Did you know that Jesus was not the first in scripture to under go a “Passion”? Jesus was not the first to cross the Kidron Valley at night, not the first to climb the Mount of Olives in sorrow, nor the first “shepherd” to be struck so that the sheep might scatter!  Have you ever heard of the passion of King David? Read 2 Samuel 15 through 20… below are a few of the highlights!

Remember when Absolom, David’s son, tried his “palace coop?” He gathered an army and David’s closest advisers then “slept” with his father’s wives out in the open for all to see, making the stament that “he who has the king’s wives IS the king!”,  David, not wanting to engage in battle with his son, gathered his court and fled the city.

• Like Peter who swore he would DIE with Jesus…
• It’tai said to David 2 Sam 15: [21] But It’tai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.”
• Like Jesus David and his court crossed the Brook Kidron weeping!
• 2 Sam 15:[23] And all the country wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed the brook Kidron, and all the people passed on toward the wilderness.
• Like Jesus who took the 3 up the mount of Olives…
• 2 Sam 15: [30] But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered; and all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went.
• Like Jesus who’s disciple, friend and adviser betrayed him… so to with David…
• 2 Sam 15:[31] And it was told David, “Ahith’ophel is among the conspirators with Ab’salom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahith’ophel into foolishness.”
• Like Judas who hatched the plan to lead the LARGE cohort out AT NIGHT to strike the Shepherd, scatter the flock, and arrest Jesus…. so to Ahithophel hatched the plan…
• 2 Sam 17:[1] Moreover Ahith’ophel said to Ab’salom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will set out and pursue David tonight.
• [2] I will come upon him while he is weary and discouraged, and throw him into a panic; and all the people who are with him will flee. I will strike down the king only,
• [3] and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride comes home to her husband. You seek the life of only one man, and all the people will be at peace.”
• [4] And the advice pleased Ab’salom and all the elders of Israel.
• Like Judas… when the plan back fired… he set his affairs in order and hung himself!
• 2 Sam 17: [23] When Ahith’ophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and went off home to his own city. And he set his house in order, and hanged himself; and he died, and was buried in the tomb of his father.
• Like Jesus who took the abuse, insults, blows, and more… and did NOT return evil for evil… so too David opens NOT his mouth!
• 2 Sam 16:[5] When King David came to Bahu’rim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shim’e-i, the son of Gera; and as he came he cursed continually.
• [6] And he threw stones at David, and at all the servants of King David; and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.
• [7] And Shim’e-i said as he cursed, “Begone, begone, you man of blood, you worthless fellow!
• [11] And David said to Abi’shai and to all his servants, “Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has bidden him.
• [12] It may be that the LORD will look upon my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for this cursing of me today.”

Who is the first person in the Bible to be called the “son of God”? If you answered Jesus, you would be incorrect. Actually, that title was bestowed on an individual about 1000 years before Christ was conceived.

2 Samuel 7:[11] from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.

[12] When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.

[13] He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

[14] I will be his father, and he shall be my son. When he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men;

[16] And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.’”

Maybe I’m too much of a Catholic Bible geek but, I found this absolutely fascinating because of the rich typology at play here in the Old Testament. Did you catch the three elements? One, God will raise up David’s son. Two, God will establish his kingdom forever and three, he will be a “son of God”!  God is fulfilling, partially at least, the covenant oath He swore to Abraham in Genesis 22, all Nations (same word as Gentiles) shall be blessed through him and his seed.  Sarah really did bare kings to the world after all. So why is this so cool? Now fast forward and read the Gospel of St. Luke.

St. Luke 1: [32] He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

[33] and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Wow! Did you catch that? The same three elements are at play… He will be both the son of David and the Son of God, and, He will inherit the Kingdom of His father David and that kingdom will have no end.   So the kingdom Jesus established was actually begun with David and Solomon and brought to its perfection in Jesus.  ”Ok, that’s neat and all but, why is that important?” I hear ya… more bible geek stuff but, how does it apply?

Well, I’m in the process of writing a book about my “personal” relationship with Jesus the King of the Universe.  During my conversion to the Church I had a personal encounter with Christ. Christ made himself known to me in a deep and profound way on a Spring day in 2002. I knelt down and had the proverbial ”let-go-and-let-God” moment.  When I got off my knees I was a changed man. I couldn’t explain it, it was completely foreign to me and it took some time, and witness, to prove to my wife that I had been transformed. I didn’t hear voices or see any visions… not the simple… God simply allowed me to mysticaly experience his presence and opened my eyes to my own sin. I had a real, personal, encounter with the living God, however, there was one thing I knew for sure… I didn’t have a clue who He was!  Yes, I had been to Sunday School growing up, yes, I had been through RCIA in the Church however, I knew I knew nothing of who this God was… only that he loved me enough to not give up on me.  God placed on my heart that day a deep and unquenching desire to get to know him.   It set me on a journey of discovery that led me back home in the Catholic Church.  (Want to hear a fuller version of that story? Click HERE.)

Ok, before I get too carried away, let’s get back to David and Jesus.  Part of what I hope to accomplish in the book is to show the correlation between the structure of David’s kingdom and that of our Lord Jesus Christ. In my journey to the Church I struggled with the Pope, Mary, the Bishops, Priests and the Eucharist to name a few.  I simply couldn’t see the “Catholic” structure or hierarchy in the Bible… at least not until I discovered how to read the bible in a typological sense (check out “A Father Who Keeps His Promises” by Dr. Scott Hahn). What I discovered was the Old and New Testaments fit perfectly together.

Let me show you a few examples of how Jesus has perfected the kingdom of David. We will look at the structure, key components, of the Kingdom God established with David in 2 Sam. 7. These same characteristics will come to their perfection in the Kingdom of Jesus as described in the New Testament. Oh, and before I do that, did I mention to you that David’s Dynasty was the longest in human history? Yes, its true, a son of David sat on the throne of the kingdom of David longer than any other dynasty anywhere else in the world at any point in history.  David’s kingdom also receives high marks for the least amount of assignation attempts on the sitting king.  Oh yes, bible geek stuff… I love it!

David’s kingdom possessed 12 ministers of the court that ruled over Israel and provided food. When Solomon ascended to the throne of his father David,  he did a few things that were interesting, one of which was that he reinstated the 12 Princes of Israel (more on this in a minute).

1 Kings 4:[7] Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each man had to make provision for one month in the year.

Now, look back to Exodus 24, Moses set up 12 Princes/priests to offer 12 sacrifices on 12 pillars. Moses took the blood from the 12 and thew it on the alter of God and then sprinkled it upon the people saying “behold the blood of the covenant!” Joshua too will lead the people with these 12 Princes, crossing the Jordan river and marching on Jericho.  So too does Jesus set up his 12 Princes to serve in HIS court and RULE over the people and provide them FOOD.

Matthew 14:[19] Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. [20] And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.

Luke 22:[19] And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [20] And likewise the cup after supper, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Matthew 19:[28] Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of man shall sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

What is this food that the King gives to His 12 to distribute to His household? The bread of life! Like the 12 Priests under Moses who offered sacrifice for the people, so do the 12 under Jesus. Like the 12 under Joshua who lead the people into the promised land, so do the 12 under Jesus lead us into the promised land (heaven). Like the 12 under the son of David, who serve in the court of the King, providing food for the house of the king, the people, and ruling over Israel, so do the 12 under Jesus sit on 12 thrones, ruling over Israel and feeding His house!

David’s kingdom possessed 1 man which bore the “keys of the kingdom” of the house of the King. This “over-the-house”, or chief steward/prime minister, wore the keys upon his shoulder so that all in the kingdom would know that that man was second in charge and answered only to the King himself.  This man posses incredible authority, bestowed up him by the King, so long as he occupies the office of the Chief steward. Once he dies, or is deposed, he is replaced with another.  The Prime Minister was so vital to the kingdom that he was to serve as a “father” to the people, a “pappa” of sorts.   This was also seen in the role of Joseph in Egypt back in Genesis. Let’s first look at the account of Joseph and then at the Kingdom of David.

