Rev. Jusak Widjaja Hendra - WR Supratman 4 Sby
We still learn Jude 1:1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ,
and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father,
and preserved in Jesus Christ:
Previously we have learnt three points:
- The epistle of Jude was written by Jude the brother of James, not Judas Iscariot.
- The epistle of Jude was written to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ / those who are called, chosen, and glorified by God (Romans) / those who walk according to the purpose of God.
- As long as we walk according to the purpose of God, God will always work for good and everything must be fine.
Now let us see the status of those who are called, chosen, and glorified by God.
1 Peter 2:9
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
That is to say, they are made a royal priesthood / priests and kings.
Those who are called and chosen will not be useless for God gives them a status.
For illustration, as we apply and are accepted for a job, we surely sit a certain
position (such as secretary, marketer, etc). Likewise is in heaven; to those
who are called and chosen, God gives them a status, that is, as priests and
kings / a royal priesthood.
A priest is 1) someone who serves and ministers God (holding a double function).
A mistake often done by reverend, i.e. going to church at the time of preaching
only, not from the beginning of the service (the time of praising the Lord),
considering that the duty of priest is to preach. Likewise, the member of choir
is outside the church after singing or the musician is outside the church after
playing musical instrument, not committing the whole service because of considering
that he/she has done his/her duty. Such is absolutely wrong because priests
are those who committing both service and ministry to God.; 2) someone who holds
a certain priest’s office; and 3) a holy man.
Those are the status of a priest; therefore, a priest must dwell and must not
go out of the sanctuary, since he is a holy man.
Leviticus 21:12
12 ‘nor shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the LORD.
There were three objects inside the sanctuary, which now refer to patience in the three main services under shepherding service system:
- Golden Candlestick (http://gptkk.org/pelita-en.php) = patience in Public Service
- Table of Shewbread (http://gptkk.org/mrs-en.php) = patience in Bible Study Service and Holy Communion
- Golden Altar of Incense (http://gptkk.org/dupa-en.php) = patience in Pray and Worship Service
A priest must continue steadfastly in the three main services that the anointing oil of God is always upon him. The anointing oil distinguishes children of God from children of the world. For example, this musical instrument is just the same as the world has. The difference is: people of the world play it with their human capability, while the children of God at church play it under the anointing of Holy Spirit. The second one is acceptable unto God. That’s why priests must dwell in the sanctuary. Soon after they go out from the sanctuary, there will be no longer anointing oil and this will encourage them to copy worldly methods in singing or playing musical instruments. If we walk under the anointing of Holy Spirit, however, we surely please God although our techniques and skills are less than those in the world and this distinguishes us from the world in the case of ministry. So, let me remind you once again: priests must dwell in shepherding for the anointing oil’s being upon them.
Besides as priests, we also become kings because the oil is connected with a king; meaning that we must always prevail over enemies.
Psalms 20:6, 9
6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.
9 Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call.
Where does the strength of a king come from? It is not because of his power, but anointing oil of Holy Spirit. The enemies include: sins (which are God’s and our enemies), death, worldly influences, and fleshly desires. And if a king prevails over them, God must answer him when he calls “May the King answer us when we call”; nothing can hinder the way of such because there always be opened doors/ways. God always longs a victorious minister, not a minister who is easily lost and unable to commit ministry.
That we become priests mean we must have faith and obedience.
1 Peter 2:6-8
6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."
7 Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,"
8 and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
How could we believe and obey God? Only if we are under Holy Spirit. Therefore,
we have to be in Holy Place/shepherding so that we have victory over sin/flesh/world.
Besides, our prayer is answered by God, who opens all ways for us. Without the
anointing of Holy Spirit, we cannot prevail over them.
None might believe without Holy Spirit. For instance, the word of God says:
“Prioritize service and ministry to job!” It is illogical to fleshly
men; they will surely oppose, saying: “Do we will eat church?” Therefore,
we must be always in shepherding for the anointing oil is upon us to make us
victorious kings and to enable us to believe and obey God, so that we will never
stumble or become a stumbling block to others. Beware of this: someone who is
easily stumbled will become a stumbling block! By God’s calling and choosing
us to be priests, we obtain a full entrance into heaven. If we stumble, however,
we lose the entrance.
