The Breastplate of Judgment vs the Breastplate of Righteousness

 

As I was reading through Exodus 28 today, I came across something that I know I’ve read before but, to my knowledge, I’ve never thought to question the significance of. Exodus 28:30 says the following:

And you will put the Urim and the Thummim on the breast piece of judgment, and they will be on the heart of Aaron when he comes before Yahweh, and Aaron will bear the judgment of the Israelites on his heart before Yahweh continually. (LEB)

Now, the Urim and Thummim are not really what we’re talking about here, but they’re worth mentioning because Keil & Delitzsch (K&D)[1] use their inclusion in their commentary on what the breastplate is. K&D posit that because the Urim and Thummim are included in this verse that the reason for naming the breast piece the “Breastplate of Judgment” is because the Urim and Thummim were used by the Lord for informing His people of His judgments. In this understanding the breast piece takes its name because it is an instrument of the judgment which the Urim and Thummim provided. While the idea of the Urim and the Thummim are certainly fertile ground for speculation, I would argue that there’s a different clue this verse which better speaks to the reasoning for this breast piece being referred to as the Breastplate of Judgment. If we look at the end of the verse we see that Aaron is going to be bearing the judgment of the Israelites. Looking at some of the other instances where the Hebrew word nasah (נשׂא) is used, I think we will get a better idea of why this breastplate may have gotten its name. It may be easier to use a different word than ‘bear’ to better express what the overall point is here so it’s probably worth saying that other places that nasah is used in the Bible it can also be translated as ‘carry’ or ‘lift up’. So we see that Aaron is said to be carrying the judgment of the people of Israel in this verse. What may clear things up a bit is if we knew if there were other times in Scripture that the High Priest carries/bears anything for Israel? There are a few other times where we can see things like this mentioned but, probably, the best example would be during the Day of Atonement. On this day, the High Priest makes atonement for the sins of the people of Israel. What he is doing on this day is taking on all the sins of Israel. This is what the High Priest does when he goes before the LORD; he is acting as a representative for the entire assembly of Israel, and he is carrying all their sins. Then, on the Day of Atonement specifically, the High Priest transfers all the sins of the people over to the goat sent out to Azazel[2]. Leviticus 16:22 says that the goat, “shall bear on itself all their iniquities” (emphasis added).[3] There’s still a good bit that happens after that (and quite a bit more which happens before this) but, for the most part, after the goat has been led out of the city, and has been given over to the wilderness, the sins of the people have been atoned for. The point of walking through that passage of Scripture is to show that priests (and High Priests, in particular) can carry judgment for the entire assembly of Israel.[4] So now we have a better understanding of what it might mean to “bear the judgment of the people of Israel,”[5] let’s take a look at the Breastplate of Righteousness mentioned in the book of Ephesians. The Breastplate of Righteousness (Eph 6:14) is much better known than is the Breastplate of Judgment but in all the times I have read through this passage I have never stopped to think about it and compare it to the High Priest’s breastplate. Probably the most common association that’s made for this breastplate is the breastplate of the Roman soldier, and then we are given some spiritual meaning having to do with your righteousness guarding your heart. And, just to be clear, it’s still entirely possible that’s the proper way to think about this. But I wanted to submit a new theory. A new way to think about the Breastplate of Righteousness… What if we’re supposed to envision ourselves carrying righteousness as we wear the breastplate? Except, we’re not the High Priest, Jesus is. And, much like how the High Priest would bear the sin of the people as he went before the LORD, and the people in turn carried the Name of the LORD out into the world around them, Jesus has carried our sin before the LORD and we’re now carrying His righteousness out into the world around us? This understanding would not only explain why Paul would bring it up as an amazing defense but it also adds a new context to it. Now, we must make sure that we’re representing the righteousness of Jesus appropriately. Are our actions misrepresenting the righteousness of our King? If this is the case, bearing the Breastplate of Righteousness bears (pun intended) the same responsibility that the third commandment carries. This presents one of the articles found in the “Armor of Salvation” in an different light than we’re used to looking at it, and the depth that’s added to it is so rewarding. And, just as a heads up, I have been working on a game changer for the Shield of Faith, too. What have you noticed that has changed the way you’ve looked at things you hadn’t given a second thought before?

[1] Delitzsch, Franz, and Carl Friedrich Keil. Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1857.

[2][2] Sklar, Jay. Leviticus: An Introduction and Commentary: Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Volume 3. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014. P.212

[3] Lev 16:22, NKJV

[4] This same conversation has a great deal to do with the Name Command mentioned in Exodus 20:7. For a more thorough discussion on the Name Command please see Carmen Joy Ime’s work Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters.

