"After death - Holiness"
Lev 16:1-18:30; Lev 19:1-20:27; Ezek 22:1-22:19; Amos 9:7-9:15; 1 Cor 6:9-20; 1 Pet 1:13-16
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It is within this Parsha that we find the establishment of the role of the Cohen HaGadol (High Priest) to make atonement for the nation Israel. This is a plan G-D established for an offering to be made by Aaron as Cohen HaGadol to cover the sins of the Nation for one year at a time. Each year this sacrifice had to be made to cover the Nation's sins. As I was thinking about this offering and the establishment of both the offering and the one who would make the offering I came to a realization of something that I had not thought previously to study. Before Aaron was the Cohen HaGadol there was not a Cohen HaGadol in Israel. It was G-D who chose him and appointed him to hold this role in the Nation of Israel and for the Nation of Israel. This role was established not just for Aaron but also for his descendants. What was brought to my attention is that many people argue that Yeshua could not be High Priest because he wasn't physically from the line of Aaron. There is of course argument to be made to support His lineage through the genealogies of Yeshua's earthly parents. However, just as Melech- Tzadik was a High Preist in Abraham's day because G-D made him the High Priest, there is no argument about Yeshua being made High Priest after the order of Melech-Tzadik. Not because of lineage but because G-D has the ability and the power to appoint whoever He choses to be a priest unto Him. G-D does not need our permission to add additional priests to worship Him. Before Aaron was a Priest he was just Moshe's brother. It was not his lineage that made Aaron a High Priest, it was the appointment of G-D. Instead of questioning G-D's choice why not be thankful that G-D provided a Cohen HaGadol who was perfect and didn't need to first atone for His sin before He could make atonement for ours. Yeshua was and is the perfect Cohen HaGadol who has made atonement for all of our sin.
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Our Parsha this week starts out with a dramatic change in the way the High Priest of Israel serves G-D. With the deaths of Aaron�s sons, G-D gives a new or rather adjusted commandment concerning Aaron, and those who would become Cohen HaGadol (High Priest) after him. Previous to this Parsha the Cohen HaGadol could enter the Holy of Holies any time he desired with no limitations. However, now as a result of sin now whenever G-D wanted the High Priest to enter the Holy of Holies He would invite him personally. The invitation would come only once a year at Yom Kippur and it was then and only then that the High Priest was welcome to enter into this special place of worship. We are taught in the Book of Hebrews chapter 10, that because of Yeshua�s offering for our sins we are now able to enter the Holy Place through Him. This restoration of relationship and fellowship is not something to be taken lightly. We must remember that this gift of being able to enter into the Holy presence of G-D was purchased for us at great expense. Let us considered this gifts great value, and take every opportunity to partake in this wonderful experience.
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After the death of Aarons sons G-D speaks to Moshe and tells him to speak to Aaron and let him know that no longer is Aaron to enter the Holy of Holies anytime he chooses but now Aaron must wait until the cloud of The Ruach comes to rest upon the Ark. Some points to ponder for us as believers. First point G-D did not stop meeting with Moshe just because some of the people in leadership (Aaron’s sons) didn’t obey him. G-D brought judgment upon those who failed but continued to bless those who remained obedient to Him. This is a very important observation to make because as the people of G-D strive to serve Him. There will be times when some of us in leadership will miss the mark, will fail to listen to G-D’s voice. At such times it is important for us to remember that because man fails it does not mean G-D has failed nor does it mean that G-D will give up on us as His people. G-D did not stop meeting with Moshe or Aaron instead G-D took the time to qualify how to serve Him is further details. The second point to ponder is that G-D does want to meet with His people but we must meet with Him on His terms not on our terms. It is specific that G-D would choose the times and places for such meetings. When I speak to people about such time as the Moedim (appointed time) such as Passover or Shabbat or any other time that G-D spoke in His word for us to gather to worship Him. It amazes me that often the reply is “Well it is more important that we me then what time we meet” or “I do the best I can”. This type of thinking turns around the positions within the Kingdom of G-D. When we conclude that G-D will meet us whenever we choose or when we get the time to meet. We in effect change places with G-D. We take the role of king and in return allow G-D to be our servant. This will never work and is very much the same sin that hasatan was cast out of Heaven for. As we put our lives in order as we set our priorities the highest priority must be the clear understanding of G-D’s Kingship and our servant hood to Him and His word.