Post by Zac Loh on Jun 5, 2009 11:01:07 GMT -5
There is a divine sequence as we follow these four furniture from inside out:
WORD (The Ark Of The Testimony), PRAYER (The Table Of Incense), UNITY (The Table Of showbread) and REVIVAL (The Altar Of Burnt Offering).
WORD, PRAYER, UNITY & REVIVAL
1. WORD (Exodus 25:10-21): The Ark Of The Testimony
The 4-Fold Ministries Deliver The Word Of God
1 Chronicles 15:15 - carried on shoulders - very likely all 4 furniture were carried by shoulders even though only the ark was mentioned.
Although the precise length of the Biblical cubit is unknown today, it's estimated to have been approximately 17½ to 20½ inches
The ark on the shorter side is one half cubits (assuming the poles were along the longer side because there is no indication which side the poles were at).
To be conservative, we use the smallest estimate.
One half cubits = 17 ½ x 1 ½ = 26 ¼ inches
The Jews were not the size of giants such as the Anakites of the Philistines.
Conclusion: there is no way that it was carried by 2 persons, but 4 persons or multiple 4s, thus, it speaks of The 4-Fold Ministries (we do not know the length of the poles).
The tablets of the commandments (the Law) inside the ark, speak of the Word of God.
Law - Mercy Seat - top covering. Mercy was needed because nobody could completely follow the law without mistake or shortcoming. Mercy covered the Law.
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
Moses: Law – Jesus: Grace And Truth
With grace comes the ability to put into practice the word received. There is no truth without grace. It is merely information, without grace.
The 4-fold ministers have the grace to minister the Word. They have the grace to deliver the Word. The hearers can receive grace to put into practice what they hear. God will be behind the word spoken to make it real in our lives.
But the amount of grace is largely dependent on the prayer life of the 4-fold minister.
2. PRAYER (Exodus 30:1-7; Exodus 37:25-29): The Table Of Incense
The 4-Fold Ministries Maximize Through Prayer
It was square, either side was 1 cubit (Exodus 30:2).
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:1-4)
One of the saddest things is when the 4-fold ministers are bogged down by administration and organization - to the point that he/she doesn’t have much time and energy left for extensive consistent prayer - to hear from God, to have the mind sanctified by God’s presence, to be spiritually renewed and recharged.
The 4-fold ministries reach its heights through prayer. Otherwise, the ministries will not take-off to where it is suppose to be, without a strong prayer life. Spiritual senses are sharpened in the presence of God. The delivery of the word of God will have greater depth because of a more intense anointing due to time in prayer.
3. UNITY (Exodus 25:23-30): The Table Of Showbread
The 4-Fold Ministries Support The Unity Of The Universal Church
And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs. (Exodus 25:26)
The four legs supported The Table Of Showbread. As you move along, you will see that the 4-fold ministries support the unity of the church-at-large.
An isolated Christian will not be able to be in unity with others. An isolated local church is unable to participate much in the unity that God is bringing. An isolated national church cannot integrate fully in the unity. God is bringing unity in the universal church.
The fact remains that this unity cannot happen without the support of the 4-fold ministers – not merely vocal, gesture, organizational support – but fully supporting this unity in their heart and purpose by their ministry. They will not divide among themselves. They will encourage their listeners to link and integrate with the universal body of Christ – not merely in form or membership – but more so in true fellowship and ministry.
Example, Back to Jerusalem movement involved so many nations from believers in China across Asia through Europe with organizers in U.S. - with one heart, mind and purpose.
As we know, it is not mentioned which sides were the pole, nonetheless let’s take the shorter side for the shoulders (the sake of being conservative).
The shorter sides were 1 cubit at a conservative minimal measurement of 17 ½ inches. For one person, it unlikely to be more than 16 inches (Zac’s comfortable shoulder bearing is at 12 inches, so if we add 2 inches each side, it will be 16 inches)(note: we have not included the thickness of the rings which was not mentioned).
So, again, it most likely required 4 human bearers (notwithstanding the weight because the furniture and poles were overlaid with gold; and furthermore, the dishes, the pans, the bowls, the pitches (pure gold) and the rings were gold). (Numbers 4:7-8)
Wine
The utensils were for liquid, notice the word `pouring’ (Exodus 25:29). No mention what liquid used. But from the whole picture of it, we know that The Table Of The Showbread symbolized the Holy Communion, covenant, fellowship and unity.
You do realize that the Holy Communion, covenant, fellowship and unity are inter-related?
From the Holy Communion, we know that Jesus used wine which represents His blood.
1 John 1:7
Check the Interlinear Bible, a shocking exposure of this verse!
Fellowship and blood together!
