159-How the High Priest Is, So Are We#
159-How the High Priest Is, So Are We
(JP Text Group - Yun Dan Feng Qing Compilation)
Today's topic is "How the High Priest Is, So Are We."
The scripture is from Hebrews 5:1-10:
1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. 4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” 6 As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” 7 Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear. 8 Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we especially thank and praise You. It is Your grace that draws us to You, it is Your love that attracts us to You. You are our High Priest, You are our provider. When You accomplished everything for us in this world, we could receive Your blessings. As a new week begins, Your children come before You once again, we solely look to You. Please help each of us, supply each person's needs in a timely manner. Thank You and praise You, Holy Spirit, guide and renew us personally! In the name of Lord Jesus, we pray! Amen!
Today's theme: How the High Priest Is, So Are We.
The High Priest is something very worthy of our attention. In ancient times, the High Priest of Israel was like this: if the High Priest was not good, no matter how good the people were, they still could not be blessed. Do brothers and sisters know this? Under the sacrificial system, the people worked hard, but because the High Priest was bad, the people had no blessings.
For example, in the Old Testament, there was a priest named Eli. How was Eli as a priest? Very bad. The Bible describes Eli like this: Eli's eyes were dim, he could not see, and his ears could not hear. How do we know this? His dim eyes could not see God, and he indulged his two sons.
His two sons were very wicked. The Bible says these two sons were evil men. These two sons seized the offerings from others when they were being sacrificed, and they had improper relations with the women who served at the entrance of the tabernacle. But their father said, "My sons, I have heard that your reputation is not good." And that was it.
Brothers and sisters, this means that Eli could not see God at all. Although he was serving, he did not see God. This allowed his sons to do whatever they wanted. Could he hear? Some say Eli's ears were not deaf. When the little Samuel was living in the temple, God called Samuel three times. The first time He called, Samuel heard and went to Eli, saying, "Did you call me?" Eli said no, "Go back to sleep." Eli did not hear God's voice.
The second time, God called Samuel again, and Samuel ran over and said, "Did you call me again?" Eli said, "Go back to sleep, I did not call you." It was only until the third time that Eli remembered something: God was speaking to this child.
If Eli's ears could hear God's voice, God would not have to use a child. Do you understand? Many times when we cannot hear God's voice or see God, it is because we are dark inside. Eli, the High Priest, was not good, and as a result, enemies invaded, and they lost battles repeatedly. They thought, "In the past, when our ancestors carried the Ark of the Covenant, the enemies would fail." So they imitated and carried the Ark into battle, but the Ark was captured by the enemy.
Brothers and sisters, what does the Ark represent? Why could they win in the past when carrying the Ark? Because it represented the covenant God made with them! Amen! If you have abandoned God's covenant, even if you carry the entire tabernacle, you will still fail. Because you no longer listen to God's words and cannot see God, the people were in great distress.
There were always problems at that time. This was a bad High Priest who could not bring blessings to the people; they were rejected by God. But if the High Priest is good, the situation is completely different. Even if the people of Israel behave poorly, God will bless this group of people because of the High Priest. God does not look at the behavior of each individual; He looks at the High Priest. Amen!
This point is very important! The High Priest has the opportunity once a year to offer sacrifices for the people, taking the blood of bulls and goats into the Most Holy Place, before the mercy seat, to offer sacrifices for the people. God will bless the High Priest before the mercy seat, and after the High Priest goes out, he will bless the people. Do brothers and sisters know this order? When the High Priest is accepted by God, he goes out and tells the people, "This year you can be at peace; God will send rain on time. You will have abundant harvests." There is such a blessing, and the people receive this blessing and go back. If the High Priest is bad and is struck dead by God in the temple, this year's blessing will be gone.
No matter how hard the people work, the land will be dry or flooded... In short, nothing will go well. It is not because you are not working hard; it is because the High Priest is bad. Brothers and sisters, do you understand the importance of the High Priest? The past people of Israel lived in such an environment. It is not that God looks at our behavior and blesses us. God does not look at us; we are all God's people. Since there is such a sacrificial system, we have a direct relationship with the High Priest because in the past, how the High Priest was, so were the people. Amen!
