, from the verb yaradh; meaning shall come down or descend. This same word is used in Genesis 11:5 “And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded” as well as numerous other verses.
Jared = Shall Come Down
Enoch:
Jared's son was named Enoch, which means teaching, or commencement. He was the first of four generations of preachers. In fact, the earliest recorded prophecy was by Enoch, which amazingly enough deals with the Second Coming of Christ (although it is quoted in the Book of Jude in the New Testament):
“Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against." Jude 14, 15
Enoch was the father of Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah. Apparently, Enoch received the prophecy of the Great Flood, and was told that as long as his son was alive, the judgment of the flood would be withheld. And indeed the year that Methuselah died, the flood came. (See Section on Methuselah for explanation)
Enoch, of course, never died: he was translated (or, if you'll excuse the expression, raptured). That's how Methuselah can be the oldest man in the Bible, yet he died before his father!
Enoch = Teaching
Methuselah:
Methuselah comes from muth, a root that means "death"; and from shalach, which means to bring, or to send forth. The name Methuselah means, "his death shall bring". This apparently was a prophecy given to Enoch that the judgment of the flood would be withheld until the death of his son Methuselah. And just as his father Enoch had predicted, the year that Methuselah died, the flood came.
Methuselah was 187 when his son Lamech was born, and lived 782 more years after that for a total age of 969. Lamech had Noah when he was 182. 187 (Age of Methuselah when his son Lamech was born + 182 (Age of Lamech when Noah was born) = 369. So Methuselah was 369 years old when his grandson Noah was born. Scripture tells us that the flood came in Noah’s 600th year. 369 (Methuselah’s age when his grandson Noah was born) + 600 (Noah’s age when the flood came) = 969, Methuselah's age when he died.
It is interesting that Methuselah's life, in effect, was a symbol of God's mercy in forestalling the coming judgment of the flood. Therefore, it is fitting that his lifetime is the oldest recorded in the Bible, speaking of the extensiveness of God's mercy. Remember that 2nd Peter 3:9 tells us that “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Methuselah = His Death Shall Bring
Lamech:
Methuselah's son was named Lamech, a root still evident today in our own English word, lament or lamentation. Lamech suggests despairing. (This name is also linked to the Lamech in Cain's line who inadvertently killed his son Tubal-Cain in a hunting incident.) Lamech said in Genesis 4, “for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.” He is in despair over this young man’s death.
Lamech = Despair
Noah:
Lamech, of course, is the father of Noah, which is derived from nacham, to bring relief, rest, comfort, as Lamech himself explains in Genesis 5:29. When Noah was born Lamech, “called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.”
Noah = Comfort
The Composite List:
Hebrew --------------------English
Adam-----------------------Man
Seth-------------------------Appointed
Enosh-----------------------Mortal
Kenan----------------------Sorrow
Mahalalel------------------The Blessed God
Jared----------------------Shall come down
Enoch------------------------Teaching
Methuselah----------------His death shall bring
Lamech--------------------The despairing
Noah------------------------Rest, or comfort
So let’s put all of this together:
Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow; (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest.
That is rather remarkable; Here is a summary of God's plan of redemption, hidden here within a genealogy in Genesis!
Evidences of Design:
The implications of this discovery are far more deeply significant than may be evident at first glance. It demonstrates that in the earliest chapters of the Book of Genesis, God had already laid out His plan of redemption for the predicament of mankind. It is the beginning of a love story, ultimately written in blood on a wooden cross which was erected in Judea almost 2,000 years ago.
Taken from: "A Hidden Message: The Gospel in Genesis" by Dr. Chuck Missler – http://www.khouse.org/articles/1996/44/
God of course always rewards the diligent student. Let's examine Genesis chapter 5 more closely.
In our Bible, we read the Hebrew names, but what do these names mean in English?
A Study of Original Roots:
The meaning of proper names can be a difficult pursuit since a direct translation is often not readily available. Even a conventional Hebrew lexicon can prove disappointing. A study of the original roots, however, can yield some fascinating insights.
(Please Note: many study aids, such as a conventional lexicon, can prove rather superficial when dealing with proper nouns. Furthermore, views concerning the meanings of original roots are not free of controversy and variant readings.)
So let’s just dive right in.
Adam:
Adam's name means man. As the first man, that seems straight forward enough.
Adam = Man
Seth:
Adam's son was named Seth, which means appointed. Eve said, "For God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew."
Seth = Appointed
Enosh:
Seth's son was called Enosh, which means mortal, frail, or miserable. It is from the root anash, which is used to speak of mankind as a whole and his mortality. It also suggest the idea of being incurable, used of a wound, grief, woe, sickness, or wickedness.
Enosh = Mortal
Kenan:
Enosh's son was named Kenan, which can mean sorrow, dirge, or elegy.
(The precise denotation is somewhat elusive; some study aids unfortunately presume that Kenan is synonymous with Cainan.) Balaam, looking down from the heights of Moab, uses a pun upon the name of the Kenites when he prophesies their destruction.
Kenan = Sorrow
We have no real idea (besides being part of God’s ultimate plan, as to why these names were chosen for their children. Often they may have referred to circumstances at birth, and so on. )
Mahalalel:
Kenan's son was Mahalalel from Mahalal which means blessed or praise; and El, the name for God. Thus, Mahalalel means the Blessed God. Often Hebrew names include El, the name of God, such as Dan-i-el, "God is my Judge", Beth-el “House of God” etc.
Mahalalel = The Blessed God
Jared:
Mahalalel's son was named Jared, from the verb yaradh; meaning shall come down or descend. This same word is used in Genesis 11:5 “And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded” as well as numerous other verses.
Jared = Shall Come Down
Enoch:
Jared's son was named Enoch, which means teaching, or commencement. He was the first of four generations of preachers. In fact, the earliest recorded prophecy was by Enoch, which amazingly enough deals with the Second Coming of Christ (although it is quoted in the Book of Jude in the New Testament):
“Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, "Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against." Jude 14, 15
Enoch was the father of Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah. Apparently, Enoch received the prophecy of the Great Flood, and was told that as long as his son was alive, the judgment of the flood would be withheld. And indeed the year that Methuselah died, the flood came. (See Section on Methuselah for explanation)
Enoch, of course, never died: he was translated (or, if you'll excuse the expression, raptured). That's how Methuselah can be the oldest man in the Bible, yet he died before his father!
Enoch = Teaching
Methuselah:
Methuselah comes from muth, a root that means "death"; and from shalach, which means to bring, or to send forth. The name Methuselah means, "his death shall bring". This apparently was a prophecy given to Enoch that the judgment of the flood would be withheld until the death of his son Methuselah. And just as his father Enoch had predicted, the year that Methuselah died, the flood came.
Methuselah was 187 when his son Lamech was born, and lived 782 more years after that for a total age of 969. Lamech had Noah when he was 182. 187 (Age of Methuselah when his son Lamech was born + 182 (Age of Lamech when Noah was born) = 369. So Methuselah was 369 years old when his grandson Noah was born. Scripture tells us that the flood came in Noah’s 600th year. 369 (Methuselah’s age when his grandson Noah was born) + 600 (Noah’s age when the flood came) = 969, Methuselah's age when he died.
It is interesting that Methuselah's life, in effect, was a symbol of God's mercy in forestalling the coming judgment of the flood. Therefore, it is fitting that his lifetime is the oldest recorded in the Bible, speaking of the extensiveness of God's mercy. Remember that 2nd Peter 3:9 tells us that “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Methuselah = His Death Shall Bring
Lamech:
Methuselah's son was named Lamech, a root still evident today in our own English word, lament or lamentation. Lamech suggests despairing. (This name is also linked to the Lamech in Cain's line who inadvertently killed his son Tubal-Cain in a hunting incident.) Lamech said in Genesis 4, “for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.” He is in despair over this young man’s death.
Lamech = Despair
Noah:
Lamech, of course, is the father of Noah, which is derived from nacham, to bring relief, rest, comfort, as Lamech himself explains in Genesis 5:29. When Noah was born Lamech, “called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.”
Noah = Comfort
The Composite List:
Hebrew --------------------English
Adam-----------------------Man
Seth-------------------------Appointed
Enosh-----------------------Mortal
Kenan----------------------Sorrow
Mahalalel------------------The Blessed God
Jared----------------------Shall come down
Enoch------------------------Teaching
Methuselah----------------His death shall bring
Lamech--------------------The despairing
Noah------------------------Rest, or comfort
So let’s put all of this together:
Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow; (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest.
That is rather remarkable; Here is a summary of God's plan of redemption, hidden here within a genealogy in Genesis!
Evidences of Design:
The implications of this discovery are far more deeply significant than may be evident at first glance. It demonstrates that in the earliest chapters of the Book of Genesis, God had already laid out His plan of redemption for the predicament of mankind. It is the beginning of a love story, ultimately written in blood on a wooden cross which was erected in Judea almost 2,000 years ago.
Taken from: "A Hidden Message: The Gospel in Genesis" by Dr. Chuck Missler – http://www.khouse.org/articles/1996/44/
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