Part 2 - The Passover Lamb that was truly born in a Manger

Historically, it can be inferred from biblical records that Mary the mother of Jesus was once a Levite prior to her marriage to Joseph because all her known relatives were from the tribe of Levi. For instance, Elizabeth was her closest known relative that was mentioned in the scriptures, who was a Levite in all ramifications.

“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1: 36-37)

Elizabeth is confirmed in the context above as the cousin of Mary and she was revealed again in the scriptures as a Levite because she was one of the descendants of Aaron, the first Levirate high priest under the dispensation of the Law and prophets. Aaron the brother of Moses was the first high priest to emerge from the tribe of Levi, and his descendants were assigned to do the works pertaining to the most holy things of the temple. Zechariah the husband of Elizabeth was also from the tribe of Levi because he was revealed as a priest that offered prayers under the old dispensation, which was a role that was performed only by Levites.

“…Zecharias the priest of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth…And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priest’s office in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.’” (Luke 1: 5, 8-10)

Under the Old Testament, the services of the temple could only be performed by the Levites among the Israelites. However, only the descendants of Aaron among the Levites can handle the most holy duties of the temple such as burning incense on the altar. For example, the sons of Korah that once attempted to burn incense in the tabernacle suffered a devastating plague despite being Levites. This punishment was a lesson and reminder to the Israelites that only the descendants of Aaron can burn incense in the temple.

“…To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the Lord; that he be not as Korah, and as his company.” (Numbers 16: 40)

Generally, the Levites were divided into different courses with respect to their family units for the work of the temple, which included the Levite descendants of the families of Moses and Aaron.  For example, it was customary for some Levites according to their course to work as porters while another course of Levites were assigned to sing praises with instruments to the Lord in the temple etc. Only the descendants of the families of Aaron alone were separated among the Levites for the purpose of the most holy things of the temple such as burning of incense and to minister in Lord’s presence ( 1Chronicles 23: 13). By earlier revealing that the duty of Zechariah the husband of Elizabeth was to burn incense in the temple of the Lord during prayer time implied that he was also a priest from the Aaronic order.  

“According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.” (Luke 1: 9-10)

As shown above, the relatives of Mary that became the parents of John the Baptist were from the most sacred course of Levites, whom the scriptures confirmed as Levites that lived in the hill country of Judah. This implied that John the Baptist was also a Levite, as the forerunner of the Christ and he was mentioned as the greatest person born of a woman under the Old Testament.

As the priesthood lineage under the old dispensation of the Law and Prophets, the Levites were found in all parts of Israel because they have no particular geographical inheritance among the Israelites. This was due to the fact that the Levites were assigned to take charge of temple duties and to teach the Israelites the oracles of God concerning the future plans of salvation that would be fulfilled through the Messiah. By virtue of this assignment, which includes taking charge of the temple duties, the tribe of Levi was entitled to a tenth of everything in Israel.

“… behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift of the LORD to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation…And behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service of the tabernacle of the congregation…But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.” (Numbers 18: 6, 21, 24)

Under the Old Testament, the Jews were saddled with the task of teaching the nations of the world the oracles of God concerning redemption by virtue of God’s covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Among the tribes of the Israelites, the Levites were assigned to take charge of the temple duties as a priesthood lineage, and to guide the people concerning the ordinances and shadows relating to atonement and forgiveness of sin.

“WHAT advantage then has the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way; chiefly because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.’ (Romans 3: 1-2)

So far, it is evident from the scriptural references above that all the known relatives of Mary before her marriage to Joseph were not just Levites but they belong to the most sacred order of the priesthood from the tribe of Levi, which was also known as the Aaronic order. However, the subsequent shift of the priesthood from Levi to the tribe of Judah after Mary’s marriage to Joseph also signified a type of the transition of the Levirate priesthood under the dispensation of the law to the royal priesthood of the new dispensation of grace.

In anticipation of this switch from Levirate to the royal priesthood from the tribe of Judah, it is confirmed in the scriptures that Joseph the husband of Mary was from the house and royal lineage of King David of the tribe of Judah (Luke 2: 4). Biblical records reveal how King David also portrayed different shadows of the royal priesthood that later fully re- emerged from the tribe of Judah through the birth of the Messiah. For instance, he once ate from the hallowed bread that was only lawful for priests while he fled from the envy of King Saul after he was anointed to become the next King (Matthew 12: 3-5; 1 Samuel 21: 1-6). When David became the King, he composed many songs and psalms under inspiration more than Asaph and other Levite priests that were notable for such acts. King David was not a Levite yet he made musical instruments for the priests. David was the King that first decided to build a magnificent temple in Jerusalem to replace the old tabernacle, a task that was successfully completed by his son and successor, King Solomon.