In the Holy Communion, we all, each and everyone, partake of the same body of Jesus (bread) and partake of the same blood of Jesus (wine). We are united in Jesus. Our bonding is Jesus Himself.
Bread (Leviticus 24:5-6)
6 cakes x 2 rows = 12 cakes.
12 was the number representing the 12 tribes of Israel i.e. symbolic of the church.
Since 6 symbolizes man. 2 rows together means 2 men together.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3)
2 men must agree on the same direction to be together. No 2 traveling men can be together going at different directions.
Ephesians 4:11-13
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:13)
The Four Utensils/Vessels
There were 4 utensils of pure gold on the table:
Dishes (breadplates – teachers of the Word) - Pastors-Teachers
Pans or Sthingys (to put/sprinkle/spread pure frankincense on each row, 6 - number of man – 2 Corinthians 2:14-16) - Evangelists
Pitchers (for liquid offerings, jar pouring out the prophetic words, the jar has something call the lip, the lip is to target the pouring, otherwise, splash all over, bubbling prophets – pouring out - controlled, measured, directed) - Prophets
Note: the difference between the 3 levels of prophetic gifs are the level of frequence and detail of prophecy
Bowls (containing the frankincense – carriers of truth) - Apostles-Prophets
4. REVIVAL (Exodus 27:1-7; Exodus 38:1-7): The Altar Of Burnt Offering
The 4-Fold Ministries Lead Spiritual Revival
It was square (Exodus 27:1).
It has horns in its 4 corners: the strong speaking ministry of the 4-fold ministries (rams lock horns depicting strength) (Exodus 27:2).
The Parallel: Leviticus 1 and Acts 1 & 2
Leviticus 1:3
burnt sacrifice
Acts 2:3
fire
Leviticus 1:5
altar
Acts 1:14
prayer & supplication
Leviticus 1:7
lay the wood in order
Acts 1:14 & Acts 2:1
one accord in one place
Leviticus 1:9
wash its entrails and its legs with water (motive & direction)
Acts 1:16-26
motive & direction aligned by the Word [ washing of water by the word (Eph 5:26) ]
The Azusa Street Revival will be nothing compared to The Last Great Revival before the return of Jesus.
Ephesians 4:11-16
The real Bible School is led by 4-fold ministers. It is by revelation and spiritual capacity.
Acts 4:13
John 7:14-15
The real certification is not on paper. The real certification is when the anointing comes for your ministry. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” (Luke 4:18-19) Do you want this anointing?
WORD (The Ark Of The Testimony), PRAYER (The Table Of Incense), UNITY (The Table Of showbread) and REVIVAL (The Altar Of Burnt Offering).
WORD, PRAYER, UNITY & REVIVAL
1. WORD (Exodus 25:10-21): The Ark Of The Testimony
The 4-Fold Ministries Deliver The Word Of God
1 Chronicles 15:15 - carried on shoulders - very likely all 4 furniture were carried by shoulders even though only the ark was mentioned.
Although the precise length of the Biblical cubit is unknown today, it's estimated to have been approximately 17½ to 20½ inches
The ark on the shorter side is one half cubits (assuming the poles were along the longer side because there is no indication which side the poles were at).
To be conservative, we use the smallest estimate.
One half cubits = 17 ½ x 1 ½ = 26 ¼ inches
The Jews were not the size of giants such as the Anakites of the Philistines.
Conclusion: there is no way that it was carried by 2 persons, but 4 persons or multiple 4s, thus, it speaks of The 4-Fold Ministries (we do not know the length of the poles).
The tablets of the commandments (the Law) inside the ark, speak of the Word of God.
Law - Mercy Seat - top covering. Mercy was needed because nobody could completely follow the law without mistake or shortcoming. Mercy covered the Law.
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
Moses: Law – Jesus: Grace And Truth
With grace comes the ability to put into practice the word received. There is no truth without grace. It is merely information, without grace.
The 4-fold ministers have the grace to minister the Word. They have the grace to deliver the Word. The hearers can receive grace to put into practice what they hear. God will be behind the word spoken to make it real in our lives.
But the amount of grace is largely dependent on the prayer life of the 4-fold minister.
2. PRAYER (Exodus 30:1-7; Exodus 37:25-29): The Table Of Incense
The 4-Fold Ministries Maximize Through Prayer
It was square, either side was 1 cubit (Exodus 30:2).
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:1-4)
One of the saddest things is when the 4-fold ministers are bogged down by administration and organization - to the point that he/she doesn’t have much time and energy left for extensive consistent prayer - to hear from God, to have the mind sanctified by God’s presence, to be spiritually renewed and recharged.
The 4-fold ministries reach its heights through prayer. Otherwise, the ministries will not take-off to where it is suppose to be, without a strong prayer life. Spiritual senses are sharpened in the presence of God. The delivery of the word of God will have greater depth because of a more intense anointing due to time in prayer.