Genesis 41:[39] So Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discreet and wise as you are;

[40] you shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command; only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”

[41] And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.”

[42] Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in garments of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

[43] and he made him to ride in his second chariot; and they cried before him, “Bow the knee!” Thus he set him over all the land of Egypt.

[44] Moreover Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no man shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.”

 

 Isaiah 22:[15] Thus says the Lord GOD of hosts, “Come, go to this steward, to Shebna, who is over the household, and say to him:

[19] I will thrust you from your office, and you will be cast down from your station.

[20] In that day I will call my servant Eli’akim the son of Hilki’ah,

[21] and I will clothe him with your robe, and will bind your girdle on him, and will commit your authority to his hand; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.

[22] And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

So it would appear that Solomon was instituting this office in the Kingdom of David, modeled after the Kingdom of Egypt (1 Kings 4:5). So, does Jesus also have a Chief Steward, a Over-The-house, a  Prime Minister, who will be bear the “keys of the kingdom”? Let’s take a look.

Matthew 16:[18] And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.

[19] I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

 

Luke 22:[31] “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,

[32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren.”

 

John 21:[15] When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

[16] A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

[17] He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

Just as Solomon, the wise man who built the House of God upon the “even shetiyah” (lierally the foundation stone) appointed a Chief Steward who bore his keys, how much more the King of Kings, one greater than Solomon (Luke 11:31), who built HIS house upon the foundation stone of Peter, also appoint a Chief Steward who bares the keys of HIS kingdom? Just as the “Prime Minister” of the kingdom of David was to be a “father” to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so too will the “Prime Minister” of the kingdom of Jesus be a “Pappa” (a “Pope” in Italian), a father, to the inhabitants of the NEW Jerusalem which is the Church of the Lamb of God (Hebrews 12).

David’s kingdom possessed a Queen who was the mediator of the people to the King. Question? Which of King Solomon’s 1000 wives was the Queen? Or any other son of David for that matter? None is the answer!  Polygamy is riddled with complications, a by-product when you pervert the natural order and intent of God’s design for marriage, and therefore choosing the Queen among the thousands of wives and concubines of the King would only start a civil war among the family.  So, who got to be Queen? The Mother of the King is who!  The Mother of Solomon was the first to posses the office, yes I said office, of “The Great Lady” which continued all the way until the Babylonian exile in 597 BC (c.f. Jer. 13:18, the Queen is also dethroned due to her role in the disobedience of the people). The Queen Mother would sit at the right hand of the King and mediate between the people and the King, her son. (I would recommend you read “Queen Mother” by Dr. Edward Sri (HERE) and “Hail Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God,” by Dr. Scott Hahn (HERE). Both are FANTASTIC resources to help you see just how scripturally sound Catholic teaching is on Mary.  You might also want to check out the stuff I’ve recorded on Mary and the saints listed on my Apologetics pageHERE. )

1 Kings 2:[17] And he said, “Pray ask King Solomon — he will not refuse you — to give me Ab’ishag the Shu’nammite as my wife.”

[18] Bathshe’ba said, “Very well; I will speak for you to the king.”

[19]So Bathshe’ba went to King Solomon, to speak to him on behalf of Adoni’jah. And the king rose to meet her, and bowed down to her; then he sat on his throne, and had a seat brought for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right.

[20] Then she said, “I have one small request to make of you; do not refuse me.” And the king said to her, “Make your request, my mother; for I will not refuse you.”

[21] She said, “Let Ab’ishag the Shu’nammite be given to Adoni’jah your brother as his wife.”

Is it just me, or do you find that truly remarkable? The King of the kingdom bows down to his mother, has a throne brought in  for her (same Hebrew word for the kings throne is used for her’s… both are thrones!) and then SHE sits at the KINGS right hand!  That is huge! Even though the Queen’s request is not granted in this example, it still goes to show how the “Great Lady” is fulfilling her role as the mediator between the people and her son the King (want to know why the request wasn’t granted? Well, in a nut-shell, Adoni’jah was trying to pull a fast one… he who has the Kings wives IS the King! Bathsheba tried to warn him but, he didn’t listen.). Ok, so what do you think the chances are that Jesus will have a Queen Mother of his very own?  I’ll give you 3 guesses and the first two won’t count!

Luke 1:[26] In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

[27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

[28] And he came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”

 

Revelation 12:[1] And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars;

[5] she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne

[13] And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had borne the male child.

[14] But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, …

[17] Then the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus. …

Doesn’t it just make sense that the King of the Kingdom would have for His Queen His own Mother? If its true for Solomon, how much more of Jesus? Mary is the Mother of the male child who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, who will “…be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David” (Luke 1:32). So the Angel of God, Gabriel, declares Mary to be “The Full of Grace” (or the “Hail, O favored one” as my RSV translation renders it), a declaration of her position in the Kingdom of her son.  This is a title, Mary is the NEW “Great Lady” who will intercede on behalf of her son, the King.

John 6:[1] On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there;

[2] Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples.

[3] When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.”

[4] And Jesus said to her, “O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

[5] His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.“

Unlike the request Bathsheba makes on behalf of Adoni’jah, this request made by Mary, the King grants. Jesus not only gives them wine but, He does so in great abundance… the choicest of wines!  Take a minute to reread John 1 & 2… notice the props and the players on the stage.  By the time you reach the wedding feast of Cana where are you? On the 7th day of a new creation. What is going on? A marriage feast. Who are the only people named in this scene? Jesus and Mary. What does Jesus call Mary? Woman.  Does this remind you of anything? Yes, Genesis 1 & 2 perhaps?  Its a NEW creation culminating in a NEW marriage feast with a NEW Adam and Eve. Just like the first wedding feast pointed to the “hour” that Adam and “Woman” would be tested in a garden, so too does this NEW wedding feast point forward to the “hour” when the New Adam and “Woman” would be tested also in a garden, the garden of Calvary.  Unlike the first Adam, who sinned saved his flesh and gave up his soul, the NEW Adam will give up His flesh and save our souls by entrusting His to His Father!

Do you see the design? The intent? The purpose with which God has written salvation history? If Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of David, then he posses the Kingdom of David in perfection. If David’s Kingdom has 12 ministers who feed the people fo the house of the King, so too does Jesus have 12 Priests who give His body and His blood as FOOD for the people in His house (John 6:55). If David’s kingdom had 1 man over the 12, who possessed the “keys of his kingdom” and was a father to his people, so too does Jesus have 1 man over the 12, who possesses the “keys of the kingdom” and is the father to His people. If David’s kingdom has a Queen Mother who sits at the right hand of the king, mediating on behalf of the people, so too does Jesus have a Queen Mother interceding for “…her offspring, … those who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus. …” (Rev. 12:17).

Why? Because Jesus truly is the Son of God and there is one more perfect than the Son of David, Solomon, here, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Just think about that for a moment… you have a personal relationship with the King of the Universe. If you love Him; won’t you love His Ministers and Queen too? To plagiarize Dr. John Bergsma (Professor of Scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville OH), If you will follow Jesus, as His beloved disciple, then you must also take his mother into your home (John 19:26-27) and follow Peter (John 21:19-25).   It’s true, we have a very personal relationship with Jesus but, let us not forget that he is the King of the Universe whose court is in session and whose minsters He appointed to rule over us. Let us also remember that we have a Queen Mother who never ceases to intercede on our behalf to her Son, the King. May Mary whisper your name into the ear of her Son!  Now go and follow Him!

“The Law Of Love: Linking the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Calvary”

I want to thank the men of the “Catholic Men’s Retreat” of Wyoming for inviting me to speak to them about one my favorite subjects… typology!  In this series of 6 lectures we attempted to examine the question… why did Jesus have to suffer and die just to redeem us from our sin? If Jesus is God, then why not just “will” our redemption? To go through so much for us, the mocking, the stripes of the scourging, the crown of thorns, the out-pouring of his blood, being cut off from his people and nailed to a tree… there must have been a very good reason. In seeking the answer to this question we endeavor to become the “Man in the Garden!”

