Spirit sprinkled or Spirit filled?

murjahel · Aug 6, 2013

Fake Imitations of the anointing

There is a danger of mistaking the indulgence of self-conceit to be a movement of the Holy Spirit. This dishonors the Spirit.

Beware of false spirituality.

It is found in many, many religious circles. The big Bible, the spiritual looking smile, the fake "Amen", and the shouting, dancing, and arm waving that is not inspired by the Spirit's anointing, easily fool some to think that the Spirit's anointing is present. Too many congregations are filled with false spirituality, and not a true anointing of the Spirit.

Some have claimed an anointing that makes them the impregnated glory of God, with the authority to restore power to all others. They think they are Christ Himself, and want more than an anointing to be used, but rather want to replace the Lord as a lord themselves. No! The anointing gives one authority to speak Gods loving message to others.

We do not control nor rule the ministries of others. Apostles are not rulers of the prophets, prophets are not rulers of the pastors, pastors are not rulers of those with other ministries.

We never rule as King or as Lord, but we can be anointed to have the authority of God to speak His Word.

JESUS ANOINTING

The anointing oil was poured upon the head of Aaron, and over the mitre. This was Aaron's anointing to minister. Jesus had an anointing like this.

Luke 4:18
"...the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor..."

The anointing is for only the consecrated. It is for those who have filled their hands with the work of God. The Holy Spirit is willing to anoint any who thus come and ask. Yet, their goal must be to be doing the work of the Lord, not seeking acclaim, popularity, nor self glory. They must be set apart to be a blessing to the Lord. This brings an anointing.

Our righteousness, our authority to stand before God, and before mankind, comes from the blood that our Lord shed, and the oil of anointing, i.e. the authority of the Holy Spirit.

Blood and Oil

Exodus 29:21 (KJV)
21 And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

The sprinkling of the blood and anointing oil together onto the bodies and clothes was a fitting finale for their consecration. Blood had been put on the bodies earlier (Lev. 8:23-24). So this new part did not cleanse from sin except to show a continued confidence in the blood and the continued anointing of the Spirit. The outward anointing with oil stood for the choice of God to bestow authority upon one was called to do His work.

David was anointed.

David was not baptized in the Spirit, for that infilling began on the day of Pentecost after Jesus ascension. Yet, David was blessed with an authority of the Spirit, to stand as a King, having the authority of God upon him.

1 Samuel 16:13 (KJV)
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Psalm 89:19-29 (KJV)
19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.
20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
23 And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.
24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.
26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.
29 His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

This is the authority of God, put upon David, via that anointing. We can also be anointed to do the work of God, having authority from Him.

"Christ" is a Greek word, Christos, signifying anointed.

The Hebrew word mâshîyach meaning the same as Christos refers to the Messiah. Jesus is called either "Messiah", or "Christ", for they mean the same thing. Jesus was the Person anointed come and do the work of God in the salvation provision. To anoint means to consecrate, to set apart to any office. Those set apart are said to be anointed by God. So, Jesus is given the name Messiah, Christ, Anointed One. He was set apart by God to be the King, High Priest, and Prophet. Anointing with oil was, symbolic of the authority of the Holy Spirit. God gave him the Spirit without measure, (John 3:34) so Jesus is Divinely appointed the Anointed of God.

We have been told to carry on the work of Jesus, and to thereby, do greater works than even Jesus did in His first coming.

"Jesus," was a name of His humanity. Christ, Messiah, was added to His name when He became anointed of God thirty years after He was called Jesus.
　
　
　
It was prophesied that God would make Him the "Anointed".

Isaiah 61:1(KJV)
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;
Jesus became the "Anointed" of God was at His baptism (Matt. 3:16-17; 12:15-20; Luke 3:21-22; Acts 10:38). Jesus confirmed the time He became God's "Anointed".

Luke 4:16-21 (KJV)
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit, not with oil as in the Old Testament.

We, in this age now, do not depend on the oil of the Old Testament, we have the real oil of the Spirit Himself to anoint, and authorize our ministries.

We can receive the bestowment of the anointing also.

I Corinthians 1:21 (KJV)
21 Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

The Us are we who are Christians. It was customary to anoint kings, prophets, and priests, on their entering into their work that needed Gods authority. We can thereby be consecrated, set apart, to the service of God by the Holy Spirit.

mrhappy3 · Aug 7, 2013

Thanks MURJ for all this ! It wont go to waste ! x

murjahel · Aug 7, 2013

The spiritual gift of a MANTLE
from the Holy Spirit...

　
2 Kings 2:9 (KJV)
9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
2 Kings 2:13-14 (KJV)
13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
　
　
WHAT IS THE MANTLE?
The outer garment in Bible times, was a large robe which served the purpose of an overcoat. It is made of sheepskin with the wool still on it, of goat's hair, or of cotton. It was dark brown, different shades and having whitish stripes.

The robe or loose mantle was thrown over the other parts of the dress. It served as shelter from wind and rain, and as a cover at night. It was common sight to see a man walking even on a hot day with his heavy mantle. For the mantle that kept out the cold of winter, kept out the heat of summer.
This mantle with which Elijah smote and parted the waters of Jordan became the property of Elisha (2Kings 2:8-13). The three young men who were cast into the fiery furnace were clad in their mantles as well as their tunics and other garb (Dan. 3:21).

The act of Elijah, conveying a double portion upon Elisha, by throwing his mantle upon him, has made the subject of mantles to be of spiritual discussion for centuries since. Even the popes of the Roman Catholic church have borrowed the ceremony in the ordaining of archbishops, seeking to invest them with church authority, by sending him what is called by them, a pallium, pall, or cloak.

This pallium was not much like the mantle, actually, for in Zechariah 13:4, and 2 Kings 1:8, we see that the original mantles were rough or hairy garments. The pallium or pall was made of white wool. The nuns of St. Agnes, annually, present two white lambs on the altar of their church. The lambs are later to the pope's sub-deacons, who send those lambs to pasture till shearing time. They are then shorn, and the pallium is made using their wool. The pallium is then placed on the high altar on the supposed bodies of Peter and of Paul. This becomes to them, like the mantle of Elijah, only to them this having been upon what is supposed to be the body of Peter, is supposed to pass the power they afforded Peter, and feel it is invested into the successors.

No, that is not the teaching of the gift of the mantle. There is a mantle that God can share with us, and we can gain blessing from its bestowment.

JESUS WORE A MANTLE.

Did Jesus wear a literal mantle? Famous artists have painted pictures of Jesus, and have not always given an letter-perfect view. Upon His head He must have worn the turban. It was probably white, and fastened under the chin by a cord, and came down to the shoulders over his tunic.

His tunic, His underneath apparel, was of one piece without seam. It was of value, This tunic had probably been given to Him by one of those women who "ministered to Him of their substance."

Over this He wore the mantle which was unsecured and flowing. This mantle was not white, for it became white during the transfiguration. It was not red, for that was only the military color, It may have been blue, if it were of the cotton type, or it may have been white with brown stripes if it were sheepskin.

John 13:4 (KJV)
4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

Jesus laid aside his garments, i.e. His outer garment. (Matthew 5:40) This was his mantle, which is also said to have been without seam. It was customary to lay this aside when they worked. So, this mantle was even worn by our Lord. The significance of the mantle, and of its typical meaning should be discovered, so as to understand what this gift of the Spirit is.

THE DOUBLE PORTION MANTLE IS NEEDED TODAY.

　
Christians have a promise of a double portion. Elijah and Elisha took a long walk. Elijah was preaching his last set of sermons, to some schools of prophets in various communities. The lessons taught teach us yet today. There was a double portion blessing that Elisha wanted to have, and he needed a teaching to illustrate to him how one gets a double portion of Gods power.

When they walked through Gilgal (II Kings 2:2) Elijah told Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee, for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. But Elisha told Elijah I would not leave thee.
When they walked through Bethel, a bit more advanced group of prophetic students, Elijah also told Elisha to remain there (II Kings 2:3-4). Elisha would not, but continued on with Elijah, for Elijah had prophesied that he would be taken up, and Elisha wanted to be there when that happened.

When they came to Jericho, (II Kings 2:4), Elisha would not stay there either, though requested to do so. The ones there were a bit more spiritual, and also knew that Elijah was to be raptured. A group of 50 of them followed a bit far off, just wanting to see what happened. When Elijah parted the Jordan, they were a bit far off to cross over with them, so they had to wait there, and did not see the rapture of Elijah.

Elijah then had the one prophetic student of the groups, that was the hungriest, most desirous of more. So, Elijah asked:
Ask what I shall do for thee... I pray thee a double portion of thy spirit be upon me...

So, Elisha asked for a double portion, and had already proven, he was not satisfied with what others had, but he wanted more.

The last day revival is a time when a double portion will be available for all, but some will not want it desperately enough. Many have not learned the key to receiving a double portion.

The key is the mantle.

How many Elishas are there out there in this day? How many are like the sons of the prophets that are apathetic, or at best curious enough to just stay close enough to see what is happening?

Elijah told Elisha, that if he were near when Elijah would be raptured, and caught his mantle, he would have as he desired.

That would take some courage, for as the chariots of fire came near, and a whirlwind caught up Elijah, the normal human tendency would be to run and be safe. But, Elisha was courageous, and stood there, probably hoping he would get taken up too.

Some are like the prophets at Gilgal and Bethel, who did not even know about the rapture of Elijah that was to happen.