2 Peter 1:10-11
10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As we have known before, the epistle of Jude speaks of covering which those who are called and chosen as priests and kings will obtain if they:
- dwell in shepherding
- have anointing oil
- prevail as the King
- become obedient
- never stumble or become a stumbling block
- receive a full entrance into the kingdom of heaven
For the students of Lempin-el, do not see the number of congregation wherever
you will be placed but the important thing is being in anointing oil of Holy
Spirit so that you will not stumble or become a stumbling block.
Who are actually the priests?
Exodus 19:5-6
5 ‘Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.
6 ‘And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."
Actually the status “priest” is only given to Israelites –
the chosen people of God and their children –, while we who are gentiles
and not of the Israelites have no right to become priests. Thus, Gentiles by
no means may become priests based on descent track. But, in 1 Peter
2:9-10
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His
own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you
out of darkness into His marvelous light;
10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained
mercy but now have obtained mercy.
The Gentiles may become priests and kings only through the mercy of God which is as precious as the Blood of Jesus/Sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Thus, a royal prieshood is as precious as the Blood of Jesus for gentiles.
It is enlightened further in Revelation 1:5-6
5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead,
and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us
from our sins in His own blood,
6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and
dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Our status as priests and kings must be highly regarded; otherwise, it means that we trample down the Blood of Jesus, which leads us to punishment/perdition. Students of Lempin-El, you are particularly called to be pastors so you should regard it highly; or else, it means that you trample down the Blood of Jesus and it leads you to punishment/perdition. Therefore, we should always remember that becoming a pastor/minister is our last job. By holding this principle, we will never forsake it and others will never take our place. It is different if you are mutated by God. It is not wrong as long as God Himself who mutates you and there will be an increase.
To make us (gentiles) priests and kings, Jesus had to sacrifice His life and
shed blood to death on the cross. Why? Revelation 1:7
7 Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they
who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.
Even so, Amen.
It is obvious that in verse 5 and verse 6 the Gentiles are lifted up by Jesus’ blood and in verse 7 “Behold, He is coming with cloud”. Thus, the Gentiles are prepared to be lifted up as priests and kings as follows:
- to welcome Jesus’ second coming in glory
- to enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb
- to enter into the kingdom of peace a thousand year
- to enter into New Jerusalem/everlasting kingdom of heaven
Although our flesh suffers, we are prepared for all thngs above, not tormented.
Who may dwell in the kingdom of a-thousand-year peace?
Revelation 20:6
6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
They are priests and kings only. Those who are not priests and kings cannot enter into the kingdom of peace a thousand year.
Priests are:
- those who serve and minister God
- those who hold priest’s offices
- those who are holy and dwell in Holy Place.
Such are prepared to enter into the kingdom of a-thousand-year peace. They will welcome Jesus’ second coming and enter into the marriage supper of the Lamb, and everlasting kingdom of heaven.
Those who dwell in New Jerusalem are also priests and kings.
Revelation 22:3, 5
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.
5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
“His servants shall serve” = priests
Only priests and kings may enter into New Jerusalem / everlasting kingdom of
heaven / the throne of the Lord.
The most important thing is to see Jesus, for if we cannot see Jesus coming
the second time, we will not enter into kingdom of peace a thousand year and
kingdom of heaven/New Jerusalem.
If you have not become priests and kings yet, you should pray to have priest’s
offices. Do not delay to receive the office, as you do not know when He will
come. We must be watchful but if you have held a priest’s office, you
should be diligent to work it until you can see Jesus.
As priests and kings, we struggle to see Jesus and this can be done right now,
so that we will really see Jesus face to face at the time of His coming. Next,
we will enter into the kingdom of peace and kingdom of heaven.
