Parasha Tzav: Day 7—Shabbat

Vayikra/Leviticus 6:8-8:36

The purpose of the sacrificial system was embedded in the plan of the Father, which is perfect to judge the heart of the person making sacrifices. Whether it is a covenant member of Israel bringing a sin, peace or burnt offering, or the High Priest making an offering for atonement, the offering is about a spiritual war being waged within the heart and mind of the one presenting his offering.

All of the outer enactments are to be constant reminders to us that YHVH is looking very intently into the process that He set into motion. Just like the sons of Israel were not to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle out of compulsion, but were to give as their hearts were inspired to give, so our sacrifices are to be given from a willing and joyful heart. To offer our substance merely out of obligation or because we feel guilty is not adequate. We must find that place within ourselves where the love of YHVH has deeply penetrated into our hearts. It is that unique place where His love has touched us after leaving the process of the reasoning of our minds. As His love enters into the heart of our spirit it becomes the passion of life; it’s the living Torah etched within the walls of our hearts by the finger of His Ruach teaching and directing us how to walk uprightly in Yeshua Messiah.

All of the sacrifices which shed innocent blood and have been executed were for the atonement of sin. These past sacrifices help us to realize the gravity of death for the sake of covering our sins with that innocent blood. Additionally, the offerings for burnt and peace offerings must be presented from a willing heart as well. They are not to be given as a show of wealth, power or pride, but are to be offered with the recognition that they belong to YHVH and it is His peace for which we are grateful.

Of course, this entire process brings us back to the original intent of the sacrificial system. While the system in the days of Torah was not satisfied, it was the foundation of YHVH’s exquisite plan for mankind to be restored back to Him. It pointed the people to the wisdom and understanding that blood must be shed for the redemption from sin. It foreshadowed the slaughter of an innocent Being for the sake of all of the congregation, priesthood, Tabernacle, furniture, vestments and individuals. The system at hand gave the order and importance of each aspect of sacrifice as YHVH viewed it, not how we think it should have been.

The perfect intent of creating the sacrificial system was for the glory of YHVH to be made manifest through the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Yeshua our Redeemer. Through His life, death and resurrection, He did not take away or add to the original heart of the Torah of YHVH. He was and is the ultimate fulfillment of the Torah, as He is the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. Yet, He came in the form of a man so that we could hear, see and walk along with Him. Now we are to look deep into the Scriptures to learn how to imitate Him in the Spirit. He said, “Behold, I have come (In the scroll of the book it is written of Me) to do Thy will O YHVH.”

As we walk out our lives in Messiah, we are to offer our lives up to Him daily. Our lives are to be presented to Him as a continuous burnt offering on the Altar night and day.  We are to render a continual sacrifice of praise up to Him even in our most arduous circumstances. Messiah Yeshua is the High Priest of our faith according to the order of Melchizedek. Come nearer as we learn of Him and let us draw deeply from the wells of Salvation within our hearts and present to our High Priest the holy and most acceptable sacrifice that we can offer Him.

Dwell upon Ezekiel 20:41, "As a soothing aroma I will accept you when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you are scattered; and I will prove Myself holy among you in the sight of the nations."

Parasha Tzav: Day 6

Vayikra/Leviticus 8:30-36

For day and night for a entire week, Aaron and his sons were to remain at the doorway of the Tent of Meeting to keep charge for YHVH. They were not to leave that specified post until the days of their ordination were complete. This is a reoccurring theme in Torah that YHVH commands, as He requires seven consecrated days for cleanness to be established and for purification to be instituted. Moreover, it would be easy to consider this seven day waiting period a one time deal, but this is not the case. While this is the ordination process, later, as a priest, YHVH's elect would have to remain in an unclean state for seven days if contacting death. For the priesthood, this was an initialization period that would be a predecessor to what their lives would be conformed.

