The Word for Today with Ray: October 2018

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

The Second Tabernacle Hebrews 9:7

According to the writer of Hebrews, the components of the “tabernacle of God” were “ordained” and “the priest went always into the first tabernacle” which “accomplished the service of God”. In chapter nine and verse seven of Hebrews the writer shared how “the high priest” went into the “second tabernacle” “alone once every year” where we read:

But into the second went the high priest alone once every year,

not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

The verse begins, “But into the second went the high priest alone once every year,...”. The writer began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “into the second” or “the following or afterward” “went the high priest” which refers to “went the chief of the priests” “alone” which means “forsaken, destitute of help, only and merely” “once every year” or “one time for all the expanse of time defined as a year”. The “high priest” only went into the “second” tabernacle called the “Holy of Holies” by himself only one time each year.

The verse continues, “...not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:”. The writer added the words, “not without blood” or “never without bloodshed”, “which he offered” which means “which the priest brought in, presented and put”, “for himself” or “for his own self”, “and for the errors” which means “for the sins committed through ignorance, shortcomings and thoughtlessness” “of the people” which refers to “the people group, tribe, nation and all those who are of the same stock and language”. The “high priest” was commanded to enter into the “Holy of Holies” only one time per year, and he could not enter without a “blood sacrifice” for himself and for the “sins of the people”.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we see the rarity of the “high priest” being able to enter into the most Holy place within the tabernacle of God. He was only allowed to enter that “holy place” one time per year, and he could never enter it without a “blood sacrifice” which he offered for himself first, and then for the people's sins. Jesus did this when He entered the “Holy of Holies” in the heavenly “tabernacle” and offered Himself as a “blood sacrifice” for our sins. Jesus followed through this procedure to a relationship with people, and those who believe in His “sacrifice” for their “sins” shall have everlasting life with Him.

Next time we see “the Holy Ghost” “signifying” about “the holiest of all”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Accomplishing the Service of God Hebrews 9:6

The contents within the “tabernacle” of God, according to the writer of Hebrews, included many “golden” pieces including “the censer, the ark of the covenant, the pot of manna and the cherubim” which were “shadowing” the “mercy-seat”. In chapter nine and verse six of Hebrews the writer shares how each of the contents within the tabernacle were used in “accomplishing the service of God” where we read:

Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

The verse begins, “Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle,...”. The writer began with the words, “Now when these things” which means “even, moreover and nevertheless the components of the tabernacle” “were thus ordained” or “were made, furnished, equipped, prepared, erected and constructed”, “the priests” which refers to “the ones who offer sacrifices and in general is busied with sacred rites” “went always” which means “go in and enter constantly and continually” “into the first tabernacle” which refers to “in the chief and former tent which is that well known movable temple of God after the pattern of which the temple at Jerusalem was built”. When the components of the “tabernacle” were in place, the “priests” would go “into the first tabernacle”.

The verse goes on to say, “...accomplishing the service of God”. The writer continued with the words, “accomplishing” or “performing, executing, completing and finishing” “the service” which means “the ministration and performed sacred worship” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. As the “priests” ministered among these “golden” components of the “tabernacle” they “executed” the “sacred worship” of God.

When we meditate upon these words in Hebrews, we see how “the priests” knew to go into the “first tabernacle” to administer their acts of worship. These were “services” to God, and each of them corresponded to what Jesus later fulfilled. “Accomplishing the service of God” was Jesus' primary mission on the earth, and when He went to heaven, He entered the heavenly “Holy of Holies” where all these symbols were completely known and became the “holy and perfect” offering for our sins. May we learn that Jesus desires for us to believe in Him and His provision for our salvation.

Next time we see how “the high priest” “went alone once every year” into the “second tabernacle”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

The Cherubim of Glory Hebrews 9:5

The writer of Hebrews shared about the contents of the “tabernacle” of God which was brought in with the “first covenant” of God, and in chapter nine and verse five of Hebrews the writer shared how the “tabernacle” included “cherubim” which were “shadowing the mercy-seat” where we read:

And over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy-seat;

of which we cannot now speak particularly.

The verse begins, “And over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy-seat;”. The writer began with the words, “And over it” which means “above the mercy-seat” “the cherubim” which were “two golden figures of living creatures with two wings; they were fastened to the lid of the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies (both at the sacred tabernacle and of Solomon's temple) in such a manner that their faces were turned towards each other and down towards the lid with which they overshadowed with their expanded wings. Between these figures God was regarded as having fixed his dwelling place” “of glory” which means “honor, praise, dignity and worship” “shadowing” which refers to “the cherubim covering with a shade” “the mercy-seat” which means “appeasing, expiating, placating and a propitiation” and was “used of the cover of the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies which was sprinkled with the blood of the expiatory victim on the annual day of atonement ”. The “cherubim” were “covering” the “mercy-seat” which was on top of the “ark of the covenant”.