In ministry, Moses looked this way and that way (meaning: looking men) so he
became a murderer and hid the Egyptians dead body in sand. His service seemed
to be good but there is rottenness inside. It means hypocrisy because of not
looking God. It is especially happens if a pastor looks the number of churchgoers.
It cannot be so because we become priests and kings in order to look upon God.
Before seeing Jesus’ face, we have to see first His Hands and Side.
John 20:20
20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
Seeing Jesus’ pierced Side (Revelation
1:7 “even they who pierced Him”).
Jesus died with four wounds for Israelites and the fifth one at His Side, which
was made by a Roman soldier’s piercing, is intended for gentiles. Thus,
if we want to see Jesus’ face, we must firstly see His pierced Side –
for we are gentiles.
John 19:34
34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.
Let us – priests, students of Lempin-el, ministers – now we serve God, do not look this way and that way nor look behind as Lot’s wife who became pillar of salt. Let us learn to look the Lord’s face until we see Him face to face at the time of His second coming and we enter the kingdom of peace a thousand year then heavenly kingdom. The process is through seeing His side out of which blood and water came.
- Blood symbolizes repentance (stopping sinning and returning to
God).
A liar cannot repent. That’s why, we must set aside lies.
Jeremiah 9:5-6
5 Everyone will deceive his neighbor, And will not speak the truth; They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves to commit iniquity.
6 Your dwelling place is in the midst of deceit; Through deceit they refuse to know Me," says the LORD.
A liar does not want to repent until he someday cannot repent. Lest a sin covered with a lie (dwelling in the midst of deceit); otherwise, there will become mount of sin and he cannot repent anymore. A sin that is covered will not go away, except it is confessed and covered by the Blood of Jesus. A sinful man desiring to see Jesus’ face must repent. - Water symbolizes baptism of water/renewal of life/walking in righteousness
After diving into water (having baptism of water), priests and kings must dive into water of the word. (the washing of water by the word in Ephesians 5)
Ephesians 5:25-27
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Thus, water symbolizes baptism of water and water of the word/rain/teaching
word.
Mostly priests desire short word and here is the illustration: the short word
is as one glass of water so it cannot wash us cleanly. Imagine how our face
will be if we take a bath with one glass of water only. We need the showers
of teaching word to wash us. In short, blood means repentance and water means
baptism of water/walking in righteousness. Besides, water means much water/showers
to wash us until we are clean. A mistake often happens that after repenting,
being baptized of water and becoming priests, they do not have teaching word.
In such a manner, they cannot see Jesus’ side. Therefore, priests need
to be washed/sanctified by showers of teaching word.
Deuteronomy 32:1-2
1 "Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; And hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
2 Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As raindrops on the tender herb, And as showers on the grass.
We do not need to be pessimistic about teaching word for it spreads gradually as follows:
- as the dew.
Townsfolk hardly notice dew as some at dawn still sleep in their tiredness of earning a living and some still have a morning prayer, so that it is hard to see dew. If teaching word is still like the dew, people can hardly see or notice it. Nonetheless, the dew will become raindrops sometime. - as raindrops; people begin to show their interest.
I believe raindrops will become showers sometime. - as showers – the revival of teaching word.
If it is raining heavily and there is an opened door, people will enter it without any permit. Flowing from that, churches with teaching word just need to open the door and all will enter into the teaching word. Even though now is still the era of gospel – churches with gospel open the door and many enter into it – do not be jealous or hopeless, seeing that with teaching the number of churchgoers are only little. Do not stop holding the teaching word because it is as the dew now. We just need to wait because it will become as raindrops and showers some day. Once again, a priest needs the washing of teaching word.
The teaching word sanctifies us from our gentile characters, i.e.:
- worry – about this life (daily needs: clothing, food, and drink)
Matthew 6:31-34
31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
The Gentiles whose characteristic is anxiety about daily life, of what to wear and eat/drink have to be sanctified by the teaching word. Likewise are youth and students of Lempin-el, who get married with not proper person after graduation because of worrying about spouse. Besides, those who have been Christians from Sunday school until having priest’s offices but get married with non-Christians are because of worries so they cannot prioritize God.