 

This poignant scenario provides a picture of perpetual duty that falls upon the believer's shoulders as they dwell within Yeshua. When He died and spilled His blood on Israel's behalf, He granted access into His holy sanctury made without hands. His own are called to become His priests under the headship of His Anointing according to the order of Melchizedek. Yeshua ever lives to make intercession for His people. He places His Spirit upon them and anoints them as His priests. They are to be doorkeepers of His kingdom, standing guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

YHVH Himself stands in waiting as an active participant in the doorkeeping process. As a sentinel, YHVH sent His Ruach to the wilderness in the form of a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to stand guard over His earthly habitation. Furthermore, His presence did not simply depart in times of crisis or moving; rather He shown Himself to lead His children from place to place, all while Israel was to dwell within His protection. This is because a tent was not the bounds for the abode of YHVH. Only that which cannot be made by human hands, namely man, can be suitable as a dwelling place for the ongoing presence of YHVH to dwell within. This is the purpose of why man was created—to stand as the image of YHVH reflecting Himself back to Himself, perpetually.

When we stand nonchalantly, we do not readily guard anything, let alone attune to the Father in our hearts or minds. How could the Creator of the universe trust us with His treasuries, commissions, anointing and ministry on earth if we cannot guard our own lives first? The greater ideal and goal for each believer is to be such a trusted doorkeeper for YHVH that Yeshua is the only door leading into their heart, while the Ruach is the only doorkeeper on duty in their lives. With this in mind, the treasures hidden in YHVH's Tent are the Word that is being written on the walls of man's heart. That treasure includes Messiah, the Living Word come to man, and the revelation of Who YHVH is and how to belong to Him, as His doorkeeper.

Look past the dutiful work of standing guard at a doorpost, while you begin to notice the awesomeness of YHVH as He surrounds you during the waiting hours of confirmation. The process of ordination is the beginning of what the Father has in store for you. Begin to dwell in the kingdom that YHVH is establishing, here and now, with you in the very midst of it. This will take shape as a priestly role, ministering solely to the King, if you are faithful to keep charge for YHVH the way He has ordained you to do.

Dwell upon Psalm 84:9-11, "Behold our shield, O Elohim, and look upon the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my Elohim than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the YHVH Elohim is a sun and shield; YHVH gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly."

Parasha Tzav: Day 5

Vayikra/Leviticus 8:14-29

After Moshe killed the ordination ram, he placed blood upon Aaron's and his sons' right ears, right thumbs and their right big toes. Torah does not say Moshe anointed, like with oil while praying over the priests or healing them or, even, ordaining them. Moshe placed it upon these parts of the body, beginning with Aaron's right ear. The Hebrew word used in Torah is nathan, meaning to give, constitute, designate or be bestowed. There is a difference in this placement of a mantel in ordination versus anointing or pouring oil upon Aaron's head. The oil is likened to the Ruach haKodesh coming upon Aaron and his sons. He is to be led by Yah's Ruach in his lifelong appointment as High Priest. Likewise, Aaron's sons were anointed as the priesthood for perpetual generations to follow.

Unlike the anointing oil, the blood of the ordination ram was placed in specific parts of the body. Each had purpose for placement and would call to order a life that had to be conformed to YHVH's will and image. The anointing oil could be looked at as the sanctioning and call of YHVH upon the priest's lives. They were set apart from all others in order to do the work and specific will of YHVH. The ordination blood, on the other hand, is a seal. The forgiveness of sin for the sake of eternal redemption, the significance of a cut Covenant is shown by the shedding of blood, without which the Covenant is unfulfilled. YHVH cut a Covenant with Aaron and his sons to be their personal Elohim while they were a priesthood belonging completely to YHVH. They were not their own selves any longer, but were Elohim's personal possessions. 

The importance and value of this, compared to the anointing oil, is that they were now completely accountable to YHVH for their actions, behavior, obedience and disobedience. What they heard, said, put their hand to or where they walked and traveled was all to be completely orchestrated by YHVH. If the Father said to go to the lepers for healing and restoration back to the community, it was up to the priesthood to take this requested action. Conversely, if the Master said no on any matter, the priests were to hear clearly that answer and not work in their own strength.

Most people can remember a coach or powerful leader in their lives that may have said, "When I say jump, you are to ask, 'How high!'." In other words, it does not matter what I ask you to do, you only response is to take immediate action and seek out details pertaining to that action. No other questions are tolerated and not heeding the command is forbidden. This can be seen in armies around the world and was used as excuses during Hitler's tyranny. Sadly, man does place himself under these yokes here on earth. What is more pathetic is man's desire to control others in order to wield such disgraceful power.