This physical temple of the Old Testament was later replaced by the body of Christ through his death and resurrection, as the High Priest and mediator of the New Testament that was established by the shedding of his own blood, as the true Lamb of God that atoned for the sins of the world.

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said” (John 2:19-22). 

The New Testament temple that was raised in form of the body of Christ is called the Church, which is a mystical body with many members, Christ being the head of the body.

“...and gave Him to be the head over the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1: 22, 23)

 ‘Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ…What! Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?’ (1Corinthians 6: 15, 19)

“But  Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us…. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:” (Hebrews 9: 11-12, 24)

The Change of Priesthood from Levi to Judah

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the power of foreknowledge that is revealed through biblical prophecies, as discussed in the series of my blog posts concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. For instance, the prophecies concerning the birth of the Christ already predicted that he would come from the tribe of Judah but no one knew how this would be accomplished. In the divine counsel to fulfill this prediction, it was important that Mary was first espoused to Joseph so that her status as a Levite would have changed to the tribe of Judah before the birth of the Christ. Consequently, the child that was born after Mary was espoused to Joseph automatically adopted the status of a member of the tribe of Judah. In other words, the transition of Mary’s tribe from Levi to the tribe of Judah through her marriage to Joseph was divinely orchestrated, as a type of the switch from the Levirate priest hood of the Aaronic order to the tribe of the messianic royal priesthood after the order of Melchisedec.

Moreover, the new priesthood patterned after the order of Melchisedec would emerge out of the tribe of Judah through the Christ that would come from the royal lineage of King David. By an act of foreknowledge, this new priesthood from the tribe of Judah was already in existence before the birth of Christ but it was hidden through the order of Melchisedec, whose priesthood was already in existence many generations before the Levirate priesthood. However, it was concealed till the Christ emerged from the tribe of Judah.

“…For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it yet far more evident: for after that similitude of Melchisedec there arises another priest, Who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.’ (Hebrew 7: 14-17)

Despite the fact that the royal priesthood after the order of Melchisedec was concealed for many years yet the superiority of this royal priesthood from the tribe of Judah supersedes and predates the order of Aaronic priesthood of the Levites under the law. This was foreshadowed in the past when Melchisedec received tithes from Abraham in the dual capacity of the priest of the Most High God and the King of Salem, whose dominion in Salem later became a territory of Judah after the birth of the Jewish nation. As a type of the Son of God, the name of the high priest “Melchisedec” means “King of righteousness” while his title as “King of Salem” means “King of Peace”.  As a type of the Son of God without beginning or ending, the genealogy of Melchisedec was purposely not provided to portray the priesthood that has no beginning or ending. The full historically account can be found in the book of Genesis whereby Melchisedec the high priest of the most high God blessed Abraham after he came back victorious from the battle field (Genesis 14: 18-20).

“FOR this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father , without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life: but made like unto the Son of God, abides a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto which even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoil.” (Hebrews 7: 1-4)

By divine arrangement, Abraham paid tithes to the high priest Melchisedec on behalf of his entire generations including Levi, in acknowledgment of the superiority of his royal priesthood, which was the same priesthood order  that  later re-emerged through the Christ that came from the tribe of Judah. 

“And as I may say, Levi also, who receives tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it, the people received the law) what further need was there that another priest should arise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law

…The LORD sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec: By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament…Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7: 9-12, 21-22, 25)

The most delicate work of the Levirate priests under the Old Testament was only performed by the descendants of Aaron, which was to intercede for the people especially on the Day of Atonement. As the price to pay for the penalty of sin, many animals were often sacrificed by the Levite priests to portray the ordinance of how the Lamb of God would come and redeem the world from the bondage of sin and death by paying the penalty for our sins through his own death.

“For the law having a shadow of good things to come , and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices, which they offered year by year continually, make the comers thereunto perfect…For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins…By which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all…And every priests stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever; sat down on the right hand of God…For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10: 1,4, 10-12, 14)

The scriptural context above confirm how the religious ceremonies of the Levite priests under the law were shadows that all portrayed how the Lamb of God would come and redeem the world from the spiritual bondage of sin and death by paying the penalty for our sins through his own death. The proof of his innocence and justification was revealed through the power of his resurrection over the bondage of sin and death, which led to the redemption of the world from the bondage of sin and death. This new hope through the resurrection was what was foreshadowed through the typology of the first fruits and the ordinance of tithing, as discussed in the next section below.