Today, who is our High Priest? Jesus is our High Priest! Is He accepted by God? That's right! And Jesus will never die! In the past, you could not decide whether you would always have blessings. For example, if this High Priest is good, after this priest dies, God will choose another one. If this one is bad, you will be in trouble.
But our High Priest does not need to be replaced. His name is Jesus! Jesus has always been our High Priest! When Jesus is accepted by God and is pleasing to God, everything you do will be blessed! We know this and can be at ease. It is not that good things happen because we worked hard; it is that God has blessed you, and your efforts will be seen. Do you understand this?
Many times people say that hard work will yield results; this is a saying of the world. Many people work hard but see no results. They work hard, and by the end of the year, they have nothing left. Otherwise, they are sent to the hospital or to another place. It cannot be said that they did not work hard; they just did not leave anything behind. The blessing God wants to give you is to let you easily receive blessings! It is not because of you, but because our High Priest, He is good! Hallelujah!
Because of the High Priest, God wants to place blessings upon you, so you must look to the High Priest! Look at the High Priest. In the Old Testament, when the High Priest served, the people were to supervise the High Priest. The people were to remind the High Priest to never sin, to always be holy, and to behave well. You determine the fate of all the people, so you must serve God well. As the High Priest, he also does not want to die; he serves with his life on the line.
Brothers and sisters, if he is not pleasing to God, he will die in the Most Holy Place in an instant. The High Priest at that time was very fearful and terrified. Today, God does not let us look at ourselves but lets us look to the High Priest, Jesus Christ! Amen! If today you expect God to heal you, look to our High Priest, and God will bless you; it is that simple.
It is not that we have done something, nor is it that your behavior is good before God that God will heal you or bless you; it is not like that. We must understand one thing: many people believe wrongly. After believing wrongly, they feel that God finds it hard to forgive them, or that God no longer loves them, or that God no longer hears their prayers. These are all our own thoughts because it has nothing to do with you; it is the High Priest who is accepted by God, and you are accepted by God!
If the High Priest is rejected by God, no matter how hard you try, you will not be accepted by God. It is that simple. So today, do not be deceived. Our Jesus Christ has always been accepted by God and is pleasing to God, so you are also pleasing to God. Hallelujah!
You must remember this in your heart; do not be deceived by the devil. If you look at yourself and say, "I am not qualified to receive God's blessings today," as if you are not qualified to receive God's healing, as if you are not qualified to be loved by God, it is not like that. You are looking at yourself. Brothers and sisters, the devil makes us look at ourselves, and we will be affected. Under grace, God wants you to continually look at the High Priest. Hallelujah! When discussing with others, do not talk about how I am! How I am! Talk about our Jesus! Talk about our High Priest. Amen!
We need to understand what the High Priest is like today. First, let’s look at what the High Priest of Israel was like. Hebrews 5:1: For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. This refers to the High Priest who served God among the people of Israel in ancient times. What did the High Priest do? Brothers and sisters, what did the High Priest do in the Old Testament? Offer sacrifices? For whom did he offer sacrifices? For the people, for you. If you are an Israelite, do you know for whom the High Priest offers sacrifices? For me!
Let me explain the difference between a priest and a sacrifice. The priest is the representative of the people, serving before God. Do you understand? You know what a representative is, right? Today, if you represent our church to participate in some activity, you represent the entire church! Do you understand? Every word and action represents the entire church; this is the meaning of representation. The High Priest is the representative of the people; he serves before God on behalf of the entire people. Amen!
You see the High Priest taking the blood of the lamb before God; it is not just his own blood but the blood of all the people. Do you understand? If he is bad, the entire people will not be accepted. If he is victorious, the entire people will be victorious! For us today, the High Priest represents all of you, serving before God. Amen! This service directly relates to everyone. It is said that he is appointed to handle things pertaining to God. Therefore, he must offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. This way, we understand that the High Priest is my representative.
Jesus is your representative. Jesus is accepted by God before God, so you are also accepted by God. If Jesus has already been victorious, you are also victorious! In ancient times, when two armies began to fight, the leaders fought. If one lost and the other won, then the rest did not need to fight; you have already won. Our Jesus has already won! So you are victorious! It is not that we say, "Look, they both fought like that, we should go too." No need; as long as your leader is victorious, it represents that all of you are victorious! Hallelujah! Isn’t this easy? This is the role of the priest.