The verse continues, “of which we cannot now speak particularly.”. The writer added the words, “of which” or “that and whereof” “we cannot now speak” which means “the Hebrew writer was not at this present time or henceforth able to say, affirm, exhort, command or maintain” “particularly” or “regard or respect in any particular way”. The writer of Hebrews could not share all that was contained not only with the “cherubim” over the “mercy-seat” and the “ark of the covenant” but also with the entire contents of the “tabernacle” of God.

When we consider these words in Hebrews, we see more of the components of the “tabernacle” or “temple” of God. This reference is to the angelic “cherubim” that “covered” the “mercy-seat” which was over the “ark of the covenant”. These were more of the aspects of God's heavenly temple which served as a “shadow” of the heavenly temple wherein God dwells. This is where Jesus entered as our “great high priest” and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, and the more we realize the significance of the “tabernacle” of God and the contents therein, the more we shall realize the extent to which God wants to have a relationship with us through His Son. May all who read understand and believe.

Next time shares about “when these things were thus ordained”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Political Ads

Twas once in kindergarten way

as children we did learn to play

“Be nice” our teachers once did say

when in the kindergarten way

But adult didst thou become you see

and changed to different tune for thee

for political ads must run so free

and name buffoons that thus they be

A fool is she, a thief be he

a lier dost thou see

political ads forget ideas

the teacher taught to thee

For Him you dare not ever trust

His life is greatly filled with lust

Dimwit is she, she knows not best

For he be greater than the rest

And lest we not forget corrupt

investigations conjure up

crim'nal offense doth fill their cup

from their koolaid thou must not sup

And all the while the toddlers learn

“be kind” for never shall thou spurn

with this makeup thou must discern

for care of others be thy concern

And lest we labor more this way

the one repose that we can say

tom foolery shall finally stray

when political ads do go away

Ads, ads go away

don't come again another day

let kindergarten be our way

political ads not here to stay

Contents of the Tabernacle Hebrews 9:4

“A new covenant” brought in by God, according to the writer of Hebrews, included “ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary”, and “there was a tabernacle” that included “the candlestick, the table and the showbread” as well as “the Holiest of all” after “the second veil”. In chapter nine and verse four of Hebrews the writer shares how the “tabernacle” had more contents including a “golden censer, the ark of the covenant, the golden pot, Aaron's rod and the tables of the covenant” where we read:

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 verse begins, “Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold,...”. The writer began with the words, “Which had” or “that held, owned and possessed” “the golden” which means “made or overlaid with gold” “censer” which refers to “a utensil for fumigating or burning incense”, “and the ark” or “the wooden chest or box” “of the covenant” which refers to “the disposition, arrangement, compact or testament” “overlaid” which means “covered up or all around” “round about” or “from all sides and every quarter” “with gold” which refers to “valuable metal which lies imbedded in the earth and is dug out of it which has been smelted and worked”. Within the tabernacle of God was a “golden” “utensil for burning incense” and the “wooden box covered by gold” called the “ark of the covenant”.

The verse goes on to say, “...wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;”. The writer continued with the word, “Wherein” or “within and among” “was the golden” which means “made or overlaid with gold” “pot” or “the little jar laid up in the ark of the covenant” “that had manna” which means “what is it” and was “the food that nourished the Israelites for forty years in the wilderness”, “and Aaron's” whose name means “light-bringer” and was “the brother of Moses, the first high priest of Israel and head of the whole priestly order” “rod” or “staff and walking stick” “that budded” which means “that sprouted, brought forth new leaves and produced”, “and the tables” or “the flat, broad tablet, plane and level surface” “of the covenant” which means “the disposition, arrangement, compact or testament”. In addition to the “golden incense burner” and the “ark of the covenant”, the tabernacle also included “the golden pot with manna, Aaron's rod that budded” and bloomed in the wilderness and “tables of the covenant” or stone tablets whereupon God wrote the ten commandments.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we discover how the writer is going through the contents of the tabernacle piece by piece. He is bringing his reader's attention toward familiar items within the “tent” or “temple” of God, so He can show their direct relationship to Jesus Christ. All of these items, as valuable as they may be, point in the direction of Jesus, and when we realize how God has this in His mind all the while, we shall discover how intentional He was in bringing salvation to people through Jesus Christ His only begotten Son.

