Breastplate of Decision - Part 2 - NCCG.ORG Ning Network Archive 2008-10

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
While making a living, be sure to leave room for life.
BREASTPIECE OF DECISION – (Part 2)
"You shall make a Breastpiece of Decision (judgment), worked into a design; make it in the style of the ephod; make it of gold, blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. The stones shall correspond in number to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, corresponding to their names. They shall be engraved like seals, each with its name, for the twelve tribes. Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel on the Breastpiece of Decision over his heart, when he enters the Sanctuary, for remembrance before the LORD at all times." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 15, 21, 29 Tanakh, Torah]

Different and various-coloured stones were on the Breastpiece with the names of Israel ACCORDING TO THEIR TRIBES. Here we see unity combined with diversity. Each name had its own particular stone. Each stone had its own peculiar colour, glory, and beauty. The redeemed of the MESSIAH YESHUA all are set within "the body" - each one having his own particular beauty and function, yet each one reflecting some ministry of the LORD JESUS. The names were engraved on the stones in the same arrangement as that of the Camps of Israel around the Tabernacle and the order of the march through the wilderness…according to their tribes. The names engraved on them were associated with that particular stone as though descriptive of that tribe. Being engraved tells us of permanency and faithfulness of our LOVING GOD to all of HIS promises involving each tribe.

The first gem was Sardis. Its colour is red and engraved on it was the tribal name "JUDAH" which means "praise of YEHOWAH." ALMIGHTY GOD always puts praise first. JESUS partook of flesh and blood (colour red) by becoming a MAN. HE came from the tribe of Judah and HE the personified PRAISE OF GOD. The redeemed of the LORD, first of all come to GOD with praise because they are born of HIM WHO is from the Tribe of Judah. Judah's camp was located on the East side of the Tabernacle, near to the Gate of the Court. The East is where the sun rose toward which the Tabernacle faced. The redeemed of the LORD enter the Gate into salvation's court with praise to HIM WHO is "the SUN ("YINNON") WHO rises with healing in HIS wings." [Malachi (Malakhi) 4. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The last stone on the Breastpiece was jasper and on it the name "NAPHTALI" written which means "wrestling." {This wrestling was for certain rest and victory.} The story in this name, as it is associated with the stone in which it is engraved, is likened to MESSIAH in HiS wrestling's on the earth to destroy the work of the enemy for the rest and victory promised to HIS people. It tells of the children of GOD WHO wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness, the wickedness of the Devil, and who have overcome him in the glorious and mighty "NAME OF JESUS."

It is striking to notice that the appearance of the MOST HIGH in Revelation 4:3 is likened to the first and last stones of the Breastpiece of Judgment, in reverse. Since names are to be engraved on each stone telling of permanency as well as describing "the PRECIOUS GEM of Heaven and HIS people." This reversed order of the gems, as John saw them, present another glorious truth: "NAPHTALI" (engraved on jasper) -- we have WRESTLED and have the victory because of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. "JUDAH" (on Sardis) -- we are entered into REST. . . home at last to PRAISE HIM forevermore!

On Aaron's garments, represented in the stones, we see a double function of the redeemed people as they served in the priesthood; theirs was a SHOULDER as well as a HEART ministry. The SHOULDER, which is the place of strength, courage and leadership is open. . . public. The BREAST, being over the heart, signifies love and affection and is secret. . . private. This was how YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST served, and how believer-priests should function today. . . with a "Heart & Shoulder Ministry."

The office of the High Priest called for compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of "THE WAY." [Hebrews 5. 1 - 6, 10] The fulfillment of this was in the BELOVED REDEEMER, the LORD JESUS WHO was "moved with compassion" on innumerable times in HIS earthly ministry. The LORD MESSIAH is continuing this compassion through HIS sons, believer-priests, in the NEW COVENANT who minister with HIM in the priest's office.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the Sabbath, the Queen! Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed!" May the HOLY ONE of Heaven ever be praised for HIS mercy and loving kindness to us as we await to be in HIS PRESENCE in the Promised Land.

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