So what is a prophet? A prophet is the opposite; a prophet is God's representative among the people, representing God. Amen! Prophets, apostles, pastors, teachers, they represent God, receiving words from God to tell the people. Can you understand the difference between these two? The priest is your representative, serving before God, while the prophet receives words from God and represents God.
In the Old Testament, Elijah was called a man of God, and Elisha was called a man of God because their roles with God were the same. If you attack a prophet, it is equivalent to attacking God. We understand this order and know that the High Priest is appointed to handle things pertaining to God. We do not understand how to offer sacrifices; we do not understand how to be accepted by God. The High Priest has done everything for you. Amen!
Our first point of sharing: The High Priest Handles Things Pertaining to God on Behalf of the People.
Remember, everything the High Priest does is for the good of the people. Amen! Always remember this! Everything the High Priest does is for you! Before the High Priest, we have no judgment because the High Priest is our representative! But the prophet's mouth will have messages of judgment because he is God's representative. If you do wrong, he will point out your problems. Amen! Thank the Lord!
The High Priest is not chosen for God's benefit but for the benefit of the people, handling matters before God! If you are all Israelites, then I am your High Priest; I am your representative. Amen! My service before God, my good or bad, directly determines your good or bad. Whether you have blessings, whether you are cursed or blessed, this is the role of the High Priest we just mentioned.
We know Jesus Christ; He is our High Priest. The more you know Jesus, the more hope you have. Amen! Your faith will also be strengthened! Because you know this High Priest is the best, because you know this High Priest is completely accepted by God. Hallelujah! He has been accepted by God, and everything you do is blessed by God. Because He represents you. Jesus represents you! This way, you can pray with confidence. Jesus is our representative; all who believe are accepted by God. Hallelujah!
We can also see some characteristics on the priestly robe. Such details point to how good our Jesus Christ is. On the priestly robe, there are two places where the names of Israel are written: one on the chest and the other on the shoulder. What is the difference between these two? Why are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel written in these two places? It is because God has placed all of us on His heart! Amen! So the High Priest is our representative! He writes all our names on His heart. He writes them on His shoulder. Then he comes before God, and when God sees the High Priest, it is equivalent to seeing all of us.
Carrying on the shoulder represents God's strength. The High Priest writes you on His shoulder, and the shoulder is the place of strength. When you are weak, Jesus lifts you up. Do you remember the lost sheep? When He finds this sheep, this sheep may also be weak and hungry and cannot walk. Jesus picks it up and carries it on His shoulder back. So when you are weak, you should remember your High Priest; He is your strength! Amen!
When you feel that no one in this world cares for you, no one loves you, remember you are on Jesus' heart; He loves you! Hallelujah! The shoulder symbolizes ability and strength! The heart symbolizes love! Another important place is the forehead. The High Priest wears a hat on his forehead, and there is an inscription on the hat.
We look at Exodus 28:36-38: You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
Do you know what this means? This statement is amazing. Look at the last part; this plate shall be on his forehead continually. On whose forehead? On the High Priest's forehead! It makes them, referring to whom? If I said, if you are an Israelite, I am the High Priest, now my hat has an inscription: HOLINESS TO THE LORD! This plate shall be on my forehead continually, making them acceptable before the Lord!
Isn’t this interesting? The service of the High Priest, every word and action, represents me! It represents the people. Brothers and sisters, if this HOLINESS TO THE LORD is continually on my forehead, then God will accept you! It makes them acceptable before the Lord! In fact, the Hebrew is even more interesting. HOLINESS TO THE LORD is exactly the capital letters of the name of the Lord, meaning an outstretched hand, which connects grace with grace, as John 1 says, grace upon grace. Do you see God's intention? HOLINESS TO THE LORD is to give you His grace! Hallelujah!
So the High Priest is very important. For each of us, everyone has a relationship with the High Priest. Aaron was the High Priest at that time, and on his forehead, his hat was inscribed: HOLINESS TO THE LORD. Tied with a blue ribbon, we see the inscription on this plate; what does it have to do with us? Why is it on the forehead and not elsewhere? Why not hang it around the neck? Why is it written on the forehead? And why is it tied with a blue ribbon?