“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”  (Romans 4: 25)

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9: 28)

The Resurrection that was foreshadowed by Tithing and the First fruits Ordinances

The acts of tithing the first fruits under the Old Testament dispensation all foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection from the dead, as the sinners’ representative and the first fruit of the new creation. Before the dispensation of the law was given through Moses to the Israelites, it was customary since the beginning of times to honor the Lord with a portion of your first fruits or increase, as a type of eternal life insurance policy and a demonstration of faith in the resurrection of the expected Messiah. Ever since mankind lost his place in God’s paradise, this principle that invokes divine protection and blessings had been in existence since the days of the first generations of Adam and Eve, as evident in the story of their sons Abel and Cain (Genesis 4).  

“Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the firstfruits of all thine increase. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” (Proverbs 3: 9, 10)

On the basis of the above principle and in demonstration of faith in the resurrection, the author of Hebrews explained how Abraham on behalf of his descendants gave witness to the resurrection by giving a tithe of his increase to the priest of the Most High God, who was a type of the Lord Jesus Christ.  In other words, Abraham on behalf of his entire generations gave a portion of the firstfruits of his increase to Melchisedec the priest of the Most High God in demonstration of faith in the coming resurrection.

“And here, men that die receive tithes; but there HE receives them, of whom it is witnessed that HE lives.” (Hebrews 7: 8)

The portion of the increase in form of the tithes that Abraham cheerfully gave to Melchisedec in demonstration of his faith in the resurrection refers to one tenth. This one tenth was the yardstick that the Lord commanded the descendants of Abraham to give the priests under the dispensation of the law.  In other words, “tithe” simply means a tenth portion of a person’s increase or first fruits that was given to the priest in demonstration of faith in the resurrection, as portrayed below in the typology of the first fruits. When a grain in form of a seed is sown into the ground, it dies and is buried alone but the stalk it brings out as a type of its resurrection does not bear one grain but many, which is similar to the resurrection of Christ that was foreshadowed in the Old Testament by the firstfruits ordinances.

“Verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground, it abides alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruits.” (John 12: 24)

Furthermore, the Old Testament ceremony of the first fruits that typifies Christ’s resurrection from the dead was done on the day after the Sabbath, which is Sunday. The Old Testament Sabbath was Saturday and the next day is Sunday, which coincides with the same day Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of the resurrection. On the day of celebration, the priest was expected to wave the sheaf of the first fruits on behalf of the people before the Lord. This signifies how Christ resurrected from the dead on behalf of the people as the high priest and first fruits.

 “ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give unto you; and shall reap the harvest thereof, then shall ye bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.’ (Leviticus 23: 9-11).

This firstfruits ordinance described above was normally accompanied by a celebration of triumph and consecration, as a type of the celebration of the resurrection victory of Christ as the firstfruits. Moreover, the appearance of the firstfruits is an assurance that the rest of the harvest would be safely gathered at the appointed season. Similarly, the resurrection of Christ as the firstfruits is an assurance that all the dead will be resurrected at the appointed season (Matthew 27: 50-53, 1 Corinthians 15: 14-58).

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But everyman in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then comes the end…” (1Corinthians 15: 20-23)

“He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126: 6)

As mortals, the Levirate priests under the law could not continue their duties of intercession forever because of death but the royal priesthood from the tribe of Judah is after the power of an endless life through the victory of resurrection over the power of death. Hence, the superiority of the priesthood of Christ that is patterned after the order of Melchisedec is through the power of his resurrection. In other words, the new hope brought by the royal priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ was his resurrection victory over the power of death that is portrayed through the typology of firstfruits and tithing under the dispensation of the Law, as the new hope for the whole of humanity.

“And they truly were many priests, because they were not allowed to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continues ever has an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7: 23-24)

The Passover Lamb that was truly born in a Manger

My previous blog post revealed the true identities of the wise men that followed the star of Bethlehem to locate the child that was born, as the hope of the Gentiles.  Both scriptural and historical records confirm that these wise men were astrologers that came from a different country and met the baby in a house by the time they reached Bethlehem but the shepherds that visited the baby in a manger were in the same country.  It was also established that the emergency delivery of the baby in a manger was simply because there was no room for them in the maternity ward (Inn); so, the shepherds around Bethlehem had to go in haste immediately after they received the good news concerning the birth of the Saviour.  

It is also evident from scriptural records that the shepherds that visited the baby in a manger were not astrologers and did not follow the star of Bethlehem but they followed the instructions given to them by an angel.

“And there were in the same countryshepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you;

You shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will toward men. 