Testimonial:

Thank you for one of the most inspirational weekends of my life. You are much than “entertaining.” I learned more about the bible in one weekend than my whole life. I enjoyed our conversations  through out the whole trip. God bless you and your family. Thank you for everything you have done for me and the men at our retreat. When I get the pictures I will send them to you.

Kenny,

The Talks:

The Intro Talk – “Why the Cross?“:

Download MP3 , Download Outline

The Theme Song – “Make Us Courageous” (Orig. by Casting Crowns):

Download MP3

Talk 1- “The Coward Of The Garden“:

Download MP3  , Download Outline

Talk 2 – “A New Adam, A New Creation, A New Lamb” :

Download MP3  , Download Outline

Talk 3 – “A Savior Is Born, A Priest King Has Come“:

Download MP3  , Download Outline Note: The last half of the audio didn’t record through my H2, so I pulled the audio from a video source but the quality was not as good.

Talk 4 – “Its A New Garden“:

Download MP3  , Download Outline

Talk 5 – “The Law Of Love: The Total Self-Gift“:

Download MP3  , Download Outline

Resources used in preparing for these talks:

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church – HERE
• Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, of the Bible – HERE
• A Father Who Keeps His Promises: God’s Covenant Love in Scripture, Dr. Scott Hahn - HERE
• Kinship by Covenant: A Canonical Approach to the Fulfillment of God’s Saving Promises (The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library), Dr. Scott Hahn – HERE
• Understanding the Scriptures, Dr. Scott Hahn – HERE
• MORE Books from Dr. Scott Hahn – HERE
• Lectures on the Book of Exodus by Dr. Scott Hahn – HERE
• The Splendor of the Church: Audio Study from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology- HERE
• Also check out the other great courses – FREE – HERE
• The Institute of Catholic Culture Lectures – HERE
• Jesus And The Jewish Roots Of The Eucharist, Dr. Brant Pitre – HERE
• MOUNTAINS AND MEDIATORS: A SURVEY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT [VOLUME 1], Dr. John Bergsma – HERE
• MOUNTAINS AND MEDIATORS: A SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT [VOLUME 2], Dr. John Bergsma – HERE
• More great resources from Dr John Bergsma – HERE
• The Temple and the Church’s Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God (New Studies in Biblical Theology), GK Beale – HERE
• From Shadows to Reality: Studies in the Biblical Typology of the Fathers, Cardinal Jean Danielou – HERE
• Lectures on the Gospel of John  - “The Word Became Flesh”, Dr. Hahn, Dr. Pitre, Dr. Barber & Dr Bergsma – Here
• Lectures on the Book of Revelation – “The Mystery Unveiled”, Dr. Hahn, Dr. Pitre, Dr. Barber & Dr Bergsma - Here
• Lectures on the Gospel of Matthew – “Thy Kingdom Come”, Dr. Hahn, Dr. Barber & Dr Bergsma - Here
• The Targums – HERE

Sounds of snapping twigs and the crackling of dried leaves come to mind when we read how afraid Adam and Eve were when they “heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (Gen. 3:8). As a parent, I will often imagine Adam and Eve running and hiding when they hear God, their Father, coming just knowing that they were up to no good… the guilty tend to hide in shame. Have you ever stopped to consider exactly what they heard on that fateful day?  Our english translations never seem to do justice to the original languages. Let’s consider the “sound” of the Lord’s coming through out salvation history,,, maybe it will shed some light on what it may have sounded like for Adam and Eve when God came calling on the day they brought death into creation.

Genesis 3:

[8] And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

[9] But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”

[10] And he said, “I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

The Hebrew word for “sound” used in verse 8 is קול (qowl ), and it has a wide range of meaning, among which we find voice, sound, noise, proclamation and even music.  At first glance it would seem quite harmless… the Lord God was simply going for a stroll in the garden sanctuary, minding His own business, paying a visit with the man and woman, whose marriage he had just witnessed, when, quite peculiarly they seemed to be missing. Huh… He must have thought,,, I wonder where they went?   As if the all knowing, all powerful creator of the universe is thrown for a loop by Adam and Eve. Instead, just maybe there was something else going on here. Notice vese 10,,, it would seem that the “sound” of God’s approach caused some increased fear and tension for Adam. Yes, it could have simply been that Adam knew he was guilty of disobedience, and his new found shame, and nakedness, was daunting his conscience and at the least bit of sound of the Lord’s coming, he dashed into the bushes to hid himself. What if that sound were more than snapping twigs and crackling leaves? What if the mere sound of the Lord’s approach was enough to put absolute dread on the hearts of all those who have sinned and fallen from grace?

Do you remember the scene in Star Wars (the original) when, after the Storm Troopers, dominated the rebels onboard a starship, and the evil Darth Vader emerged from the smoke to capture the helpless Princess Lea? I’ll bet you can hear the sound of his coming right now… just reading this, you can remember it can’t you? The theme music that accompanied Darth Veder was enough to strike the fear in the heart of the viewer… da-don-ta-da-don-ta-da-don-ta-da… that was the point, wasn’t it? Foreboding, ominous… filled with anxiety.  Have you ever seen Saving Private Ryan? Do you recall the scene, towards the end of the movie, where they were just waiting for the Germans to attack,,, trying to defend a bridge with just a few men? They anxiously waited for what they knew was coming, the erie silence was shattered by the  menacing mechanical sounds of the tanks bearing down on their position, shaking the very ground and rattling their teeth.  The tension builds, and my heart began to race, just thinking about how these tanks will bring death,,, will they all be killed? Imagine the fear that those men would have felt, well before the tanks were visible, it would have been thick enough to cut with a butter knife. The sound of the approaching tanks, made the fear palpable… it made it real, it took it over the top!

So, what if the Lord’s coming into the garden was more like that of Darth Verder’s  theme music and Private Ryan’s tanks?  How much worse it would have been for our first parents on an already bad day,,, to hear such a sound? Let’s consider Psalm 29 and see if it can shed some light on this question.

 Psalm 29:

[3] The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;

the God of glory thunders,

the LORD, upon many waters.

[4] The voice of the LORD is powerful,

the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

[5] The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,

the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

[6] He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,

and Si’rion like a young wild ox.

[7] The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.

[8] The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness,the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

[9] The voice of the LORD makes the oaks to whirl,

and strips the forests bare;

and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

[10] The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;the LORD sits enthroned as king for ever.

 

So yes,,, there is snapping of twigs and crackling of leaves,,, only they are they are the mighty cedars of Lebanon breaking and the whirling oaks stripped bear by the sound of His voice! Its the same Hebrew word,  קול (qowl ), being used in this Psalm (vs. 3,4,5,7,8 &9) to depict God’s voice just as in Genesis 3 for the sound of the Lord’s coming. Not nearly as harmless sounding is it? Notice verse 3 referencing the Lord’s voice as being “over the waters”… does this remind you of anything? Yes, the day Jesus was baptized in the wilderness in Matthew 3:16 & 17, the voice of God was heard over the waters of the new creation,,, “[17] and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” If this is the new creation then what of the old? Was the voice of God heard over those waters as well? Yes, take a look at Genesis 1:1 -4 where we read how the Spirit of God hovered over the waters of creation, “[3] And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.” Is this a mere coincidence? All the elements of water, the Spirit of God, the voice of God proclaiming the coming forth of light into the world? I think not… how profound… from the waters of baptism, the Spirit of God hovered over our Lord, as the sound of God voice was proclaiming that this was His son… truly…. the LIGHT has come into the world to separate light from darkness. In fact, Jesus would go on to proclaim, “I am the light of the world.” in John 9:5.   Can you even imagine what that must have sounded like? Palm 29 certainly does not paint the picture of God casually strolling anywhere… rather instead when he comes… he comes with the full glory due the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Let’s skip forward to another episode of the Lord’s coming to his people. This time it takes place in the wilderness. Ever since Adam was exiled from the garden man has worked and toiled in blood, sweat and tears, cut off, in the wilderness outside the paradise of God’s presence. It has been God’s plan, ever since Gen. 3:15, to rectify that very problem and bring them back into communion with Him! In Exodus 19, God has lead the people out of slavery in Egypt, into the wilderness by a pillar of smoke and fire.  When they finally reach the foot of the mountain of Saiani, God commands Moses to ready the people for the 3rd day… he will make a covenant with His First-Born son, Israel, and they must consecrate themselves, for they are to become a Kingdom of Priests in order to mediate between God and the Nations (same Hebrew word for Gentiles) and bring back all of God’s other sons to Him! The Lord had something special in mind just for them. In addition to sound, voice and others, the Hebrew word קול (qowl ) is also used for thunder, let’s take a look.