Why write it on the head? It’s simple. I will ask everyone a question: What is holiness? Holiness means being set apart, separated from the world. So the High Priest is a completely set-apart person, different from the people and different from the priests. The High Priest has written HOLINESS TO THE LORD on his head.
This means he is now dedicated to God and is completely different from the worldly people. Your clothing is different from the worldly people, your behavior is different, and your thoughts are also different. Amen! The people can live freely, but the High Priest cannot. When you enter the Most Holy Place, can you go in casually? You cannot just wear pants and go in; try it, and you will die. That is not a place where you can be casual.
When his head is inscribed with HOLINESS TO THE LORD, it shows that your words and actions are different from the worldly people. And one more thing, your thoughts are also different from the worldly people. Amen! Where is the difference between the High Priest and the worldly people? What he thinks inside is all sound, righteous, and positive information. Can you understand this? This relates to us. If the High Priest is always thinking about messy things, the people will be in trouble.
If the High Priest is cursed, the people will all be cursed. Do you understand? This is completely different. When Jesus was crucified, He wore a crown of thorns on His head. Why a crown of thorns? Why not wear it elsewhere? Why wear it on the head? Because all our words and actions come from our thoughts. If your thoughts are occupied by the devil, if your thoughts are deceived by the devil, your entire words and actions will be corrupted.
This is what Proverbs tells us: The issues of life come from the heart. So you must guard your heart above all else. If your thoughts are wrong, everything that follows will be wrong. This is what we often say: When you believe correctly, you can live correctly. If you believe wrongly, your life will be completely wrong.
Holiness is on the forehead. In other words, if you often self-condemn, often feel guilty, and often have feelings of shame, these feelings do not come from God, nor do they come from the High Priest. The High Priest's thoughts are all, "I am accepted by God; I am holy; I am righteous." Because he sees in the mirror a completely different self, especially when he sees the inscription on the hat: HOLINESS TO THE LORD. He knows he is no longer an ordinary person; he has already been dedicated to the Lord. Amen! This holiness must always be on his forehead. In other words, you must always use different thoughts to view yourself. This is the characteristic of the High Priest.
So God does not look at your filthy thoughts; He does not judge you based on your bad thoughts. God judges based on the thoughts of the High Priest. How He sees the High Priest is how He sees you. Amen! Brothers and sisters, many people, because they accept the devil's wrong thoughts, or thoughts that come from selfish desires, end up becoming very negative or self-condemning. Such people have a characteristic: a self-condemning person often condemns others. This is certain because their thoughts are like this; they think others are like this too. Can this brother or sister understand?
A person without a sense of security, or someone who is often looked down upon by others, comes into the church and sees two people whispering. If one of them looks at him, he will immediately think they are talking about him. Where does this thought come from? It comes from condemnation. From self-condemnation. His thoughts lead his heart to hate these two people, thinking, "Why are they talking bad about me behind my back?" This is a terrible thought. Because it all comes from thoughts.
So Jesus wore the crown of thorns for us, and blood flowed from His head. When the blood flowed out, it freed you from sin. It freed you from guilt. It freed you from shame. You should believe that these thoughts are incorrect. They are not given to you by God; they are meant to deceive you by the devil. Amen!
HOLINESS TO THE LORD is on the forehead of the High Priest. We know that no matter what thoughts we have, what God wants to give you is definitely positive. Hallelujah! You should believe that you have enough security before God. No matter what others say about you, you should believe that you are accepted by God.
No matter how others condemn you, you should believe that you are accepted by God. Because you are in Jesus' heart, you are on His shoulder. Hallelujah! Even if you are weak, Jesus will carry you, removing feelings of condemnation, guilt, or shame. The only way is to know where your High Priest is, in the Kingdom of Heaven. In other words, in the heavenly Most Holy Place, if the devil wants to take away your blessings, there is only one way: to kill your High Priest, and then you will have no blessings. Do you understand, brothers and sisters?
Today, does the devil have such power? Can he go up and kill Jesus? No! So you can be assured of one thing: you are always on Jesus' heart. He will always love you, and He will always carry you on His shoulder because He is your representative! This is what we talked about at the beginning: As Jesus is, so are you in this world.
