By Maria Merola אריאל
Ya’aqob (James) 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Learning how to pray the effectual, fervent prayer is something that requires discipline and sacrifice.
Although Satan has attempted to hijack these symbols of these two crossed sticks, the cross is a symbol of our Messiah being nailed to two trees for the Two Houses of Yisra’el.
In all four gospel accounts, our Messiah commanded us to do these three things:
1.) Deny ourselves.
2.) Take up our cross.
3.) Follow him.
The Greek word for “cross” in these passages is “stauros” which means “a stake or a pole,” and this means that when he arrived at the “place of the skull,” (called Golgotha), the stake or the pole was already standing there!
Any time that we seek to gratify our body outside the parameters of our Father’s commandments, we are worshiping our body. In doing so we are making our body and our sensual nature into an idol.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 4:
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 2:
A Pattern of Prayer in the Tabernacle
Now we are about to go on a journey into the Tabernacle of Mosheh, so that we can begin to understand how to approach the throne of grace in eternity.
When the prophet Eliyahuw (Elijah) offered up a proper sacrifice to YaHuWaH, the sacrifice was first “watered” or cleansed and sanctified by the “washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).
1st Melekiym (Kings) 18:38 Then the fire of YHWH fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Once per year on Yom Kippur, the High Priest (Kohen ha’Gadowl) in the Tabernacle was commanded to perform the atoning work for the nation of Yisra’el.
The Bronze Laver
In Exodus 38:18 & 28, Exodus 39:39, 40:7 & 11, and 40:30 are the instructions given to Mosheh for the priests to wash themselves in the laver.
The daily bread we ask for in prayer is more than just food for our physical bodies. It is food for our souls for we are asking Yahuwshuwa to reveal himself to us as that bread from heaven.
When we arrive at the menorah in the Tabernacle, we are reminded that we must be filled with the Ruwach ha’Qodesh daily, just as the menorah had to be filled daily with pure olive oil by the priests. Olive oil is made from olives that have been crushed.
As you can see, the name Gethsemane
The Widow & the Unjust Judge
Another parable that illustrates persistence and long-suffering in prayer is seen in the woman who continually kept on coming to the unjust judge.
The Publican & the Pharisee
© Copyright Double Portion Inheritance, July 2007
Learning how to pray the effectual, fervent prayer is something that requires discipline and sacrifice.
However, few people are committed to making these sacrifices, and as a result, they struggle to find victory in their prayer times. A common complaint that I often hear from people, is that their prayers seem to go unanswered, and they feel as if they are praying to no avail.
I have discovered (after many years of learning how to travail in prayer), that we must approach the throne of our Heavenly Father in a way that is patterned after the Tabernacle design that he gave to Mosheh (Moses).
For in that design, we see a picture of our Messiah, who is “The first and the last, the beginning and the ending.” Four times in the book of Revelation, our Messiah is referred to as “The Alpha & Omega,” which is the first and last letter in the Greek Alphabet (Revelation 1:8 & 11; 21:6; 22:13).
However, in Revelation 9:11, we discover that the book of Revelation was given to Yahuwchanon (John) “In the Hebrew tongue,” therefore, he would have referred to himself as “The Aleph & Taw,” the first and last letter in the Hebrew Alphabet!
I have discovered (after many years of learning how to travail in prayer), that we must approach the throne of our Heavenly Father in a way that is patterned after the Tabernacle design that he gave to Mosheh (Moses).
For in that design, we see a picture of our Messiah, who is “The first and the last, the beginning and the ending.” Four times in the book of Revelation, our Messiah is referred to as “The Alpha & Omega,” which is the first and last letter in the Greek Alphabet (Revelation 1:8 & 11; 21:6; 22:13).
However, in Revelation 9:11, we discover that the book of Revelation was given to Yahuwchanon (John) “In the Hebrew tongue,” therefore, he would have referred to himself as “The Aleph & Taw,” the first and last letter in the Hebrew Alphabet!
Pictured to the left are the first and last letters of the Ancient Paleo Hebrew Alphabet, called “The Aleph & Taw.” These two Hebrew letters picture the “cross” or the “two sticks,” and also a “red heifer.”
Although Satan has attempted to hijack these symbols of these two crossed sticks, the cross is a symbol of our Messiah being nailed to two trees for the Two Houses of Yisra’el.
When we enter into the gate of the outer court, we are coming as the sacrificial animal, prepared to lay our lives down for him. By the end of the journey, we come to the “Ark of the Covenant,” and there, we come to the “end” of ourselves.
The “Aleph” is the beginning of our journey, and the “Taw” is the end of our journey into the “Holy of Holies.” This explains why the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) wrote the following:
Romiym (Romans) 10:4 For Mashiyach (Messiah) is the end of the Towrah (law) for righteousness to everyone that believes.
The Greek word for “end” in this passage is “telos” which means “the end result, the goal, the prophetic purpose.”
Romiym (Romans) 10:4 For Mashiyach (Messiah) is the end of the Towrah (law) for righteousness to everyone that believes.
The Greek word for “end” in this passage is “telos” which means “the end result, the goal, the prophetic purpose.”
The Hebrew word for “law” is “Towrah” which means “instructions.” Sha’uwl (Paul) was telling us that the instructions to the Tabernacle were meant to bring us to Messiah, for he is the end-result, and the entire prophetic purpose for the Towrah. He is the blueprint, or the instructions into the Tabernacle.
Pictured below is an aerial view of the Tabernacle of Mosheh (Moses). Each of the six furniture pieces, or articles in this Tabernacle teach us how to die to the “old sinful man,” and how to “put on the new man,” which is Messiah. These six articles pertain to humanity, because on the sixth day of creation, YaHuWaH created mankind.
Pictured below is an aerial view of the Tabernacle of Mosheh (Moses). Each of the six furniture pieces, or articles in this Tabernacle teach us how to die to the “old sinful man,” and how to “put on the new man,” which is Messiah. These six articles pertain to humanity, because on the sixth day of creation, YaHuWaH created mankind.
1.) Deny ourselves.
2.) Take up our cross.
3.) Follow him.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 16:24 Then said Yahuwshuwa unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
These same three commandments are repeated again in the other three gospels in Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21, and Luke 9:23. We are commanded to die to the old man “daily.”
1st Qorintiym (Corinthians) 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Mashiyach (Messiah) Yahuwshuwa our YHWH, I die daily.
1st Qorintiym (Corinthians) 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Mashiyach (Messiah) Yahuwshuwa our YHWH, I die daily.
But our Messiah carried another piece across his shoulder to the stake or stauros.
This other piece in Greek is #3586 in the Concordance and it is “xylon,” which is translated in English as “tree” in Acts 5:30, 10:39 & 13:29.
This other piece in Greek is #3586 in the Concordance and it is “xylon,” which is translated in English as “tree” in Acts 5:30, 10:39 & 13:29.
This word “xylon” literally means “a cross-beam!” So you see, our Messiah was nailed to two trees for Two Houses of Yisra’el! To learn more about these two Hebrew letters, see my other article entitled “The Aleph & Taw: The Red Heifer & the Two Sticks.”
These three commandments given to us in Matthew 16:24 are meant to counter three main categories of sin mentioned in 1st Yahuwchanon (John) 2:16 which are “The pride of life, the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh.”
When our Messiah was sent into the wilderness to fast and pray for forty days, he overcame these three temptations.
The Lust of the Flesh
The Lust of the Flesh
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If you be the Son of Elohiym, command that these stones be made bread.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Elohiym.
In this first temptation, the devil tempted him with the lust of the flesh, because he was hungry after fasting for many days.
The lust of the flesh pertains to anything whereby we are tempted to gratify the body, (whether it is sex, food, drugs, or any other physical gratification), that would stimulate the body’s natural senses.
These senses are not evil or wicked in and of themselves, but when we are tempted to disobey the commandments of our Creator in order to gratify our body, then it becomes the sin of “The lust of the flesh.”
Any time that we seek to gratify our body outside the parameters of our Father’s commandments, we are worshiping our body. In doing so we are making our body and our sensual nature into an idol.
Philippians 3:19 speaks about those “Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly....who mind earthly things.”
When our Messiah overcame this temptation, he was demonstrating the commandment to “deny ourselves.”
The Pride of Life
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 4:
5 Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple,
6 And said unto him, If you be the Son of Elohiym, cast yourself down: for it is written, He shall give his malakiym (angels) charge concerning you: and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.
7 Yahuwshuwa said unto him, It is written again, You shall not tempt YHWH your Elohiym.
The devil was tempting our Messiah to take matters into his own hands, in order to prove that he was the Son of Elohiym. He was trying to make him abuse his power to show off, and thereby put YaHuWaH to a foolish test. This was the sin of “The pride of life,” that he was being tempted with.
The pride of life, is when we assume the right to govern our own lives, instead of submitting ourselves to the Father and his commandments. This sin seeks to make people abuse their authority for selfish gain, and aggrandizement.