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which the Lord has made known unto us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:  8-16)

It was not recorded that the shepherds that visited the baby in a manger presented any gift to the baby except that they spread the good news concerning his birth in the same country. On the other hand, the wise men that followed the star of Bethlehem were strangers in Jerusalem because they travelled a long journey from a different country. By the time they reached Bethlehem, the baby was already a child and he was no longer in a manger but they found him in a house. They also presented three gifts to the child.

‘Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him…. and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before, them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped him…And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” (Matthew 2: 1-2, 9-12)

Prior to their departure from Jerusalem, the wise men received divine instructions to return via a different route considering the envy and threat of Herod.  Let us recall that Herod the king felt threatened about the news concerning the birth of a new King of the Jews and ordered the killing of all babies less than two years after he inquired about the time the star of Bethlehem appeared. This suggests that Jesus was probably less than two years old at the time the wise men reached Jerusalem and. 

‘Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem , and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also….And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their country another way……Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men?’  (Matthew 2: 2-7, 12, 16)

The Power of Foreknowledge

The discussion above brings us to the main theme of this current blog post concerning how God through the power of his foreknowledge utilizes the opposition from the enemy to achieve his counsel regardless of circumstances. Astonishingly, everything that was supernaturally predicted before the birth of Jesus was fulfilled unknowingly by those connected with his natural circumstances.

In King Herod’s attempt to quickly track and eliminate the new born baby that the strangers that visited Jerusalem predicted would be the King of the Jews, he summoned the priests and scribes to inquire where Christ would be born according to prophecies? The reply to Herod’s questions indicated that the Jews already knew that Christ would be born in Bethlehem but they did not know how the mission was silently accomplished (Micah 5: 2).

 ‘When Herod the king heard these things; he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for thus it is written by the prophet, “And thou Bethlehem in the land of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” ’ (Matthew 2: 7)

Moreover, Joseph the earthly father of Jesus lived and worked in Nazareth of Galilee but the prediction that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem was fulfilled through the decree of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar, who ordered everyone to return to their home town for the purpose of tax registration. So, Joseph had to leave Nazareth and return to his home town in Bethlehem with his pregnant wife to register for taxes. It was due to this journey for tax registration that Jesus was born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of prophecies.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Ceasar Augustus that all the world should be taxed….And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,).  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the Inn.’ (Luke 2: 1, 3-6)

With reference to the information above, it is clear that the birth of the Saviour in Bethlehem according to prophetic prediction was indirectly accomplished by the decree of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. Although the delivery of the baby in a manger was due to the fact that there was no room for them in the maternity ward in Bethlehem but the emergency delivery in a manger also confirmed the prophecies that predicted the birth of the Saviour as the true Lamb of God that would save the world (Isaiah 53).

“…and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the Inn.’ (Luke 2:7)

“The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and said,  Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world! …And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he said, Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1: 29, 36)

So, it was not just an accident that Jesus was born in a manger considering the predictions that he is the true Passover and sacrificial Lamb of God, whose resurrection victory over the power of death is now the cause of every Easter celebration. 

From a glimpse of the historical background, it is also evident that the news of the wise men troubled Herod the King when they visited the town of Bethlehem in the city of Jerusalem in search of the new born King of the Jews. Due to Herod’s plot to kill the child, the parents of the newborn King escaped with their child to Egypt and later came back with the child after the death of Herod (Matthew 2:1-23). This fulfilled the prophecy that; “…Out of Egypt  have I called my son.”

“And when they (wise men) were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt. And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt  have I called my son.’ (Matthew 2: 13-15)

Consequently, it is time to ponder on how God uses our natural circumstances to work all things after His divine counsel and to fulfill prophetic predictions in spite of enemy opposition. In fact, it is often through enemy opposition that most of the predictions are fulfilled. Even though Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the prediction that Jesus would be called a Nazarene was also fulfilled through the anticipated opposition from Herod.

When Joseph came back from Egypt with the child and mother due to the news that Herod was dead, he would have gone back to Bethlehem. However, when he discovered that the successor of the late king was Archelaus the son of Herod, he refrained from going back to Bethlehem, which was under Archelaus’s jurisdiction. So, he decided to dwell in Nazareth of Galilee with his family. Unknowingly, he fulfilled the prophecy that the child would be called a Nazarene because Jesus spent the rest of his childhood in Nazareth. 

“But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life….But when he (Joseph) heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matthew 2: 23)

In view of above, the baby born in Bethlehem grew up as the strong man of Nazareth where he became famous as “Jesus of Nazareth”. Christmas celebration is all about the baby Jesus that was born in Bethlehem while Easter is a celebration of the resurrection power of the man called “Jesus of Nazareth”.