In the Old Testament, how the High Priest was in the Most Holy Place, so were the people. When the High Priest was accepted by God, the people outside were also accepted by God and blessed by God! Amen! Jesus is accepted in Heaven, so we are also accepted on Earth. Can everyone understand this? So do not self-condemn, and do not condemn others.
We must always remind each other of what identity we have in Christ.
Romans 8:31-34:
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (Or “Is it God who justifies?”) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. (“Is it Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us?”)
Everyone must remember this scripture in their hearts. This verse can help you resist all the attacks of the devil when you are weak and when the devil deceives you. Look at what it says here: If God is for us, who can be against us? You can tell yourself: Today, God will bless me; who can stand against me? Can the devil block God's blessing for you? No, unless you do not want this blessing!
The only thing that blocks God's blessing is that you do not want it! God cannot give it to you! We have been emphasizing: God never forces us to accept Him! Do you understand, brothers and sisters? God never forces us to accept Him. As long as you are willing, God is willing to give. It says here, "If God is for us," is God willing to help you? Yes! No one can stand against!
God did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all. You do not need to think of all of us; just think of yourself. Since God gave you His only Son, Jesus, "Will He not also freely give us all things with Him?" This is what we are talking about, the grace that God gives freely! Amen! Everything you have is given to you freely by God. Hallelujah!
Jesus is the best in the Kingdom of Heaven; God has given you the best. Then what about the things you need? God has given them to you as a dowry! Amen! If someone gives you their daughter in marriage, would they care about that little dowry? Many times, we say, "God does not heal me." God has given you Jesus; would He not heal you? What is wealth? The key is that we do not believe!
Who can bring a charge against God's elect? Who can accuse you? The devil is the accuser. The devil is very willing to accuse you. In the Old Testament, when Jesus had not yet been crucified, the devil often accused people. But at that time, there was no mediator, and there was no way to do it except through sacrifices. If there was no priest to offer sacrifices, they would be accused by the devil. The devil would go before God and say, "Look at his behavior; it is so bad, so miserable; he should be punished."
According to Your law, the Israelites did not offer sacrifices for a period of time, and they fell under a curse. Do you know why? Because the High Priest was not functioning, their sins were exposed, and they fell under a curse. Who can bring a charge against God's elect? Our High Priest Jesus will never die again. Amen! When He stands before God, when the devil accuses us, Jesus will stand up and say, "What do you want?" The devil says, "I see that person has sinned." Jesus says, "I have died for him. I have declared him righteous." The devil's accusation becomes ineffective! Amen!
"It is God who justifies!" You are all certain that you are righteous. Jesus has died for me; He has risen from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of God. So I know I am righteous. "Who can bring a charge against them?" Brothers and sisters, do not let anyone condemn you! Saying you are filthy, saying you are worthless, saying God no longer loves you, these are all lies! Amen!
Thank the Lord! Because the High Priest Jesus overcame the devil two thousand years ago, we are all victorious! Today we are in Christ, and we must constantly remind each other that we are righteous in Christ! We must remind others that our High Priest is the source of all our blessings! If you look at yourself, you will quickly self-blame. Who has not done wrong in this life? Who has not sinned in this life? If you look at yourself, you will quickly become weak. Unless you look at the High Priest. Amen!
So think about the Israelites during the sacrificial time. On the Day of Atonement, on the tenth day of the seventh month, the people would wait outside while the High Priest would go alone into the Most Holy Place. There is no need to say, "Oh, I have so many sins; can the High Priest wash away all my sins?" There is no need to consider these things because the actions of the High Priest represent our actions. Hallelujah! Do not focus on yourself. If you look at yourself, you will quickly self-blame.
When you self-blame, you will challenge others with your words, brothers and sisters. Because you first look down on yourself, you will immediately look down on others. You may get angry at your children or hate those who have hurt you in the past. Because you are condemning yourself.
We emphasize that self-condemning people also condemn others. Can you remember this? Self-condemning people will also condemn others. For example, if someone says you are a jinx, wherever you go, trouble follows. You will immediately think, "Yes, wherever I go, I will have bad luck," constantly condemning yourself and also condemning others. You see others and say, "I see you are not a good person," isn’t that condemnation?
So we should not become such a group of people. Under grace, we should be those who are loved and who love others! You know you are loved by Jesus; you will love others. Hallelujah! Those who are forgiven can forgive others.