The pride of life, is when we assume the right to govern our own lives, instead of submitting ourselves to the Father and his commandments. This sin seeks to make people abuse their authority for selfish gain, and aggrandizement.
When our Messiah overcame this temptation, he was demonstrating the commandment to “take up our cross.” You see, Satan knew from the prophecy in Isaiah 53, that our Messiah would have to suffer a painful death and die on two trees.
He was hoping to get him to commit suicide, thereby making him sin, and thus destroy his destiny as the perfect, sinless, Lamb of Elohiym who takes away the sins of the world. By resisting this temptation, Yahuwshuwa was taking up his cross, and accepting his destiny to be that sacrificial lamb.
The Lust of the Eyes
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 4:
8 Again, the devil took him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9 And said unto him, All these things will I give you, if you will fall down and worship me.
10 Then said Yahuwshuwa unto him, Get you hence, Satan: for it is written, You shall worship YHWH your Elohiym, and him only shall you serve.
11 Then the devil left him, and, behold, messengers (malakiym) came and ministered unto him.
Satan finally tried to tempt Yahuwshuwa by “showing him” the splendor and glory of this present world. This was the temptation of “The lust of the eyes.”
High Treason Involves Three Sins Pertaining to Body, Mind & Spirit
The first commandment in Exodus 20:3 is violated in three ways as seen below:
High Treason Involves Three Sins Pertaining to Body, Mind & Spirit
The first commandment in Exodus 20:3 is violated in three ways as seen below:
Shemoth (Exodus) 20:3 You shall have no other Elohiym before me.
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The Pride of Life: Spiritual.
The Lust of the Eyes: Mental (Intellectual & Emotional).
The Lust of the Flesh: Physical.
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, (lust of the eyes) and a tree to be desired to make one wise (pride of life), she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat (lust of the flesh), and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
The sin of idolatry is broken down into three areas: mental (visual or imagination), physical (gratifying the body), spiritual (pride).
It is for this very reason, that our Messiah had to overcome these three temptations for us when he was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil.
As you can see from the above account, the temptation that he was confronted with was conquered when he made the decision to “worship the Father.”
As you can see from the above account, the temptation that he was confronted with was conquered when he made the decision to “worship the Father.”
And thus ,we can see that when we do these three things that he commanded of us, which is to “deny self, take up our cross and follow him,” we are able to overcome these three temptations that he also overcame. By denying self, we conquer the lust of the flesh. In taking this first step, we are making the decision to die to our own sinful desires.
By taking up our cross, we are conquering the lust of the eyes, because that is a visual and tangible object. We are now putting action to our decision to die for him.
By taking up our cross, we are conquering the lust of the eyes, because that is a visual and tangible object. We are now putting action to our decision to die for him.
By following him all the way to the cross, we are carrying it through to the end, and thus we are conquering the pride of life. The opposite of pride is humility (Proverbs 15:33 & 18:12). These three temptations are seen in three main categories of sin which are not of the Father, but of the world:
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 2:
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Before we can even approach the Father in prayer with petitions and requests, we must first overcome the sins of the flesh. Our Messiah Yahuwshuwa taught us how to conquer the sins of the flesh by worshiping the Father first.
A common mistake that people make when praying, is that they immediately start making petitions before they begin to worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). What most people seem to misunderstand, is that the primary reason for prayer is for worshiping the Father:
Yahuwchanon (John) 4:
23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.
24 Elohiym is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.
24 Elohiym is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
A Pattern of Prayer in the TabernacleNow we are about to go on a journey into the Tabernacle of Mosheh, so that we can begin to understand how to approach the throne of grace in eternity.
The first thing that you must know, is that there are three entrances into the Tabernacle of Mosheh called “The Gate, The Door & The Veil” (Exodus 26:33-36; 27:14-21; 29:4-11; 29:32-42; 30-6; 33:9; 34:34-35; 35:12-17; 36:35-38; 38:8-31; 39:24 & 40; 40:3-33; Numbers 4:26).
These three entrances are other-wise known as “The Truth, The Way & The Life.” This gives greater clarity to the words of our Messiah when he revealed that he is the way into the heavenly throne room with the Father:
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 7:13 Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
These three entrances are other-wise known as “The Truth, The Way & The Life.” This gives greater clarity to the words of our Messiah when he revealed that he is the way into the heavenly throne room with the Father:
Yahuwchanon (John) 14:6 Yahuwshuwa said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.
The Gate of the Tabernacle
The first entrance is called the “The Gate” into the outer court of the Temple which leads to the altar of sacrifice. This is where we will begin to offer up our lives to the Father, and where we will learn to die to the old sinful man daily. This gate is nick-named “The Way” (Exodus 38:18-19).
This gate marked the way of approach into the Tabernacle itself. All the way around the outside of the Tabernacle there was a high wall of fine linen. The outside wall told man to keep out, but the gate said that man could enter but only through the narrow way which is the way that Elohiym requires.
The Gate of the Tabernacle
The first entrance is called the “The Gate” into the outer court of the Temple which leads to the altar of sacrifice. This is where we will begin to offer up our lives to the Father, and where we will learn to die to the old sinful man daily. This gate is nick-named “The Way” (Exodus 38:18-19).
This gate marked the way of approach into the Tabernacle itself. All the way around the outside of the Tabernacle there was a high wall of fine linen. The outside wall told man to keep out, but the gate said that man could enter but only through the narrow way which is the way that Elohiym requires.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.
*Note: the word for narrow in the above passage is as follows:
#2346. thlibo thlee’-bo akin to the base of 5147; to crowd (literally or figuratively):--afflict, narrow, throng, suffer, tribulation, trouble.
#2346. thlibo thlee’-bo akin to the base of 5147; to crowd (literally or figuratively):--afflict, narrow, throng, suffer, tribulation, trouble.
This means that the way to salvation involves suffering:
Pilippiym (Philippians) 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
The Brazen Altar is Where We are Purified
Like those animals who go through the gate, we also are entering into a place of self-sacrifice when we enter into this place of prayer. We are about to be placed on the brazen altar where everything that is of our old selfish nature must die and burn up. There, we are purified as pure gold in the fire of the Ruwach (Spirit) of YaHuWaH:
Malakiy (Malachi) 3:
Yahuwshuwa Messiah is The Gate. He is the only man that can be reconciled to the Heavenly Father, and only through him can we also be reconciled to the Father.
Pilippiym (Philippians) 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
The Brazen Altar is Where We are Purified
Like those animals who go through the gate, we also are entering into a place of self-sacrifice when we enter into this place of prayer. We are about to be placed on the brazen altar where everything that is of our old selfish nature must die and burn up. There, we are purified as pure gold in the fire of the Ruwach (Spirit) of YaHuWaH:
Malakiy (Malachi) 3:
2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto YHWH an offering in righteousness.
Hazown (Revelation) 3:18 I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear; and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see.
Zekaryahuw (Zechariah) 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, YHWH is my Elohiym.
Yahuwshuwa Messiah is The Gate. He is the only man that can be reconciled to the Heavenly Father, and only through him can we also be reconciled to the Father.
The moment that sacrificial animal goes through the gate, he is going to his slaughter. He is about to be placed on the altar of sacrifice, where the fire is going to burn that animal up, until there is nothing left of him. That is why Yahuwshuwa invites all who would come, to him to go through this narrow gate of suffering, and death to self:
1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of Elohiym our Saviour;
1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 2:5 For there is one Elohiym, and one mediator between Elohiym and men, the man Mashiyach Yahuwshuwa.
1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 2:6 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
The gate or the way into the Tabernacle is Messiah Yahuwshuwa who has come to us in his Father’s name:
Yahuwchanon (John) 5:43 I am come in my Father’s name, and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive.
Shemoth (Exodus) 27:16 of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of Elohiym our Saviour;
1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 2:5 For there is one Elohiym, and one mediator between Elohiym and men, the man Mashiyach Yahuwshuwa.
1st Timotiyos (Timothy) 2:6 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
The gate or the way into the Tabernacle is Messiah Yahuwshuwa who has come to us in his Father’s name:
Yahuwchanon (John) 5:43 I am come in my Father’s name, and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive.
Ma’aseh Shlichiym (Acts) 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of יהוה YHWH shall be saved.
The instructions given to Mosheh for the colors of the gate symbolizes the Melchizedek Priesthood who in eternity is YaHuWaH himself:
The instructions given to Mosheh for the colors of the gate symbolizes the Melchizedek Priesthood who in eternity is YaHuWaH himself:
What do these four colors represent? We can see that these four colors correspond to the four gospels and how our Messiah is presented in each of these books as follows:
1.) White - The besowrah (gospel) of Luke, the Son of Man, the sinless man. Luke points us to the Messiah Yahuwshuwa as our righteousness: White is the color of purity.