“seek first” = prioritize God
Thus, not prioritizing God = not prioritizing service and ministry (spiritual matters).
Reverends also often have worries about transportation, accommodation, etc when they are asked to preach. The late Rev. Pong has asked me to preach in Kalimantan island without giving me an airplane ticket, also in Ngawi (East Java) I had to sleep and seek the opening of God’s word in an elementary school building beside the building where the revival meeting was held. I thank for it because I was trained not to worry.
For that reason, we as the Gentiles absolutely need teaching word to cleanse/sanctify us from worry that we can seek first the kingdom of heaven; meaning:- we can prioritize God to others
- we can prioritize the service and ministry to other things
The true ministers of God must be sanctified from worry.
- Dog-and-swine-like character
A woman of Canaan came to God to beg His mercy since her daughter was severely demon-possessed. However, Jesus said, “It is not good to take the children’s (Israel’s) bread and throw it to the little dogs (Gentiles)." Why do we need the teaching word/seeing Jesus’ side? It is good to have the blood of repentance/gospel and the baptism of water and of Holy Spirit/walking in righteousness, but we need the showers of teaching word because we have characters, which stick in us, i.e. worry and dog-and-swine like character. I beg your pardon for it sounds not nice but we need it to sanctify us, I first.
A dog returns to his vomit (showing vain words) and a sow having washed to her wallowing in the mire (implying unclean mind and deeds). These must be sanctified to perfection/until there is no blemish and spot. (Ephesians 5:27)
Seeing Jesus’ wounded Hands
John 20:20
20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
Here are the meanings:
- Working the ministry in the same way as Jesus did.
Hebrews 10:5-7
5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come––In the volume of the book it is written of Me––To do Your will, O God.’"
The true consecration/ministry is to do the word of God/the will of the Father. Lest we minister God without the word; for whom will we serve? It can be ourselves or even Satan. The commander of our doing ministry is the word, to do the will of God, not men. That’s why, the revelation of the word is very important.
Matthew 7:21-23
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 "Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
23 "And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
“I will declare” shows separation manifested although now they seems to be same even great because of casting out demons and doing many wonders. The true consecration is to do the word of God, not how many wonders are done or people are attracted.
That Jesus fed five thousand men seems to be a great ministry of Him, but His last ministry was to die cursedly on the cross. His enemies felt victorious as Jesus was regarded guilty so that He died cursedly on the cross. In fact, however, Jesus died for He did the will of the Father. Although men despise us for we have nothing (like Jesus even did not have a tomb), but if we do the will of the Father, it may please Him.
A great ministry with many wonders but without the word of God must be rejected; God will say, “Depart from Me!” – because we do not do the will of the Father. Thus, whether we may enter into heaven or not depends on how we do the will of the Father, not simply how great our ministry is. Jesus showed His hands means we have to work as His work according to God’ will/word. - Working the ministry with willingness to sacrifice (since His Hands
were nailed).
We minister to offer something, not to seek something/profits.
For example, in dormitory, a student of Lempin-el gives green and yellow chilies to others and takes the red ones for his own self, seeing that the green and yellow chilies are not as hot as the red ones. Such is not with willingness to sacrifice because willingness to sacrifice means taking bad things for ourselves and giving the good for others. Do not be afraid because what we have sacrificed for God/the building of Christ’s body will never go with the wind. On the contrary, we meet Jehovah Jirreh, the Lord who will provide all thing like Abraham got when he was ordered by God to offer Isaac on mount Moriah, the place King Solomon built the temple of God, referring to the building of Christ’s body now. Abraham had no doubt to sacrifice Isaac, the one he loved and hoped. Nevertheless, the offering did not go with the wind because there was Jehovah Jirreh. All things (time, energy, thought) we have to sacrifice for the building of Christ’s body except the true teaching word we have to hold fast. - Working the ministry with the mercy of God.