Ephesians 4 tells us: When you know how Christ has forgiven you, you can forgive others. You know you are forgiven; only then can you forgive others. Similarly, those who have received grace can bless others. I wish for you to know that you are loved, forgiven, and graced! Hallelujah! This way, you become a blessing to others!
The second point we share: As Jesus Is, So Are We in This World.
In the Old Testament, how was the sin offering offered? Leviticus 16:3-7:
3 Aaron shall come into the Holy Place with the blood of a young bull as a sin offering and of a ram as a burnt offering. 4 He shall put the holy linen tunic and the linen trousers on his body; he shall be girded with a linen sash, and with the linen turban he shall be attired. These are holy garments. Therefore, he shall wash his body in water and put them on. 5 And he shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats as a sin offering, and one ram as a burnt offering. 6 Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin offering for himself and make atonement for himself and for his house. 7 He shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
In the Old Testament, when the High Priest offered sacrifices, he must first offer for his own sins. Only after his own sins were forgiven could he offer sacrifices for the people. Did Jesus do this? Jesus skipped this step because He Himself was without sin. Amen! He presented the two goats before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle. We see that the following verses are very important, and many people do not understand them. Let’s read this passage together.
Leviticus 16:8-10:
8 And Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. 9 And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord's lot fell and offer it as a sin offering. 10 But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness.
Brothers and sisters, can you understand this passage? Many people have read it for many years, believed for many years, and still do not understand what the scapegoat is. Why present it before the Lord and also send it to the scapegoat? Some say the scapegoat is the devil, so we must offer sacrifices to God while also offering sacrifices to the devil. Is that so? This statement is completely wrong. Do we need to offer sacrifices to the devil? No, because we do not owe the devil anything! Do you understand?
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God! It is not the devil's glory. We do not owe the devil anything. Do not think you owe the devil something; it is not true. Jesus did not pay the price to the devil on the cross; He paid the price to God! He satisfied God's justice! Amen!
Every lamb mentioned in the Mosaic Law used for sacrifice symbolizes our Jesus Christ in some redemptive work on the cross! Amen! For example, the sin offering mentioned today represents Jesus Christ Himself, the Lamb without sin. Amen!
For our sins, He died on the cross, using His sinless blood to bear our sins. This is the sin offering! It substitutes for our death penalty, our lives as sinners. Every year on the Day of Atonement, the Israelites had to select two goats, two identical goats, both without blemish, without wrinkle, without defect. They would cast lots for the two goats, one for the Lord and the other for the scapegoat.
The goat that is before the Lord is offered as a sin offering. The sin offering is to cleanse our sins. The other goat is sent away into the wilderness, to the scapegoat. Does the scapegoat live in the wilderness? How do we send our sins to the scapegoat? This is a bit troublesome; it has to be sent to Israel, which is a long way. In the Old Testament, they sent it to the wilderness to the scapegoat. What do we do now?
Many people do not understand this passage. The scapegoat, in Hebrew, is a place name. When the High Priest atones for the people, all our sins are placed on the head of the goat. Both goats become sin offerings. One is burned on the altar, given to God. The other is sent into the wilderness. These two goats are both for sin offerings. One is offered before God, and its blood is shed to forgive our sins. Where do our sins go?
If it were in the Old Testament, the High Priest would lay both hands on the head of the goat and say that all the sins of the people are placed on this goat. This goat would become a goat full of sin. What happens to this sinful goat? It is sent to the wilderness to the scapegoat. No matter where this goat goes, the sins follow it out. Wherever this goat goes, the sins go with it. This goat is sent to the wilderness.
The scapegoat means "the cliff." When someone takes this goat full of sins, which represents the sins of all the Israelites, it can also be said that all the sins of my life are placed on this goat. This goat is sent to the cliff, and when it is pushed off the cliff, you can no longer see it.
This means that God wants to use this scapegoat to let you remember this question: In the presence of God, through the blood of Jesus, you are called righteous, and your sins are no longer on you. Your sins have been sent away by Jesus Christ to the cliff, so the scapegoat, in Hebrew, means "removed." Originally, you had many sins, and they have all been removed, sent to the cliff, and you can no longer see them. Amen!
