Parasha Shemini: Day 7—Shabbat

Vayikra/Leviticus 9:1-11:47

As we bestow our gifts, offerings, sacrifices unto the altar of YHVH, our spirits are amalgamated with Messiah’s Ruach/Spirit and we become His hands and feet carrying out His will on the face of the earth. Through His Ruach we are called to care for the poor, needy widows, orphans and Levites. Messiah gave these instructions when He walked among men upon the earth. They were not new instructions, but a restoration of what Torah had commanded from the days of Moshe. Man is the one who stopped loving, implementing and walking out the precepts of YHVH.

A closer look at Vayikra,reveals Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, and their defiant approach unto YHVH. Each son took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before Adonai. At first glance, one may assume that these two sons acquired strange incense that had not been consecrated for the specified Tabernacle use as instructed; or, perhaps, Aaron’s sons took fire from some other source than the Altar of Burnt Offering and placed the holy incense upon it. Possibly there was a combination of these variances or just the improper time of an offering not sanctioned by the Most High. Yet, the deduction from this incident is not that Nadab and Abihu were lazy or walking in blatant disobedience, but they did not fear and revere the consecrated protocol in approaching YHVH.

Frequently, we presume that the grace of YHVH will overlook sin, although it is in direct disobedience to His Torah. While YHVH does meet us where we are in life, it does not give us a license to dishonor what has been commanded or trample underfoot what has been sanctified. Our Elohim is exacting. He means what He says and requires obedience. If this were not so, if YHVH could simply look the other way, wink at our sin, or wave the magical wand of grace upon all that we commit against Him, then Yeshua’s sinless and blameless life, which fulfilled all of Torah, would have been for naught. Yeshua’s death would not have been required for the remission of our sins. However, it is  YHVH’s grace that is sufficient to bring us back to Himself through the blood of Messiah, His obedience and righteousness, which we were never capable of achieving for ourselves.

Moreover, any exuberance which is erroneously placed within Torah/Truth and attributed to the Ruach/Spirit is unbridled zeal which leads to corruption. Nadab and Abihu illustrated this through their actions. They had just finished being consecrated for eight days, basked in the Presence of YHVH and had personally witnessed His magnificence. When the Tabernacle had been erected, YHVH gave Moshe explicit instructions as to when to make sacrifices and how to present offerings by fire. YHVH’s instructions were to be unerringly followed, lest the priesthood become guilty of sin. After YHVH made His Presence known within the Tabernacle, subversion was found within the priesthood.

The crux of the matter was the prerequisites of YHVH's offerings were to faithfully followed—i.e. how and when it was to be done. Accordingly, when Aaron’s sons presented incense, they would have gone into the Holy Place bearing their fire pans before the Altar of Incense. When this was done in defiance to protocol, it became profaned.

We must be sure we are called to minister Torah by the Ruach of YHVH through Messiah. To operate in any facet without the anointing and directive of YHVH is offering strange fire. It may have the best intentions in the world, and may even look identical to what a leader or co-laborer has just offered by the clothing, feeding and/or caring of others. But, is it the way that YHVH has commanded from Torah or asked you, personally, at the time and in the context of service? This can be expanded well beyond strange fire or service to others. Adherence to dietary mandates can be manipulated so that the sacrifices made in what is not eaten is bound to man's regulation and theology versus YHVH's commands via Torah. Since the dawn of Torah, man has placed himself as rabbi and proclaimed his personal stance as doctrine concerning food, tithes, Feast observance and every other aspect of lifestyle imaginable. In stark contrast, Torah reveals the path that man should follow and Yeshua exemplified all statutes congruently with Torah and attested by the Ruach haKodesh.

Laboring for YHVH is exciting and feels wonderful. Likewise, living a life honoring the Creator in the Way that He has prescribed bears fruit for righteous works every man must give an account for accomplishing. However, to go forward into self initiated ministry without the mantel of Messiah with His Ruach and Truth is like treading into a dangerous territory of land mines. Regrettably, when all is said and done, the ones who arbitrarily did good deeds may possibly hear Yeshua say, “I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness [Torahlessness]."

Dwell upon Romans 6:19, "I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness [without Torah], resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification."