2.) Blue - The besowrah (gospel) of John, the Son of Elohiym, the Heavenly man. John points us to Messiah as the living Towrah: Blue is the color of Heaven.
3.) Purple - The besowrah (gospel) of Matthew, the Son of David, the royal man. Purple is a mix of blue and red. Messiah the King is both Master YaHuWaH Elohiym and man. Purple is the color of Melchizedek (king & priest).
The Aaronic/Levitical Priests sprinkled the blood of animals on the mercy seat (red) and the Kings of Judah enforced the Towrah (Law) of YaHuWaH (blue). Hence, blue represents the office of the kings and red represents the priesthood.
Together, these two colors symbolize the Royal Priesthood of Melchizedek (2nd Peter 2:9). Matthew points us to Messiah as the son of David (royalty).
4.) Scarlet - The besowrah (gospel) of Mark, the Son of Man, the Servant Man. Scarlet is the color of the sacrificial blood, of Messiah Yahuwshuwa, the Lamb of Elohiym. Mark points us to Messiah as the suffering servant.
The Four Posts of the Gate
Yod = Y sound
The Four Posts of the Gate
Shemoth (Exodus) 38:19 with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks and bands were silver, and their tops were overlaid with silver.
The number four has a universal message of salvation through Messiah, to both the Yahuwdiy (Jew) and Goyim (Gentile). There are four letters to our Creator’s name which leads us to salvation. These four letters are called the “Tetragrammaton:”
Yod, Hey, Waw, Hey
Here is what these letters look like from right to left in Ancient Paleo Hebrew: יהוה
Hey = ah sound
Waw = who like a breath of wind
Hey = ah sound
Yah-who-ah
Our Messiah’s name is “Joshua” as seen in the Strong’s Hebrew Concordance, #3091 YaHuWShuWA. In John 5:43, Yahuwshuwa declared “I am come in my Father’s name....”
The first three letters in Joshua is the Father’s name called the “trigrammaton.”
The first three letters in Joshua is the Father’s name called the “trigrammaton.”
The entire name of Yahuwshuwa has six letters, because he died for sinful man, who was created on the sixth day. There is a prophetic reason why our Messiah’s name contains six letters and two nails in it. The Hebrew letter “waw” is a picture of the nail, and there are two houses of Yisra’el that he died for. From right to left, they are as follows:
Yod, Hey, Waw, Shin, Waw, Ayin
This is pronounced as “Yahuwshuwa,” and it means “YaHuWaH is salvation.”
There were four gentile women in the lineage of Messiah, (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba), who all became part of the chosen people of Yisra’el through grace. These four gospels depict Messiah in his earthly walk. There are four corners to the harvest field that were left for the poor, the widow, and the stranger (Leviticus 19:19; 23:22).
There are four messengers standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1-2 & 11; 9:14-15; 15:7. These represent the end-time harvest of souls.
The Altar of Sacrifice
The first article in the Tabernacle that we must go to in prayer (metaphorically speaking) is to deny ourselves on the altar of sacrifice. The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) illustrated that our body is now the living sacrifice that we offer to the Father:
Romiym (Romans) 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohiym, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Elohiym, which is your reasonable service.
Only then, did the fire of the Ruwach (Spirit) fall, and consume the sacrifice. This principle applies to us in prayer, for when we cleanse ourselves, and allow ourselves to be washed in the living water of his word, then we are a proper sacrifice that can be consumed:
In the Tabernacle of Mosheh, the priests had to wash themselves in the bronze laver before offering a proper sacrifice, and they also had to wash themselves after they offered a sacrifice.
The bronze laver is filled with water which is symbolic of the Living Water, the Word of Elohiym.
Immersion is a Picture of Death to the Old Sinful Man
Romiym (Romans) 6:
3 Know you not, that so many of us as were immersed (baptized) into Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach were immersed (baptized) into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by immersion (baptism) into death: that like as Mashiyach was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
3 Know you not, that so many of us as were immersed (baptized) into Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach were immersed (baptized) into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by immersion (baptism) into death: that like as Mashiyach was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Once per year on Yom Kippur, the High Priest (Kohen ha’Gadowl) in the Tabernacle was commanded to perform the atoning work for the nation of Yisra’el.
Unlike the other days of the year, the High Priest alone had to perform the daily offerings and sacrifices, in addition to the special sacrifices for the Day of Atonement.
He began by removing his clothing and ceremonially cleansing himself in a special place used only on Yom Kippur. He then donned his golden vestments and completed the morning service. He put off his golden apparel and, after washing yet again, put on the white linen garments that Elohiym commanded that he wear when performing the atoning sacrifices:
Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen miter shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.
Even though our Messiah never sinned, he came in the place of sinful man (the scapegoat) and his mortal, corruptible body symbolizes the old sinful nature of fallen man. Romans 8:3 declares that he came in the “Likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”
The word “scapegoat” literally means “The innocent party who takes the place of the guilty party.” There is a prophecy in Zechariah concerning a High Priest named Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) in the days of Zerubbabel, and this High Priest is a prophetic type of our Messiah, who is also named Yahuwshuwa (Joshua):
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 3:
He began by removing his clothing and ceremonially cleansing himself in a special place used only on Yom Kippur. He then donned his golden vestments and completed the morning service. He put off his golden apparel and, after washing yet again, put on the white linen garments that Elohiym commanded that he wear when performing the atoning sacrifices:
Our Messiah left his heavenly pre-incarnate body and came to earth wearing a body of human mortal flesh.
This pictures the High Priest who temporarily takes off his golden vestments in order to perform the annual Yom Kippur sacrifice.
When our Messiah was being immersed by Yahuwchanon (John) in the Jordan River, he was showing that he was preparing to be the new High Priest that year after the order of Melchizedek.
John was transferring the role of the High Priesthood after the sons of Aharown (Aaron) back to Malkiy Tzedeq (Melchizedek), as it has always been in eternity. Our Messiah’s mortal body is symbolized by the linen garment of the priest that is to be worn temporarily while performing these sacrifices.
Even though our Messiah never sinned, he came in the place of sinful man (the scapegoat) and his mortal, corruptible body symbolizes the old sinful nature of fallen man. Romans 8:3 declares that he came in the “Likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”
The word “scapegoat” literally means “The innocent party who takes the place of the guilty party.” There is a prophecy in Zechariah concerning a High Priest named Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) in the days of Zerubbabel, and this High Priest is a prophetic type of our Messiah, who is also named Yahuwshuwa (Joshua):
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 3:
3 Now Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
4 And he answered and spoke unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with change of raiment.
5 And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of YHWH stood by.
Zecharyahuw (Zechariah) 6:
11 Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) the son of Yahuwtzadiq (Josedech), the high priest;
12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaks YHWH of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The Branch; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of YHWH:
13 Even he shall build the temple of YHWH; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
The above prophecy in Zechariah is obviously speaking of a contemporary priest named Yahuwshuwa (Joshua) in the days of Zerubbabel. However, it is also a prophetic picture of our Messiah (named Yahuwshuwa) at his first coming.
In Zechariah 3, and we see a prophetic shadow of our Messiah and his first coming. In Zechariah 6, we see a picture of Messiah at his second coming, when he will be given many crowns, and his name shall be called THE BRANCH.
The Messiah himself will rebuild the Tabernacle of Dawiyd (David) that has fallen down (Revelation 19:12, Acts 15:16, Amos 9:11).
In the following verses, we see the Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) is using this same Yom Kippur typology when he describes Messiah as one who puts off the body of sins of the flesh (the filthy, bloody garments worn by the High Priest) when making atonement for sins, and he then puts on the incorruptible (immortal) body.
As his bride and his royal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Malkiy-Tzedeq), we are following in the same pattern as him when we also are commanded to put off the old body of sins of the flesh, and then we must put on the new man which is Messiah:
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 4:22 That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 4:24 And that you put on the new man, which after Elohiym is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Qolasiym (Colossians) 2:11 In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Mashiyach:
Qolasiym (Colossians)3:8 But now you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Qolasiym (Colossians) 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds;
Qolasiym (Colossians) 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Romiym (Romans)13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
2nd Keefa (Peter) 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Master Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach has showed me.
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 4:22 That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 4:24 And that you put on the new man, which after Elohiym is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Qolasiym (Colossians) 2:11 In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Mashiyach:
Qolasiym (Colossians)3:8 But now you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Qolasiym (Colossians) 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds;
Qolasiym (Colossians) 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Romiym (Romans)13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
2nd Keefa (Peter) 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Master Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach has showed me.
The Bronze Laver In Exodus 38:18 & 28, Exodus 39:39, 40:7 & 11, and 40:30 are the instructions given to Mosheh for the priests to wash themselves in the laver.
Shemoth (Exodus) 30:
20 When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto YHWH:
22 But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
20 When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto YHWH:
21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.