Only YHVH has the ability to wisely command others to work in such a fashion as to be sold out completely in form and function as a human being. The blood testifies as to Whom the priests belong and what functions they are to perform. Likewise, a slave becoming a bond-servant has his own ear pierced so as to shed his own blood for the sake of becoming his master's permanent possession. The slave chooses this life and has lost any autonomous thinking for himself as his completely represents his master in all aspects of his life.

Each of us can be anointed by the Ruach for sanctioning and calls that are specific for YHVH to each specific individual. This anointed, like Aaron's flows from our head to our feet. It cannot be dammed or blocked by human means, rather it can be hindered and quenched as we try to control what the Ruach haKodesh does in our lives. Additionally, when we come into Yeshua and ask to be fellow heirs to the promise, we take His yoke and burden upon our lives. We are to look like Him, act like Him, walk like Him and talk like Him. These actions only take place when we totally hear and comprehend His voice.

Many of the nations, by the end of time, will have had encounters with the Most High. His anointing Oil will have flowed over them as He woos them to Himself. Many will do great exploits in His name and regard Him as the Sovereign King. Some of those and most others will simply go through the motions of compliance while their hearts are never fully rendered to say "how high and where to know."

The truest followers will be worshippers. The priesthood that belongs to Yeshua will be completely yielded to His will in every aspect of their lives. They will live, walk , talk and act in the Ruach according to Torah and will walk in Torah being led by the Ruach. Yeshua's blood will be stained upon their right ear, thumb and big toe, as they impart the words and actions of YHVH. This is not a once saved always saved message. This is a once sold out, always and forever accountable and sold to YHVH has His feet, hands and mouthpiece. It is a lasting Covenant cut for the establishment of YHVH everlasting kingdom of priests and kings.

Dwell upon Acts 4:29-30, "And now, YHVH, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Yeshua."

Parasha Tzav: Day 4

Vayikra/Leviticus 8:1-13

Prior to the shedding of blood, anointing oil was used to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furniture and, then, Aaron. Comparatively, the ephod was placed on Aaron prior to anointing him. This article, and others, were all upon Aaron to confirm his visage of the High Priest before consecration took place. Not only was the ephod placed upon Aaron, but it was tied to him. This is highly significant in that Aaron was not the High Priest until death. He was tied in with the position as a married person would be soul-tied to their spouse.

Yeshua emphatically stated before the Pharisees, the religious leaders of His day, "Many are called, but few are chosen". Being called is one thing, however, being chosen is a culmination of His will being worked out in you. We cannot call ourselves into the kingdom of Heaven, nor can we choose ourselves to become partakers of His grace and favor. He is the One Who draws us and chooses us for His good will and pleasure. However, when we respond to His call and enter into Covenant with Him the process of choosing us as vessels of honor is incumbent upon us walk uprightly in His will. We must make a purposed decision to commit our lives to the cherished purpose of His service. The consecretion of self does not guarantee that we will lead a flawless life of no sin. Consecretion of YHVH is a state of heart, soul and mind devoted, dedicated and set apart unto Him.

From Aaron's standpoint, it did not matter if he woke up sick, lonely or just plain tired of the job. Being the anointed High Priest meant he was accountable to YHVH and anointed for the position at all times. It is tied to him as a Covenant that cannot be broken.

The aspect of wearing tzit-tzit/tassels or fringes could be seen as our own tying on Torah and binding it to ourselves. YHVH watches with great anticipation and expectation to see what people will do that self "anoint" themselves as priests. While believers may take the tzit-tzit on and off at will, morning and night, their attitudes and actions are always scrutinized by the Ruach and others around them. This actions could be likened to girding one's waist with the belt of Truth. What truth are they bound by and how do they delineate that truth as applicable to their lives.

YHVH's expectations placed upon His followers are overlooked, while grace is emphasized. The Father's grace is amazing; but, it is not the excuse to sin or the favorable nod to continue being Lawless/Torahless. The binding of Isaac is a process that each believer must endure. The sacrifice of the flesh is mandated for the result of being found in Yeshua, the High Priest. The eternal ephod is bound to Him and each of His children is named within His bosom while their burden is born on His shoulders.