“…We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ (John 1: 45)

Happy Easter in advance and stay tuned …..

WHY WERE THEY CALLED WISE MEN FROM THE EAST?

Historically, it was recorded that wise men from the east came to Jerusalem at the birth of Jesus Christ. In a previous blog that I compiled about two years ago, I had earlier revealed that the Bible did not specify the number of these wise men but only confirmed that the wise men came with three gifts. Moreover, it is reasonable to ask who these wise men that came from the east were while the second logical question is why were they called wise men from the east?

As another Christmas is fast approaching, let us continue this discussion by first examining the identities of the people called wise men from the east before considering why they were called wise men from the east. Evidently, the wise men that came to Jerusalem to acknowledge the birth of a child as the King of the Jews were ancient astrologers. Interestingly, the Gentiles that were best known for divination by astrology were the first to discern the Star of Bethlehem that confirmed the birth of Jesus Christ as the Light of the world and the hope of the Gentiles.

‘A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.’ (Luke 2: 32)

In his sovereign capacity, God chose to reveal the starlight concerning the birth of Christ to the Gentiles that were reputed for the acts of divination by astrology.  By interpreting the positions of astronomical bodies to predict events on earth, astrologers use divination at the time of a person’s birth to predict his personality as well as his destiny. Through the light of a Star, some wise men in the east discerned the birth of Jesus Christ as the King of the Jews and this starlight guided them to the baby that was born in Jerusalem.

‘Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him…. and lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before, them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.’ (Matthew 2: 1-2, 9-10)

The starlight that guided the Gentiles symbolized the revelation of God’s truth to the world because these wise men came in representative capacity of all the Gentile nations that had been in darkness concerning the light of God’s knowledge and salvation. The scripture recorded that three different gifts presented to the baby by these wise men but did not specify the number of the wise men. These three gifts were gold, frankincense, and Myrrh. The gold was symbolic of royalty of the new born King; the frankincense was a symbol of His divinity (Leviticus 2: 16), and the myrrh was a symbol of His immortality.

‘…And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.’  (Matthew 2: 11)

Contrary to popular belief, the child was no longer in a manger when the wise men reached Jerusalem. The emergency delivery of the Baby in a manger was simply because there was no room in the Inn when the mother was about to go into labor (Luke 2:7). This implies that only the shepherds that watched their flocks the night Jesus was born visited the Baby in a manger but the wise men that followed the starlight from the east met the child in the house and not in a manger (Luke 2:7-20).

‘And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him…’(Matthew 2: 11)

Besides, the journey of the wise men from the east to Jerusalem must have taken many days at that period because people travelled by camels in those days and not jet planes.

‘Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem , and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.’ (Matthew 2: 7-8)

According to the scriptures, Herod the king felt threatened about the news of the birth of a new King of the Jews and ordered the killing of all babies less than two years. This suggests that baby Jesus was under two years old at the time the wise men reached Jerusalem and according to King Herod’s enquiries about the time the star appeared.  Due to Herod’s plot to kill the child, the parents of the newborn King escaped with their child to Egypt and later came back with the child after the death of Herod (Matthew 2:1-23).

‘And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their country another way……Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men?’  (Matthew 2: 12, 16)

Historically, the traditional concept of the gods of the nations that were worshipped as the host of heaven had their origin from the times of Babel through the cult behind Nimrod’s worship, which laid the foundation for occultism and many superstitious beliefs in the pagan worship. As a result of many superstitious beliefs, ignorance through the belief in many gods once spread among all the families of the earth since the times of Babel.  Simultaneously, different types of curious arts in form of divination practices also came into existence among the nations in spiritual darkness until the Hebrew descendants of Abraham began to re-establish the belief in one God among the nations. 

Due to lack of knowledge of true spiritual principles, divination was once the only way that the Gentiles knew how to communicate with divinity for supernatural information and God sometimes responded to the Gentiles in spite of their ignorance. Consequently, all the Gentile nations were considered to be in the darkness until the Light of the world was revealed through the birth of a baby boy that was given to enlighten the Gentile nations in darkness, as the incarnate Word of God that born as the hope of the Gentiles. The Gentiles that first discerned the Light of knowledge that was revealed through the birth of the incarnate Word of God were the wise men from the east, who came to Jerusalem through the starlight that guided them to the baby that was born as the hope of the Gentiles. By referring to the child as the King of the Jews indicated that the wise men also discerned he was from the royal lineage of the tribe of Judah, just as the prophets predicted his arrival through the royal lineage of King David, who was from the tribe of Judah.

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined…For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.’ (Isaiah 9:  2, 6)

Why Were they called Wise Men From The East?