In doing the ministry, we do not depend on money, but by the mercy of God; meaning that although we are not worthy because of many sins and not capable of doing the ministry, God still wants to use us as long as we show our diligence and honest toward God.
Let us learn to do these things:- Seeing Jesus’ side: repenting, walking in righteousness and being sanctified from worry and dog-and-swine like character.
- Seeing Jesus’ hands; we work as Jesus does according to the God’s will. We dare to sacrifice and work harder in the system of mercy, not with system of money.
Psalms 123:1-2
1 <<A Song of Ascents.>> Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He has mercy on us.
Our working bases on the mercy of God, do not neglect it. Do not thing that
we may not rehearse because of the system of mercy. The mercy is as precious
as the blood of Jesus. Although we are unworthy, God will use us if we are serious
and confess uprightly before Him.
As the ministry bases on the mercy of God and we know ourselves unworthy and
unable, we must work harder.
1 Corinthians 15:9-10
9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Students of Lempin-El, you study here without paying anything and it does not mean poor; instead, this is the mercy of God. I cannot guarantee that you must eat everyday, but simply the mercy of God can do it. Thus, as the ministry bases on the mercy of God and we know ourselves unworthy and unable, we must work harder.
Seeing Jesus’ face unto the reality.
Shortly, priests have to see these things
- Jesus’ side out of which blood (referring to repentance) and water(referring to baptism of water/walking in righteousness and the showers of teaching word to sanctify from gentile’s characters)
- Jesus’ hands; we work as Jesus does according to the word, not seeing men but the word. We dare to sacrifice and work harder in the system of mercy
- Jesus’ face; after the disciples could see Jesus’ Side and
Hands, they could also see His Face so that they rejoiced.
Seeing Jesus’ face = worshiping Jesus.
John 9:37-38
37 And Jesus said to him, "You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you."
38 Then he said, "Lord, I believe!" And he worshiped Him.
The blind man whose eyes were opened rejoiced for he could see Jesus’ face as well as talking with Him. Let us tell our outcry in worship! We will be renewed just like Jesus worshiped God and transfigured on a high mountain; His face shone like the sun.
Seeing Jesus’ face = worshiping Jesus, which results in the renewal of life, that is five senses/face changes, beginning with sad face transfigured into cheerful face.
- Cain was very angry and his countenance fell (Genesis 4).
If your countenance fall because of envy, grudge, bitterness about your wife/husband, you should see Jesus that your face shines (being cheerful and joyful). - Hannah, the mother of Samuel, was sad because she was depressed in her
marriage.
Elkanah had two wives; the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. When Penninah was pregnant, Hannah came to the house of the Lord with her sad face that Eli the priest thought she was drunk. Thus, Hannah was sad because she was depressed in her marriage. If you have the same thing like Hannah, just look upon Jesus! - Two men in Emmaus were sad because they expected Jesus to help them, but
He died.
Luke 24:17-18, 20-21
17 And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"
18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?"
20 "and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.
21 "But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.
Sad face may appear due to desperation or hopelessness. Jesus previously fed five thousand men but what is now? Maybe we become sad owing to financial problem; so let us now look upon Jesus’ Side, Hands, and Face! Just believe that God will make our face shine until we become as glorious as Jesus is at the time of His second coming. We will be lifted up and see Jesus face to face, being together with Him forever more.
In summary, those who are called and chosen must have a clear position in the kingdom of heaven, that is, as a royal priesthood / priests and kings. Such are prepared to see Jesus face to face. Today we learn to look upon Jesus through this process:
- Seeing His Side = repenting and being baptized with water = sanctified from gentile characters by the teaching word.
- Seeing His Hands = working the ministry according to the word of God/the will of the Father and with sacrifices based on the mercy of God.
- Seeing His Face to make our sad face shine.
We will someday be transformed as glorious as Jesus is and enter into the everlasting
kingdom of heaven when He comes the second time.
God bless you!