3. UNITY (Exodus 25:23-30): The Table Of Showbread
The 4-Fold Ministries Support The Unity Of The Universal Church
And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs. (Exodus 25:26)
The four legs supported The Table Of Showbread. As you move along, you will see that the 4-fold ministries support the unity of the church-at-large.
An isolated Christian will not be able to be in unity with others. An isolated local church is unable to participate much in the unity that God is bringing. An isolated national church cannot integrate fully in the unity. God is bringing unity in the universal church.
The fact remains that this unity cannot happen without the support of the 4-fold ministers – not merely vocal, gesture, organizational support – but fully supporting this unity in their heart and purpose by their ministry. They will not divide among themselves. They will encourage their listeners to link and integrate with the universal body of Christ – not merely in form or membership – but more so in true fellowship and ministry.
Example, Back to Jerusalem movement involved so many nations from believers in China across Asia through Europe with organizers in U.S. - with one heart, mind and purpose.
As we know, it is not mentioned which sides were the pole, nonetheless let’s take the shorter side for the shoulders (the sake of being conservative).
The shorter sides were 1 cubit at a conservative minimal measurement of 17 ½ inches. For one person, it unlikely to be more than 16 inches (Zac’s comfortable shoulder bearing is at 12 inches, so if we add 2 inches each side, it will be 16 inches)(note: we have not included the thickness of the rings which was not mentioned).
So, again, it most likely required 4 human bearers (notwithstanding the weight because the furniture and poles were overlaid with gold; and furthermore, the dishes, the pans, the bowls, the pitches (pure gold) and the rings were gold). (Numbers 4:7-8)
Wine
The utensils were for liquid, notice the word `pouring’ (Exodus 25:29). No mention what liquid used. But from the whole picture of it, we know that The Table Of The Showbread symbolized the Holy Communion, covenant, fellowship and unity.
You do realize that the Holy Communion, covenant, fellowship and unity are inter-related?
From the Holy Communion, we know that Jesus used wine which represents His blood.
1 John 1:7
Check the Interlinear Bible, a shocking exposure of this verse!
Fellowship and blood together!
In the Holy Communion, we all, each and everyone, partake of the same body of Jesus (bread) and partake of the same blood of Jesus (wine). We are united in Jesus. Our bonding is Jesus Himself.
Bread (Leviticus 24:5-6)
6 cakes x 2 rows = 12 cakes.
12 was the number representing the 12 tribes of Israel i.e. symbolic of the church.
Since 6 symbolizes man. 2 rows together means 2 men together.
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3)
2 men must agree on the same direction to be together. No 2 traveling men can be together going at different directions.
Ephesians 4:11-13
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; (Ephesians 4:13)
The Four Utensils/Vessels
There were 4 utensils of pure gold on the table:
Dishes (breadplates – teachers of the Word) - Pastors-Teachers
Pans or Sthingys (to put/sprinkle/spread pure frankincense on each row, 6 - number of man – 2 Corinthians 2:14-16) - Evangelists
Pitchers (for liquid offerings, jar pouring out the prophetic words, the jar has something call the lip, the lip is to target the pouring, otherwise, splash all over, bubbling prophets – pouring out - controlled, measured, directed) - Prophets
Note: the difference between the 3 levels of prophetic gifs are the level of frequence and detail of prophecy
Bowls (containing the frankincense – carriers of truth) - Apostles-Prophets
4. REVIVAL (Exodus 27:1-7; Exodus 38:1-7): The Altar Of Burnt Offering
The 4-Fold Ministries Lead Spiritual Revival
It was square (Exodus 27:1).
It has horns in its 4 corners: the strong speaking ministry of the 4-fold ministries (rams lock horns depicting strength) (Exodus 27:2).
The Parallel: Leviticus 1 and Acts 1 & 2
Leviticus 1:3
burnt sacrifice
Acts 2:3
fire
Leviticus 1:5
altar
Acts 1:14
prayer & supplication
Leviticus 1:7
lay the wood in order
Acts 1:14 & Acts 2:1
one accord in one place
Leviticus 1:9
wash its entrails and its legs with water (motive & direction)
Acts 1:16-26
motive & direction aligned by the Word [ washing of water by the word (Eph 5:26) ]
The Azusa Street Revival will be nothing compared to The Last Great Revival before the return of Jesus.
Ephesians 4:11-16
The real Bible School is led by 4-fold ministers. It is by revelation and spiritual capacity.
Acts 4:13
John 7:14-15
The real certification is not on paper. The real certification is when the anointing comes for your ministry. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” (Luke 4:18-19) Do you want this anointing?