Next time the writer shares about “the cherubim of glory” within the tabernacle, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

The Second Veil Holiest of All Hebrews 9:3

The writer of Hebrews shared how “there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread”, and in chapter nine and verse three of Hebrews the writer shares how the “first covenant” had “the second veil” which is called “the Holiest of all” where we read:

And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

The verse begins, “And after the second veil,...”. The writer began with the words, “And after” which means “and with or behind” “the second” or “the other of two” “veil” which means “the curtain with the name given to the two curtains in the temple at Jerusalem. One of them at the entrance to the temple separated the Holy Place from the outer court and the other veiled the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place”. The writer referred to what was “behind” the “second veil” in the tabernacle.

The verse continues, “...the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;”. The writer added the words, “the tabernacle” or “the tent which was that well known moveable temple of God after the pattern of which the temple at Jerusalem was built” “which is called” which means “that is affirmed over, spoken to and maintained, exhorted, advised, commanded and directed as” “the Holiest” or “the most reverend and worthy of veneration” “of all” which means “above every other”. Behind the “second veil” was the “Holy of Holies” wherein was the presence of God

When we meditate upon these words in Hebrews, we see God's design for the “Holy of Holies” within the tabernacle which Moses erected in the wilderness. This was the place of God's presence, and He agreed to dwell with the people of Israel in this manner. Jesus Christ is now seated “at the right hand of God” whose throne is in the heavenly “Holy of Holies”, and since Jesus was perfect on earth, He is now able to be in the very presence of God interceding on behalf of all who believe in and trust in Him.

Next time the writer shares about “the golden censer” within the tabernacle, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

The Tabernacle Sanctuary Hebrews 9:2

The writer of Hebrews declared “the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary”, and in chapter nine and verse two of Hebrews the writer shares how the “first covenant” had “a tabernacle” “which is called the sanctuary” where we read:

For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick,

and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary.

The verse begins, “For there was a tabernacle made;”. The writer began with the words, “For” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “there was a tabernacle” or “there was a tent which was the well known movable temple of God after the pattern of which the temple at Jerusalem was built” “made” which means “constructed and fashioned”. The writer referred to the “tabernacle” or “tent” that was constructed by Moses when Israel marched through the wilderness.

The verse goes on to say, “the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary.”. The writer continued, “the first” or “the chief in rank, succession, influence or honor”, “wherein” which means “with, among and through”, “was the candlestick” or “the lamp stand or candelabrum”, “and the table” which refers to “the place upon which food, a banquet or a feast is put”, “and the showbread” or “the twelve loaves of wheaten bread, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel which were offered to God every Sabbath and separated into two rows which lay for seven days upon a table placed in the sanctuary or front portion of the tabernacle and afterwards of the temple” “which is called” or “spoken to be, affirmed and maintained as” “the sanctuary” which means “the place deemed as reverend, worthy of veneration and set apart exclusively for God ”. “The candlestick, the table, and the showbread” were all parts of the place of worship of God.

When we consider these words in Hebrews, we see how the “first covenant” of God contained “holy” aspects and fixtures. “The tabernacle, the candlestick, the table and the showbread” were all parts of the “first covenant”, and the value of them was ordained by God. These all pointed to Jesus Christ, and as the writer continues to share concerning these things, let us see the mind and wisdom of our great and awesome God who so desired a relationship with people that He brought all these things together just so we could connect with Him.

Next time the writer shares about “the Holiest of all”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Damaging Tongue

What hast thou there unwitted one

who doth not seem to care

For with thy mouth thou pourest forth

thy venom unaware

For bitter drink hast filled thy soul

which flows from deep within

and brings about the damaged kind

destroyed by thy great sin

Thy words reveal thy wicked soul

by carnage thou hast laid

with every cutting mark which thou

so skillfully hath made

And victims pale silent retreat

whose souls thou markest well

who take with them thy wicked words

the damages from hell

Divine Service and Worldly Sanctuary Hebrews 9:1

“A new covenant” ordained by God, according to the writer of Hebrews, “made the first covenant” “old”. In chapter nine and verse one of Hebrews the writer shares how the “first covenant” had “ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary” where we read:

Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

The verse begins, “Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service,...”. The writer began with the words, “Then verily” which means “therefore, accordingly, consequently and these things being so truly, certainly, surely and indeed” “the first covenant” or “the former and first in rank, honor and influence disposition, arrangement, compact or testament” “had also” which means “both, likewise and even” “ordinances” which refers to “righteousness, judgment and justification” “of a divine service” or “sacred ministration and worship of God according to the requirements of the Levitical law”. The “first covenant” had laws and rules pertaining to the “sacred ministry” that was to be offered to God.