[5] Exodus 28:30 ESV

The Importance of the Conversion of Paul

 

Recently I’ve heard it argued that the conversion of Paul was a false conversion because it resembles the experiences of Mohammed and Joseph Smith. Aside from this being a ridiculous argument because it could just as easily be argued that the experiences of Mohammed and Joseph Smith were modeled after the conversion experience of Paul, there is a profound purpose for the conversion experience of Paul happening the way that it did. I wanted to go into that profound purpose a little bit with you today.

The story of Paul’s conversion takes place in Acts 8-9. In the account we come to a place where Paul is traveling from Caesarea to Damascus. Presumably he would be traveling on the Kings road, which would have been the main road through the region which has been being used for centuries. At this time (and still today, really) people tended to use the same ways to get places. Trade routes have remained the same for thousands of years. Paul was on his way to Damascus (as a representative of the religious establishment of Israel) to bring curses and accusations against the followers of Jesus, and to bring persecution upon them. As Paul neared Damascus a bright light shone and either made Paul fall back and onto the ground or, if he was traveling on a horse, his horse would’ve reared up and made him fall off, onto the ground. Either way, there was something in the road which stopped him in his tracks.

What stopped Paul in his tracks? We’re told that Jesus, so bright and sunshiny that the traveling companions could hear Him but not see Him, was standing in the road before them, and He had an important word for Paul which would lead him to stop his accusations and persecution going forward (among other far greater changes in the life of Paul).

So, what’s the significance of this story, outside of the obvious, you might ask?

We have to remember that directly before the conversion story of Paul in Luke’s narrative (Acts 8-9) we’re walked through the history of Israel (courtesy of Stephen’s address before the Sanhedrin) where we’re told of Israel not recognizing their savior but then coming to their senses at a later time, over and and over again. We’re walked through a redemption narrative that spans almost the entirety of the 7th chapter of Acts. Remember, Luke is writing this book and making choices as he goes as to what to include and what to leave out. So what’s the significance of telling this narrative, directly after Stephen’s address on redemption and second opportunities?

Let me tell you a story of another guy who was traveling along the King’s road and would have been passing by Damascus on his way to Moab. This man had been asked to curse and persecute Israel and he really struggled over whether he wanted to be a part of it, or not, but eventually he decided that he would go see what he could do about persecuting Israel. Along the road from Pethor (the probable sight being about 250 miles north of Damascus) down to Moab this man had a supernatural encounter with the Angel of the LORD. I don’t really have the time of the space here to make the argument but it is viewed by the majority of Christian scholars that an appearance of the Angel of the LORD is an appearance of the preincarnate Christ. So, in this story we have a preincarnate Jesus stepping out in front of a man traveling along the King’s road, potentially near Damascus. The story goes on to tell us that the Angel of the LORD is stopping the traveler because He wants to stop him from his intended purpose of persecuting the people of the LORD. Our protagonist seems to heed the warning but goes on to curse the people of Israel the only way he can figure out how to.

This story, of course, is the story of Balaam when he traveled to Moab and cursed the Israelites (Numbers 22-24).

In light of this, should we view it as significant that right after Luke tells us of Stephen's address where he shows Israel’s reversals over their history, we have a story where a man who was meant to persecute the people of the LORD is traveling and meets a terrifying appearance of the Angel of the LORD who stops him from his intended purpose?

Of course we should!

Is it possible that Luke is using the story of Paul’s conversion as a living example of Stephen’s words in the chapters directly before?

If that's not what's going on here, that would be a pretty big coincidence...

As Though You're Doing It For The LORD

 

I didn’t post anything yesterday. I didn’t post anything the day before, either. If anyone was wondering, apparently 4 is the answer to how many days will it take until you lose motivation to be a functioning member of society who has dreams and plans and passions. Of course, I can make the argument that Saturday was sabbath, so I did a good thing in letting myself rest. I will rest in that! But then the 5th day happened, so maybe we’ll just say that was the day for new beginnings and I wanted to celebrate. But, we’re going to turn it all around today and kick it into gear. It’s supposed to be cloudy all day and not get out of the 40s, so I may as well treat the day like it’s something the Lord has made and rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24) I still have quite a few things on my to-do list that I made up when this whole forced-vacation thing started. I’ve fallen behind on a couple of projects and I really need to play catch up today.

Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people. -Col 3:23

The more time that goes by the more difficult it is to maintain the normal level of motivation that I keep throughout the times of relative normalcy. But that’s gotta change. We have to push through and let there be a rhythm to the day(s). Just because we’ve been picked up out of the sea we were sailing in, and placed into a different spot in the sea that we’re unfamiliar with, doesn’t mean that we can take our hands off of the rudder. We still have ability to see the Father off in the distance. We can still let Him be our goal. So let’s be sure to steer the ship and not just lay on the couch and watch tv all day (or is that just me…). Let’s be of help to our neighbors. Let’s be supportive of those we find hurting online. Let’s be a blessing to anyone we come across. Remember, you may the reason someone smiles today. And, if you’re representing our King, that smile may be the reason they reach out to the Father. Be a blessing today!

My Yoke Is Easy And My Burden Is Light

How is this all effecting you? Honestly, for me, this is kind of a beautiful distraction. No, I don’t mean that I think that thousands of people getting sick and quite a few of the dying is beautiful. That’s some cold-hearted stuff that even my somewhat muted emotional center can’t get down with. What I mean is that this social-distancing thing is a lot easier for me than it is for a lot of other people. My wife, for example, is not used to having this little human interaction. She loves people and she loves interacting with people. She thrives on people and they give her energy. So, for her, this having to be away from people is much more difficult than it is for me. For my job I have to be around the public and interact with people all the time, and that’s really not a problem, but when I need to recharge so I can build up the energy to be able to interact with the public I have to socially-distance myself. It’s only been a few days of this whole social-distancing and I can already feel more energy than I’ve felt in years. If I don’t come out of this with the most passion for life than I’ve ever had I’ll be surprised. This is my moment. This is my time! But what about all of the other people? What about people like my wife who need people in order to feel the most needed? This is not their moment. This is not their time. We all need to pray for these people. Pray that the Father strengthens them and gives them the vitality to make it through the day (Philippians 4:13). Pray that they feel their worth (Ephesians 2:10). Pray that the Father gives them a sense of purpose when they would normally feel listless under these circumstances (Jeremiah 17:7). So, because somebody needs this, you are worth it. You are loved. You are a child of the living God and you were made in His image. Don’t let the malaise of yesterday define your tomorrow. Don’t let fear of the future hold you back from living it out. Lay down your heavy yoke and live out your newly created life. You got this!

Be Anxious For Nothing

-WORRY- Worry has become a way of life. We try to maintain some semblance of normalcy but the worries of the day creep in and undo the calm you’ve been trying to build.

Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. Then God's peace, which goes far beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your hearts and minds in union with the Messiah Jesus. (Php 4:6-7)

Thanksgiving is key. I know it’s hard to find reasons to be thankful when you see the world falling down all around you but you have to find reasons for joy. Just yesterday my wife and I, in an attempt to maintain normalcy, were going over bills and the medical bills which have added up over the past few months through weeklong hospital stays and various other tests starting to become overwhelming. You have to trust in the Lord. Even when it seems like there’s a pit so deep that you won’t be able to climb out of, especially with both of us being out of work because of this current pandemic situation, you have to know that you’re going to be good. And you’re going to be good because we have a Father in heaven who’s looking out for us (Matt 6:25-34). Not even an hour after it was all so overwhelming, God made His move. We got a phone call telling us that quite a few of those medical bills were going to be taken off of our plate. Halleluyah!

There’s always a reason to give thanks. Maybe it’s not always going to be so extreme and good, but you have to look for the reasons to be thankful for what you’ve been given. I mentioned a weeklong hospital stay earlier. A little over a month ago my wife was hospitalized due to developing bilateral pneumonia after having some ‘mystery respiratory thing’ that couldn’t be diagnosed at the time. It was hard to find reasons to be thankful at that time, but we had to. Over the course of that week there were a lot of trying times but each and every day we grew closer. And I thank God for that!

What can you find to be thankful for today?

Am I My Brother's Keeper

This was originally published on March 21, 2020, when this blog was being hosted on a different blog host provider. 

Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground.

-Genesis 4:8-10

Man, this passage of Scripture really kicks you in the seat of the pants right about now. I’ll admit that there’s a part of me that thinks that our reaction to this pandemic is a bit extreme and maybe even a severe overreaction. Today is the first day that I’m on mandatory self-isolation at home and that means that I’m now being forced to not go to my job and earn money for my family to be able to survive. Outside of my natural disposition to look for the governments attempt to overreach in their power and take liberties away from us (which is definitely going on right now, whether you agree with it or not), this is a time that it’s not that weird to wonder if shutting down the economy (and, maybe, injuring it to the point that we will need to rebuild an entirely different kind economy) is really the right thing to do. But then…

“am I my brother’s keeper?”

… Well, am I? And, who is my ‘brother’?