So you can boldly say before God, "I am righteous!" All the sins have been placed on that goat, and you can no longer see that goat because it has been thrown off the cliff, far away from you. Amen!
This is what Hebrews tells us: "In those days, I will no longer remember your sins." Your sins have been sent far away, so do not self-condemn anymore. Do not let the words of sin come out of your mouth; let your mouth become a source of blessing. Amen! The issue of sin has been resolved, so you can always bring edification to others. This is the appearance of a righteous person. Hallelujah!
Many people say, "I am also under grace," but the words they often say are aggressive and destructive. In fact, they are under the law. Do you understand, brothers and sisters? If you see a person living a life full of bitterness, complaints, and condemnation, they do not understand grace. They do not know that all their sins have been removed. If they knew, their mouths would immediately become a source of joy. You know what Jesus has done for you, and you become a channel of grace. What is a channel of grace? A life that gives! A life of love! A life that supports others! When others are weak, you will lift them up instead of stepping on them. This is a life under grace!
Why does God want us to become channels of blessing? Because God hopes you will be blessed! When you curse others, the curse first falls into your own heart. God does not want you to become a channel of cursing; God hopes your mouth will often speak words of blessing. Amen! God hopes your mouth will become a vessel of edification. When you bless others, you are first blessed! Just like last week, when we prayed for a brother, the person praying was healed! The person being prayed for was also healed. The reason is that when you bless others, the blessing first comes to you.
Abraham's wife could not bear children, but when he blessed King Abimelech, all the women in Abimelech's family became pregnant, and then Sarah also conceived. If you hope your family is blessed, start with yourself. Let your mouth and heart become channels of blessing! Become channels of grace. Because you know all your sins have been removed, how far?
Psalm 103:12: As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Many people have read this verse and need to connect it with the scapegoat. How far is the scapegoat? When Jesus Christ was on the cross, your transgressions were as far from you as the east is from the west! Just like the east is far from the west! It is impossible to connect!
God has also removed your transgressions from you, so He tells you to let your mouth, your heart, and your thoughts become holy thoughts! Thoughts that are different from the worldly thoughts. When the worldly people encounter problems, they complain, become bitter, and curse. Do not do that; let blessings come out of your mouth. Constantly bless, constantly bless, and everything will change. Hallelujah!
Jesus Christ is our High Priest. Verse 5 tells us, He did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You." Verse 7 says: In the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear. Jesus chose to obey for our sake. Amen!
He obeyed to the point of death, even death on the cross. This is what Jesus Christ has done for us. The suffering He endured today makes you no longer suffer. Verse 9 says: And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. When you accept Jesus, remember: Jesus has already suffered for you, so you do not need to suffer anymore. Jesus has already worn the crown of thorns for you, so do not let negative things or condemning things come out of your thoughts. This is wrong. Amen!
When others say, "Look at your behavior," you say, "In the name of Jesus Christ, your words are ineffective." If you are in sickness, and others say, "You are so pitiful; your illness is so serious," you say, "Shut your mouth!" You should say, "I am healthy!" Do you understand? At any time, do not let people convey negative things to you! Of course, you should not convey negativity either. Because when you convey, the negativity will first enter your heart. When listening, learn to refuse! Amen!
We have taught many people this. Do you know? Illness is what God wants to give you to discipline you, to make you more like fine gold! You should say, "In the name of Jesus, this word is ineffective!" If you receive this word, you will think, "Lord, how much illness do I need to become fine gold?"
Brothers and sisters, how much illness can make you become fine gold? The more illnesses you have, the less you can become fine gold. In the end, you will have nothing. Illness is not the way to make you become fine gold.
What makes you become fine gold? You are in Christ! Amen! Jesus can change your life! Not through illness; that would be terrible. When you hear such cursing words, condemning words, you should say, "In the name of Jesus Christ, this is ineffective!" Do not let it enter your heart! Amen! You must learn to refuse such things! Because Jesus has already suffered for you. Amen! Otherwise, for whom did Jesus suffer those sufferings? Did He commit any sins?
