06/14/2022
Need a Light?
Beha’alotcha “In Your Going Up”
Numbers 8:1--12:16, Zech 2:10-4:7, I Cor. 10:6-13
What does the Old Testament offer to a new believer? Is it relevant in light of the New Testament and the Gospel of the Messiah?
The book of Revelation begins with, “The Revelation of the Messiah” (Rev. 1:1). Shortly after, we read a heavenly exhortation regarding seven golden lampstands that represent seven churches. The messages written are directed to angels that represent these churches who are responsible to the Messiah, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands. Did you know that this concept is first revealed in the Books of Torah?
At the beginning of Beha’alotcha, Aaron is told to “go up” and mount seven lamps in front of the golden lampstand so that light may be given. (Num. 8:1-2) Naturally, we would need to ask, why light and what does this represent. Yeshua said, “I have come as a light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness.” (Jn. 12:46) He also told those who represent Him, that they should shine light “before men in such a way that the world will see your works, and glorify the Father who is in Heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16)
A predominant theme in the Torah reflects the glory of the Messiah through pictures. Purifying water is used to cleanse “vessels” and the people serving as “priests.” Atonement or the forgiveness of sin is made through sacrifice and the blood of the lamb. Passover is a remembrance of how that blood keeps us from death. Clouds over the tabernacle represent covering and dwelling. Trumpets sound alarms for assembly and war and of course, we are told that the Messiah will come in the clouds with the sound of trumpets. The promise and works of the Messiah is clearly stated well before the New Testament was even written.
A disciple by the name of Apollos followed the teachings of Paul. In the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 18, Apollos is described as a man “who was mighty in Scripture.” We also know that “he refuted the Jewish leadership in public” with the use of Scriptures. These Scriptures were of course the Torah and the Writings. So in short, Apollos was able to convince and convict others about the Gospel solely through use of Torah.
Here are some questions to ask yourself, if you doubt the current importance of the Torah. What books did Yeshua use when presenting Himself and His message? What books did the Wise Men use when looking for the birth of the Messiah? What books did John the Baptist use when calling sinners to repent of their sins? The answer is obvious. The message of grace through the works of the Messiah is first found in Torah and the Writings.
In this week’s study, Paul, in his letters to the Corinthians stated in Chapter 10, that he did not “want them to be unaware” of the Old Testament, where “fathers” were baptized into Moses. He reminds his readership of a spiritual Rock found in the wilderness. And through the example of these people, he calls the Corinthians to free themselves from sin by looking to the same Rock.
In the book of Zechariah, Chapter 3, we see a representation of Joshua wearing filthy clothes, but made clean by the Servant of the Branch (Yeshua), where on that great day, all will be invited to sit under His vine and His fig tree.
Are you fascinated yet? Does it amaze you that Yeshua is represented by living water, fig trees, a rock, a branch, a lamb, golden lampstands, silver trumpets, etc. The list gets rather long. In the book of John we read that the Word (Yeshua) was with God, of God, and created all things. So if we compare these statements to Genesis, “In the beginning God created Heaven and Earth.” Does your picture of Yeshua change? Consider this. If Yeshua was in the beginning, then everything that occurred in Old Testament is about Him and through Him. This includes the Law.
So here is my question. To understand the New should you read the Old? And if you have read the Old do you need the New? For me, I want both. The Old gives me assurance because it tells me Who He Is. The New gives me assurance because it tells what He did to prove Who He Is.
The Great I Am is called great, because He does the work. He made the promises, the covenants, and the pictures. He wins the battles for us. All we have to do is repent and be bathed in the Living Waters of baptism and ask for an infusion of His Spirit so that our old sinful man and spirit is put to rest.
Are you tired of being tired? Read about Him and Rejoice! Claim your priesthood, then “go up” and shine! As He works within your spirit, your hope and faith will “keep” or cherish His commands and laws, because they give you life.
Be Blessed,
Rollyn