Dwell upon Romans 7:5-7, "For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Torah, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. But now we have been released from the Torah, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Ruach and not in oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the Torah sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Torah; for I would not have known about coveting if the Torah had not said, 'You shall not covet.'"

Parasha Tzav: Day 3

Vayikra/Leviticus 7:11-38

YHVH has given the various portions of the offerings to the priests. They were to be given to Aaron and his sons forever, throughout their generations. Those that labor among us and are called to serve YHVH as His priests continue to have right to these portions, in whatever form they take, today. If we neglect those that serve in this capacity, then we allow the servants of YHVH to go unfulfilled and lacking what should come from our giving. Certainly, YHVH is very capable of taking care of His own; however, that does not give excuse to disregard those that are due their rightful portions.

A priest is recognized by his worship to YHVH and his labor of intercession for the body of Messiah and those of Israel who do not yet know Him. They minister to YHVH through worship and prayer. The priest is, also, seen not just as leader but as a worshipper who leads others into the presence of YHVH. They teach Torah/Truth according to the unction of the Ruach/Spirit and are led by the Ruach into Truth.

While we are all certainly called to be priests, it is easy to look around and find that most believers refuse the highest calling—to minister to YHVH first and foremost, then serve the people as Yeshua served humanity. Unfortunately, many believers have no ambition to further the kingdom or do not understand solid Torah principles in stark contrast to denominational terrorization. Furthermore, it is a sad commentary that a vast majority of believers will not allow fellow priests to work in their call and anointing. Through ignorance, jealousy or contempt, many followers abandon hopes, calls and aspirations due to lack of mentoring, encouragement and room to grow.

Not only is it important to know the difference in Yeshua’s priesthood and the Levitical priesthood, and portion belongs to them; but it should be understood how those portions should be given and received. In today's church setting, the backwards role of the evangelists get the CEO position behind the pulpit when he should be building relationships that exalt YHVH with newcomers. Those that are sanctioned by Torah to be in the Tabernacle, ministering to YHVH, while receiving the sacrifices as a service to fellow Israelites are cordoned off from service and relegated to be unworthy of higher church functions. It really is backwards as believers pay the evangelist and neglect the active priests.

Your role as an anointed priest is to worship YHVH first. Second, you must serve the community of Yah's people that are around you. This should start with your family and then go beyond those walls to your community and so forth. When you are in order in the beginning steps, Yeshua is more able to use you and lead you to further establish His Kingdom within His principles outlined in Torah. Additionally, don't shun those that are more experienced or desire to mentor/disciple you. They, too, are fulfilling the command to make disciples of all nations. You will learn much more by gleaning their wisdom and then doing work as the hands and feet of Messiah rather than trying to accomplish duties for which you are not yet equipped. In time, experience and wisdom will grow in you so that you may excel in doing every good work, as Yah's priest in Yeshua.

Dwell upon Romans 15:15-16, "But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from YHVH, to be a minister of Messiah Yeshua to the [Nations], ministering as a priest the gospel of YHVH, so that my offering of the [Nations] may become acceptable, sanctified by the Ruach haKodesh."

Parasha Tzav: Day 2

Vayikra/Leviticus 6:24-7:10

Man is incapable of atoning for himself. Scripture reiterates this in Psalm 49:8 saying, "For the redemption of his soul is costly, and he should cease trying forever."  The beginning of this passage says that no man can by any means redeem his brother. This would include the priesthood that made the atonement with the blood of bulls, rams and goats for the sake of the themselves, the congregation of Israel or individuals that presented sin offerings. Nonetheless, the sacrifice, with exception to what went into the Tabernacle for atonement, was to be eaten by the priesthood alone. The meat and skin belonged to the priest that made the atonement as a possession.

This evokes the admonition from Yeshua and Paul that "The laborer is worthy of his wages." The weakness of the priesthood in continual sacrifices for their sins and that of the people was significant in that those sacrifices, in that way, would never cease. There would forever be those that needed forgiveness and atonement. Thus, the priests, in their role and perpetual function, were to garnish from their labors among the tribes of Israel. Their wages were given in sacrificial giving of animals and offerings from first fruits. All of the grain offerings belonged to the priests, along with the skins from other men's burnt offering, as well. As one could imagine, there were times of the year (three to be exact) when the priesthood really worked hard and received from that work an abundance of food, skins and so forth.