Exodus 19:

[16] On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.

[17] Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God; and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain.

[18] And Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and the smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

[19] And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.

[20] And the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain; and the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

 

Oh yeah… you should be thinking da-don-ta-da-don-ta-da-don-ta-da… when the Lord arrived, everyone knew it, in fact, as verse 16 says, they trembled at the sound of the trumpet blasts.  Here again, the Hebrew word קול (qowl ), is used for “thunder” and “sound”  (verse 16) but, clearly, this is a big, noisy, ominous and forbidding sound. It is certainly not, the gentile snapping of twigs and leisurely  sounds of God’s afternoon stroll. Imagine the sounds of those trumpet blasts? To the guilty and shamed… the heavy feeling of pending judgment must of loomed large in their hearts. Remember the 7 trumpet blasts of judgment that tumbled the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-27), or the 7 blasts in Revelation chapters 8 through 11? Yeah… not good!   In fact, the people of God were so afraid at the “sound” of His coming that they begged Moses to speak on their behalf… giving up their chance to meet God and speak to God, as Moses had already enjoyed.

Exodus 20:

[18] Now when all the people perceived the thunderings and the lightnings and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled; and they stood afar off,

[19] and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will hear; but let not God speak to us, lest we die.”

[20] And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to prove you, and that the fear of him may be before your eyes, that you may not sin.”

Although not described in nearly as dramatic a fashion as this encounter with God on Sinai, there are two other events in the Old Testament which also describe the coming of the Lord in the Shekinah glory cloud which are worth mentioning here.  After the completion of both the tabernacle in the wilderness, and the Temple in Jerusalem,  something miraculous occurred… the presence of God filled the Holy of Holies!

Exodus 40:

[34] Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

[35] And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting, because the cloud abode upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

 

2 Chronicles 7:

[1] When Solomon had ended his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.

[2] And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD’s house.

[3] When all the children of Israel saw the fire come down and the glory of the LORD upon the temple, they bowed down with their faces to the earth on the pavement, and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “For he is good,for his steadfast love endures for ever.”

 

So when God comes to pay a visit… it is as a King with all the pomp and circumstance due to the creator of all the universe. Should it be any other way? Would we not roll out the red carpet and strike up the band for any president or head of state? How much more the God of all? Now, let’s look at a few incidents in the New Testament that seem to be related. Do you recall when Our Lord took Peter, James and John up the mountain and gave them a glimpse at the coming resurrection glory? Peter was on cloud 9, no pun intended, when, all of a sudden, the Shekinah Glory cloud over-took the mountain-top and enveloped them all. It was the sound of the voice of God that struck fear in their hearts, causing them to fall to the ground in awe.

Matthew 17:

[5] He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

[6] When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe.

[7] But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”

 

Just as God spoke in the Old Testament, and peels of thunder were heard, so to, in the New Testament, do we have an example of God speaking and people hearing thunder. Its rather interesting to note that all throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus is often saying, “my hour has not yet come” and yet here, in John 12, he says, “The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified.(verse 23)”. What was the trigger? What brought on his “hour”? Gentiles! It was immediately following  a request by 2 Greeks to see Jesus that our Lord proclaims this His “hour” had come. Why? Because He was sent for this very purpose… to draw all men to Himself.  The moment has come and the voice of God is heard in peels of thunder and confirmation of this devine mystery… the mystery of salvation of all mankind in the cross of Christ.

John 12:

[27] “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? `Father, save me from this hour’? No, for this purpose I have come to this hour.

[28] Father, glorify thy name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

[29] The crowd standing by heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

[30] Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.

[31] Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out;

[32] and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

 

Let’s not forget the recapitulation of the Sinai encounter played out in the book of Acts. After the 12 tribes of Israel turned their hearts back to the gods of Egypt, in the worshiping of the golden cafe in Exodus 32, God took the Priesthood away from the “First Born” and gave it to Aaron, his sons, and the tribe of Levi. The Levites took up swords and slaughtered the idolators, about 3000 were slain that day, in defense of God and the covenant. From that day on… the people of God would have to sacrifice the Egyptian god’s, bulls, goats, lambs and more, morning and evening, day after day, on the alter of Yahweh, the one true God. The people of God had fallen from grace, much like Adam had in God’s presence in the garden, and would now encounter one remedial “law” after another until they ended up with the many, many, curses found in the book of Deuteronomy.   God intended them to be a kingdom of priests, sent out to lead God’s other children, the Gentile nations, back to Him from pegan idol worship. Instead, even with all the penance He had given to them, Israel proved to be a stiff necked people and would struggle with disobedience, idol worship, and a hardness of heart for the Gentiles. If they would not go out into the world to be His “witness” to the nations, even to the ends of the earth, then God would have the “ends of the earth” come and take them away.  The 10 northern tribes would be carried off by Assyria in chunks from 740 BC to 722 BC, leaving the Judeans in the South to fend for themselves until they too, committing the sin of idol worship, would be carried off by the Babylonians in  587 BC.  It would seem all was lost… the promise that the scepter would not depart from Judea (Gen. 49:10), and the House of David would never end (2 Sam. 7:16), were nothing more than empty words from Yahweh, their God. Or was it? The Prophets foretold of the day when the Kingdom of God, under the Messiah, the son of David, would come and reestablish His Kingdom (c.f. Is. 9, Ez. 37:15 – 28). This new, and greater, Priest-King would, once again, gather in the lost tribes of the people of God, reconstituting the full 12 tribes of Israel, bring back the Priesthood of the “First Born” and make them, once again, a Kingdom of Priests, to be His “witnesses” to the ends of the earth. God would bring about another Siani moment with a new and greater Moses (Duet. 18:18 – 19) … a new and greater Aaron (c.f. Psalm 110:4, Heb.5:5 – 6), a new and Greater David (c.f. Amos 9: 11 -12, Psalm 89: 3 -4), and a new and greater Solomon (c.f. Psalm 110:1, Jer. 23:5 – 6; 33:15 -16).  Unlike all of them,,, Jesus would remain faithful and take upon himself all the curses which they merited in the breaking of their covenants… the curse of Adam’s thorns (Gen.3:17), shed the blood of  Noah (Gen.9:6), was cast out from Abraham’s circumcision (Gen. 17:14) and cut off from the people, nailed to Moses’ tree (Duet. 21:22-23), and took the strips of King David by the sons of men (2 Sam. 7:14).

Acts 1:

[6] So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”

[7] He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority.

[8] But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama’ria and to the end of the earth.”

 

Acts 2:

[1] When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

[2] And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

[3] And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them

 

Just as King David established his house in Jerusalem, from the tribe of Judea, among the nation of Israel, and rulled over the Kingdom from the Gentile nations paying him homage, to the ends of the earth…. so Jesus, the son of His father David (Luke 1:32), would send out His ministers, who sit in judgement over Israel on twelve thrones (Luke 22:30),   to be His “witnesses” from Jerusalem to all Judea, and Samaria (northern tribes), and even to the ends of the earth.  The question is…. what did it sound like? Remember the sounds of the first Sinai in Exodus 19? Look at verse 2 of Acts 2… “the sound came from Heaven like the rush of a mighty wind”, some translations even use “violent” and “roar” to describe this sound.  This should evoke Exodus 19 memories for the first century Jews gathered in Jerusalem at that very moment. In fact..  Acts goes on to tell us that it was this very sound that brought devout men from “every nation under heaven” to gather near the upper room.  What where they even doing in Jerusalem? They were there to celebrate the feast of Pentecost,,, a memorial feast of the giving of the law at Mt. Sinai. Yes… Im sure that is pure coincidence, surly it was not intended by our Lord,,, right?