According to historical information, the wise men of the east that followed the star of Bethlehem to Jerusalem were Gentiles that practiced divination by astrology and they were also called “Magi”. The title ‘Magi’ has its origin from the Babylonians that were reputed as possessing astrological wisdom, interpreters of dreams, sooth saying, and difficult symbols. The ‘Rab’ in the Babylonian title Rab-mag was a sign of respect just like the title of the ‘Rabbi’, ‘Learned Teacher’, or ‘Master’ while the ‘Mag’ refers to the ‘wise’. The succeeding world kingdom of the Medes and Persians that adopted much of the Babylonian style of astrology also reserved the title ‘magi’ for the wise men of their Zoroastrian religion.

The wise men of the east that followed the star of Bethlehem were magi priests of the ancient Medes and Persians from the country now known as Iran. The term ‘magi’ simply means ‘wise man’ and ‘Rab-mag’ was a title reserved for the chief of the Magi or the ‘deeply wise prince’ (Jeremiah 39: 3). Interestingly, the word ‘magic’ also has its origin from ‘magi’, which refers to the ‘wise.’ Consequently, many so-called wise men of ancient culture were magicians because ancient studies utilized all forms of knowledge including information concerning magical practices.  The word magic can be defined as the secret art of gaining knowledge by the supernatural means (divination) or the art of influencing the course of natural events by the supernatural act (enchantments).

From ancient times, both divination and enchantments constitute the two major forms of magical practices. For instance, the scripture below reveals how four learned Hebrew captives of the Babylonian king were once grouped among the wise men, magicians, and astrologers of Babylon long because the wise men of ancient times come from both scientific and metaphysical background. These four Hebrew children among the wise men of Babylon were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, whom the Babylonian King renamed after the gods of Babylon by calling them Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 1:6-7).  Daniel was the first among these four Hebrew children to be promoted above all the magicians, astrologers, and wise men of Babylon.

‘As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams…And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.’ (Daniel 1: 17, 20)

Later on, the Babylonian king elevated Daniel above all the wise men, magicians, sooth sayers, sorcerers and astrologers of Babylon. This occurred after Daniel supernaturally recalled a terrifying dream that the Babylonian king could not remember and gave the interpretation of the dream.  (Daniel 2)

‘...Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king has demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the sooth sayers, show unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that reveals secrets, and makes known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days…Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.’(Daniel 2: 2, 27-28, 48)

As revealed in the scriptures above, the wise men of the ancient times included magicians, sooth sayers and astrologers because ancient people often relied on divination for supernatural information until the advent of refined principles of modern sciences. There were also exceptionally gifted people that were accounted among the wise men of ancient civilization. In another example, Solomon was mentioned as an exceptionally gifted young man that was wiser than all other wise men of the east, which was the focal point of civilization in ancient times.

“And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Henan, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations roundabout.’ (1Kings 4: 31)

Again, another scripture above indicated that the wise men of the ancient times included exceptionally gifted individuals and not only the magicians, sooth sayers and astrologers. However, many people in ancient times often relied on divination for supernatural information until the principles of modern sciences were refined and better defined. For instance, the science of chemistry crudely began in form of magical enchantments till it evolved into medieval alchemy before it became refined as modern science. Similarly, modern astronomy also evolved from astrology. Ancient Herbalism was also replaced by modern day medical and pharmaceutical sciences. In fact, some of the acts that were once perceived to be magical by ignorant people of ancient times have been clearly defined through modern day scientific procedures.

Today, the New Testament discourages divination practices and many other forms of curious arts that were once practiced among both Jews and Gentiles because the Light of the knowledge of God’s grace has been revealed in the new dispensation. After the new dispensation of grace fully began through the Holy Ghost that was given to the sons of men on the Day of Pentecost based on the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ, the book of Acts recorded an event whereby Apostle Paul used the authority in Jesus Christ’s name to cast out the spirit of divination out of a girl. This young girl possessed with a spirit of divination once brought gains to her masters by sooth saying.

‘And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, cried, saying, These men are servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.’ (Acts 16:16-18)

In the times of ignorance of the Gentiles, divination practices were overlooked but now forbidden due to light of the principles of God’s knowledge that has already been revealed to the world through Jesus Christ.

‘And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:’ (Acts 17:29)

‘…but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.’ (1Timothy 1: 13)

As the light of the knowledge of God’s word that was ushered into the world since the birth of Jesus Christ began to shine brighter and brighter, many people willingly abandoned their very expensive books on curious arts in exchange for the light of the knowledge of God’s word revealed through the Gospel, which was given free of charge.