These portions were the priests portion. YHVH commanded this blessing as a perpetual inheritance for the Levites because they stood with Moshe and had not worshipped the golden calf. They did not get a free ride, but had to work as a separate people in the midst of all their brothers. Often, they did not have due to the peoples rebellion or stubbornness to gather at the Tabernacle or Temple; but, the people of YHVH were still commanded to give to the priests according to their offerings, sins, guilt, peace, freewill and so on.

Things have not changed from yesteryear. Man is still in dire need of redemption. Most of those that are called to walk in higher priestly functions go unnoticed or reviled. Their inheritance does not exist in this reality, however. It is made manifest in the eternity that awaits as a reward that will not perish, fade away or eaten in totality. This we know as Yeshua, our High Priest.

As the Priest over all, Messiah brought Himself as the ultimate sin offering in place of bulls, rams, goats or, even, man. As such, He receives the glorious wages of the offering Priest, and the sacrifice, itself. His wages, too, will never cease. As a matter of fact, if we do not bring the offerings of our hearts back to Yeshua, He will raise up the rocks to cry out His praises. There is none other that can receive this kind of payment for the total atonement that covers His children.

With Him, His children are lifted up as fellow heirs. They are made to function as priests with Yeshua as He ministers before the Father. They, also, have perpetual rights to the meat and bread of sacrifices. As others come into the kingdom of Yah, it is their responsibility to disciple and teach Torah as the living Word come to us. Each priests portion consists of the Blood and Bread of Messiah. They are continually given and consumed by those that His blood has touched. By ingesting the Life of the Redeemer, we have the responsibility to lift Him up that much more as He continues to give us Life and presents us to the Father.

Dwell upon Revelation 5:13, "'And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, 'To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.'"

Parasha Tzav: Day 1

Vayikra/Leviticus 6:8-23

As children of YHVH, believers should be ready for every good work. This means being shod with the presence of Messiah at all the appropriate times, and not profaning His name or quenching His Ruach when doing common work or being among those that are without YHVH in their lives. LIke the priesthood laboring in the Tabernacle, followers in Yeshua should be willing to rake the coals, heave the offering, anoint those being restored back into community and reject those that are still unclean.

Scripture tells us that the priests were to keep the burnt offering on the altar aflame all night. The next morning, he was to clothe himself with the holy garments only to clean the ashes from the night before that were on the Brazen Altar. After placing those ashes to side of the Altar, he would change his garments so that they would not be profaned by going outside the camp to a clean place where the ashes were dumped. Upon returning, he would certainly reclothe himself with the sacred garments.

All of this seems very detailed, laborious and unnecessary; yet these are important rituals involved in the service and ministry to YHVH. Approaching YHVH is not commonplace, even if the rituals accomplished are done everyday. YHVH is so set apart that man must maintain all rigid standards that YHVH has set forth. The traditions of man or the neglect thereof are all insufficient when seeking the Creator. The burnt offerings and sacrifices for atonement may be equation like when assessing the how to serve YHVH. 

Relationship is not an algebraic equation. While we have the parameters to be able to adequately serve, it is still a matter of the heart that reaches YHVH's throne, not rituals. The rituals are boundary stones that keep man from profaning YHVH's name, presence, throne room, etc. They have been established so that we would see what Yeshua's role is for our stead for eternity. They have been revealed so that we might understand why we must have a Messiah to fulfill these things for us. YHVH has shown us how weak we are through the perpetual aspects of offerings and service.

The reward for proper etiquette in the Tabernacle of service are the portions of the offerings and the grain offerings. These finite foods showcase the perpetually available Bread of Life that Yeshua brings in His Being as the Bread lifted up for all men to see. All the laws and ceremonies may seem archaic and nonsensical; but they are starting points to get our attention and keep us focused. They are used to reveal our flesh and to cover it by the blood of Messiah. Do not be hasty to disregard them as done away, but embrace them as what Yeshua has accomplished and what will be viewed as reminders of humanities weakness.

Dwell upon Ezekiel 44:15-16, ""But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the sons of Israel went astray from Me, shall come near to Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer Me the fat and the blood,' declares the Adonai YHVH. "They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and keep My charge.'"