As you can see, the priests were commanded to wash their hands and their feet before ministering unto YaHuWaH. The hands represent our “works” and our feet represent our “spiritual walk.”
We must sanctify our deeds as well as our spiritual journey with Messiah. The Apostle Sha’uwl (Paul) also illustrated that the body of Messiah (the bride) is sanctified by the washing of water by the word:
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 5:
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Mashiyach also loved the qahal (assembly), and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious qahal (assembly), not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be qadowsh (set-apart) and without blemish.
In Exodus 38:8 we learn that the bronze laver was made from the mirrors or the looking glasses of the women. What we see here, is a picture of the bride looking into the reflection of the water (in the laver) to examine herself, before going to meet the bridegroom.
The Levites are a picture of the bride, as they wear white in the Temple. The Apostle Ya’aqob (James) uses this same typology when explaining that the word of YaHuWaH is like a mirror that we look into to examine ourselves:
Ya’aqob (James) 1:
22 But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looks into the perfect Towrah (law) of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
When we come to YaHuWaH in prayer, we must first ask the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) to search our hearts. We must allow the word of YaHuWaH to examine us:
Tehilliym (Psalm) 139:23-24
23 Search me, O Elohiym, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
The Door to the Sanctuary
A cut-out illustration of the interior of the Tabernacle above shows us what the door to the Tabernacle looked like. The instructions were given to make this curtain (called the door) of the following colors:
Shemoth (Exodus) 26:36 And you shall make a hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
These three colors accurately portray the office of the Melchizedek Priesthood of Messiah. The color blue represents the Towrah because Mosheh met with YaHuWaH and the seventy elders on a sapphire blue pavement (Exodus 24:7-10).
Shemoth (Exodus) 26:36 And you shall make a hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
These three colors accurately portray the office of the Melchizedek Priesthood of Messiah. The color blue represents the Towrah because Mosheh met with YaHuWaH and the seventy elders on a sapphire blue pavement (Exodus 24:7-10).
All the Kings of Yahuwdah (Judah) were sworn to execute justice with the Towrah, and so the office of the king is symbolized by the color blue. The office of the Levitical High Priest is the color red, since blood is red, and it is the duty of the High Priest once per year to go behind the veil in the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the blood of a bullock and a goat on the Mercy Seat.
But Melchizedek is both a king & priest just like David, who was from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), yet he offered sacrifices in the Temple. When these two colors of red & blue are combined, we get purple; hence the office of the royal priesthood of Melchizedek is purple. The door to the Tabernacle featured all three colors to symbolize our Messiah who is that door into the sanctuary.
But Melchizedek is both a king & priest just like David, who was from the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), yet he offered sacrifices in the Temple. When these two colors of red & blue are combined, we get purple; hence the office of the royal priesthood of Melchizedek is purple. The door to the Tabernacle featured all three colors to symbolize our Messiah who is that door into the sanctuary.
Yahuwchanon (John) 10:
7 Then said Yahuwshuwa unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Hazown (Revelation) 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
The door to the sanctuary is also called “The Truth” (Exodus) 36:37-38. At the entrance (door) to the Holy Place, there was a door-hanging. The door was much like the veil but it lacked the in-wrought cherubim. The Holy Place was exclusively reserved for priestly ministry.
Our Messiah taught us how to worship the Father when we pray, and he told us that he is the only way (the door) to the Father:
The door to the sanctuary is also called “The Truth” (Exodus) 36:37-38. At the entrance (door) to the Holy Place, there was a door-hanging. The door was much like the veil but it lacked the in-wrought cherubim. The Holy Place was exclusively reserved for priestly ministry.
Through the second entrance, “The Door,” we have the ministry of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) seen in the menorah (candlestick), an illumination (greater understanding) of what the sacrifice of Messiah has given us (communion with him), and empowered intercession seen in the Altar of Incense.
Luqas (Luke) 3:16 Yahuwchanon (John) answered, saying unto them all, I indeed immerse (baptize) you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall immerse (baptize) you with the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) and with fire:
Luqas (Luke) 3:16 Yahuwchanon (John) answered, saying unto them all, I indeed immerse (baptize) you with water; but one mightier than I comes, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall immerse (baptize) you with the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) and with fire:
Our Messiah taught us how to worship the Father when we pray, and he told us that he is the only way (the door) to the Father:
Luqas (Luke) 11:
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Master, teach us to pray, as Yahuwchanon (John) also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When you pray, say, Our Father which is in heaven, qadowsh (hallowed) be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
*Note: the first thing we are taught to do, is to honor the name of YaHuWaH, our Father. We must declare that his name is qadowsh, (set-apart or holy). We must ask him to bring his kingdom down here on earth just as it is in heaven. This means that we are called to be priests in his kingdom, and when we teach and obey his commandments, we are advancing his kingdom.
The door to the Father is our Messiah Yahuwshuwa. The fourth letter in the Hebrew alphabet is called the “dalet” which is the equivalent of our English letter “D,” and this letter literally means “the door.” As you can see by the illustration to the left, the door to the Tabernacle is what this fourth Hebrew letter represents.
Our Heavenly Father’s name is YaHuWaH, and the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) is the tribe assigned to be the Malkiy-Tzedeq (Melchizedek) Priesthood (Hebrews 7:14, Genesis 49:10). The Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), perfectly illustrates the Father, YaHuWaH, with the added letter “dalet” forming the word YaHuWDaH!
So we see the Father & the Son, in the Tribe of YaHuWDaH (Judah), as the twin goats for Yom Kippur. YaHuWaH is both Father & Son (Isaiah 9:6; Zechariah 12:10; John 14:9) and he has given his life as a ransom for the nation of Yisra’el.
Our Heavenly Father’s name is YaHuWaH, and the Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah) is the tribe assigned to be the Malkiy-Tzedeq (Melchizedek) Priesthood (Hebrews 7:14, Genesis 49:10). The Tribe of Yahuwdah (Judah), perfectly illustrates the Father, YaHuWaH, with the added letter “dalet” forming the word YaHuWDaH!
So we see the Father & the Son, in the Tribe of YaHuWDaH (Judah), as the twin goats for Yom Kippur. YaHuWaH is both Father & Son (Isaiah 9:6; Zechariah 12:10; John 14:9) and he has given his life as a ransom for the nation of Yisra’el.
We see this concept illustrated in Zechariah 12:10 where YaHuWaH himself is described as one who was “pierced” for the nation, as he said that they will look upon “ME” whom they have pierced. In the next sentence, it says that they will mourn for “HIM” (Messiah) as one mourns for his only Son!
Thus we see that the door to the Father is the Son, who brings us to the next phase of our prayer session, which is the Sanctuary, also called “The Truth.” Now we can better understand what the Apostle John wrote in this passage:
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:17 For the Towrah (law) was given by Mosheh (Moses), but grace and truth came by Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach.
Luqas (Luke) 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
Thus we see that the door to the Father is the Son, who brings us to the next phase of our prayer session, which is the Sanctuary, also called “The Truth.” Now we can better understand what the Apostle John wrote in this passage:
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:17 For the Towrah (law) was given by Mosheh (Moses), but grace and truth came by Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach.
John was telling us that the instructions for the High Priest after the Sons of Aharown (Aaron) came by Mosheh (Moses) because Aaron was the one who led the nation of Yisra’el into sin with the molten calf.
Therefore, Aaron and his sons could only live, if they offered their lives as a ransom for the nation. The role of the High Priest on Yom Kippur changed after this transgression with the molten calf in Exodus 32, and a temporary High Priestly line was installed after the sons of Aaron, until the “seed” (Messiah) would come.
This was the “law” that was added because of transgression (Galatians 3:19). But once Messiah came, he gave us favor (grace) and the very same Towrah of Mosheh (Mosaic Law) which is also called “The book of truth” (Psalm 119:142).
This was the “law” that was added because of transgression (Galatians 3:19). But once Messiah came, he gave us favor (grace) and the very same Towrah of Mosheh (Mosaic Law) which is also called “The book of truth” (Psalm 119:142).
Now, under the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Towrah (Mosaic Law) comes to us in resurrected, incorruptible form, and it is written into “fleshy tables” of our heart, rather than on stone tablets (2nd Corinthians 3:3).
Yahuwshuwa ha’Mashiyach is the one who has imparted to us his favor and his priestly instructions after the order of Melchizedek:
1st Keefa (Peter) 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
The Five Posts of the Door
Now if the Towrah in stone was given through Mosheh, and King David declared that the Towrah is truth, we can better understand the words of the Apostle Yahuwchanon (John) who declared that our Messiah had both elements: Towrah (truth) and also Grace (spirit).
The Five Posts of the Door
Shemoth (Exodus) 26:37 Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.
The number five represents the first five books of the Bible transcribed by Mosheh (Moses) called the Towrah. It is the number of the grace of Elohiym.
King David used “five smooth stones” to slay the giant Goliath. There are five offices in the ministry of the Apostles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Yahuwshuwa Messiah is the personification of the grace of Elohiym.
Yahuwchanon (John) 1:17 For the Towrah (law) was given through Mosheh; but grace and truth came through יהושׁוע Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach.
Tehilliym (Psalm)119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your Towrah (law) is the truth.
Now if the Towrah in stone was given through Mosheh, and King David declared that the Towrah is truth, we can better understand the words of the Apostle Yahuwchanon (John) who declared that our Messiah had both elements: Towrah (truth) and also Grace (spirit).
Mosheh could not impart grace to us. YaHuWaH showed mercy to the nation of Yisra’el only because of the “favor” (grace) that Moses had with him (Exodus 33:17).
Moses was a recipient of favor (grace) but he was a mortal human being. But our Messiah Yahuwshuwa is the creator of the Universe and he personifies the Towrah, for he is the WORD that became flesh (John 1:1) and this means that he is also the Towrah that became flesh.
Through the door of the Tabernacle (the Messiah), we come out of our sacrificial state into our new resurrected priestly state as we enter into a place of fellowship with him in prayer.
The Table of Showbread
Through the door of the Tabernacle (the Messiah), we come out of our sacrificial state into our new resurrected priestly state as we enter into a place of fellowship with him in prayer.
The Table of Showbread
Luqas (Luke) 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
In Exodus 25:30, 35:13, 39:36, Leviticus 24:5 and Numbers 4:7, we read the instructions for the priests to place twelve loaves of bread for the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el on the table of show-bread.
This same ordinance was done by our Messiah when he commanded the disciples to distribute five loaves of bread and two fishes to the multitude, and there were twelve baskets full of bread fragments left over (Matthew 14:20 Mark 6:43, Luke 9:17, John 6:13).
This same ordinance was done by our Messiah when he commanded the disciples to distribute five loaves of bread and two fishes to the multitude, and there were twelve baskets full of bread fragments left over (Matthew 14:20 Mark 6:43, Luke 9:17, John 6:13).
He was illustrating himself as the bread from heaven that gives life to the world when he did this miracle of the loaves of bread.
Interestingly, Satan tried to tempt him to turn stones into loaves of bread when he took him to a high mountain, but because he refused to obey Satan, he was qualified to serve us the true bread.
He was then able to turn five loaves of bread into enough to feed thousands on a mountain where he preached the word to them. In these gospel accounts, we see that he first fed them with the word of Elohiym, the true bread from heaven, and then he fed them with physical bread to nourish their bodies.
The Tabernacle of Mosheh, teaches us that after we have offered up our lives at the altar of sacrifice, (and we have washed ourselves) in the living water of the word (the bronze laver), we can then go into the next part of the Tabernacle.
This next part is called the Holy Place or the Sanctuary. There we will see the Table of Show-bread with twelve loaves for the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el.
Yahuwshuwa is the physical embodiment of these twelve tribes, and so we see that this is symbolic of Messiah who is that hidden manna revealed to us after we have died to the old sinful man and have cleansed ourselves:
Hazown (Revelation) 2:17 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Ruwach (Spirit) says unto the congregations; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it.
Life-Giving Bread From Heaven
1.) The Adamic Covenant: Genesis 3:15.
Interestingly, Satan tried to tempt him to turn stones into loaves of bread when he took him to a high mountain, but because he refused to obey Satan, he was qualified to serve us the true bread.
He was then able to turn five loaves of bread into enough to feed thousands on a mountain where he preached the word to them. In these gospel accounts, we see that he first fed them with the word of Elohiym, the true bread from heaven, and then he fed them with physical bread to nourish their bodies.
This next part is called the Holy Place or the Sanctuary. There we will see the Table of Show-bread with twelve loaves for the Twelve Tribes of Yisra’el.
Yahuwshuwa is the physical embodiment of these twelve tribes, and so we see that this is symbolic of Messiah who is that hidden manna revealed to us after we have died to the old sinful man and have cleansed ourselves:
Hazown (Revelation) 2:17 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Ruwach (Spirit) says unto the congregations; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knows saving he that receives it.
Life-Giving Bread From Heaven
Yahuwchanon (John) 6:
31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
32 Then Yahuwshuwa said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Mosheh (Moses) gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of Elohiym is he which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world.
35 And Yahuwshuwa said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to me shall never hunger; and he that believes on me shall never thirst.
41 The Yahuwdiym (Jews) then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
50 This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eats of this bread shall live forever.
After the Table of Show-bread, we come to the next article in the Temple which is called the Altar of Incense. We are shown that the prayers that we offer to the Father are like incense in his nostrils:
Hazown (Revelation) 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all qadoshiym (saints) upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Chazown (Revelation) 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the qadoshiym (saints), ascended up before Elohiym out of the angel’s hand.
The next article in the Temple that we come to in prayer is the seven-branch menorah. Here, we are reminded that our Messiah symbolizes the seven branches.
The number “seven” in scripture symbolizes “covenant.” YaHuWaH first made a covenant with all of creation when he formed everything in six days, and then on the seventh day, he rested and enjoyed his handy work (Genesis 2:2-3).
YaHuWaH has allotted seven thousand years since creation until the seventh millennium when our Messiah will rule and reign for a thousand years with his “Melchizedek Priesthood” on the throne of King Dawiyd (David).
YaHuWaH has allotted seven thousand years since creation until the seventh millennium when our Messiah will rule and reign for a thousand years with his “Melchizedek Priesthood” on the throne of King Dawiyd (David).
The seventh millennium from creation will be what is called “The Sabbath Millennium.” From creation until the end of this 1,000-year reign of Messiah, will be seven covenants for seven millennia. After that, we will be in the eighth millennium when the New Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and the new heaven and the new earth will come down out of heaven (Revelation 21:1).
What are these seven covenants?
1.) The Adamic Covenant: Genesis 3:15.
2.) The Noahide Covenant: Genesis 6:18- 9:9-17.
3.) The Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 15:18-17:21.
4.) The Mosaic Covenant: Exodus 2:24- Joshua 23:16.
5.) The Davidic Covenant: 1st Chronicles 17:1-Jeremiah 33:21.
6.) Messiah’s Renewed Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8 & 12:24.
7.) The Everlasting Covenant: Genesis 9:16, Genesis 17:7,13,19; Leviticus 24:8, Numbers 25:13, 2nd Samuel 23:5, 1st Chronicles 16:17, Psalms 105:10, Isaiah 24:5, 55:3, 61:8, Jeremiah 32:40, Ezekiel 16:60, 37:26, Hebrews 13:20.
When YaHuWaH formed a covenant with the earth after the flood, he promised never again to destroy the earth with water. To seal this covenant, he set a rainbow in the sky which has seven colors. These seven are: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.
Each of these seven colors represents one of the seven covenants seen above. The rainbow will be completed when our Messiah returns and fulfills the Sabbath Millennium for 1,000 years. This is when the “Everlasting Covenant” will commence in the eighth millennium. This everlasting covenant is a term used to describe all of these other seven covenants.
Before the flood is the days of Noah, the earth was one large land-mass, one continent. But in Genesis 10:25-32, we are told that YaHuWaH divided up the earth into seven continents after the flood in order to disrupt Nimrod’s evil empire at the Tower of Babel. And so YaHuWaH has made seven covenants with mankind over the course of seven thousand years for the entire earth which has seven continents.
There are six branches on the menorah that represent mankind, for
Elohiym created man on the sixth day of creation (Genesis 2:7-8). The seventh branch represents our Messiah who lights the other branches. He is also called THE BRANCH in prophecy (Zechariah 3:8, 6:12, Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15).
Elohiym created man on the sixth day of creation (Genesis 2:7-8). The seventh branch represents our Messiah who lights the other branches. He is also called THE BRANCH in prophecy (Zechariah 3:8, 6:12, Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15).
There are seven annual feasts that we are commanded to keep as part of our marriage covenant (Leviticus 23) and every seventh day, we are rehearsing for the Sabbath Millennium which will be the “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:19).
There are also “seven eyes of the lamb” who was slain since the foundations of the world (Zechariah 3:9, 4:10; Revelation 5:6).
There are also “Seven Spirits of YaHuWaH” seen in Isaiah 11:1-2; Revelation 1:4; 3:1, 4:5, 5:6).
And finally, we see that the seven-branch menorah also represents the seven assemblies in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:20).
And finally, we see that the seven-branch menorah also represents the seven assemblies in the first three chapters of the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:20).
Thus, we can see that the seven-branch menorah reveals seven covenants that will lead us into the “Everlasting Covenant” (Genesis 9:16, 17:7, 13, 19; Leviticus 24:8; Numbers 25:13; 2nd Samuel 23:5; 1st Chronicles 16:17; Psalm 105:10; Isaiah 24:5; Revelation 14:6).