“And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19: 18-20)

References from my books titled:

1) Nations of the World…How They Evolved

2) Nations That Evolved From the Five Sons of Shem

Stay tuned for more interesting gist on this same frequency…..

BIBLICAL PARALLEL OF THE MASS ENERGY EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE OF “E=MC2 ”

Although Albert Einstein is best known today for his theory of relativity involving the mass-energy equivalence principle, E=mc², which is the most famous equation of the twentieth century but it was his scientific discovery of the photoelectric phenomenon that earned him the ‘Nobel Price of Physics’ in 1921.  

My last blog post revealed the biblical parallel of  this photoelectric effect, which is a phenomenon in which an electron is emitted from an excited atom due to absorption of photon energy in form of electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength usually ranging from visible light to gamma ray wavelengths. As explained in my previous blog post, this scientific phenomenon is exactly parallel to scriptural principles of how the energy of the Spirit of God is released due to absorption of a certain amount of spiritual energy of faith from a person that pleases God.

 

In comparison, the greatest impact of  this photoelectric phenomenon goes beyond emitting electromagnetic energy in form of an electron from the excited atom but it is also capable of opening the atomic nucleus to cause a greater release of electromagnetic energy in form of the nuclear energy that can move a mountain through the mass energy equivalence principle, which is the focus of this blog post.  This mass energy equivalence phenomenon is exactly parallel to the biblical explanation of the mustard seed faith principle that is able to open up the heavenly realm to cause a greater release of the supernatural energy that can move a mountain, which is also known as the God kind of faith.

Now, let us consider the biblical parallel of this mass- energy equivalence principle, "E=mc^2",  the most famous equation of the twentieth century.

MASS ENERGY EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE (PARALLEL OF THE GOD KIND OF FAITH BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE)

By comparing parallels between scientific and biblical principles, it is clearly evident that the highest level of the photon electric phenomenon that can open up the atomic nucleus best explains the mass energy equivalence principle. This can be likened to the highest level of faith energy that opens the door of the eternal realm directly, which is called the God kind of faith because it corresponds to the highest frequency of faith energy. The fervency of this kind of faith energy that is called the God kind of faith can be likened to the photon energy at gamma ray frequency, which is a seven fold super compressed electromagnetic energy that comes directly from the nucleus in form of nuclear energy that reveals the seven types of electromagnetic energy. Regardless of any circumstance, the fervency of this kind of faith energy that is parallel to the highest frequency of light in form of a gamma ray photon always attains the threshold of spiritual energy that could initiate a much greater release of supernatural energy from God such as moving a mountain. The biblical parallel of this kind of seven-fold  photon energy in form of the gamma ray that goes out of the nucleus is the seven fold spiritual energy that is in transit outside the heavenly realm, in the capacity of the seven-fold Spirit of God that conveys the nuclear energy of the light of the settled word of God out of eternity (Logos) in form of the manifested light of the word of God (Rhema). 

Scientifically, atoms created all forms of matter and the atomic mass that formed matter comes from the nucleus, which is concentrated photon or electromagnetic energy in form of nuclear energy. The mass-energy equivalence theory of relativity explains how the photon energy of light in transit from an exploded mass of matter is directly equivalent to nuclear energy that formed the mass of matter before the nuclear explosion. The only way this nuclear energy in form of mass is released directly from the atomic nucleus is through the photon energy of the highest frequency and a person could only make this happen if he could open up the atomic nucleus. Consequently, if you want a greater release of the highest photon energy that is equal to the nuclear energy that moves mountains, then, the required threshold frequency of your photon or faith energy must be able to cause an impact that would open up the nucleus, which is the abode of the neutron and proton that formed the mass of matter.

Correspondingly, the minimum threshold of human faith required to exercise the God kind of faith must have the momentum or impact that could open up the eternal abode of the Godhead, which is the abode of the Father and the Son. This impact that opens the eternal heaven would then cause a much greater release of the highest frequency of photon energy in form of nuclear energy. If you are able produce the quality of this God kind of faith, you can move a mountain even if the quantity is as small as a mustard seed or the smallest atom.

As revealed in the scripture above, a person can only attain the threshold frequency of this God kind of faith that moves mountains through spiritual exercise that increases the fervency of his spiritual photon energy or faith to the highest possible frequency. Sometimes, the spiritual exercise required may last for a considerable period such that you may need to keep bombarding the eternal heaven with your fervent prayers and confession until the fervency of your faith reaches the highest fervency that opens up the eternal realm.

“And Jesus said unto them … if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say, unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible to you. How be it this kind goes not out except by prayer and fasting.”(Matthew 17: 20,21)

With reference to the scripture above, even if a person possesses the faith or photon energy that is as tiny as the mustard seed, he can still move a mountain provided the faith or photon energy is the highest frequency.  Let us recall from previous blog posts that the scientific parallel of the mustard seed in the above scriptural context is equivalent to the hydrogen atom, which is the smallest of all atoms that formed the mass of matter. In other words  if you have pure and direct source of gamma ray photons that is as tiny as the smallest atom, which is hydrogen atom , you can still move a mountain. A tiny hydrogen atom that is fully at gamma ray frequency is the same as a neutron, which is sufficient to bombard and open up an atomic nucleus. Photon energy of a hydrogen atom at gamma ray frequency makes the proton absorbs it electron and changes into a neutron that is capable of bombarding and opening an atomic nucleus. The nuclear energy that is released by opening up the nucleus would then explode a mountain through chains of nuclear fission.

In the same parallel, to achieve the required minimum work function that would enable a person to receive the spiritual energy for moving a mountain, he would first need to perform some spiritual exercise such as fasting and prayer. This exercise would increase the fervency of his faith to the God kind of faith that opens the eternal dwelling of the Godhead.

As a result of this opening, he would then receive the supernatural nuclear energy that moves mountains just like the nuclear energy that is released by opening up the nucleus could explode a mountain through chains of nuclear fission. For instance, the scripture below from the book of Luke revealed a picture of how the eternal heaven was opened while Jesus was performing the spiritual exercise of prayer. As a result, there was a supernatural release of the highest manifestation of faith energy through the Holy Ghost, whose seven-fold Spiritual empowerment is a type of nuclear energy that is equal to seven types of photon energy.

 ‘…that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.’ (Luke 3:31-32)

The God kind of faith is the highest level of faith that pleases God even if it is as tiny as a mustard seed, which was considered as the tiniest of all seeds. The quality of this God kind of faith always possesses enough fervency that excites God to open up the doors of the eternal heaven, which is the realm of all possibilities. Inasmuch as the above scriptural principle works for spiritual things, it is also a fundamental truth in the natural [Mark 11:22-24].  

With reference to the mustard seed faith principle that portrays the God kind of faith, if you want a release of the highest frequency of electromagnetic energy from nature that corresponds to the nuclear energy of a gamma radiation inside the atomic nucleus, the threshold frequency or work function of your required photon energy must be able to open up the atomic nucleus. In other words, a person would first need to use available energy of the highest frequency of his own photon energy to bombard the atomic nucleus.

Normally, the exercise or work function you would be required to perform before attempting to open up the nucleus would first require you to do some very energetic physical exercise that would increase the fervency of your own photon energy to the highest frequency. Only extremely hot matter particles moving at very high velocities can create high-photon energy radiation at x-rays and gamma rays frequencies, which portrays the fervency of the spiritual exercise that could generate the God kind of faith that is parallel to photon energy of the gamma ray frequency. This fervency is the kind of faith that releases supernatural energy directly from the eternal realm just like the gamma ray frequency of photons that opens the atomic nucleus and its realm of wonders .

The above explanation also reveals how the invisible gamma ray photon that goes out of the atomic nucleus is the underlying reality of all forms of matter or mass, which corresponds to how the God kind of faith is the underlying reality of everything that was created by the word of God. The nuclear energy in transit in form of gamma ray photon transfers mass directly just like the God kind of faith energy is the manifested word of God that transfers all things directly from the settled word of God in eternity. 

“…Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11: 2-3)

Accordingly, faith is the energy that brings the possibilities of the word of God in the ever-present realm of eternity into time and space just like the photon energy that links the realm of light inside the nucleus with events outside the nucleus. In the ever-present realm of eternity, everything is possible just like all things are possible with the light energy inside the atomic nucleus. Thus, the energy of faith that is transferred from eternity is always now just like the ever present realm of eternity.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…” (Hebrews 11: 1-3)

Everything that was, and is, and would ever be in time and space has already been settled in the word of God in the ever-present infinite realm of eternity. The same manner that the God-kind of faith links a person with the ever-present realm of the settled word of God in eternity is parallel to how the gamma ray photon that is manifested outside the atomic nucleus links you directly with the same realm of the nuclear energy of the gamma ray inside the atomic nucleus. In that realm, all wonders are possible. The God kind of faith makes all things ever-present and possible, which is also literally translated in English as the ‘faith in God’. This is the highest quality of supernatural energy that transfers God’s possibilities into man’s impossibilities.

‘And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and ye shall have them.’ (Mark 11: 22-24)

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