Some like those in Jericho, knew, but only were interested enough to follow afar off. But Elisha wanted to be empowered, and the mantle represented that empowering.

The mantle was a blanket like garment. It was often shared by two as they would walk together, for it could be cold, and the two that were in fellowship together, would share the mantle for warmth, and be able to fellowship easily. The mantle therefore represents fellowship with God. And God let Elijah pass on that fellowship to Elisha. It became a double portion blessing to him.

It was not till Elisha had refused to stay at Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and at Jordans edge, that the offer was made. There are some today, in Christianity, around the world, that are pushing past the snares of the devil, the false doctrines of demonic doctrines, the lures of false prophets, the concerns of the cares of life, the lust for things and carnal mammon. These ones are being offered a garment of clothing beyond the normal blessings of all saints. This mantle experience, this double portion, is a closer fellowship with God. It is a walking daily in fellowship with the Lord.

Elisha was the only one who ventured to stay with Elijah. Some want to press on, and seek in the Word, study with the Spirit, pressing on through all the distractions, and come to a place where God is offering a mantle experience for the last days. We can see great examples of the faith, in the present, and in the past, and we can desire to have more. The key is a mantle walk with the Lord.

Elisha knew of the great ministry of Elijah, and wanted more. Others were satisfied, complacent, apathetic, or at best, curious. Yet, Elisha was hungry, anxious, and requested this mantle experience. Some give up in trials, some stay put when told to, some refuse to get so desirous of blessing and power, that they do not press on. This is still a request, when we ask for the mantle. But it is a request that shows by action that it is wanted desperately.

God wants us to be thoroughly furnished... that the man of God may be perfect. (II Timothy 3:15-17) The mantle experience is not just for an elite few, but for an anxious many. God would like if it all would desire it. God would have loved for all 50 on the other side of Jordan had had the same desire as Elisha. God would have loved the others in other towns to have followed, and requested the double portion. It was not Gods will they were excluded, it was their lack of earnestness that lost their possible blessing.

Are you willing to be dishonored, despised, de-valued, hated, shunned, by others? Are you willing be the off-scouring of all things (I Cor. 4:3) to others? If you have no ambition for self, no reputation to try to build, and are willing to just want to do more for God, to be more useful for Him, then you are able to ask and receive the mantle clothing.

David was a man after Gods own heart. This means that David wanted to know Gods thoughts. Elisha wanted a double portion experience. What do you want?

Elisha was bent on getting that double portion, he was not indifferent. He had faith and labored toward that goal. He refused to be told no by Elijah. He was patiend, bold, and determined.

Gods blessing upon the person of Elisha was great, but add to that the mantle experience he was given, and it became an awesome wardrobe to wear. What are you wearing in this battle? We have the armor, we have the sword, and now, we can receive the the double portion mantle, and watch God work. Yet, few have the spiritual ambition that Elisha had.

Isaiah 64:7
"There is none... that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee...

Too often this is still the case. God calls us all to a double portion, and few step up to claim His gift. We can walk closer to the Lord, than we ever imagined. We can see God work miracles for us, and through us, if we are determined to keep closer fellowship with the Lord. He offers this mantle of fellowship, and that mantle allows the double portion blessings.

The day of Pentecost came as people had tarried until. If you had to tarry until the mantle experience would come, would you? Some cannot ask God twice for the same thing. They ask once, and if the answer is not there immediately, they cease trusting God, and look to do what they can for themselves. God wants us to seek, request, and keep on wanting great things from Him. He commanded that we ask largely.

It is a lonely walk in walking past all the others who are not so inclined, as it was for Elisha. He passed by many other prophets who did not have the desire he had. God will not give the mantle to ones like those. But He stands ready to give out mantles to all who will push toward that goal, and claim the offered mantles.

Elijah cast his mantle upon him. The mantle was used to be in fellowship with another walking along the same path. We are in fellowship with God, when He casts the mantle experience upon us. Elijah and Elisha walked in fellowship as they walked toward the Jordan River. As we walk this pathway with Jesus, carrying our cross, we will be able to have this mantle-fellowship with Him.

see part 2

murjahel · Aug 7, 2013

part 2

THE POWER OF GOD IS AVAILABLE WHEN WE HAVE THE MANTLE.

2 Kings 2:13-15 (KJV)
13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;
14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
15 And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha.

The fellowship with the Lord, that the mantle represented, was obvious to others. He walked with God, had double the recorded miracles of Elijah. The fellowship he had with God provided many bestowments of power.

THEY WANDERED IN SHEEPSKIN AND GOATSKIN MANTLES, BUT SOME COUNTERFEITED THE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THAT THEY PROCLAIMED.

Hebrews 11:37-40 (KJV)
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy

they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

"They wandered about in sheepskins" What this refers to are the sheepskins dressed with the wool still on. This was like the mantle that Elijah wore, and which was afterwards used by Elisha. In the Septuagint, in 2 Kings 2:8-13, it says: "and Elijah took his SHEEPSKIN (mantle.)" "And he (Elisha) took the SHEEPSKIN of Elijah which had fallen from off him."
Many of the false prophets imitated this, in order that they might gain the greater credit.

Zechariah 13:4 (KJV)
4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

The mantle of Elijah and of Elisha represented the walk of fellowship that we can and should have. In that time, some wore a hairy mantle to be perceived as a prophet. Today, many claim a fellowship walk with the Lord, but they do so to imitate the real. Some claim to be told things from God that are not from God, do not harmonize with the written Word of God.

They tell people what to give to them, promise blessings that God never spoke for them, and pretend to be a real prophet of God. This is the same kind of pretense that many claimed in those past days, by wearing a mantle.

THE REAL MANTLE CANNOT BE PASSED ON, NOR TAKEN FROM ANOTHER.

Exodus 22:26-27 (KJV)
26 If thou at all take thy neighbour's raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down:
27 For that is his covering only, it is his raiment for his skin: wherein shall he sleep? and it shall come to pass, when he crieth unto me, that I will hear; for I am gracious.

If ever one would take anothers neighbors garment in pledge, or if one ever enjoys the presence of the Lord felt via another who has a mantle fellowship with the Lord, they will find that the mantle experience is not to be gained by taking anothers.

The experience must be from God, must be a personal walk with the Lord. Anothers walk can be shared for a short time, but when one leaves that person, the feeling they had of Gods presence is gone. One must obtain the mantle fellowship from the Lord Himself to make it be a permanent possession.
Going to bed was an uncomplicated issue for the people of that day. Mats were used to lie upon, but the innkeeper did not provide any covering. Each person provided his own covering, i.e. his mantle. It was warm for even the coldest of nights. If he were sleeping outdoors, this covering was waterproof, and therefore far superior to our blankets of today. It was this outer garment, the mantle, that was a person's covering that the law did not allow anyone to keep this pledge or surety, for this would deprive him of his means of keeping warm while sleeping. Such a garment if taken, for a surety, had to be returned by sunset.

In the same way, the circumstances of life require that we keep our fellowship with the Lord, stay close to Him to warm us from lifes cold, to shelter us from lifes storms. We need the mantle fellowship. This mantle relationship with the Lord is something we should all desire. We need to walk closely with Him, fellowship with Him, stay close for His power, and His comfort, to be available as we need it in our ministries.

mrhappy3 · Aug 8, 2013

Ok bro - I have some questions.

1st John talks of 'an anointing' - what level is he referring to ? Born again or baptised in Spirit level ?

People say, when you have the holy Spirit that is it, you have got him, you can't divide him up, he is a person............but Elisha wanted MORE of the SAME and got it.....so how do they explain that ? Can you explain that ?

I have had the mantle fall on me a few times over the years. Why did that happen ? For what purpose ? What was God trying to show me ?

Is a mantle a sign of a miracle working ministry or not ? or Simply a ministry ?

I have asked this question before, and many people have not got a clue of what this mantle is, and have never experienced it, including loads of Spirit Baptised Pentecostals.

It tells me that it dont come cheap, it comes and it goes, the main blocker to it is poor doctrine or unbelief.

All I know is.

Authentic Christianity experienced it. We have a much diluted form of what they had in general. We have great programs, solid teaching, but is God REALLY present most of the time ?

WHAT is the key to getting this MANTLE to remain ?

The mantle is a HIGH DEGREE ANOINTING.

Many have tried to describe it in books, including people like Benny Hiin. He even goes as far as to say it is NOT the BAPTISM of the SPIRIT. Randy Clarke calls it an IMPARTATION for mighty works.

It is a mystery to most people.

Biblicist · Aug 8, 2013

mrhappy3 said:
Ok bro - I have some questions.

1st John talks of 'an anointing' - what level is he referring to ? Born again or baptised in Spirit level ?

This would make for a good thread on its own.

From my perspective, the expression "the anointing" seems to based primarily on the OT where the word is all too often force-fitted back into the New Testament. Other than we are all anointed by our incorporation into the Body of Christ by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, that seems to be about it.

murjahel · Aug 8, 2013

Zechariah 13:4 (KJV)
4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

False prophets after the time of Elijah and Elisha would often imitate their dress, and claim to have the mantle experience in that time. Perhaps a few real prophets did, but many were wearing the mantle to simply deceive. John the Baptist wore clothing, including a mantle, when he came, and it identified him to the people as a prophet.

There are so many 'rough garments', i.e. mantles, that deceive people today, that it is confusing when you listen to six ministries, you get seven answers. (figure of speech, not a lie, LOL).