The verse continues, “...and a worldly sanctuary.”. The writer added the words, “and a worldly” or “an earthly, mundane and terrain” “sanctuary which means “holy spot which is set apart for God to be as it were, exclusively his”. The “first covenant” was kept in an “earthly holy place” which was set apart for God.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we see that the “first covenant” of God had “judgments” of “sacred” ministry, and these were set in a “holy earthly place” which was set apart for Him. This fulfilled the “law of God” and provided the means by which people could relate to God. Now we have Jesus Christ as our perfect high priest who sacrificed Himself for our sins, and all who put their trust in Him, “shall not perish, but have everlasting life”. (John 3:16)

Next time the writer shares about “a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Decayed, Old and Ready to Vanish Away Hebrews 8:13

The writer of Hebrews shared how God would “be merciful to” people's “unrighteousness”, and that “their sins and their iniquities” would He “remember no more”. In chapter eight and verse thirteen of Hebrews the writer referred to the “old covenant” as he said, “that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish” where we read:

In that he says, A new covenant, he has made the first old.

Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.

The verse begins, “In that he says, A new covenant, he has made the first old.”. The writer began with the words, “In that he says” which means “God speaks, affirms, exhorts, advises, commands and directs” “A new” or “recently made, fresh, recent, unused and unworn” “covenant” or “disposition, arrangement, compact or testament”, “he has made” which means “ furnish, produce, fulfill, arrange and dispose of by will” “the first old” or “the chief or former in succession, rank, influence or honor to be ancient, worn out and about to be abrogated”. When God brought in the “new covenant”, it made the first one “obsolete”.

The verse continues, “Now that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away.” The writer added the words, “Now that which decays” or “at this time, moreover, also and that which is ancient, worn out and about to abrogated” “and waxes old” which means “grows old, failed from age and obsolescent” “to vanish away” which means “disappears or is abrogated”. Whenever something becomes “ancient and worn out”, it is time for it to “disappear” from use.

When we meditate upon these words in Hebrews, we see how God was ready to put aside His “first covenant” once He brought the “second” one. The first “covenant” was good, but it was contingent upon man keeping God's law. Man could not keep His law, so God brought in the “new covenant” which was contingent upon Jesus' righteousness with the “law of God”. Because Jesus kept the law of God perfectly, the “new covenant” was ordained and the “first covenant” was made old and obsolete. May all who read these words realize the value of the “new covenant” of God, and turn to Jesus Christ as the only One who is righteous before God.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see how the “first covenant” had “ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

God Merciful to Unrighteousness Hebrews 8:12

According to the writer of Hebrews, when the “new covenant” came in, people “shall not teach every man his neighbor” because “all shall know” the Lord, and in chapter eight and verse twelve of Hebrews the writer shares how God will “be merciful to their unrighteousness” where we read:

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,

and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

The verse begins, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness,...”. The writer began with the word, “For” which means “because and since” “I will be” or “God shall be”, “merciful” which means “propitious and gracious” “to their unrighteousness” which refers to “the people of Israel's injustice, acts and deeds violating law and justice”. God promised to be “gracious” to people who “violate” His law.

The verse goes on to say, “...and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”. The writer added the words, “and their sins” or “and the people's offenses, missing of the mark, errors and wrongs” “and their iniquities” which means “and the people's transgressing God's law” “will I remember” or “will God recall, be mindful of and return to His mind” “no more” which means “certainly not, not at all and by no means any further or longer”. God promised not to “be mindful” of the people's “sins and iniquities” any “longer”.

When we consider these words in Hebrews, we see the awesome “mercy and grace” of our Heavenly Father. As the “new covenant” was issued by God, along with it came the promise that He would no longer “recall” or “remember” their “offenses” and “transgressions”. God, who knows everything, decided to put the “sins and iniquities” of people aside, not that He doesn't know them, but to allow people access to Him through Jesus Christ His Son. Jesus kept the “law of God” perfectly, and He paid the ultimate price with His life as payment for our sins. Now we only have to acknowledge our sin, receive Him as Savior and Lord, and turn from our wicked ways. God promised not to “remember” our sins, and as He keeps His word, we may know that we have salvation unto eternal life through His Son Jesus.

Next time the writer shares how “that which decays and waxes old is ready to vanish away”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.