True Prayer is a Place of Death to Self
True Prayer is a Place of Death to Self
The night before our Messiah was sacrificed on the two crossed sticks (the two trees), he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane with great travail. This word “Gethsemane” is defined in the Greek Strong’s Concordance as follows:
#1068. Gethsemane gheth-say-man-ay’ of Chaldee origin (compare 1660 and 8081); oil-press; Gethsemane, a garden near Jerusalem:--Gethsemane.
#1068. Gethsemane gheth-say-man-ay’ of Chaldee origin (compare 1660 and 8081); oil-press; Gethsemane, a garden near Jerusalem:--Gethsemane.
literally means
“oil press.” Pictured to the right is a grinding stone used to crush olives to make pure olive oil.
The giant stone “crushes” the olives until it becomes fine oil. This olive oil is what is used to light the menorah in the Tabernacle.
Here we see a Messianic prophecy told to the serpent (Satan) in the Garden of Eden after the fall:
The Holy of Holies
Now we are ready to go through that final door called “The Life” or “The Vail” (Exodus 36:35-36). Any priest who would go behind the veil unworthily would die there in the presence of YaHuWaH.
Here we see a Messianic prophecy told to the serpent (Satan) in the Garden of Eden after the fall:
Bereshiyth (Genesis) 3:15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.
The Hebrew word here for “bruise” is Strong’s #H7779 – shuwph:
To bruise, crush, gape upon, desire, seize, strike out; to fall upon, bruise.
As you can see, the word “bruise” in this passage in Genesis is synonymous with “crush.”
The serpent was told that the seed of the woman (Messiah) would bruise or crush his head, meaning his authority.
But the serpent would only be allowed to bruise or crush the heel of the Messiah. The word “heel” represents the inheritance, because Ya’aqob (Jacob) grabbed the heel of his brother Esau in the womb as a symbol that he would later on grab the inheritance away from his brother. Hence, the word “heel” represents “inheritance.”
Here we see this word “bruised” or “crushed” being used once again as a Messianic prophecy:
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised (crushed) for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 53:10 Yet it pleased YHWH to bruise (crush) him; he has put him to grief: when you shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of YHWH shall prosper in his hand.
Once again, the word “bruise” here in Isaiah 53 is Strong’s #H1792 daka: To crush, be crushed, be contrite, be broken; to allow oneself to be crushed.
From this word, we understand that before we can be accepted by YaHuWaH in prayer, we must be bruised, crushed, broken and contrite. In other words, humble to the point of being sorry over our fallen nature.
From this word, we understand that before we can be accepted by YaHuWaH in prayer, we must be bruised, crushed, broken and contrite. In other words, humble to the point of being sorry over our fallen nature.
Even though our Messiah never sinned, he was broken over the sins of his beloved Yisra’el. He interceded for us sinners as he was about to take our place by dying the death that we deserved.
Tehilliym (Psalm) 34:18 YHWH is near unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit.
Tehilliym (Psalm) 51:17 The sacrifices of Elohiym are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O Elohiym, you will not despise.
The seven-branch menorah also reminds us that when we are crushed, broken, and contrite, we can be useful in the Kingdom of Elohiym. We will then become like that pure olive oil that is used to be the light of the world. As our Messiah declared that he is the light of the world, so shall we also be the light of the world when we follow after him:
Yahuwchanon (John) 8:12 Then spoke Yahuwshuwa again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew 5:14) You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
When we are filled daily with the oil of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh, we have pure joy that helps to strengthen us to endure the trials and tribulations in life. We are also able to learn from Yahuwshuwa, our Messiah who endured the sacrifice of the cross because of the joy that awaited him when he redeemed his beloved bride:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 12:2 Looking unto Yahuwshuwa the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of Elohiym.
After being crushed, broken, and contrite in prayer, we can come away filled with the oil of joy that strengthens us for the journey:
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Tziyown (Zion), to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of YHWH, that he might be glorified.
Nechemyah (Nehemiah) 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto YHWH: neither be you sorry; for the joy of YHWH is your strength.
The seven-branch menorah also reminds us that when we are crushed, broken, and contrite, we can be useful in the Kingdom of Elohiym. We will then become like that pure olive oil that is used to be the light of the world. As our Messiah declared that he is the light of the world, so shall we also be the light of the world when we follow after him:
Yahuwchanon (John) 8:12 Then spoke Yahuwshuwa again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew 5:14) You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
When we are filled daily with the oil of the Ruwach ha’Qodesh, we have pure joy that helps to strengthen us to endure the trials and tribulations in life. We are also able to learn from Yahuwshuwa, our Messiah who endured the sacrifice of the cross because of the joy that awaited him when he redeemed his beloved bride:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 12:2 Looking unto Yahuwshuwa the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of Elohiym.
After being crushed, broken, and contrite in prayer, we can come away filled with the oil of joy that strengthens us for the journey:
Yeshayahuw (Isaiah) 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Tziyown (Zion), to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of YHWH, that he might be glorified.
Nechemyah (Nehemiah) 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto YHWH: neither be you sorry; for the joy of YHWH is your strength.
The Holy of HoliesNow we are ready to go through that final door called “The Life” or “The Vail” (Exodus 36:35-36). Any priest who would go behind the veil unworthily would die there in the presence of YaHuWaH.
But when we are “in Messiah” who is our High Priest, he has seated us together with himself in heavenly places:
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 2:
Ephsiym (Ephesians) 2:
5 Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Messiah, (by grace you are saved);
6 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Mashiyach יהושׁוע Yahuwshuwa.
Now we are ready to come boldly before the throne of grace, ONLY because we have been sanctified by the washing of water by the word by our High Priest, Yahuwshuwa:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 4:
In order to come into the Holy of Holies, (the holiest of all) we must come by way of Messiah’s sacrifice on the tree. He made a way for us to come to the Father in prayer through his name.
Yahuwchanon (John) 14:13-15 And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If you love me, keep my commandments.
It was through the veil that the High Priest (Kohen ha’Gadowl) entered once per year into the very presence of Elohiym on Yowm Kippur. This was the way into The Most Holy Place---The fullness of Elohiym. This is where the priest would see him “face-to-face.”
Now we are ready to come boldly before the throne of grace, ONLY because we have been sanctified by the washing of water by the word by our High Priest, Yahuwshuwa:
Ibriym (Hebrews) 4:
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, יהושׁועYahuwshuwa the Son of Elohiym, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Yahuwchanon (John) 14:13-15 And whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If you love me, keep my commandments.
It was through the veil that the High Priest (Kohen ha’Gadowl) entered once per year into the very presence of Elohiym on Yowm Kippur. This was the way into The Most Holy Place---The fullness of Elohiym. This is where the priest would see him “face-to-face.”
Shemoth (Exodus) 26:33 And you shall hang up the vail under the taches, that you may bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.
Here we have the purpose of the vail revealed. The vail was to be a divider or a partition between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The word “vail” actually means “a separation,” or that which hides. The vail separates YaHuWaH Elohiym from man.
Ibriym (Hebrews) 10:20 By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.
As you can see from the scripture above in Hebrews, when our Messiah’s body was torn on the cross, the veil in the Temple was also “torn” in two.
Ibriym (Hebrews) 10:20 By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.
As you can see from the scripture above in Hebrews, when our Messiah’s body was torn on the cross, the veil in the Temple was also “torn” in two.
The veil which separated us from Elohiym is the body of sins which was destroyed when he was sacrificed for us. Hence, reconciliation back to Elohiym is only obtained through the sacrifice of Messiah.
Ibriym (Hebrews) 10:
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of יהושׁוע Yahuwshuwa,
20 By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of Elohiym;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
The Torn Veil
This torn veil symbolizes the broken body of the Son of Elohiym at his sacrifice on the cross.
The veil had to be torn, and Messiah had to die, because the torn veil points to his torn flesh through which the way to the Father is restored.
Now we understand what he meant when he said “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me.” Behind the torn veil we behold his body which was broken for us, and on the “Mercy Seat” we behold his blood which was shed for us.
Wayyikra (Leviticus) 16:2
YHWH יהוה said to Mosheh: “Tell your brother Aharown (Aaron) not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.”
YHWH יהוה said to Mosheh: “Tell your brother Aharown (Aaron) not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.”
Entrance through this vail could cost the High Priest his life! Our Messiah gave his life for a ransom so that each one of us may once again become a kingdom of priests:
Shemoth (Exodus) 19:6 And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Yisra’el.
Mattithyahuw (Matthew) 6:
Shemoth (Exodus) 19:6 And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Yisra’el.
Hazown (Revelation) 1:6 And has made us kings and priests unto Elohiym and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Awmane.
Hazown (Revelation) 5:10 And has made us unto our Elohiym kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
What is Your Petition?
Now that we have made the journey into the Tabernacle, and we are in the Holy of Holies, seated in heavenly places with Mashiyach Yahuwshuwa, we can begin to make petitions and requests.