Parasha Shemini: Day 6

Vayikra/Leviticus 11:29-47

Our Holy YHVH Elohim gave us the dietary laws, which are delineated within Torah. They are given to us to explain that which is clean from the unclean. The dietary laws are specific in nature and do not leave much to conjecture. Also, these dietary directives are considered pure and holy. As such, understanding the difference between clean and unclean concerning our dietary intake is crucial in differentiating between holy and unholy, righteous and unrighteous.

These precepts were to be understood as germane at the exodus from Egypt until now as stated, “For I am YHVH who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your YHVH, thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.” As straightforward as these commandments may be, it is simply amazing how religion has skewed Yah’s Words. Yet, we must pause here and realize that "He is not a YHVH that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent." The Words spoken to Moshe's and Aaron's generations are just as relevant and true for the modern believer, especially those living in Yeshua.

When Yeshua was teaching upon the mount surrounding the Sea of Galilee, He reiterated the commandments of Torah with the emphasis upon the intentions of the heart. He summed up His sermon with the emphatic statement that He did not come to abolish the Torah/Law and the Prophets but to make full. Yeshua, also, said to us, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or tittle shall no wise pass from Torah, till all be fulfilled." He completed His mission on our behalf—as the sinless perfect sacrificial lamb. Now we who live vicariously through Him must die to our flesh and fulfill Torah within our hearts as we walk out our salvation with fear and trembling. In this, we are taking Paul's admonition to be Messiah like in our conduct and actions. What did Messiah do? Keep the commandments, including the dietary statutes.

At further length, we are to fulfill the commission given to us by our Master Yeshua to teach His commandments—which comes with a promise of being called great in the kingdom of heaven. His commandments are the same commandments of YHVH Elohim. All of His commandments lead us to life. “The fruit of the righteous is a Tree of Life.” They are meant to be borders and boundaries to keep us in the Way, the Truth and the Life. As we walk in obedience to them, we are being restored, renewed and purified. Ultimately, one day we will enter into the Garden once again and partake to the Tree of Life. Until then, we are to know and learn the commandments while teaching His people the difference between holy and profane. We are to provoke them to discern between the unclean and the clean. In a dispute, the doorkeepers of His Word are to take their stand to judge; they shall judge it according to His ordinances. They shall also keep His laws and His statues in all His appointed feasts and sanctify His Shabbats.

It may seem archaic. It could appear legalistic. But the dietary commands are not only for our  health benefit, they are pure and keep us in a place of righteousness before YHVH. Yes, Yeshua does this for us; yet, that does not excuse us from obeying on our own volition. As a matter of fact, it is more reason to obey all the commands that are germane for "faith without works is dead." What works are we to do? Some of them have to do with what goes in our bodies, as well as, what comes out of them.

Dwell upon Leviticus 20:7-8, "You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am YHVH you Elohim. You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am YHVH who sanctifies you."

Parasha Shemini: Day 5

Vayikra/Leviticus 11:1-28

The first sin committed by man and recorded in Torah had to do with dietary directives given from the mouth of Elohim, Himself. Subsequently, the first command spoken by YHVH to Adam, after placing him into the Garden east of Eden was about what was edible and what was not. This one issue of food is the focal point at which all of humanity has suffered due to disobedience and unbelief about what was life giving for food and what was to be considered death wrought by food. Unfortunately, the eating of what was forbidden bolsters much deeper implications as to the darkness inside man's heart and his ongoing lust for what is not life.

 

Although the original sin was spawned within the heart of Eve and transferred to the heart of Adam by the power of her suggestion, they both committed the original sin through their mouths, eyes and hearts. Our Creator Elohim gave mankind five senses within his capacity to be able to detect his immediate environment. These five senses provoke the emotions to appropriately react to the messages being sent to the brain. Its like built in radar. However, since the original sin was executed through the mouth, our Creator placed perimeters around that which we are to eat or not eat for our good. Since the onset of the original sin our senses are easily seduced by the tempter, hasatan who is the god of this world. This malevolent foe continues his attempts to malign the hearts of men from Creator Elohim with his seducing lies. He will misappropiate YHVH's express Word and tempt our hearts through our senses. Generally, there are three avenues in which the evil one will try to enter into our lives stated as follows, "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world."  