Acts 2:

[5] Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

[6] And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

 

So, the tongues of fire come upon each of those gathered in the upper room, and St. Peter goes out to preach to these men from every nation, that this Jesus, whom they just crucified not long before, was the promised Messiah from the royal Davidic house himself.  It was a powerful moment for a man who had denied our Lord 3 times on the night he was betrayed, wouldn’t you say? What was the result? [Acts 2: 41] So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.  I’m sure, thats’s simply another coincidence… no, nothing to see here, move along, move along!  So, the sound of God’s coming is described once again with language that seems to suggest a lot more than simply snapping of twigs and crackling of leaves. Its the “roar” of heaven come upon the Church to infuse Her with the Spirit that gives Her life and sends her out to be His “witnesses” to the Judeans, the lost tribes of Israel, the Gentile God-fearers, and even to the ends of the earth! Before,,, they cower behind locked doors, now, they boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah in public and even to their deaths as martyrs (same Greek word for witnesses).

There is one more passage I would like to consider on the “sound” that Adam would have heard in the Garden, that would be the “sound” that our Lord heard when he too was in a Garden… that of the hoard, led by Judas, came out to arrest him. Picture it, our Lord leads the twelve out, in the darkness (thanks to Judas!) across the Kidron valley to the Garden of Gethsem’ane and begins to weep and become sorrowful, even unto death (Matth. 26:36 & 37). Three times our Lord cries out, [39] … “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26). In a garden the first Adam, tempted with how good the fruit was to eat, how beautiful it was to behold and the pride of becoming like God, stood silent by the tree of the knowledge (Gen. 3:6). Our lord, on the other hand, was not so silent when faced with the same tri-fold temptation, once in the wilderness (Matth. 4 – Bread for food, Kingdoms for glory, and public display of his divinity for pride), and here again in the Garden…  [7] In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear (Hebrews 5). Greater than the first Adam, who was cut off from God’s presence in the garden and cast into the wilderness…  [18] thorns and thistles it shall bring forth to you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. [19] In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground (Gen. 3), the “Last Adam”, would recapitulate the first in fulfilling the curses from a broken covenant…  [44] In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground (Luke 22). Our Lord too would return to the ground but, not as dust like the Adam, rather so that he could give us the bread that would become the fruit from the tree of life that we must eat to be raised up on the last day (John6:54).  When the “First Adam” heard the sound of God, coming to find him, he coward and hid in a bush. When the “Last Adam” heard the sound of the “great crowd with swords and clubs” (Matth. 26), come to find him… did he run? Hide in a bush? NO! He went out to face them!  The “First Adam” placed the blame for his disobedience, and his fall from grace, upon the woman, and ultimately on God Himself (Gen. 3:12), so the “Last Adam” offers himself, making no excuses and seeking no easy way outs, without reservation, sparing His flock, and laying down His life…  [4] Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” [5] They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. [6] When he said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground (John 18).

But, what of the noise? In all four Gospels the crowd that came out to arrest our Lord is described as being big and noisy… soldiers, swords, clubs, lanters and torches… they were certainly not sneaking around the Garden hoping to come across this “would-be Messiah” like a hunter stalks his prey.  Judas was able to lead them right to the very spot where Jesus was praying, knowing where he would be on that night.  Our Lord, accepting the cup which the Father had given Him to drink, said calmly to Peter, James and John, [42] “Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand” (Mark 14)!  The sound of a large mob, wielding swords, clubs, and all the rest, must have felt foreboding and ominous for the disciples, cutting through the thick darkness, the clanking of swords, the flicker of torches, and low thumping of footsteps, becoming increasingly louder as the “great crowd” approached them. Surly they made quite the ruckus as they clamored up the path. Why were they coming here? They must have wondered… what could they possibly want? I imagine Peter uttering, as he reaches for his sword, ready to protect our Lord from capture and death.  I don’t know about you but… I would be thinking da-don-ta-da-don-ta-da-don-ta-da…… you can almost hear the heavy breathing of Judas, like that of Darth Vader, as he approaches Our Lord to identify him with a kiss. [49] And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Hail, Master!” And he kissed him (Matth. 26).  [48] but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of man with a kiss (Luke 22) ?” 

Matthew 26:

[47] While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people.

Mark 14:

[43] And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

Luke 22

[47] While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him;

John 18:

[3] So Judas, procuring a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

 

 In every way that Adam was tested, so to our Lord was tested… both being in a Garden, only the “Last Adam” would prevail where the “First Adam” did not. [15] For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4). I would suggest that the “sound” which Adam and Eve heard, struck fear in their hearts because of their guilty conscience and the shame that overwhelmed them. When we separate ourselves from God, through personal sin, we hide ourselves from Him, fearing his judgement. Isn’t this why we avoid confession? Imagine if God were to come right now,,, in His Glory, with the blast of the trumpet and the cry of the Angels…. would we not cower in fear like the shepherds in the fields the day our Lord was born (Luke 2: 8 -18)? But is it judgment that God brought? Or perhaps His mercy?

Compare the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 with the account of God’s “judgement” in Genesis 3.  The prodigal son desired the ways of the world,,, the fine clothes, good food , the riches and easy life style. Its the trifold temptation,,, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride!  In order to obtain this, he needed his share of his father’s inheritance, which meant his father might as well be dead… clearly the son had no appreciation for his fathers work, let a lone his love.  His father, not wanting to force his son to return his love, gave him what he desired, at great personal cost, and got out of his way. The son goes off and squanders his new found riches on gambling, fast times, and loose living. When nothing was left, and work became scarce, he found himself in a pit… tending to pigs, slowly rotting away.  The son began to regret his choices and realized that it would be far greater to live as his father’s slave than to continue on in such squaller.  Making his way back to his father’s property he rehearses his confession, preparing to throw himself on the mercy of his father and beg him to work as his slave. Little did he know that his father spent every day looking out, hoping his son would return to him. When the time came, and the father saw his son coming down the road, he runs to greet him! The son tries to spit out the lines he practiced over and over but, the father is having none of it… he falls upon his neck, commands his servants to bring robes, shoes, his ring, and to kill the fattened calf. The father does not judge the son rather he forgives the son and restores the sons dignity as a son of the father.  The father was eager to show his mercy where as the son expected only judgement. His inheritance was spent, so there would still be penance but, he was a son, and not a slave, in his fathers house once again. The one trouble that remained for the prodigal son was his older brother, he, unlike their father, was not so eager to forgive his brothers trespasses. In fact, in refusing to celebrate his brothers return, the father once again came out, this time to meet his oldest child, and show forth his mercy once again.

Luke 15:

[30] But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!’

[31] And he said to him, `Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

[32] It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

 

Hiding in the bush, clinching his ears, and praying his heart does not pound its way through whats left of his rib cage, I imagine Adam, and Eve for that matter, having similar thoughts as the prodigal son feeding the pigs in the pit when the sound of God was heard in the garden. There was no lower place on earth which they could descend than this. The Father, like the father of the prodigal, comes to meet them. Oh boy, here it comes! Whispers Adam to his bride, now we’re going to it! The Lord God calls out to them, “where are you?” (verse 9), but, being God, we can easily surmise that he was simply calling them out, like a good Father, coaxing their confession.

Genesis 3:

[10] And he said, “I heard the sound of thee in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

[11] He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

 

Notice, there is no immediate condemnation, no blotting them out and starting over, as the Lord will do with Noah’s generation (Gen. 8 & 9), and threaten to do with the Israelites and Moses (Ex. 32). Rather, the Father is questioning his children, drawing out their confessions with some tenderness. Notice what happens next, Adam responds first, [12] The man said, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.“; did you catch the blame game? Of the two sons in the parable of the prodigal, which does this remind you of? Yes, the eldest of course… remember his words to his father? [30] But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf (Luke 15)!’ Adam, who just so happens to be older than Eve, seems to pass the buck onto Eve, and ultimately onto God for having created Eve and givimg her to him. Yeah Lord… that’s right… your to blame for all my troubles, if you hand’t given me the woman, I’d never be in this mess to begin with, barks Adam to God!  How does Eve respond?  [13] Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent beguiled me, and I ate. (Genesis 3)” Wow, what a difference, she doesn’t pass the blame, she takes responsibility for her actions and throws herself onto the mercy of the Father. Again… remind you of anyone? Namely the younger of the two sons in Luke 15?

So how does the Father respond to this crises? With a foreshadowing of the good things to come in the recapitulation of this very event. He hears their confessions (verses 9 -13), assigns them each a penance (verses 14 – 19), and then, just like the father in Luke 15, God the Father clothes their nakedness and restores their dignity as a son and daughter of the most high God!

Genesis 3:

[21] And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins, and clothed them.

To be sure, there was a heavy penance given by the Father, but, it was not His judgment so much as His mercy that he imparted upon the human race that day. Man would not be the same again,,, living in a fallen state, privy to every temptation and sin, with out recourse to the medicine for such sickness, namely the sacraments. The (first) good news?… God the Father proclaimed that the new creation would come, and a NEW man would be born of the seed of the woman and would crush the head of the serpent (Gen. 3:15).  Man might be cut off from the garden in Genesis 3 but, the day would come when the sword would be put away (John 18:11), and the way to the tree of life opened once again, washed clean in the waters of creation, forgiven of our sins, that we might eat of the fruit of the grain of wheat and have life in abundance (John 10:10). The Father warned his children,,, “for in the day that you eat of it you shall die (Genesis 2)”, and sure enough they did die, spiritually anyway. They may be dead on this day but,,, [16] For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3).  So it truly is Gospel,,, the good news, that the Father proclaims over us in the waters of baptism,  It is fitting to make merry and be glad, for this you were dead, and now you are alive; you were lost, and  now you are found!  What “sound” did Adam and Eve hear that day? The sound of the glory of God coming to impart His mercy upon His children, setting into motion the coming redemption of man. How sweet the sound…

http://CatholicHack.com/ We ask the question… why? If Jesus is God then why the cross? The death? The suffering and agony? And why was he so careful to do it all in the garden? In September, 2011, we journey back in time to the first man in a garden and there we will find our answer… there we find our call to be men of God… to become “The Man In The Garden: standing in the gap as priest, prophet and king!” Find more information at http://catholicmensretreat.org/.

Recently, I was asked to respond to a critic of the Catholic Church who accused the Church of being unscriptural in her teaching on the Priesthood. Specifically they took exception with the Eucharist, Confession, and Apostolic succession among other things.  They seemed to suggest that the 12 Apostles were unique to be sure but, certainly NOT Priests and their uniqueness didn’t then translate to any future generations and this was somehow not the intent of Jesus… to establish a lasting hierarchy which will guide and administer the faith and faithful. Here is my somewhat modified response to that critic. I was intentionally not tying to cover every possible verse or argument rather, hoping to paint a general picture that would demonstrate our Lord’s intentional efforts to perfect the law and the assembly of the Lamb of God (Hebrews 12).

Do you think confession to a Priest is new? What if we were to find this already an established practice in the Old Testament?  Why then would we expect the New Testament Church to be drastically different than the Old Testament Church; Given the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:17 “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.” ? 

An example of Confession to a Priest being mandated by God in the Old Testament can be found in Leviticus 4, look at verses 27 – 29. Notice how the animal chosen to be sacrificed depended on what sin was committed by the sinner coming to the Priest.  Question… how would the Priest know if the animal presented to him by the sinner was the appropriate sacrifice to cover the committed sin… unless the sin was told to the Priest?  It was the Priest’s job to ensure the sacrifice was appropriately conducted or else it would NOT have been valid.  What was to prevent everyone from bringing a few turtle doves to offer instead of the far more expensive calves, goats, or even bulls unless the Priest asked them what the offense against God was prior to the sacrifice being offered?  Clearly the sinner “confessed” his/her sins to the Priest so that a reconciliation between God and man could be made.

In John 20:21-23, we see clearly how Jesus “breathes” upon THOSE 12 men… and not just anyone who picks up this book, say some two thousand years later… no, Jesus breathed on THEM and proclaims to THEM, “Receive the Holy Spirit”! These two elements alone are powerful images!  What do these two elements remind you of? Genesis chapter 2 and the creation of Adam? Look in verse 7 : “then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”  What happened next? God placed Adam in the garden paradise and commanded him to “keep & protect” it (verse 15)!  The 2 Hebrew words used here, Abodah & Shamar, are unique because we see them being used elsewhere, like in Numbers 3:7&8, to describe the duties of the Priests serving in the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and the  the Temple in Jerusalem.  Why? Because the Priests (specifically the High Priest) saw themselves acting like a NEW Adam… as a PREIST, who mediates between God and man!  Adam is clearly depicted as a Priest serving in the Garden sanctuary (listen to some of my shows, linked below, for more detail).  So… what is the image that Jesus gives us in the upper room when he “breathes” the Holy Spirit into THOSE 12 men? They now must serve as Priest’s… the Holy Spirit gives them life… not as a single man… but, now as the BODY of Christ, which IS HIS Church!

Ever compare the book of the Prophet Jonah with Jesus?  Jesus tells the Pharisees, Scribes and Chief Priests, in Matthew’s Gospel that ”An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” in Matt. 12:39. Now compare Jonah chapter 1 to Matthew 8:23-27…. notice that both Jonah and Jesus are on a boat, both are at sea during a storm, both are asleep in the boat, both have sailors who are fearful, both sets of sailors marvel at how the seas respond to the action of both prophets (Jonah & Jesus).  So, its clear that Jesus is the NEW Jonah… what then of the disciples? They are the NEW sailors. Go back to Jonah 1 and look at the action of those sailors. They “cast lots” in verse 7 and offered a sacrifice and took vows in verse 16.  Question, who offers sacrifices? Priests offer a sacrifice is who!  What about those “lots” being cast? That too is a reference to the Priesthood… in the Old Testament there were some 20 thousand Priests who served in the Temple… they were broken down into “choirs” and would only serve a term (similar to say the National Guard)… their term was chosen by casting lots!  An example of this can be found in 1 Chronicles 24 (see verse 5) but… take a look at Luke’s Gospel chapter 1 verse 8 and you will see how this was STILL the custom in the time of our Lord’s Advent, for Zechariah was chosen by LOT to serve in the Temple.  So the bottom line here is that the sailors on Jonah’s boat were acting like PRIESTS and so Jesus’ disciples are therefore also being depicted as NEW Priests in Matthew 8.

On my radio show last week I looked at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. I showed how Jesus is the NEW King Solomon (Son of David), and how, like the old King Solomon brought with him the legitimate Priesthood, in Zadock (1 Kings 1), so does the NEW Solomon bring the NEW legitimate Priesthood (Peter and the other 11) to replace the false Priesthood of Caiaphas and the other’s.  They were the wrong linage… set up through political maneuvering, lobbying, and appointment from Rome. This was NOT the line of Aaron’s Son’s that were ordained by Moses, from command of God, in Exodus.  Solomon was anointed by Zadock the Priest and then Zadock placed Solomon on David’s donkey. This was done in contrast to how Abiathar the Priest who anointed the FALSE King Adonijah who tried to enter Jerusalem by force. Notice the difference, Solomon rides on a donkey and Adonijah rides in a chariot with an army. Solomon own name means “the peaceful one” and is the king of the city of peace (Jerusalem). The contrast is striking and its the Zadock line of Priests that survives it and not that of Abiathar!  So… Jesus is the NEW Solomon who rides on a donkey in a peaceful entry into Jerusalem and right up to the Temple. Who put him on that donkey? His disciples… what does that make them? NEW Priests! Not just new Priests but, the correct line of Priests.  Can we be sure of this understanding? Yes! Look at the parable Jesus tells in Matthew 21 about the wine press… what does Jesus say to the hearers of this parable in verses 39 through 46? He will take away the Kingdom of God and give it to a nation producing the fruits of it (vs. 43)!  Question, who was Jesus telling this parable to?  Look back at verse 23 ” the Chief Priests and the elders of the people”… so he will take away their authority… their Priesthood… and give it to another “nation” who will bear its fruits!

Want another Priest reference for the disciples? Look at John 13 and the upper room account!  In John’s Gospel we are given more detail about what happened that night… notice Peter’s response to Jesus telling him ”If I do not wash you, you have no part in me.”  in verse 8. St. Peter says in reply, ”Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” in verse 9. Two things… first, the Greek word used for “part” in verse 8, (Merras) is a reference to the Levite Priests in Exodus.  Prior to the Golden Calf incident in Exodus 34 all “First Born” son’s of the families served as Priests. This is the ancient Priesthood that Jesus restores (perfectly in himself as the “First Born” son of God) from the order of Melchizedek dating back to Adam.  God called His “First Born” son Israel out of Egypt and promised them the land of Cannan (previously promised to Abraham and his decedents). God formed a covenant with his “First Born” son at the foot of Mt Sinai in Exodus 24 where Moses was command to take the 12 princes (First Born’s from the 12 tribes) and set them up on 12 alters to offer 12 sacrifices. Moses then took the blood from those 12 sacrifices and sprinkled it on the main alter and the people of Isreal “saying Behold the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” in verse 8 (we will come back to this reference in a moment).  Each of the 12 tribes would inherit a piece of this Promised Land.  After the fall of Israel (the Golden Calf) the Priesthood of the “First Born” was taken away from the sons and given to the Levites… God told them that their ”part”, or “share” (Merras from the Greek Septuagint version of the OT), would now be IN GOD serving him at the Alter!  So Jesus’ use of this Greek word in John 13:8 as a reference to him proclaiming His new 12 Princes as having the same Priestly “part”, or “share”, in HIM as GOD, by serving at HIS NEW Alter!  Now look again at how St. Peter responds to Jesus in John 13:9,  ”Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!”.  This response clearly indicates that Peter knew that this is what Jesus was indicating… their Priestly role in Jesus! Why? Because who had their hands and their head washed in the Old Testament?  Aaron and his Son’s when they were being ordained as Priests by Moses (cf. Ex. 40, Lev. 8)!  Why then wash just the feet? Well, we see how the Priests had to wash their feet prior to serving in the Temple, and wilderness Tabernacle in places like Lev. 8.  So Jesus’ washing of His disciples feet was a reference to their Priesthood… their ministry in the very Priesthood of the ONE TRUE “First Born” Son of God, Jesus Himself!   Again in John 14:2 Jesus speaks of His “Father’s House” having many rooms (some translations say mansions)… this too is a priestly reference. The Greek used here is referring to the many rooms in the “Father’s House”, the Temple, where the Priests would sleep when they were chosen by lots to serve in the Temple! Where is that Temple now with its many rooms?  Jesus’ own body!  The NEW Priests serve within the Body of Christ which is the NEW Temple!  Jesus said to the Chief Priests “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up…But he spoke of the temple of his body.” in John 2:19 & 21. So these 12 men really do “share”, have a “part” in God himself through the Son, Jesus Christ, serving in HIS body which is the Church!

There are many other references that could be made but… lets look at the Eucharist in the Passover just briefly. Look at St. Luke’s Gospel chapter 22 verses 19 & 20. Three things… first, notice in verse 20 Jesus says, ”This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood”?  Question, remind you of anything? Like the very words of Moses in Exodus 24:8? Try searching for how many times “blood of the Covenant” comes up in Scripture… not many… about 3 (Exodus, Zachariah, and Luke), so this is a VERY specific choice of words from our Lord.  When Moses said these words what was he doing again? Oh yeah… he was sprinkling blood from the sacrifices of 12 PRIESTS upon the people and sealing them in the Covenant! What is Jesus doing here?  Transforming wine into HIS blood and commanding THESE 12 men to OFFER this sacrifice as a NEW Covenant!  Coincidence? I don’t think so.  Second, look at verse 19 when Jesus says, “Do this in remembrance of me.”… the Greek word used for “remembrance” here is Anamnaysis and has a liturgical connection to Exodus 29:38-39. This word is about reliving the sacrifice as if it were truly present, here and now, even though it was offered hundreds of years ealier. This is partly why the Jews of today offer the Passover as if they were living the Exodus rather than just remembering it.  This is sacrificial… this is Priestly!  Thirdly, to a first century Jew… like every man in the room with Jesus that night… hearing the words “given” and “poured out” in relation to Jesus’ body and blood would have sent up serious red flags. Why? Because who “gives” a body? Who can “pour out” blood?  The Priest in the Temple is who!  It was the Priests who would catch the blood of the sacrificed animal and then “pour it out” on the alter as a sacrifice.  Here you see Jesus telling His 12 Disciples to “Do this in remembrance of me”. Do what? Offer HIS Body and HIS Blood!  How? By Anamnaysis… as if it was THIS very night… the ONCE FOR ALL Sacrifice that Jesus made! It’s very clear that Jesus was ordaining His 12 Disciples as 12 NEW Princes of the NEW Israel. They would sit on NEW Cathadras’ (Matthew 23:2) and rule over the NEW tribes/diocese, as “overseerers” or Bishops, of God’s people!

So, getting back to Confession now, we must turn back to John 20… notice what he says in verse 21, “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”  Question, how did the Father send Jesus? To do what? To forgive sins, to offer a sacrifice, to reconcile man with God (as a mediator), to teach and instruct the faithful, to cast out demons, to administer the sacraments to the people etc. etc.  We can see very clearly that Jesus was sent to forgive sins in Matthew 9 verses 1 through 8.  Jesus says in verse 6 “But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins”. How does the crowed respond? Look at verse 8 “When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men”.  Who has the authority? Men! Notice it does NOT say “a man” but, rather “men”!  So Jesus sends HIS Disciples to forgive sins JUST like the Father sent HIM!  Remember how confession worked in Leviticus 4?  To a Priest!  How would these NEW Priests know which sins to forgive or retain unless those sins were told them? Look at John 20:23 “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”… Clearly they would have had to hear these sins, or know them some how in order to make a decision on weather to forgive or retain those sins.   We can actually see an example of this in the New Testament itself… look at the book of James chapter 5 verse 16 “Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects”.  Who were the “sins” being confessed too? Look at verse 14 of that same chapter, “Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;”.  Notice the word “elder” there? The Greek word used here is Presbuteros and is the word that we derive the English word “Priest” from. So read in context it would say “Let him call for the Priests of the church”. For truly the prayer “of a righteous man has great power in its effects” when that man is a Priest ordained by God!

Now… back to the issue of Apostolic succession.  It was THOSE 12 men who received the breath of Jesus, the life of God to His Church, His Body, ordaining them in the Priesthood of the “First Born”.  In modern times we tend to forget this point… we read the Gospels and somehow we think Jesus was always speaking to “us”… it was “us” in the upper room, it was “us” feeding the 5000 with the 12 baskets left over, etc.  It was NOT “us”… it was THEM, those 12 men. So then how do we understand that our Pope, Bishops and Priests today have these same charisms?  Through Apostolic Succession is how… through the “laying on of hands” and passing on the faith from one generation to the next.  These 12 men possessed an “office” that had to be filled once vacant.  I referenced this in the letter I sent you a copy of last time in regards to St Peter being the “chief steward” in the Kingdom of the NEW Son of David.  Think of the Office of the President of the United States…. if he were to die today (God forbid) would that be the end of the presidency? No… another would take his place and the office of the President would continue. The same is true for the Bishops… when the Apostles died successors filled their vacancies and carried on their ministries. As the Church grew more Bishops were appointed by the “laying on of hands” and given new “tribes”, or Diocese, to “oversee”.  St. Peter traveled to Rome and, because he was the “Chief Steward”, his Diocese enjoyed the primacy over all others.  In fact we see in ancient writings how other Bishops would come to Rome to be confirmed by the successor to Peter in order for their own claim to succession, back to the Apostles, would NOT be questioned. St. Peter’s chair, his cathadras (Matthew 23) became the anchor that would steady the ark of Christ, for it was from St. Peter’s boat that Jesus taught the people!  Apostolic Succession was a big deal in the early Church…. it separated the fakes from the authentic ”overseer’s”.  Its how the faithful KNEW they were being led by the very successors to the Apostles that Christ established.