Queen Esther (Hadassah) is a prime example of one who did not attempt to go to the king without fasting and praying for three days. Esther is a picture of the bride of Messiah, who first offered herself on the altar as a living sacrifice.
She risked her life to save the nation of Yahuwdah (Judah) from complete annihilation. Esther laid down her life for her people as we read below, her famous statement “If I perish, I perish…”
Hadassah (Esther) 4:16 Go, gather together all the Yahuwdiym (Jews) that are present in Shushan, and fast you for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Esther’s willingness to perish for her people is directly analogous to the prayer that our Messiah prayed:
Luqas (Luke) 22:42 .....Father, if you be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but yours, be done.
Esther prepared herself to meet her king, with six months of oil of myrrh and six months of sweet odors (Esther 2:12). Myrrh was used as an embalming fluid in ancient times in the Middle East. It is also used for purifying, cleansing, and beautifying.
Esther prepared herself to meet her king, with six months of oil of myrrh and six months of sweet odors (Esther 2:12). Myrrh was used as an embalming fluid in ancient times in the Middle East. It is also used for purifying, cleansing, and beautifying.
Esther is a picture of the bride of Messiah, who did not rush in to meet the king hastily. She sufficiently prepared herself. And once she went in to meet her king, she found favor in his sight. She found so much favor that he extended the golden scepter to her and he said the following words to her:
Hadassah (Esther) 5:3 Then said the king unto her, What will you, queen Esther? and what is your request? it shall be even given you to the half of the kingdom.
Hadassah (Esther) 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
Hadassah (Esther) 5:3 Then said the king unto her, What will you, queen Esther? and what is your request? it shall be even given you to the half of the kingdom.
Hadassah (Esther) 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
Hadassah (Esther 7:2) And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is your petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.
As you can see, Esther was offered on three different occasions by the king up to half of the Kingdom!
As you can see, Esther was offered on three different occasions by the king up to half of the Kingdom!
The Effectual Fervent Prayer Will Bring You Into the Ministry of Reconciliation
One of the reasons why many people’s prayers go unanswered, is because they don’t pray according to the heart of the Father. We are told that if we pray according to his will, he hears us:
1st Yahuwchanon (John) 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he hears us.
As we have been reconciled back to the Father, we too are given the ministry of reconciliation, so that through our prayers, we can bring others into the kingdom who have lost their way from the Father:
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 5:18 And all things are of Elohiym, who has reconciled us to himself by Yahuwshuwa Mashiyach, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
The Apostle Ya’aqob (James) explained that the reason why we do not receive answers to our prayers is because there is fighting and quarrels among the brethren.
But the root cause of this is the lust of the flesh. Ya’aqob (James) equates fighting to lust, and he does not mean sexual lust. He is referring to lust for power, success, popularity, acceptance, and validation. He goes on to say that the reason why prayers are not answered is because “You ask not...therefore you have not…”
Another common problem is praying amiss. This means not dying to the old sinful nature in prayer before making your petitions. When people go into prayer without taking the time to sufficiently “die to the flesh,” it is very easy to pray for things that are not within the will of the Father.
Ya’aqob (James) 4:
1 From where comes war and fighting among you? Do they not come from your lusts that war in your members?
2 You lust, and have not: you kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not, because you ask not.
3 You ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts.
Faith to Remove Mountains is Attained by Forgiving
An amazing promise that Messiah has given to us can be easily obtained if we would only forgive all who have offended us. This promise sounds too good to be true, but he was speaking about impossible situations in our lives. Listen to what he says:
Marqos (Mark) 11:
22 And Yahuwshuwa answering said unto them, Have faith in Elohiym.
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be you removed, and be you cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.
But....there is a condition to this promise, which most people forget about!
Marqos (Mark) 11:
25 And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Persistence in Prayer Demonstrates Faith
Right after our Messiah taught us to pray YaHuWaH’s Prayer aka “The Lord’s Prayer,” he gave us a parable which illustrates that we must be persistent in prayer. Often-times we are told in these hyper-faith Christian circles that to pray for things more than once demonstrates a lack of faith.
Persistence in Prayer Demonstrates Faith
Right after our Messiah taught us to pray YaHuWaH’s Prayer aka “The Lord’s Prayer,” he gave us a parable which illustrates that we must be persistent in prayer. Often-times we are told in these hyper-faith Christian circles that to pray for things more than once demonstrates a lack of faith.
But the opposite message is being spoken here by our Messiah. By not growing weary in our prayer times, we are actually displaying great faith. When our faith is tried and tested, it produces patience which is one of the fruits of the Ruwach (Spirit):
Ya’aqob (James) 1:3 says “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.”
The Parable of the Demanding Neighbor
Ya’aqob (James) 1:3 says “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience.”
The Parable of the Demanding Neighbor
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;
6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?
7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give you.
8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity (persistence) he will rise and give him as many as he needs.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Ruwach ha’Qodesh (Holy Spirit) to them that ask him?
The Widow & the Unjust Judge Another parable that illustrates persistence and long-suffering in prayer is seen in the woman who continually kept on coming to the unjust judge.
Luqas (Luke) 18:
1 And he spoke a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not Elohiym, neither regarded man:
3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.
4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not Elohiym, nor regard man;
5 Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.
6 And the Master said, Hear what the unjust judge says.
7 And shall not Elohiym avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall he find faith on the earth?
Faith is demonstrated by our persistence in prayer which produces long-suffering (patience). This is principle that Messiah taught us involves humility in prayer.
Faith is demonstrated by our persistence in prayer which produces long-suffering (patience). This is principle that Messiah taught us involves humility in prayer.
Pride is an attitude of self-sufficiency. A false saying is often taught in society: “God helps those who help themselves.” This concept is quite the opposite of what is taught in scripture. YaHuWaH only helps those who are helpless and they admit their need for him:
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 12:
Ya’aqob (James) 4:6 But he gives more grace. Wherefore he says, Elohiym resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
1st Keefa (Peter) 5:5 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for Elohiym resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
2nd Qorintiym (Corinthians) 12:
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities (weaknesses), that the power of Mashiyach (Messiah) may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities (weaknesses), in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Messiah’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
When we display an attitude of humility towards YaHuWaH and others, we are recipients his favor (grace). But if we are prideful and not willing to admit our sins and shortcomings, he will resist us in prayer and will not hear us. The same principle is repeated in the apostolic writings as seen below:
Ya’aqob (James) 4:6 But he gives more grace. Wherefore he says, Elohiym resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
1st Keefa (Peter) 5:5 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for Elohiym resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.
The Publican & the Pharisee
This parable is an example of how YaHuWaH resists those who are proud and self-righteous. It also illustrates how YaHuWaH gives favor to those who are of a humble, broken, and contrite spirit.
Luqas (Luke) 18:
9 And he spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, Elohiym, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, Elohiym be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.
We have seen that in order to pray the effectual fervent prayer, we must not only be righteous outwardly to be seen by others, but we must be truly righteous from our hearts.
Our inward attitudes, our humility and willingness to forgive others are key factors in being able to approach the throne of Elohiym with confidence.
In order to pray effectively, we must first begin with a heart of repentance, followed by worship, and then finally, we must wait on the Spirit of YaHuWaH to bring us into the throne room with Messiah as he has seated us with himself in heavenly places. Now, let us recap on all seven items in the Tabernacle to see how they all serve to bring us into deeper relationship with our bridegroom.
The Tabernacle of Mosheh Brings us to Messiah
1.) The Altar of Sacrifice: Represents the sacrifice of Messiah on the “Taw” (cross) as the Lamb of Elohiym. Here we offer up ourselves to him as a living sacrifice and we choose to “deny ourselves and take up our cross daily.”
2.) The Bronze Laver: As his royal priests in the order of Melchizedek, we wash our hands (symbolic of works). We “work” with our hands and so the washing of our hands has to do with repentance from our dead works.
The laver had water in it and the priest would see a reflection of himself in the water. This is a where we ask the Ruwach (Spirit) to “search” our hearts and show us the hidden sins of the heart. And then we receive cleansing from the old nature by the “washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).
3.) The Table of Show-bread: This is where we eat the show-bread, the daily bread of the hidden manna (Revelation 2:17), which is the word of YaHuWaH. Yahuwshuwa said “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of Elohiym.” Yahuwshuwa is that bread from heaven. He is the bread of life (John 6:33-48). We eat his flesh metaphorically as we live on his daily word (John 6:35-58).
4.) The Altar of Incense: This represents the prayers of the saints and worship (Revelation 8:3-4). We must develop a life of prayer and intimacy with him daily.
Hazown (Revelation) 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all qadoshiym (saints) upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Hazown (Revelation) 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the qadoshiym (saints), ascended up before Elohiym out of the angel’s hand.
YaHuWaH had exact specifications for how the priests were to make their incense for the Tabernacle:
Hazown (Revelation) 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all qadoshiym (saints) upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Hazown (Revelation) 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the qadoshiym (saints), ascended up before Elohiym out of the angel’s hand.
YaHuWaH had exact specifications for how the priests were to make their incense for the Tabernacle:
Shemoth (Exodus) 30:
34 And YHWH said unto Mosheh, Take unto you sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:
35 And you shall make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:
36 And you shall beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with you: it shall be unto you most holy.
37 And as for the perfume which you shall make, you shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto you holy for YHWH.
38 Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.
We see from the above Scripture, that YaHuWaH says no incense should be burned for ourselves. In other words, this represents “self-worship!”
Strange Fire is a counterfeit of the presence of YaHuWaH Elohiym in the Assembly, and it closely resembles the Holy Spirit. Satan, the master counterfeiter is able to mimic the same miracles of YaHuWaH in the same way that Pharaoh’s sorcerers were able to mimic some of the miracles that YaHuWaH did through Mosheh.
But Elohiym only allows Satan to have limited power. Yahuwshuwa even warned us in Matthew 24:24 that there would be “False Messiahs and false prophets who would show signs and wonders in order to deceive the elect.” YaHuWaH is qadowsh (holy) and he will not allow his presence to be mixed with idol worship or pagan rituals.
But Elohiym only allows Satan to have limited power. Yahuwshuwa even warned us in Matthew 24:24 that there would be “False Messiahs and false prophets who would show signs and wonders in order to deceive the elect.” YaHuWaH is qadowsh (holy) and he will not allow his presence to be mixed with idol worship or pagan rituals.
5.) The Menorah: Yahuwshuwa likened the seven assemblies to seven golden menorah’s (candlesticks) in Revelation 1:20. The menorah could not stay lit without olive oil. We must be like those five wise virgins (Matthew 25:2) who kept their oil supply full at all times. We must be a “light” in a dark world. Yahuwshuwa said that we are to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) as he is also the “light of the world.” (John 8:12)
6.) The Ark of the Covenant: This represents the abiding presence of the Spirit of YaHuWaH. In 1st Shĕmuw’el (Samuel) 4:21-22, we read that the “kabowd” (glory) or heavy weight of his presence accompanied the ark. When the ark departed from the Temple, so did his presence. In that ark were the Ten Commandments. This represents YaHuWaH “writing the law upon our hearts.”
The Old Covenant was established on Mount Sinai, but it was broken with the worship of the molten calf, and thus Moses broke the tablets to signify that this covenant had been violated by Yisra’el. But this same covenant was renewed at Mount Horeb with the deposit of the tablets into the ark. This was a precursor to the Renewed Covenant of Messiah foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-33.
7.) The Holy of Holies: This is where the High Priest (Kohen ha’
Gadowl) would go and sprinkle the blood of the goat on the Mercy Seat every year on Yom Kippur. Yahuwshuwa is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek and he sprinkles his own blood on that Mercy Seat for us. (Hebrews 9:19-21, 10:22).
Gadowl) would go and sprinkle the blood of the goat on the Mercy Seat every year on Yom Kippur. Yahuwshuwa is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek and he sprinkles his own blood on that Mercy Seat for us. (Hebrews 9:19-21, 10:22).
The Tabernacle is in the shape of a cross, because it is the “Taw,” or the “end” to our old selfish nature. The journey ends at the “Holy of Holies” where we finally will see him “face-to-face.”
We must come by way of the cross, into the Tabernacle until we enter into the Holy of Holies. There are no shortcuts. If we attempt to go into the Holy of Holies without this pattern we will die. That is why YaHuWaH protects us from being able to come into his presence lightly.
The Tabernacle from an Aerial View is in the Shape of a Cross or Taw
The Tabernacle is a picture of Messiah’s body being crucified for us. The bride is referred to as “The body of Messiah” in scripture for a very good reason (Ephesians 4:12).
It is because she is going to follow in the same pattern as her bridegroom when she is one day resurrected.
In Revelation 1:20 Yahuwshuwa has the seven menowrah’s (lamp-stands) in his right hand. The seven lamp-stands are “The seven congregations.” This is where his right hand was stretched out and nailed. And this is where the lamp-stand is located in the Tabernacle (on the right side).
His feet are like bronze in Revelation 3:18 and the bronze altar is at the bottom of the Tabernacle (where his feet were nailed). His feet symbolize “crushing the serpents head with his heel.” The Holy of Holies is where his face is. We see him face-to-face when we are in the Holy of Holies.
The table of show-bread is in his left hand (the hidden manna in Revelation 2:17), the altar of incense is at his heart (worship).
Revelation 5:8 tells us that the “incense is the prayers of the saints” and this means that the bride (his body) worships from the heart (where his heart would’ve been positioned on the cross). The Bronze Laver is where the water and blood gushed out of his side.
The table of show-bread is in his left hand (the hidden manna in Revelation 2:17), the altar of incense is at his heart (worship).
Revelation 5:8 tells us that the “incense is the prayers of the saints” and this means that the bride (his body) worships from the heart (where his heart would’ve been positioned on the cross). The Bronze Laver is where the water and blood gushed out of his side.
The Tabernacle is in the shape of a cross, and it represents Messiah’s body, for his bride is his body:
1st Qorintiym (Corinthians) 12:27 Now you are the body of Mashiyach (Messiah), and members in particular.
Prayer Must Be of the Proper Composition According to Towrah
The prevailing attitude seen in today’s body of Messiah is often-times one of pride, arrogance, and covetousness. This was the attitude in Jeremiah’s day when the House of Yahuwdah (Judah) presumed to do whatever they thought in their evil hearts to do.
Covetousness and a desire for wealth was the motivation for offering incense to the Queen of Heaven and they counted on cheap grace to keep them in good standing with YaHuWaH:
Yirmeyahuw (Jeremiah) 44:17-18 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goes forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Yahuwdah (Judah), and in the streets of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem): for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil. But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.
As long as they were sons of Abraham, they saw no conflict with unholy mixture. And such is the attitude today even among the leadership in the body of Messiah.
Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before YHWH, which he commanded them not.
In Leviticus 10:2, Aaron’s sons were devoured by the fire of YaHuWaH and they died because they were disobedient in offering up strange fire or incense which he had already warned them not to do.
YaHuWaH had already warned the children of Yisra’el not to offer strange incense to him in Exodus 30:9 You shall offer no strange incense thereon.
In other words, the incense had to be made of the exact spices in which he specified. If they deviated from the formula of incense in which YaHuWaH had set forth, they were committing adultery spiritually before YaHuWaH. The word adulterate means: “To make impure by mixture.”
The word strange in Hebrew in Leviticus 10:1 is zuwr which means:
“To turn aside, to be a foreigner, strange, profane; to commit adultery.”
The Hebrew word for incense is #6999 in the Hebrew Strong’s Concordance, qatar which means: “the idea of fumigation in a close place thus driving out the occupants; turn into fragrance by fire, (especially by an act of worship) to smoke, offer up burnt sacrifice.”
Did you notice what this means? It means “to fumigate the old occupants and drive them out!”
This means that deliverance from demons comes from offering up the right incense to YaHuWaH (prayers and worship). It has to be made up of the spices that he specifies and the exact proportions that he specifies. There is a divine order to how this incense should be offered up.
In other words, the prayers of the qadowshiym (saints) cannot be mixed with our own ideas and attitudes. We cannot offer up Strange Incense (Fire) that is mixed with pagan ideas. Strange Fire is a false anointing and a counterfeit Spirit that comes from people trying to make up their own composition of incense.
If you want to pray the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous, you must live a lifestyle of obedience and intimate fellowship with YaHuWaH continually. There is no prescribed magic formula on “how to pray.”
If you want to pray the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous, you must live a lifestyle of obedience and intimate fellowship with YaHuWaH continually. There is no prescribed magic formula on “how to pray.”
By living a life that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father through faith, humility, obedience and patience, we will reap the reward of our labors in due time, if we persist and not faint. But for those who resist his wise counsel and they only want a “quick fix,” they will not be rewarded. They may pray, beg and plead, but their prayers will not be heard:
Mishle (Proverbs) 28:9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the Towrah (law), even his prayer shall be abomination.
Praying the effectual fervent prayer is a lifestyle that is lived out daily, and it is not attained by listening to a teaching on “ten steps to getting your prayers answered.”
Praying the effectual fervent prayer is a lifestyle that is lived out daily, and it is not attained by listening to a teaching on “ten steps to getting your prayers answered.”
Our Creator YaHuWaH will not be moved by formulas, but he is after a sincere heart of worship and humility. We are reminded by King David, as one whose heart was broken and contrite, that if we continually come to YaHuWaH in complete dependence upon him, we will inevitably experience his favor and the reward will be seen as the fruit of our labors.
Tehilliym (Psalm) 126:
Tehilliym (Psalm) 126:
5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
6 He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
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