 

Our redemption is realized only through Yeshua Messiah who is referred to as the second Adam. Through one man, mankind reaped the penalty of death and through the One Son of man we may enter into eternal life. However, it is contingent upon 'confessing with your mouth Yeshua {as} YHVH, and believe in your heart that Elohim raised Him from the dead, that we will be saved;' This means that through the mouth--where original sin was committed—our redemption begins. However, we must believe, as a conviction of heart, through the evidence of entering in His covenant through the blood of Messiah and walking out our salvation in relationship to the word of His covenant.

 

Moreover, upon belief, it is incumbent upon the believer to walk in a manner befitting Messiah. In other words, walking out salvation with fear and trembling is not just a belief and attitude, but a work in progress as specified by Torah. This includes the dietary laws set forth to all of Israel, not just the priest and not just the Jews/Judah, but all who believe and call upon YHVH. In this light, the believer is seen by others and, most importantly YHVH, that one is choosing to live by faith, walk by faith and believe in faith all that has proceeded out of the mouth of YHVH. This is the consumable bread that nourishes the entire being. Furthermore, it is incorruptible bread that lasts forever and fills completely. To choose the food and delicacies of this world is to choose the flesh over YHVH's plan. It comes down to choosing life or choosing death; and, in turn, life or death is exuded through those choices.

Dwell upon Devarim 30:19-20, "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving YHVH your Elohim, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which YHVH swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."

Parasha Shemini: Day 4

Vayikra/Leviticus 10:8-20

All of us must test every spirit. In Vayikra 10:16-20, it is assumable that Aaron is in trouble again with YHVH and that Moshe is about to rebuke him. However, Moshe hears what Aaron says concerning the death of his sons. This explanation is acceptable to Moshe so as to avoid further rebuke. Moshe had instructed tthat the portions from the sin offering to be eaten by Aaron’s sons; but, it was burned instead. One would assume, given his relationship with the Most High, that Moshe would just know how to handle this situation, but he either was testing Aaron and his surviving sons, or he really needed to hear Aaron’s explanation.

Every situation is different as we walk out Torah through the guidance of the Ruach haKodesh. We must tackle every situation with a fresh perspective of what Torah teaches, how Messiah lived it and what the Ruach is telling us and leading us to do. An identical approach to walking with YHVH does not work the way we think it should. every single time. Each person is different and each situation has different parameters and circumstances involved. In other words, walking in Yeshua and in Torah is not an algebraic equation where we can just plug in numbers for the X's and Y's. YHVH presents, through life's circumstances and our fleshly sin nature, innumerable variables. 

At further length, just because something worked once, does not mean that YHVH desires to entreat our attention or touch our hearts in the exact same manner or for the same rational. Not only is each person different, but each circumstance brings about character change and loss of flesh that empowers and emboldens YHVH on His children's behalf. If for no other reason, it is enough that the Father would want interaction and dialogue between Himself and His disciples. Elohim wants the attention of each person as an individual, as well as, corporately. This comes with isolated involvement and unique situations.

On one hand, Aaron and his sons felt it was wrong of them to partake of the sin offering with such grief besetting their lives. This, to them was at most sin, and at least, overwhelmingly burdensome. One the other hand, Moshe knew, and had instructed the priests, what was to be done with the meat of the sin offering. If he had been acting priest on duty, as he essentially had been since departing from Egypt, it was sin not to consume the sin offering. Each person had validity in their viewpoints; however, it came down to a matter of conscience searing by the Ruach haKodesh.

Aaron was listening, in his time of sorrow when he could be reached the easiest, to his heart where the Ruach was talking and comforting him. At first, it just did not make sense to Moshe; however, in the end, Moshe saw what the Breath of YHVH was doing in Aaron and his son’s lives. He granted mercy without rebuke for the sake of compassion and compliance to YHVH's will.

In our lives and every day scenarios that play out before YHVH and others, each decision is a point of contact with the Creator. Some of our days are filled with remorse while others are joyous. Either way, we should be cognizant of our actions and their repercussions. We should be ready to learn what the Ruach would teach and conform our lives to the lessons at hand. All of life is presented from the eyes of Torah, whether we adhere to it or not. May we have ears to shema/hear what the Ruach wants to teach us, and others, as we walk in Messiah. And, may we begin to ask, "Would this be good in the sight of YHVH?"

Dwell upon Romans 8:12-14, "So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Ruach you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Ruach of YHVH, these are sons of YHVH."