Take a look at Acts chapter 1 starting in verse 15, “In those days Peter stood up among the brethren (the company of persons was in all about a hundred and twenty), and said,”… notice how Peter is always in a commanding role (notice too how in every list of disciples in the Gospels Peter is named first and Judas last)?  Peter is the Chief Steward and he leads the way telling them that Judas was numbered among them… so he WAS in fact a Disciple even though he betrayed Jesus. So… I guess that’s the end of the line for Judas, right? NO! Peter goes on to say in verse 20, “For it is written in the book of Psalms, `Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it’; and `His office let another take.’ “. Notice that last part… “His office let another take”… Judas possessed an office that HAD to be filled once vacant.  The Greek word used for “office” here is “episkope” and its where we get the English word for “Bishop” and literally means “overseers”. Translations such as the King James Bible actually use “Bishopric” here in Acts 1:20.  So, how was this office filled?  Men who had been with them for a while were brought forward, the 12 discerned their call, prayed to the Holy Spirit for guidance, and they “cast lots” to see which one should be chosen in verse 26.  Do you recall what we said about the “casting of lots”? It’s a reference to the priesthood in the Temple.  If Peter and the others understood themselves to be the NEW Priests, wouldn’t it stand to reason that they too would employ the “casting of lots” to chose NEW Priest’s or  New Bishops who will serve in Christ’s Temple?  I think so!

So, the 12 Apostles were Priests, given the power to hear/forgive/retain sins, possessed an office, which HAD to be filled upon their deaths.  If you were NOT called, and ordained, by the “overseers” of the NEW Tribes of God’s people (the Church), then you DO NOT posses these charisms… however you can KNOW for certain that you DO possess them through the imposition of hands in Apostolic succession.  That is how we get from THOSE 12 men to all the Bishops and Priests of our Day. Which ones can we trust? The ones with a verifiable apostolic succession, back to the Apostles themselves, and who are in communion with the chair of Peter, the anchor of the ark of Christ.  If we understood this correctly we would take great comfort in this fact… Jesus gave us a way to have absolute assurance that we CAN know who to turn to for instruction, and guidance… His Church… through Apostolic succession.   Otherwise we would have an endless see of opinions and craziness… oh yeah… we do have that… its call Protestantism!

I could go on but, its late  and I’m going to link to several of my radio shows that will give more info on these topics and as well as to some articles that can demonstrate how the early Church defiantly understood the 12 as Priests whose office was then filled upon their vacancies.    Trust in Christ’s Church… turn to His Vicar, our Pope, and His Bishops, Priests and Deacons for the Gates of Hell will NOT prevail against her!

Articles:

Confession in Scripture: http://www.scripturecatholic.com/confession.html

Confession in the Early Church: http://www.catholic.com/library/Confession.asp

Apostolic Succession: http://www.catholic.com/library/Apostolic_Tradition.asp

Priesthood in the Early Church: http://www.catholic.com/library/Bishop_Priest_and_Deacon.asp

My Radio shows:

Confession:

http://www.catholichack.com/2009/09/behold-the-man-no-8/

Call No Man Father:

http://www.catholichack.com/2011/02/behold-the-man-no-71-call-no-man-father/

Purgatory:

http://www.catholichack.com/2010/11/behold-the-man-no-59-the-cleansing-fire-of-purgatory/

Mass as Heaven on Earth:

http://www.catholichack.com/2010/05/behold-the-man-no-39-heaven-and-earth-collide/

St. Peter as the Chief Shepherd:

http://www.catholichack.com/2010/04/behold-the-man-no-36-feed-my-sheep/

As well as: http://www.catholichack.com/2009/11/behold-the-man-no-15-st-peter/

Communion of the Saints:

http://www.catholichack.com/2010/01/behold-the-man-no-22-communion-of-the-saints/

Jesus TRULY Present in the Eucharist:

Part 1: http://www.catholichack.com/2009/11/behold-the-man-no-16-christ-truly-present-in-the-eucharist/

Part 2: http://www.catholichack.com/2009/11/behold-the-man-no-17-the-real-presence-in-the-eucharist-part-2/

God Bless You

Joe McClane

This week on “Behold The Man”, We wrap up our series on Baptismal typolgy by looking at Joshua’s crossing of the Jordan river. How must we enter into the Kingdom of Heaven? By crossing the water infused with the Holy Spirit!

* The SHOW NOTES, click HERE, to download a PDF copy.

* Watch the VIDEO version of this episode HERE.

* The INTRO SONG was “Jumpstart” by Alexis Saski from the 2010 Rockin Romans album; check out her website HERE.

Your Homework:

*Check-Out : ”The Crucified Rabbai” by Taylor Marshal – HERE

*Check-Out : ”Behold The Man No 66 Baptism and The People Crusher!” By Joe McClane  – HERE

*Check-Out : ” Baptism by dunking only?” By Joe McClane – HERE

*Check-Out : ”The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 4 Infant Baptism” By Joe McClane  – HERE

*Check-Out : Tracts on Baptism By Catholic Answers  – HERE

*Check-Out : ”The Sacraments And the History of Salvation” By Jean Cardinal Danielou, S.J.  Found in ”Letter & Spirit” – Volume 2, 2006 Pages 203 – 215 (type it in the search field) – HERE

Your Help:

*Listen to : “Saint Ignatius of Antioch” Download MP3 narrations of all 7 Epistles FREE – HERE

* CHECK OUT THE VERY COOL MEA CULPA IPHONE APP FOR THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION HERE

Really could use your help with reviews on iTunes! Subscribe, rate and review today!Click here to go to the show on iTunes – HERE

This week on “Behold The Man”, an evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, only Jonah will be given them! We enter into the depths of Christ’s death, and stay with him for 3days in the belley of Sheoul, to arise with him in newness of life. We are exploring how Jonah gives us a prefiguration of the sacrament of Baptism.

* The SHOW NOTES, click HERE, to download a PDF copy.

* Watch the VIDEO version of this episode HERE.

* The INTRO SONG was “Release” by The Noelle Garcia; check out her website HERE.

Your Homework:

*Check-Out : ”Exploring the Depths of Jonah: A Bible Study on the book of Jonah” by Dr. Scott Hahn – HERE

*Check-Out : ” Baptism by dunking only?” By Joe McClane – HERE

*Check-Out : ”The Catholic Hack! Episode No. 4 Infant Baptism” By Joe McClane  – HERE

*Check-Out : ”Behold The Man No 66 Baptism and The People Crusher!” By Joe McClane  – HERE

*Check-Out : Tracts on Baptism By Catholic Answers  – HERE

*Check-Out : ”The Sacraments And the History of Salvation” By Jean Cardinal Danielou, S.J.  Found in ”Letter & Spirit” – Volume 2, 2006 Pages 203 – 215 (type it in the search field) – HERE

Your Help:

*Listen to : “Saint Ignatius of Antioch” Download MP3 narrations of all 7 Epistles FREE – HERE

* CHECK OUT THE VERY COOL MEA CULPA IPHONE APP FOR THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION HERE

Really could use your help with reviews on iTunes! Subscribe, rate and review today!Click here to go to the show on iTunes – HERE