In response to that second question I’m going to turn to Romans 12:10:

Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Outdo one another in showing honor. (CSB)

This, at the very least, includes all fellow believers. So, what do I do with that? In light of loving my brothers and sisters in a way which consistently attempts to honor them more and more, can I really question the necessity of social distancing and government mandated quarantine based on my selfish desires and fears? My mind is drawn to the Biblical account of Abraham haggling with God for the sake of the people in Sodom & Gomorrah (Gen 18:16-33). If, for the sake of the righteous, we can overt disaster, is it not worth it? The question which follows is, ‘who is righteous’? Well, first of all, nobody is…There is no one righteous, not even one. (Rom 3:9) But what of Romans 5:1…

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (CSB)

Our faith in Jesus, our Messiah, has imputed His righteousness onto us in the same way that the faithfulness of Abraham was all God needed to save Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah. But what of the numbers Abraham discussed with God? What if there were 50, or 45, or 40, or 30, or 20, or even 10 righteous? Would God have called off the destruction for the sake of even 10? His answer is yes (Gen 18:32)! Surely, then, for the sake of my brothers and sisters who have taken on the righteousness of our Messiah I can inconvenience myself for a few days so that they can avoid an excruciating death, can’t I?

I’ve seen serious pneumonia. I’ve seen death from pneumonia. I’ve seen someone painfully gasping for what little air they were able to take in because of the pneumonia in their lungs. As painful as it was for me to watch, it's exponentially less painful to watch than it is for the person who’s trying to get that oxygen. I still tear up just thinking about it. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Even if I catch this virus and am completely asymptomatic, and it would do no damage to me at all, my loving response to those around me has to be to do whatever I can to limit the chances that someone who would not be asymptomatic would get it. Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). And Jesus didn’t just say it, He did it. We’re not talking about laying down my life so the least I can do for my friends (and brothers and sisters) is to stay at home and distance myself from an at-risk populace for a short time. If that means my wallet thins out a little bit and I don’t have all the extravagances that I’m used to for a little while, my brothers and sisters are worth more to me than that. So, yes, I will be my brother’s keeper.

Life Updates And Just Random Stuff

So, earlier today I reshared a post I had made a couple years ago and I started thinking about stuff. First of all, I wanted to apologize to anyone who’s reading this, who was following what I’d written when I was posting stuff pretty regularly. I hate when people recommit to making posts and then never really turn it around so all that I’m going to say is that my life went through some pretty big, and exciting changes and my writing was apparently one of the first things to go. I’m hoping to try to post more regularly but I’m not going to make any promises because I’ve done this before and I don’t want to be a liar.

Some of you who are reading this know me personally so this won’t be a shock but, if you don’t know me on the day-to-day, then I’ll let you know that the biggest thing that changed is that I got married. The wife and I have been growing together and adjusting to all of the new living patterns. Sometimes the adjustments are pretty seamless and sometimes the adjustments are full of seams. Lots and lots seams. We’re still growing and every day we find new opportunities to learn a little bit more about each other. That being said, I don’t want to blame my wife for not posting anymore so I’ll blame myself by saying that in an effort to find more time to focus on spending time together I had to make choices about where to find the time, and some of that time came from this blog. And I don’t want to offend any of you but I’m not at all sorry that I found the time to let my marriage grow.

So, there, that’s the story about why I haven’t been telling my story.

Secondly (I think this is only ‘secondly’), I started thinking about Sukkot when I reshared that previous post about it and I just wanted to say that I really love Sukkot. This is a little selfish since the reason I love this Biblical festival isn’t necessarily because of anything in the Bible. I mean, yeah, I love digging into the Biblical significance of the Feast of Tabernacles (along with all of the other festivals) but I really just love the fellowship you get to have with other believers in Messiah. And I love the weather that generally goes along with being outside during the fall. And, yes, I love the idea of getting out into the outside world and doing a little camping. One of the traditional ways to refer this festival is “The Season of Our Joy”, and I totally, completely identify with this. I’m geeked right now just thinking about it. This year’s gonna have to go a little different, though, than the past couple years and I’m trying to figure out ways to make it just as exciting. Unfortunately, the wife and I have to take our vacation a couple weeks after Sukkot instead of during so we’re just going to have to do our best to find new/different ways to take advantage of this most joyous time. I’m not really too disappointed about the change in vacation time this year, because it’s for a super-awesome reason (potentially, more to come on this soon) but it does mean that we’ll be doing things differently.

There’s really no reason for this post other than to give you a bit of an update and to tell you how much I really love the Biblical Feasts and especially this Feast of Tabernacles. I hope that you’re able to find your way to celebrate our Messiah over the coming week.

Grace and Peace to all of you!