Parasha Shemini: Day 3

Vayikra/Leviticus 10:4-7

Looking back at the sequence of events, the artisans and craftsmen had just completed creating YHVH's prescribed furnishings, Tabernacle parts and pieces along with the holy garments for the priesthood. Yet, only eight days had lapsed by into the new service and duties performed by the priesthood, when the two sons of Aaron die in the newly made tunics and were dragged outside of camp by their cousins. It is safe to say that if fire had not burned the tunics, the corpse contamination was enough so as to not utilize the garments ever again. Along with the new garments, Nadab and Abihu wore head coverings, linen under garments and had been thoroughly anointed with the consecrated oil for ordination. Along with the promp and circumstance of their ordination, they had kept guard for seven days at the doorway of the Tent of Meeting and partook of the various offerings offered up until the time of their demise.

"All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way." Until the fullness of time when Yeshua arrived upon this earthly scene, the inquity of sin was placed directly upon the violator of YHVH's commandments, statutes and ordinances. The two sons, Nadab and Abih, are prime examples as to the seriousness of YHVH's directives. They were called out and selected to minister unto the Presence of the Holy One of Israel. They were there when all the children of Israel brought their offerings to fashion a dwelling place for His presence. They had witnessed the mercy and severity of YHVH at Mount Sinai and, thus, throughout their sojourns up to this point. Was this a blatant disregard for YHVH? Or was it a case of familiarity breeds contempt? Either way, these two young men had dared to approach His presence with a strange fire and reaped the consequences of their actions.

 

Imagine the somberness of the moment when the two corspes of these young men are found. Their bodies were probably still smoldering from the consuming fire of YHVH. Their pristine garments now soiled. The smell of anointing oil disminished into a smell of singed flesh. A stark reality set in the camp as they were dragged outside the camp. Whispers between the tribes would have been exchanged in hushed fear. The consensus was "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living YHVH." The cloud by day and the fire by night becomes even more revered as the children of Israel process these circumstances and happenings.

 

But the Judge of the universe has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. As the Living Word made flesh, Yeshua bore, died with and buried all the sin and fallen nature with which man is born. In His resurrection, He rose without the sin or guilt of all men that call upon His name who love Him and keep His commandments. All of this does not excuse ignorance or flagrant violation of His commandments. As a matter of fact, the sufferings endured by Yeshua should quicken our pace to show our love through our adherence of the lifestyle He exemplified for us.

YHVH is not a respecter of persons or possessions. It does not matter if we are sporting new ministry garments, titles or mantels. If we are in violation of His commandments, we are guilty of sin. The severity of punishment that Nadab and Abihu suffered was indicative of the highest standard that YHVH had placed upon them in the vestiges as priests and the garments and oil that was upon them.  The same vestiges have been applied to us through Yeshua and we are no less liable to uphold the office of priest than those that went before us. YHVH has much mercy and grace, but He is still a Consuming Fire.

Dwell upon Isaiah 33:14-16, ""Who among us can live with the consuming fire? Who among us can live with continual burning?" He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, he who rejects unjust gain and shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; he who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;  he will dwell on the heights, his refuge will be the impregnable rock; his bread will be given him, his water will be sure."

Parasha Shemini: Day 2

Vayikra/Leviticus 9:23-10:3

When those that were gathered at the Tabernacle upon YHVH taking His burnt offering shouted and fail on their faces, they are in deep fear of what YHVH has just done. Notice that the people did not “ooh” and awe at the Presence of YHVH. They did not start laughing, uncontrollably sobbing, start shaking or using hand motions to sweep away uncleanness off the next person. Neither did the people did not fall down backward, nor were thy “slain in the spirit." The people shouted and fell on their forward on their faces in worship as an expression of the reverence toward of YHVH.

While worshipping the Father in His Ruach, people may seem to do strange things and, some, may even seem foolish to us and others. However, YHVH reveals in Torah what is expected of His people. One cannot be a true worshipper if he is being led to take actions that are contrary to Torah or ways in which Torah teaches to worship. Believers must learn what it is to worship righteously and truthfully, without unwarranted fleshly demonstrations or disrespectful actions that quench the Ruach or negate Torah's instructions. This is not to say that YHVH does not call His own to act contrary to what the world assumes is normal; rather, YHVH will have order in His assembly and prescribes how His children are to approach Him and behave while in and out of His Presence.

Upon closer inspection, the consumption of both, the burnt offering and the two sons of Aaron, was done in the same manner. Both looked identical, except for what was being presented by fire. In each instance, fire came out from the presence of YHVH and consumed what was before Him. No body was commanding His presence take an offering. In each case, His furniture and utensils were being used to offering back to Him what was thought to be needed. Unfortunately, the burnt offering was the exact aspect of what YHVH commanded. Nadab and Abihu offered an additional and non-prescribed fire that was out of turn, order and foreign. As YHVH accepted both offerings, one was taken in complete sanctity, the other was consumed along with the presenters. 

If the Creator's children do not listen and offer what is not sanctioned, then He will take the entire person as part of what belongs to Him, anyway. One way or another, YHVH will have the attention of those that are called to be His. Sadly, if completely consumed, it is too late to understand how to properly approach the Holy Elohim. Aaron's sons were only eight or so days into their duties and, already, they took it upon themselves to implement a way to please the Father without the needed fear and oversight so that death would not occur. One does not mess with the presence of the Almighty flagrantly.

As onlookers that cannot see the totality of the situation, or those that make assumptions about what is taking place in ignorance and without proper perspective, it would be easy to see both fires from YHVH and both equally holy and anointed. Obviously, upon closer scrutiny, the burnt offering was sanctioned while Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire that had not been sanctioned. The punishment set forth from Yah's presence looked identical to that which was a previously prescribed and ordered encounter.

Our lives must be completely surrendered and ordered according to YHVH. He expects much from those that have been given much. How much more have we, in this generation, been given by way of instructions and progressive revelation? How much more are we going to held to higher standard for this knowledge? It should make us take much stock in how we approach the presence of YHVH, what we ask of Him and the ways in which we conduct ourselves as His living tabernacles. Be careful that, in your exuberance, ignorance or passion that you do not offering unacceptable offerings of strange fire that are out of order from what Torah yields and what the Ruach leads.

Dwell upon Hebrews 12:28-29 [Deuteronomy 4:24], "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to YHVH an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our YHVH is a consuming fire."

Parasha Shemini: Day 1

Vayikra/Leviticus  9:1-22

By loving YHVH with all of one's heart, soul and entire mind, they begin to identify with the daily sacrifices that took place at the Altar. As each animal was presented to YHVH, they were to be completely consumed, either by fire or by eating. Those around the sacrifice being offered would have heard the bleating of the animal being prepared and slaughtered. They would have seen the blood being shed and poured out as the atonement; and, they would have smelled the smoke going up to YHVH while the animal was on the Altar.

As we give ourselves over to YHVH’s will, purpose, plan and consumption, we are to love Him with all the essence of our being. Others will see our sacrifice(s). As they do, they will be witnesses as we speak of the ways of YHVH, His discipline, the adversities and challenges. They will also hear of His praises and deliverance as we rave of His glory and supply a righteous testimony. They will observe as others take advantage of us, even as we die to our flesh. Those around us will perceive the pain that sin causes in our lives and how we empty ourselves out in order to serve YHVH and those around us.

Furthermore, those around us, that stay close by, will benefit from the aroma that arises as we are offered on the Altar where we serve, with sincere hearts. They will partake of the fragments that are given to them from our broken lives. With those pieces, they will lead others to Messiah and will witness as many attest to the covenant we keep with YHVH.

This is the ongoing cycle of a believer. Like the priests of old, we should never stop from making proper and ordered offerings for YHVH for the sake of sin, peace and burnt offerings. These offerings are for ourselves, our vestments, those around us and just for the Creator because He alone is worthy. As priests, the continual burnt offerings are just that, continual. They occurred in the days of Aaron each morning and each evening. Likewise, our lives must continually offering the soothing aroma of being completely laid down and given over to the process of being broken for the sake of pleasing the Father. It is only He that can make us whole and renew our lives in Yeshua; because, only Yeshua set the example of submitting His own life and lives forevermore.

Live your life in such a way that you are at the altar placing burdens, sin, gains and defeats upon the flames. The most valuable and the least alike are all portions that belong to the Master. He smells of the sweetness of our ongoing sacrifices and replenishes our lives with His presence, provisions and goodness. Take heart; and, as you do, relinquish it back the the Father.

Dwell upon Psalm 50:13-15, "Offer to Elohim a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High; call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."