There are so many answers out there, so many false ones, deceived ones, totally heretical ones, and a few just misled ones... that I do not want to just tell you, take MY ANSWER. No, I will share some Scriptures, and then hope you take the Bible's answer.. which the Holy Spirit will aid you in understanding. Of course, I think my answer is right but you should trust the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth, and I will share some passages that He used in helping me.

First, there are many levels of the mantle experience.

2 Kings 2:9 (KJV)
9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

Elijah had one level, Elisha had a double portion of that level. So there are two levels... I would say that Jesus said that John the Baptist was greater than all the prophets of the O.T., so he had more than Elisha. Jesus also said that we in the N.T., were to have more than John the Baptist. So, we find that there has to be 'at least' four. I feel there are thousands of levels of the mantle experience.

I do not think we need to pray and feel special if we are told we have a mantle experience, for Jesus said that all, in this age, would have more than the one of the O.T. that had the most. It is not lack of a mantle that is the problem, it is lack of knowing how to use it.

There are enough 'Elijah's' out there to day to fill a football stadium (another figure of speech).

Some feel they are the actual Elijah come back (they are not).

There is one ministry passing out Elijah callings like chewing gum, and sending them out to command us to believe like they do....

No, an Elijah mantle does not make us replace the Holy Spirit....

Beware of 'Elijah' calling ministries. (nuf said, I hope)

We have been called to go into all the world, win souls, disciple, cast out devils, heal the sick, etc etc. We need the mantle blessing and gifting from the Spirit to call for help many times in this calling. It is available, it is simply learning to utilize it.

I have prayed for a double portion of Elisha's, and have at times seen God work mightily through me. If you count miracles, there are exactly double for Elisha as listed for Elijah. So, the double portion mantle does have something to do with miracles, and signs and wonders.

The first thing Elisha did was part the Jordan River with it, a sign necessary for the raging waters there would be un-crossable at that time of year otherwise, and the other prophets on the other side needed to see the miracle power now is with Elisha.

We won't probably need the mantle experience to part waters, but we do often need a miracle anointing to aid our ministry for the Lord.

The mantle was a blanket like garment. It was often shared by two as they would walk together, for it could be cold, and the two that were in fellowship together, would share the mantle for warmth, and be able to fellowship easily.

The mantle therefore represents fellowship with God. And God let Elijah pass on that fellowship to Elisha. It became a double portion blessing to him. As we move from reading about Jesus, and that is good, to having a personal relationship with Him, balancing that with verifying with the Word that we are not going astray in our beliefs, we find that personal fellowship with Him is awesome !!!

Maintaining that 'fellowship' then is like wearing the mantle, and that is our mantle.

God wants us to be thoroughly furnished... that the man of God may be perfect. (II Timothy 3:15-17)

The mantle experience is not just for an elite few, but for an anxious many.

God would like if it all would desire to utilize it. All Christians can fellowship with the Lord, but only a few take that fellowship to the level that the Lord wants us to do.

God would have loved for all 50 on the other side of Jordan had the same desire as Elisha. God would have loved the others in other towns to have followed, and requested the double portion. It was not Gods will they were excluded, it was their lack of earnestness that lost their possible blessing.

Are you willing to be dishonored, despised, de-valued, hated, shunned, by others?

Are you willing be the off-scouring of all things (I Cor. 4:3) to others?

If you have no ambition for self, no reputation to try to build, and are willing to just want to do more for God, to be more useful for Him, then you are able to ask and receive the mantle clothing.

The fellowship with the Lord is maintained in a life that does then have the world dishonor us, even many Christians will call us names, we will be hated, shunned by others. We though, if we want the mantle anointing, and the miracle power available with it, will have to stay in fellowship closely with the Lord. The opinions of others is not our concern, we hope they will respond to the Bible's message, but we are in fellowship with the Lord in a level that lifts us above the concerns of those who hate us.

Yet, few have the spiritual ambition that Elisha had. We need to be adamant as was Elisha, and say that walking together with the Lord, both under that mantle, is what we want, more than anything. We have to stir ourselves us to that.

Isaiah 64:7
"There is none... that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee...

Hebrews 11:37-40 (KJV)
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy, they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

The heroes of faith had mantles, literal ones, but we now have something a better kind of mantle. Because of the dispensation we are in, where the veil is rent, the holy of holies is open, we can walk daily in the presence, in the fellowship with the Lord. That is an awesome power. Seek that kind of fellowship, and watch the miracles come mightily.

will answer more if you want..

mrhappy3 · Aug 8, 2013

No, I get the picture - the word that comes to me is DESIRE.

3 actually. DESIRE, HUNGER & FAITH.

mourningdove~ · Aug 8, 2013

mrhappy3 said:
No, I get the picture - the word that comes to me is DESIRE.

3 actually. DESIRE, HUNGER & FAITH.

I do believe 'desire' is important to God, in all matters involving the pursuit of Him.

"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it."
~ Matthew 10:39

mrhappy3 · Aug 8, 2013

mourningdove~ said:
I do believe 'desire' is important to God, in all matters involving the pursuit of Him.

"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it."
~ Matthew 10:39

amen x

murjahel · Aug 8, 2013

the spiritual gift
called the
ROD OF GOD

　
part 1

THE BURNING BUSH

This bush in the dry desert pictured the ungodly, Hebrew people who were in bondage. The thorns of the bush are typical of the consequence of sin (Genesis 3:17-18). Fire symbolizes their suffering and tribulation. The bush was unharmed by all the persecution, and the trials could not eradicate them. The voice of God from that burning bush shows the presence of God amidst them, preserving them for a day of deliverance.

God startled Moses with this revelation, and the teaching that Moses received that day, needs to be re-spoken today and always. God has not forgotten those who have become in bondage to sin, He is still working out His plan to try and deliver them. He calls for prophets, pastors, evangelists, to go to ones in bondage, and lead them to deliverance in God.

Today we have Scriptures to direct us, and we have the Holy Spirit to guide us, but occasionally God still must use "burning bush" experiences to make sure we definitely know His will. His calling for ministers is to have direction, and power to do His will. In this case, Moses realized he had a rod, one that God had provided, and God would overcome all of Moses inabilities and weaknesses, with the power of God that could work through him.

Psalms 37:23
"The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord..."

Moses had been led by circumstance and design to this place of the burning bush. God wanted to lead him from the burning bush, to the people it represented, and to deliver them with the power of God.

GOD'S MINISTERS NEED THE CALL OF GOD.

Too many of today's ministers feel that the ordination of a denomination is sufficient to indicate a calling and ministry. There is a greater credential authority that is mandatory for any ministry. Moses knew that if he appeared before the elders of Israel, they would not accept him, or believe him.

They would not accept the words and direction of Moses as the message from God. Therefore, Moses felt unprepared, afraid, inferior, and unworthy.

Moses then, and many ministers today feel an inferiority in Gods work. This inferiority comes from two fears:

1. Fear of failure
This is the fear that one cannot do what is required of him. This fear of losing even self-respect by lack of ability is devastating. The fear of failure is taking a wrong estimate of God's promises and provisions. The secret is to learn that it is not what can we do, but what can God do!!! We can "do all things through Christ..."

2. Fear of man
There are always people who will disapprove. No one will get 100 % approval. Christ even had a "Judas" in the twelve disciples. Christ was perfect, but His critics were many. If we are in a perfect harmony with the Lord, many will think we are not in harmony, because they are not in harmony. Criticism must not be used to defer us from doing right, for we would never get anything done for God if we await 100 % agreement from those whom we know.

These fears needed to be settled, cleansed from Moses. The fears inside mankind crowd out God and His peace. They blind from truth, they deafen spiritual ears from faith. Moses had fears that had to be discussed, and replaced.

THE EXCUSES OF MOSES

1. LACK OF CAPABILITY

In Exodus 3:11, Moses said: "...Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh...?

God answered in Exodus 3:12: "Certainly, I will be with you..." Walking alone in our calling is a recipe for disaster. Walking with God in our work for Him, we are assured of victory.

2. LACK OF MESSAGE

Moses said in Exodus 3:13: "...what shall I say unto them???" God answered in Exodus 3:14: "Thou shalt say, 'I AM' hath sent me..." We do not need to know what to say. The Bible has it all written out, the Holy Spirit is in us to inspire us. We are but to trust His message.

3. LACK OF AUTHORITY

Moses tried again, with the excuse found in Exodus 4:1: "...behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken to my voice..." God promised multitudes of miracles in His answer in Exodus 4:2-9: "What is in thine hand?" ("A rod") "... put hand into thy bosom..." ("leprous")... "If they will not hearken to the voice of the first sign, they will believe the voice of the latter sign..." God showed and promised miracles to confirm that Moses was called and chosen for the work. We can have miracles, which are the signs following that we are to have for ministry.

4. LACK OF ELOQUENCE

In Exodus 4:10, Moses tried another excuse: "I am not eloquent..." God answered in Exodus 4:18-19: Who hath made man's mouth? ...I will be with thy mouth..." God dwells in us, speaks rhema words through us. We do not need eloquence or training to be articulated in speech. We will have Gods message of rhema, and those words have power.

5. LACK OF A HELPER

Moses tried another excuse, found in Exodus 4:13: "Send, I pray thee, by the hand of him who thou wilt send..." God's anger was ignited by this excuse, and His answer is found in Exodus 4:14-16: "The anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses... Is not Aaron, the Levite, thy brother? ...he shall be thy spokesman..." We have God Who is offering to work through us if we minister for Him, why would we need a human assistant to help Him get done what He wants us to do?

6. LACK OF PREVIOUS SUCCESS

Moses reminds God of his previous failures in Exodus 5:23: "For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Thy name, he hath done evil to this people, neither hast Thou delivered Thy people at all..." Moses wanted to share the blame for the failures with God, but God had never failed, only Moses had.

God is not intimidated by powerful people. We may have fled them in the past, but with God we can march forward toward sure success. God answered in Exodus 6:1: "Now thou shalt see what I will do to Pharaoh..."

7. LACK OF PREVIOUS ACCEPTANCE

Moses thought the people needed to give him authority to minister, but God did not think that way. Moses said in Exodus 6:12: "Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me..." People do not ordain Gods ministers, only God can call a person. God does not seek, nor want mans approval. He is sovereign, and knows who He wants to call into ministry. God answered Moses in Exodus 6:13: "...the Lord spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge..." God gives us our orders, our calling, our ministry.
　

God can get angry at our excuses, and out lack of trust in Him as our answer. Many think God sits in heaven, immovable, uncaring. God does have emotions, feelings. He shares His sorrows, He pities His children, He loves, He can regret, He can be jealous, He can get angry, He can be touched. The many excuses of Moses are being re-used over and over yet today, but Gods answers are still the same. He is our Lord, our Empowerer, our Guide. We have no excuse, nor did Moses, that will ever have God exempt us from our calling and ministry.

stay tuned...

murjahel · Aug 9, 2013

SPIRITUAL GIFT, ROD OF GOD, PART 2

GOD HAS POWER FOR US TODAY, A ROD

God always gives anyone that is called to ministry the might and miraculous power that is needed. Moses here is promised the power, with the rod of God, to do miracles that are needed. Ministerial badges, denominational licenses, or robes with turned around collars, do not give us authority nor success in ministries.

We need the miraculous power of God, with signs and wonders following, in order to succeed in any of our callings from God. The people could not say: "The Lord did not appear to you..." for the Lord was bestowing miraculous signs to indicate that He was still appearing to Moses. God gave Moses signs to show that he was not inferior to the magicians of Pharaoh. The signs showed that Moses had greater powers from God than the Pharaoh's had from their demonic impersonators of God.

The miracles accompanying Moses, were symbols of divine power. The Pharaoh wore a diadem, and upon it were the symbolic signs of divine power. Moses had no diadem. He had a rod, and with that rod came the power of God to show that His God was greater than the gods of Pharaoh. Our God will still back up His chosen, His elect, His called, His anointed, and His witnesses.

Mark 16:17-18
"And these signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover..."

John 14:12
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works that these shall he do; because I go unto My Father."

Why should a person claim a divine call or mission without the power and miraculous anointing to demonstrate the calling of God. Moses had a rod, and we have the promises of Jesus, and the infilling of the Spirit, to give us the greater power now, than even Moses had with that rod.

Christ told the disciples:
Acts 1:4-8
"...commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, Which, saith he, ye have heard of Me... Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto Me..."

The disciples were to have a Holy Spirit anointed ministry, with signs and wonders following. These were to be their credentials, and they were to await this empowering before beginning their ministries. God desires to give us credentials before the world. They may not listen or recognize the credentials of God's power, but God still gives them.

WHAT WAS THE ROD OF GOD?

Exodus 4:2 (KJV)
2 And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

Exodus 4:17 (KJV)
17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

This rod mentioned in the Bible many times is called "the rod of God..."

Exodus 4:19-20 (KJV)
19 And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.
20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

A rod, but one called the ROD OF GOD. It was made the tool of working many miracles. The rod of God, a sign of Gods power, by which Moses was to perform all his miracles.

In mythology, the devil used the idea of a rod, to counterfeit Gods power.

The rod of Mercury in mythology was said to have wrought many miracles. It was even said to kill and to make alive, to send souls to an invisible world and bring them back. But those kind of counterfeits cannot denigrate the real rod of God.

The devils imitations, his fictional copies, are mere illusions of power. God has for Moses and for us, the real rod of power. Moses was told to take this rod, and hold it up, to secure victory for Gods people in the battle.

Exodus 17:9 (KJV)
9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

Moses took his position on the top of a hill, holding in his hand, the rod of God. As long as the rod was held up, Israel dominated the battle. Yet, when Moses' hands became limp, Amalek triumphed. Aaron and Hur stayed the hands of Moses until sunset, and Amalek was defeated.

The reason that the holding up the hands was effective, was not typical of enduring prayer, but it was the unity of claiming the power given by the rod of God. All of Israel had that promise of God, that His power would be with them, and as they looked upon the hill, they saw the rod of God promising them

With this the name of the memorial-altar, which Moses built there, called Jehovah-nissi, "the Lord my banner" agrees. The rod of God was the banner of God -a promise of Gods power that was given to the one who was to lead them to deliverance.

Amalek opposed Israel journey to the promised land of victory. Moses held the rod of God in the hand of faith. The rod must ever be uplifted in faith, to secure its promised blessing. Gods rod, in the hands of Gods children, is a powerful tool and weapon in this battlefield of today.

murjahel · Aug 10, 2013

GOD HAS POWER FOR US TODAY, A ROD

God always gives anyone that is called to ministry the might and miraculous power that is needed. Moses here is promised the power, with the rod of God, to do miracles that are needed. Ministerial badges, denominational licenses, or robes with turned around collars, do not give us authority nor success in ministries.

We need the miraculous power of God, with signs and wonders following, in order to succeed in any of our callings from God. The people could not say: "The Lord did not appear to you..." for the Lord was bestowing miraculous signs to indicate that He was still appearing to Moses. God gave Moses signs to show that he was not inferior to the magicians of Pharaoh. The signs showed that Moses had greater powers from God than the Pharaoh's had from their demonic impersonators of God.

The miracles accompanying Moses, were symbols of divine power. The Pharaoh wore a diadem, and upon it were the symbolic signs of divine power. Moses had no diadem. He had a rod, and with that rod came the power of God to show that His God was greater than the gods of Pharaoh. Our God will still back up His chosen, His elect, His called, His anointed, and His witnesses.

Mark 16:17-18
"And these signs shall follow them that believe; in My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover..."

John 14:12
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works that these shall he do; because I go unto My Father."

Why should a person claim a divine call or mission without the power and miraculous anointing to demonstrate the calling of God???

Moses had a rod, and we have the promises of Jesus, and the infilling of the Spirit, to give us the greater power now, than even Moses had with that rod.

Christ told the disciples:
Acts 1:4-8
"...commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, Which, saith he, ye have heard of Me... Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto Me..."

The disciples were to have a Holy Spirit anointed ministry, with signs and wonders following.

These were to be their credentials, and they were to await this empowering before beginning their ministries.

God desires to give us credentials before the world. They may not listen or recognize the credentials of God's power, but God still gives them.

WHAT WAS THE ROD OF GOD?

Exodus 4:2 (KJV)
2 And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

Exodus 4:17 (KJV)
17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.

This rod mentioned in the Bible many times is called "the rod of God..."

Exodus 4:19-20 (KJV)
19 And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.
20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

A rod, but one called the ROD OF GOD. It was made the tool of working many miracles. The rod of God, a sign of Gods power, by which Moses was to perform all his miracles.

In mythology, the devil used the idea of a rod, to counterfeit Gods power. The rod of Mercury in mythology was said to have wrought many miracles. It was even said to kill and to make alive, to send souls to an invisible world and bring them back. But those kind of counterfeits cannot denigrate the real rod of God. The devils imitations, his fictional copies, are mere illusions of power. God has for Moses and for us, the real rod of power. Moses was told to take this rod, and hold it up, to secure victory for Gods people in the battle.

Exodus 17:9 (KJV)
9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

Moses took his position on the top of a hill, holding in his hand, the rod of God. As long as the rod was held up, Israel dominated the battle. Yet, when Moses' hands became limp, Amalek triumphed. Aaron and Hur stayed the hands of Moses until sunset, and Amalek was defeated.

The reason that the holding up the hands was effective, was not typical of enduring prayer, but it was the unity of claiming the power given by the rod of God. All of Israel had that promise of God, that His power would be with them, and as they looked upon the hill, they saw the rod of God promising them victory.

With this the name of the memorial-altar, which Moses built there, called Jehovah-nissi, "the Lord my banner" agrees. The rod of God was the banner of God -a promise of Gods power that was given to the one who was to lead them to deliverance.

Amalek opposed Israel journey to the promised land of victory. Moses held the rod of God in the hand of faith. The rod must ever be uplifted in faith, to secure its promised blessing. Gods rod, in the hands of Gods children, is a powerful tool and weapon in this battlefield of today.

TRADITIONAL ROD, OR SPECIAL GIFT?

The traditional idea of a rod is a piece of a tree limb used for support or as a weapon. It became a symbol of authority. The reason this rod was a symbol of authority, and the reason it is called "the rod of God" is because its origin is not simply a branch Moses used to aid his support.. Its origin is from God, and the book of Jasher tells us the needed details to understand why it became the symbol of authority to Moses, and to all the Hebrew people.

This rod, we have assumed was a piece of a tree limb, like other rods of the day. Those kind of rods were used as a weapon, to protect oneself, or the sheep that the shepherd was protecting.

Yet, according to Jasher 77:39-51 , it was a "sapphire stick" that had the name of the Lord God of Hosts written upon it. It is the same sceptre which God held as He created the earth and the universe.

It was given to Adam to till the ground after his expulsion from the garden, and represented the authority and dominion over the earth given to Adam.

It was passed down. First, Noah, then successively to Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and finally to Joseph. Then following the death of Joseph, some in Egypt kept it until it came to Jethro (Reuel). Jethro left Egypt with it, and placed it within his garden. It became impossible for anyone to remove it from the place wherein it was planted. Jethro knew that only the worthy person to have it would be able to remove it. Mythology took this story from Jasher, and incorporated it into some of the fiction of the devils.

Moses walked up to this rod of God, read Gods name, and removed it. Jethro offered Zipporah to Moses in marriage, to bring favor from Moses. This is how Moses came into possession of the "rod of God..."

Some may not accept Jashers account of the rod. Some may choose to think of it as a short branch from a tree. Either way, this rod of God had power from God flow through it.
With this rod:

was brought hail and lightning
(Exodus 9:23),
locusts
(Exodus 10:13),
a rock was smitten and water came forth
(Exodus 17:5-7, Numbers 20),
it was changed into a serpent (snake)
(Ex 4),
It was held over the waters and the waters parted...
etc.

NOBODIES CAN HAVE THE ROD OF GOD

When God called Moses, He asked him, "What is in thine hand?" Moses answered, "A rod." Then God told Moses, "Thou shalt take this rod in thine hand wherewith thou shalt do signs..." (Exodus 4:2-17)

Moses was a nobody, a criminal, one hiding in the desert, unwanted by his own people, a criminal to his enemies. He was a nobody. But God had a rod of power for him to use.

This rod represented the great power of God that God bestows as a gift upon us. We have been promised to be able to do greater works than Christ did when He walked this earth, because of an enduement of Power from on high, that we would be given.

The Holy Spirit was shown in type by this "rod of God..."

As a gift to the men of God in the Old Testament, this rod was thrown down, when the situation required a miracle. We too can call on the Holy Spirit when the situation calls for a miracle, a gift of the Spirit is always available to God's chosen people, the church.

The saints in the church are nobodies in this world. We have no power, no great authority, no miraculous strength. Yet, the Holy Spirit fills us with power, His power.

Moses was about to face the great struggle to free God's people from Egypt. He needed the power of God to help him.

We, the nobodies of today, are now engaged in the struggle against the devil to free the saints from this earth via the rapture, and we are struggling against the sin, and the demonic cohorts of the devil who try to ensnare sinners so they cannot escape with us.

The Holy Spirit, His power, His miraculous workings are needed by us, especially in these last days.

"Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me..." (Psalms 23:4).

The Holy Spirit is the "Comforter..."

The rod of God, i.e. the Holy Spirit of power, is with us, to show forth the power of God.

God took what Moses, a nobody, having only a the rod in his hand. God showed that nobody, that is all he would need.

God can use the weakest nobody to accomplish the greatest ends.
　
All the wisdom of Egypt could not prepare him for the work of God.

Acts 7:22
"And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians..."

Yet, the attempts of Moses were carried out in the flesh, without the guidance, and direction of the Lord.

Acts 7:25
"For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them; but they understood not."

Therefore, God took Moses from the scene of Egypt to drain him of all self-sufficiency. These next years drained him from "somebody" to a "nobody" that God could use. Finally, Moses qualified, by realizing that he was "nobody".

Exodus 3:11
"And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

Why did God decide that this was the correct time to deliver the Hebrews? God heard the "groaning" of His people, He remembered His covenant of promise to them, and He loved this people...

Exodus 2:24-25
"And God heard their groaning, and remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them."

Exodus 3:7
"And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows..."

Moses was fully prepared, educated, but drained of all self-sufficiency. He had become a nobody that the rod of God could be then available to him. The power to part waters, bring victory, was the rod of God, not Moses.

murjahel · Aug 10, 2013

THE BUDDED AND FRUITFUL ROD...

The Holy Spirit wants us to have a rod, like unto Aarons Rod that Budded
　part 1
This is not like the 'rod of God' that Moses had, this was a personal rod, one that Aaron had made to help him. God wants our 'rod' to bud... to show life... to bear fruit.

The name Aaron means enlightened, rich, fluent. He was the eldest son of Amran. Miriam was his sister, and she was several years older. Aaron was three when Moses was born.
Moses took Aaron as his assistant. While Moses was slow of speech, Aaron was fluent and a ready spokesman. He is called Moses mouth (Ex. 4:16).

Aaron became a ready assistant to Moses. He had some failures, as the golden calf fiasco. Yet, Aaron repented, and was a good brother to Moses in the end.
　
　

THE DEAD BRANCH MADE ALIVE

The rod of God was carried by Moses. Aaron had a rod too. It was a branch, it once had been growing as part of a tree of this earth. It was now a dead branch. This rod was far different in type from the rod of God that Moses carried.

Moses held a rod that had power, the power of God.

Aaron had a rod that was a dead stick.

This dead branch represents our lives.

We are of this world, but we are not sustained by this world any longer, we are dead in sins. There needs to be a new life in us, we need to have a supernatural healing of the dead branch that we are.

The Lord told Moses to take the branch that was used by Levi, several generations before, and to write Aarons name upon it. This was to be laid in the tabernacle, in the presence of God.

Numbers 17:3-6 (KJV)
3 And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.
4 And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.
5 And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.
6 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.

The others took their rods and put them there with Aarons, to see which one would supernaturally blossom. The one that would blossom, was to be the lineage of the priesthood. We come to God and want to have supernatural, cathartic healing of our dead, hurting from the removal of life in us.

The other rods continued as they were. Aaron's rod became a living outgrowth from a life outside of itself. We are outgrowths of a life that comes to us from God, we have no life of ourselves, this body is mortal, and the spirit without God is dead. There were buds, blossoms, and fruit, and this was all miraculous.

Thus Aaron was shown there was in his rod a life, with this special life blessing of God. Fruitfulness is the evidence of a Divine call.

This rod was made to live, with evidence, with fruit of life, to prove to the murmurers, the doubters, that life was within.

Moses carried the rod that represented the power of God, but Aaron had the rod that represented the fruit of the Spirit, that is the evidence of the new life within.

The design of God is to take away sin, and provide us with power and a change of heart, a life that is bearing fruit for God. But the dry rod revived and blossomed to the confusion of the others, and proved that the presence of God, indwelling the dead, the lifeless branch, can make alive and fruitful.

The people cried out:
"Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish!"

Without the life of God in us that comes when we yield to the Lord in repentance for our sins, remove our own pride and self centeredness, we are but perishing, dead branches.

If we die, if we perish, it is because of our own selves. We bear the blame for our own deadness. Yet, we cannot take credit for our salvation. The buds and blossoms, the fruit of life, has to come from without ourselves, as it did in Aarons rod.
　
　
BY THE FRUITS WE ARE KNOWN

Numbers 17:5-11 (KJV)
5 And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.
6 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.
7 And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.
8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.
9 And Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod.
10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
11 And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he.

The Aaronical priesthood was never after disputed, after that, for the life was proven in that rod, by the fruit it produced.

The rod of Aaron budded, and produced buds, blossoms, and ripe fruit. The life of a Christian bears fruit. We may fail, we may sin, but the life within us brings us over and over back to repentance, back to bearing again the fruit of the Spirit.

The fruitfulness, the buds of good desires, the blossoms of holy resolutions, the ripe fruit of faith, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, kindness, all spring from the High Priest, our Lord Jesus.

Aaron's staff, perhaps the rods of all the tribes, were out of the amygdala communis, the almond tree. In that soil and climate, it grows to twenty feet in height: The blossoms of this tree are delicate red, coming early in March, having begun to bud in January. In Hebrew it is "shaked" from shakad, to awake, because it buds and flowers sooner than most other trees. So, the rods borne by many of Israel were made of this tree.

To see a dead branch long ago cut off from the tree, without bark or moisture remaining, put in a dry place for one night, produce not only buds, but also the flowers and fruit, was a demonstration of the peculiar intervention of God into the persons who come to Him in humble repentance.

MORE TO COME...

murjahel · Aug 11, 2013

part 2 ROD of AARON

THE ROD WAS PRESERVED IN THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

The rod of Aaron was put into the ark of the covenant. Christ Jesus is the sanctuary of mercy, and we are in Him, when we receive spiritual life. The ark of the covenant represents the Lord Jesus. Aaron's rod, the pot of manna, the tables of the law, all are in Jesus, our Sanctuary.

Hebrews 9:2-4 (KJV)
2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

The covenant of the law had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. The tabernacle, a tent was constructed, in which were the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table of shewbread in the Holy Place. Behind the next curtain was the Holy of Holies. In it was the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold. Above it were the golden cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat.

When we come to God, we are damaged by sin and the world, sinful in nature, sick from past sins. God puts life within us. Suddenly, the fruit of the Spirit is evident. We then dwell in Christ, in His very Presence.
　

THE MIRACLE OF PROOF TO THE WORLD

　
Exodus 7:8-12 (KJV)
8 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
9 When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.
10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods

When the rod of God that Moses carried turned into a serpent, it is the Hebrew word "nachash", a term that refers to normal snakes. The word for serpent in the case of the rod of Aaron is different, it is the Hebrew word tanninim. The word refers to a sea serpent (Job 7:12; Psalm 91:13; Isaiah 27:1; 51:9; Jeremiah 51:34; Ezekiel 29:3; 32:2, Lamentations 4:3).

As the rod changed into the sea monster, the magicians of Egypt turned theirs into crocodiles, and then the sea monster ate the crocodiles.

The pharaohs challenge, "Shew a miracle... brought the miracle proof, beyond doubt, that Jehovah is God, and that God had commissioned His servants. The question in the minds then, and stll now, is whether the gods of this world are equal to our God. There are many religions, many other gods that are worshipped, but our God is far superior.

The inferiority of their power was proven when" Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods." The hardness of the heart of pharaoh made him still resist this proof, and he refused to admit God to be the only God of poower.

When he cast down his rod, and it became a sea serpent, and "the magicians of Egypt" "did cast down theirs too, the superiority of Aaron appeared when his "rod swallowed up their rods."

All the false gods, the false religions are of no power over our God, and He put life into the rod of Aaron to show forth His great power and life in us.

The magicians' rods had become crocodiles but Aaron's rod, suddenly a sea serpent, swallowed them up, proving that God's power is greater than Satan's power.

The miracles of the magicians were that their rods were changed to crocodiles (Ex. 7:11-12), the turning of water to blood (Ex. 7:22), and their bringing up frogs (Ex. 8:7). These were astounding to the persons of that day. Yet, they were no match for the power of God. The devils have only limited power. In the future, the power of the devil through the false prophet and the antichrist will call fire down from heaven, and do some miracles to deceive (Mt. 24:24; 2Th. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:2,4,11-18; 16:13-16; 19:20).

Yet, then again, the power of God will be shown to be far superior, when God works through the two witnesses.

When the power of God changes our dead branch into a rod of budding, flowering, fruitful rod, we have new power within that is superior to all the power of the devils.

THE ALMONDS ON OUR RODS

Galatians 5:22-25 (KJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is the almond that the Holy Spirit produces. It is with purpose that Paul uses the word "Spirit", to denote that these fruit do not flow from our own nature.

The virtues which he enumerates are produced only by the person of the Holy Spirit. Hence Paul does not let it be thought that they can come from our own hearts, even when regenerated.

1. love

This love is one that is for God and for other persons. On the meaning of the word love, 1 Corinthians 13:1 was written, and embodies far more than mankind could ever create.

2. Joy

In the love of God there will be joy. By the pardon of salvation from our sins, there comes a communion with the Redeemer. As we begin to serve Him, the joy continues.

3. Peace

This comes with realization of the reconciliation with God.

Romans 5:1 (KJV)
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

4. Long-suffering

When we are in affliction and trial, and when injured by others, we choose now to suffer long, and not to seek to retaliate.

1 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV)
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5. Gentleness

The word means goodness, kindness, benignity; unlike the harsh, mean temper. It is a mildness of temper, calmness of disposition, a politeness. The Holy Spirit sweetens the irritable; makes the heart kind; disposes us to make those near to us as happy as we can. This is a kind of politeness which is only authored by the Spirit.

6. Goodness

This is the disposition to benefit others.

Romans 15:14 (KJV)
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

7. Faithfulness

This is a fidelity, a faithful person to his word and promises, a person who can be trusted. The Holy Spirit makes a person faithful to neighbour, to friend, mate, to child. All pretensions to being Spirit filled and to not have fidelity are deceitful.

8. Meekness

This is the taking of offences as though they were not cumbersome. It is the accepting of the troubles in life, as though they are all going to work together for good.

9. Temperance

This is self-control. It is derived from strength; and has reference to the power evil passions of all kinds. It speaks of self-rule of a person over the evil desires of his nature. We often think of abstinence from intoxicating drinks, but the word is much more extended in meaning. Temperance is dominion over all evil desires, a moderation to all indulgences, as well as abstinence from alcohol. Temperance makes a person moderate in all indulgences; teaches that person to restrain his passions, and to govern and to control his evil tendencies.
　

There is no law of God against these fruit. These things in a person should never be condemned. Law condemns sin and sin only. Those with the fruit of the Spirit are not sinning when they have the fruit of the Spirit.

They have crucified the flesh, have yielded to the Spirits control. The Spirit has therefore put these fruit upon the dead stick that is our life. We now have life in the dead rod.

If we live in the Spirit, we are under the influence of these fruit from the Spirit. Let our sins of intention cease, and if we fail, let it be unintentional, and be quickly repented. We profess not to be under the influence of the flesh; and to not be controlled by its appetites. Let us yield ourselves to his influences, and show that we are controlled by that Spirit.

The rod of Aaron spoke of this fruit, and this fruit should take over and change the dead branch we once were.

murjahel · Aug 12, 2013

THE HOLY SPIRIT
MAKES US TO BE
ARKS OF THE COVENANT

　
　

Inside the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, and later the temple, there was a rectangular golden box. This ark symbolized several things. In the Biblical days, it was a visible sign of the invisible God. By night, the fire dwelt above it, and by day, a cloud was above it.

It was Israels most valuable possession. Like we would have the flag, Israel had the ark. Battles were won, with this ark being carried by a choir to the battle.

This ark has been hidden away, and God will see it is returned in time for the end time events of the tribulation.

Someday, the Temple will be rebuilt.

The Orthodox Jews pray three times a day this prayer:
"May it be Thy will that the Temple be speedily rebuilt in our day..."

The preparation of the ritual implements (ceremonial vessels, musical instruments, vestments to be worn by the priests, etc.) are prepared and ready. The building materials are prepared, and only await the site, and assemblers.

Perhaps it will be built on the Temple mount. This original site for the Temple consists of 35 acres. On this site now sits the Al Aqsa Mosque. Islamic people consider it the holiest site in the world after Mecca and Medina.

No Jew will walk on any part of the Temple site for fear of walking on the Holy of Holies site. The Islamic world is also anxious to keep all Jewish people off this mountain site. The thought of a Temple being rebuilt there, is the dream of the Jewish world, and the nightmare of the Islamic world.

To inspire the rebuilding of the Temple, there first must be something to put into the Holy of Holies. The ARK OF THE COVENANT is the first piece of furniture originally made for the Temple. There is no reason for the Temple, other than the ARK. The ARK represented God's effort to reach mankind.

The ARK was an oblong box, 3 3/4 feet by 2 1/4 feet by 2 1/4 feet. It was made of achaia wood, overlaid with gold. This ARK represents Christ as our security. The lid upon the top was solid gold, and was called the "mercy seat." The crown around the top of the mercy seat, is a symbol of sovereignty of Jesus the King of Kings. Two golden cherubim, symbols of God's holiness, were atop the mercy seat. God's shekinah glory dwelt between these cherubim. Blood was sprinkled upon the mercy seat by the High Priest every Day of Atonement.

The ARK contained:

1. Manna
The pot of manna, from the 40 years that the Jewish people wandered the wilderness, represented Christ as our Bread of Life. He is the true food of the saints. Christ is our all-sufficient supply.

John 6:51
"I am the bread of life..."

2. Budding Rod
The rod of Aaron budded and yielded almonds. The rod symbolized the resurrection power of God that brings us the fruit of the Spirit, and soon, eternal life. Christ's resurrection guarantees ours.

3. Tables of law
God wants the law to be written on our hearts, and the tables of law symbolize that.

Where is this ark? Is it lost? hidden? destroyed? Will it ever be seen again? Will it be in the temple of the tribulation period? If not, why will they rebuild the Temple??? The Ark is to be found in the last days, according to the Bible.

Jeremiah 3:16
"And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, they shall say no more, 'The Ark of the covenant of the Lord', neither shall it come to mind, neither shall they remember it, neither shall they visit it, neither shall that be done anymore."

If they have to cease visiting the Ark after Christ Jesus returns to the earth, it must be "visitable" before He comes. Therefore, it must be that it will be found.
　

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT SHALL BE RETURNED
　
Zephaniah predicts that:
Zephaniah 3:10
"From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, My supplicants, even the daughter of My dispersed, shall bring Mine offering..."

The "offering" referred to here is the Ark.

The key chapter to see in reference to the return of the Ark is Isaiah 18. It speaks in that chapter of an "ensign." This is the Hebrew word "nes" which refers to a national symbol. It tells of an "Ensign" being "lifted up...on the mountains" in Ethiopia. It is to be the "present... brought to the Lord of Hosts..."

This chapter 18 of Isaiah speaks of an army surrounding the people of God, and the "ensign" being carried out, and the enemy falls dead

It is the finding of this ensign (nes) that brings the Jews back to Jerusalem and Israel as never before. Some of the Jews of the world have already returned to the land, but many millions still are in the United States, and many are still in Russia. The Russian Jews are fleeing that country now since the break up of the government. The ones in the United States still need impetus to return to the land. One of the things that God will use to inspire them to return to Israel, is the return of the Ark from Ethiopia where God has hidden it for these last days.

Isaiah 5:26
"And He will lift up an ensign to the nations from afar, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth, and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly."

Isaiah 11:11-15
"And He shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth... the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea and with His mighty wind shall He shake His hand over the river and shall smite it in the seven streams, and shall make men go over dryshod..."

　
This is clearly reference to miracles during the return of the Ark from Ethiopia to Israel. The waters of the Red Sea shall again part, and the Ark will be carried over it on dry ground.

The Ark was not built the first time the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea on dry ground. Miracles will make mankind to be astonished and realize that God will again bless the Jews as never before.

The Ark will put fear into the heart's of Israel's enemies. They will see the water's part, and they will see the "cloud by day, and the fire by night" that is above the Ark, and leading the way back to Israel.

Isaiah 31:8-9
"Then shall the Assyrian (a reference to the Antichrist) fall with the sword, and he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the Lord Whose fire is in Zion."

How did this Ark of the Covenant get to Ethiopia? The story is quite well known in these last days. In the Saturday Evening Post of September 21, 1935, there is an article called "THE KING OF KINGS" by Gordon MacCreaugh. He interviewed Haile Selassie. This man, Haile Selassie told of the Queen of Sheba who went to visit Solomon many centuries earlier. She bore to Solomon a son, named Menelik. When Menelik was of age, he visited his father, Solomon. Solomon was so pleased with Menelik, that he built him an exact replica of the Ark of the Covenant. At his farewell party, Menelik encouraged the priests to get drunk, and then he switched the Arks. He took the real one back to Ethiopia.

In the Encyclopedia Britannica, under "Aksum" (the ancient capital of Ethiopia), it says:
"It (Aksum) contains the ancient church where according to tradition, the tabot, or Ark of the Covenant, brought from Jerusalem by the son of Solomon and the queen of Sheba, was deposited and is still supposed to rest."

The Ark has been seen within this city, and in the "Church of Saint Mary of Zion." This city of Aksum is in the Tigre province of northern Ethiopia. It is a few miles west of the city of Adwa. It is a city built upon a mountain (7000 feet in altitude) the Ethiopian Jews and Christians have named "Mt. Zion."

Many of the Levitical priesthood fled to this nation of Ethiopia over the years, and the nation has long had a strong Jewish community. The only Jews that we know can assuredly prove that they are of the tribe of Levi, are the Falasha Jews of Ethiopia. One of these Jews was the Ethiopian eunuch that Philip won to the Lord in the desert. Since that time, there has also been a strong Christian community in Ethiopia.
Some of the Jewish Ethiopians were returned to Israel some time back, but they were from southern Ethiopia.

The Ark of the Covenant is hidden in a lower chamber of the church. It is guarded by a man who is put there when the last one who guarded it died. He spends his whole life guarding this Ark. It is located in the seventh of seven circular chambers underneath this ancient church. Many Christians and Jews know of the location of the Ark. The fact that the enemies are surrounding this area, and have been surrounding it for a number of years, has made it impossible to retrieve it as we would like. God tells of the destruction of this enemy army, when the Ark will be carried out as a last measure and hope of defense. After the miraculous destruction of the enemy army, the Ark will be returned to Mt.Zion in Israel.

The Jews have been preparing for this event. The preparations are all done for the Temple.

DURING THE FIRST ADVENT, JESUS WAS THE ARK
　

Jesus was the visible Representation of God. He represented God the Father, and to see Jesus was like unto seeing God the Father.
　
　
John 14:8-11 (KJV)
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

PRESENTLY, WE ARE THE ARKS OF GOD

John 17:18 (KJV)
18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

The priesthood of believers are the present day arks. God dwells in us, we present Him to the world.

John 14:17 (KJV)
17 Even the Spirit of truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

We, the children of God, are the dwelling place of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV)
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, ...

Where we go, God goes. He is ever with us, dwelling in us, and we represent Him to the world, as did the ark of the covenant.

In these days, we carry the presence of God with us. It is vital to make sure we carry Gods presence with honor and with dignity. When people meet us, do they sense the presence of God with us? Do you have an answer from Gods Word for them? Do you find yourself surrounded by Gods presence? You should, for you are the ark of God. The Levites carried about the land, the ark of the old covenant.

The ark contained the tables of the law, and God wants the law written upon our hearts and minds.

The ark contained the bowl of manna, and God wants us to feast on the Living Bread of life.

The ark contained Aarons rod that budded, bloomed, and bore fruit. God wants us to bear the fruit of the Spirit.

The cloud led the ark about the wilderness, and God wants the Spirit to be our Guide.

The ark symbolized victory, and as the ark was carried about Jericho thirteen times, we are to walk in victory with the Lord.

more to come

murjahel · Aug 13, 2013

part 2 of The Holy Spirit makes us to be 'ARKS'...

THE ARK SYMBOLIZED GODS POWER

Psalm 132:8 (KJV)
8 Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.

Here, the ark is seen as that seat of the powerful and glorious presence of God. It is from that ark, His heavenly home, that He manifests His strength to mankind. We are the bearers of the power of God in this time. We are to have signs following. We are to do the works that Christ did, and even greater works. The power was received on Pentecost, for the arks of God in this age to have mighty works. If we ask anything in Christs name, He promises to do it.

THE MERCY SEAT

The mercy seat is from a Greek word meaning propitiation, which is atonement, covering. It was a covering to come between Gods shekinah glory above the ark, and the law below the mercy seat. Like the blood of Jesus that covers for the broken law, this mercy seat represents Jesus as our covering, our atonement, that makes God able to dwell upon us. Jesus is our intercessor, so when God looks into us, instead of just the broken law, He sees the blood covering for those sins. The High Priest took blood on the Day of Atonement once a year, and sprinkled it upon the mercy seat on the ark. Jesus applied His blood, once and for all, upon us, His current arks.

THE TABLES OF LAW IN THE ARK

Hebrews 10:16 (KJV)
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

The first set of stones with the law upon them were broken. In our lives, we have broken the laws of God too. The Lord wants the Word written upon our hearts, in obedience to Him, we are to live.

The Word is to abide in us, with us. We are told to abide in Him, and His Word is to abide in us. We are told to keep the Word hidden in our hearts, that we might not sin against Him. The law is to be carried in our hearts and minds.

MANNA IN THE ARK

John 6:51-58 (KJV)
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

The Lord wants us to feast on Jesus, and His Word. This feast promises us eternal life.
　
　
　
AARONS ROD THAT BUDDED, BLOSSOMED, AND BORE FRUIT

This is symbolic of the fruit if the Spirit that are to a part of the life of those who are the arks of this day. When we are seen by this world, we are to be the love, joy, peace, etc. that is like unto our Lord Himself.

To the Israelite in the Old Testament, the ark was the most valued possession. The world today does not realize the value of the priesthood of believers today, who are the arks of this time. We not only secure blessing from God upon this world, we are the hindering force that keeps the devil from bringing the next horrid thing to this world, i.e. the revelation of the Antichrist.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (KJV)
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Just as Sodom and Gomorrah were judged after Lot and his family exited, so the presence of the arks in this world keep God from allowing the devil to wreak his havoc upon the earth. When the rapture occurs, the arks will depart, and God will allow the tribulation to ensue.

mrhappy3 · Aug 13, 2013

amazing info.

murjahel · Aug 14, 2013

The Garments
with which the Holy Spirit
wants to RE-CLOTHE our spirit
for our Ministry

　

SIGNIFICANT GARMENTS FOR MINISTRY

The clothing of the priesthood had great significance. Today, we, in Christianity, have paid too little attention to it. But it is to be our spiritual clothing. The typology of the garments of the priesthood shows us much of what the Lord wants us to know about our spiritual dress.

The High Priest, Joshua, spoken of in Zechariah, had to have his filthy garments removed, and priestly garments put upon him. We too, in these last days, need to remove our soiled, inappropriate garments removed, and re-dress into the garments, prescribed in shadow, in the Old Testament.

To have effective ministries, we need the gifting of the Holy Spirit in our re-clothing. We must remove our filthy garments, and replace them with the garments of the priesthood, each having spiritual typology to illustrate how the Lord wants us to be.

At a very early time, man learned to spin, to weave cloth of hair, wool, cotton, flax, etc. Certain simple styles were continued from generation to generation. Our way has changing styles, hemlines, materials, etc. but in that land there have been few changes. Many of the same type of garments worn in that area today, are like those worn in Moses day.

The clothing was not drab, but colorful and beautiful. It was graceful and modest. The clothing was exceedingly significant. The clothes told who they were, what position they had in life, their religious beliefs, and their emotional state.

TYPES OF CLOTHING

The types of clothing of the priests of that day were, breeches, broidered coats, girdles (belts or sashes), ephods, robes of the ephod, and mitres.

BREECHES were inner tunics. They were long pieces of cotton or linen worn as an apron, inner skirt for warmth or protection.

BROIDERED COAT were tunics, a long shirt like garment, usually with long sleeves, and extended down to the ankles. It was held in place by a girdle.

GIRDLES were made of cloth or leather. Usually, it consisted of a square yard of material, folded into a triangle, and then folded into a sash-like belt, 5 - 8 inches wide. It not only held the garments close to the body, but formed a pocket-like part to the garments, holding money, food, etc.

EPHOD was a vest like garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet and linen. On each shoulder piece were onyx stones. Attached to this, by golden chains, was the breastplate. It was worn over the robe.

ROBE OF THE EPHOD was a mantle or cloak. It was a large, loose fitting garment. It came in different styles indicating different professions. The high priests were to have pomegranates and bells on the fringe of such a garment.

MITRE was a headdress, a turban, skull-cap. The mitre was made of thick linen wound around the head.

SHOES AND SANDALS The shoes were usually soft leather. The sandals were hard leather, and it was customary to have two pairs.

OUR SPIRITUAL GARMENTS
ARE TO GIVE GLORY AND BEAUTY,
BUT ALSO INDICATE
POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

Exodus 28:2-4
"And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise-hearted, who I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aarons garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priests office. And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle; and they shall make holy garments for Aaron, thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto Me in the priests office."

The garments dignified Aarons person with glory and beauty.

The office they represented gave dignity to Aaron. The office of a priest is glorious and beautiful.

The garments of the priest typify the various powers, responsibilities, and qualities of a priest. A number of meaningful garments were used by the priest.

1. The embroidered coat...

Exodus 28:39
And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen..."

This was really a tunic, the innermost garment, completely hidden by the other garments. It was placed on the priest first, after his cleansing wash (Lev. 8:7). It was interwoven, as a net. Fine twined linen was linen that was twisted into a strand of many threads, to give it strength. That material was interwoven to make this garment.

This tunic, in type, showed the purity of the ministry. He had to cleanse himself, before putting on this garment. We, the saints, cleanse through repentance, and then put on the righteousness of Christ. As coats were made for Adam and Eve, to hide the shame of their nakedness, there is a need for a personal cleansing, and a clothing of righteousness to be put upon us.

2. The ephod...

Exodus 28:5-6
"And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen. And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work."

There were two materials, gold and fine twined linen, and three colors of the linen, blue, purple, and scarlet. The method of using the gold is described in Exodus 39:3:
"And they did beat the gold into thin plates, anc cut it into wires, to work it in the blue.... the purple..., the scarlet, and the fine linen, with cunning work."

The blue represents the heavenly nature of our ministry.

The purple represents the fact that we are to rule and reign with Jesus.

The scarlet represents the blood of Jesus that must cover our lives, to atone for our sins.

The gold wires represent the fact we have been adopted into the royal family of God.

These are all wonderful endowments of the Spirit upon us in our ministries.

3. The ephod girdle...

Exodus 28:7-8
"It shall have the two shoulder pieces thereof joined at the two edges thereof, and so shall it be joined together. And the curious girdle of the ephod which is upon it shall be of the same, according to the work thereof, even of gold, of blue, of purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen."

The ephod was made of two pieces joined together at the shoulders and bound to the high priest by a girdle or belt.

The girdle was like a belt of our day, holding the garments tight to the body, so work could be done without the garments interfering with movement.

Exodus 28:4, 39
"A broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle... and thou shalt make the girdle of needlework."

This girdle was made of the same materials as the vail.

The girdle represents TRUTH"...

Isaiah 11:5
"Righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness (truth) the girdle of His reins."

Jesus girded Himself with a towel and washed His disciples feet, and then wiped them with that towel. That towel was like a belt or girdle to Him, and it represented the cleansing nature of truth to our lives. The girdle bound other garments to the body, as a belt, and the towel-girdle wiped away the defilements of the earth by the righteousness and truth of Jesus.

In the Biblical description of the armor we are to wear in our spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:13-17), we find mention that we should have our loins girt about with truth."

The armor with which the Lord clothes us spiritually, helps us stand and withstand the attacks of our enemy, the devil.

Truth of God is what keeps our other garments from interfering with our battle, without truth, the garments of life would hinder ius. Without truth, the other armor is invalidated, made useless, and worthless. If the armor is not snug, it is hard to fight, truth keeps our armor snug.

4. Robe of the ephod...

Exodus 28:31-32
"And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod, all of blue. And there shall be a hole in the top of it, in the midst thereof, it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of a habergeon (a breastplate of armor), that it be not rent."

This is the first occurrence of the word robe in the Bible. The robe is a special garment, showing special dignity, a robe indicating office. It was to be blue, the color of the heavens, typifying the heavenly nature of the priestly office given to saints. It covered the priest from head to foot. It was all of one piece, woven, and the top was reinforced so it could not be torn. It was tradition in that culture that when blasphemy, or terrible tragic news was heard, one would rend their garment by grabbing the garment at the neckline, and tearing. This was not to be possible, for the heavenly nature was not to be spoiled or denigrated by unpleasant events. Despite failings, wanderings, sins all about us, the nature of the priesthood is still of God, His nature clothes us. The robe of the ephod represents the heavenly peace that is to clothe us, it often passes understanding. Jesus first words said after the resurrection to the disciples, was Peace be unto you".

Once we were enemies of God, now forgiven, and at peace with God, so all the lack of peace in the world cannot disturb that peace we have from God.

At the hem of this robe, were golden bells and pomegranates.

Exodus 28:33-35
"And beneath, upon the hem of it, thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, of purple, of scarlet, round about the hem thereof, and bells of gold between them round about... his sound shall be heard when he goeth into the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not."

The only adornings of the robe were these pomegranates, and golden bells.

Pomegranates were fruit of the promised land.

Numbers 13:23 "land of vines, fig trees, and pomegranates..."

Springing from the peace of heaven is the fruit of the Spirit. It is due to the peace with God that we have fruit. Fruit is the spontaneous manifestation of life within us. The works may be a result of a servile nature, but fruit demand inner life to bud forth.

see part 2

murjahel · Aug 14, 2013

part 2... of THE GARMENTS THE HOLY SPIRIT WANTS TO RE-CLOTHE US WITH SPIRITUALLY

The bells were between the pomegranates.

The sound was to be heard as testimony to the priests work. The sound was to be heard, so that he die not. It was not just proof of life, it was to insure life. The bells speak of testimony, speaking forth the praises and worship of the Lord. We cannot approach God without worship; if we would try, we would die in failure.

If you notice, in the verse, the sound of the bells was to be heard, that he die not. Silence would bring death. To keep the bells ringing, movement was necessary. The High Priest could not nap, rest, or become immobile. He had to keep moving, working. Our testimonies also, need to be constant, not a re-telling of old things, but a constant testimony of what work we are sharing with the Lord, and what blessings are being received due to our constant service to Him. The bells speak of a heavenly ring. Out in the camp, there were the rebellious, the stiff-necked, the murmuring people, but in the holy place, there was to be the sound of golden bells, testimony of the deity of God.

In the vision of Revelation, the Son of Man is seen clothed in a priestly robe of blue. The robe is the Greek word podeerees, which is a garment down to the foot, and is the name given the robe of ephod by the translators of the Septuagint in Exodus 28:31. So, Jesus is ministering still today as our High Priest.

5. Mitre

Exodus 28:39
"And thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen."

This word mitre is the Hebrew word mitznepheth", meaning to roll and wind around. It is like a turban, a soft linen cloth that was rolled about the top of the head. It identified a person of that time, as one who had authority to judge. This is a position not often given to mankind. It is reserved for the High Priest, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Upon this mitre, was put a golden plate.

Exodus 28:36-38
"And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD. And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. And it shall be upon Aarons forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things... shall always be upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord."

If we were to judge or be judged for sin, without the golden plate upon the head, it would be disastrous. We deserve judgment, we minister to sinful people... but the holiness of the Lord is upon the mitre. The word plate when speaking of the golden plate, is the Hebrew word Tzeetz, meaning "flower". The holiness of the Lord is upon us, as a flower blooms in the garden, so the holiness of God is blooming in the lives of the saints of God.

We could not stand before God in our own holiness... but with the holiness of God, we can stand before God, even at the time of judgment.

Revelation 22:4 speaks of this golden plate, and its message, for it says of the servants of God, in the holy city, HIS NAME SHALL BE IN THEIR FOREHEADS.

The high priest wore the mitre, with the golden plate, but the priests wore bonnets.

Exodus 28:40
"And bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty."

The headdress of the priests were rolls of fine linen, folded like a turban around the head. Instead of the position of judgment, as the mitre indicated, the common bonnets were indications of subjection. We are subject to the High Priest, we are subject to the Lord. The covering of the head, without the crown or plate attached, indicated subjection. But our subjection to the Lord is beautiful and glorious. We should remember that the High Priest has the mitre for judgment, but we have the bonnet for subjection.

6. Linen breeches...

Exodus 28:42-43
"And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness, from the loins even unto the thighs shall they reach. And they shall be upon Aaron and his sons, ... that they bear not iniquity and die... it shall be a statute forever unto him and his seed after him."

These breeches seem to have been like aprons, wiping towels. They were to be used in certain service, while ministering in the holy place. Blood, incense, oil, bread were handled... and dust of the earth, dust that accumulates upon articles of furniture could defile and dirty the hands of the priest. The laver was to be used to often wash, but in between washings, some dirt and soil could be wiped with the breeches. We need frequent wipings and washings from the defilements of this sinful world.

These represent something added after salvation. There are additional cleansing that we need for failures that follow salvation. God wants continuous cleansing, especially when we notice the defiling caused by being in the midst of a sinful world.

In Zechariah 3:1-10, we read of a vision that speaks of the priesthood of the last days (of which we are). Joshua, the High Priest of that day was seen in the vision to be clothed in filthy garments. The priesthood of the current days, has lost the purity of vesture as shown to be necessary to properly do our priestly ministry. The filthy garments are removed, and the proper garments and mitre are placed upon the priest.

Today, we need to re-dress,. and every morning awaken, re-cleanse, and put on the garments provided for us by our Lord.

We need the righteousness of the Lord (broidered coat), we need the deity of being the family of God (robe of the ephod).

We need to remind ourselves of our royalty, sonship of relationship, the sacrifice of Christ for us (ephod).

We need to remind ourselves of the intercessory work we need to share with the Lord (breastplate).

We need to remember we are subject to our Lord, and are judged by our High Priest (bonnets and mitre).

The pomegranates should remind us to be fruitful, the bells should remind us of our necessity to be testimonies for the Lord.

The breeches should be reminders of the necessity of frequent cleansing.

It is time the priesthood of the current times, remove, or have removed by our Savior, the filthy garments, and then let our Lord, our High Priest, re-clothe us in the proper garments.

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