Then why did He suffer? For you! Amen! When Jesus Christ wore the crown of thorns, much blood flowed from His head, enough to make all your thoughts become holy thoughts. Just like Jesus, consider problems. Amen! Holy thoughts, holy life, holy words; we must live like this every day. Tell yourself, "I am a different person because on my forehead, there is a plate that says: HOLINESS TO THE LORD! I have already been dedicated to Jesus." Therefore, my words and actions should be like Jesus. Jesus never spoke negative things; you should not speak negative things either. If you say them, it will be terrible.
Many people always say, "Oh, Teacher Ren, you do not know how difficult my illness is to treat!" Can such a declaration lead to healing? Unless you start to change your thoughts: "I know that in Christ, I am healthy because Jesus has already borne the stripes for me, so I am healthy." From today, you should say, "Everything I do with my hands is abundant because Jesus has blessed me." In Christ, I am prosperous because Jesus has already borne poverty for me. If you think and say this way, you will be able to see. We do not believe in an empty thought; we believe in a real Jesus Christ! If you think and say this way, you will live a holy life.
Reemphasizing: A holy life is not about your behavior being good; it is about using Jesus' way of thinking, speaking like Jesus. Amen! Brothers and sisters, how did Jesus live? When He faced suffering, He did not complain or question God but saw joy. How many people question God in suffering, saying, "Lord, where have You gone? Why do You not care for me? Why have You forsaken me? Why do You not love me?" This is questioning God. This kind of thought is wrong; it comes from the devil because the High Priest will never forsake the people.
Hebrews 12:2-3:
2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
When the devil puts some bad, negative things in front of you, learn to view things as Jesus did. Amen! Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith. This means Jesus is the beginning of your faith and also the end of your faith. You live in the faith of Jesus; when you see how Jesus has faith, you will have faith. When you see how Jesus overcomes the environment, you will have faith. Amen!
How did Jesus view the cross when He faced it? Have you thought about this question? How could He despise the shame when so many people humiliated Him and beat Him, and He did not utter a single complaint? What did He see? It says here: "For the joy that was set before Him." Brothers and sisters, do you know what joy He saw? He saw that the present suffering is only for three days. If I die, I can let thousands and thousands of people be saved. And they will be saved forever! When Jesus saw this effect, He despised the present shame. Amen! You can beat me; I will endure it. He despised the shame and endured the suffering of the cross. He sat down at the right hand of God.
Brothers and sisters, do you know? Jesus Christ hopes you will live like this. When enduring such hostility from sinners, here "sinners" refers to the unbelievers. When unbelievers defile you, slander you, or even strike you, what should you do? It says here: You should consider how Jesus overcame this suffering. Jesus told us in Matthew 5 that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. God will give him a great reward. When others condemn you, when they slander you without reason, or even fabricate lies to slander you, what should you do? You should consider how Jesus overcame such things. Amen! Because no one can take away your joy! Hallelujah!
God does not condemn you; God is pleased with you. He looks at our High Priest, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah! So do not let condemnation reside in your heart; forget those negative things. Forget the hurts you have suffered in the past. Do not think about those things; think about everything Jesus has accomplished for you on the cross. Amen! You should think that Jesus has placed His holiness upon you! He has placed His authority upon you. He has placed His power upon you. You can rely on this power to overcome all environments. You must think with holy thoughts, which means thinking differently from the worldly people, viewing your current life. Amen! Live with such thoughts in front of people.
1 John 4:16-17:
16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we especially thank and praise You! Jesus is our High Priest; Your words and actions have been accepted by God, so I am also accepted by God. You are holy, so I have been separated from this world. You wore the crown of thorns; You do not want me to think about my suffering or accept the devil's wrong thoughts.
Lord, thank You for loving me like this. Thank You for letting me know that I am loved by God. I become a channel of grace, a source of positive thoughts, and a blessing to others. Hallelujah! I know Jesus has overcome the world, so through You, I can also overcome the world.
Because You have given me all authority and power. Thank You and praise You, Lord! I know You love me, so I can love others. I know You have forgiven all my sins, so I can forgive others. I know You have blessed me, so I can bless others.
In the name of Lord Jesus Christ, I bless you: you also become a blessing to others! Words that do not edify should not exist in your heart, nor should they come out of your mouth, because you are a channel of grace; you are a blessed person by God! You are a blessed person by God! Hallelujah! Thank You, Heavenly Father, for preparing such abundant blessings for us! In the name of Lord Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen!