I love the deep mysteries of God. Every time I find a new mystery being revealed within the Word, whether it’s in my own personal Bible study or from great speakers on a national stage, it does something in my spirit. It is what I am all about.
In Proverbs 25:2 it is revealed that “It is the Glory of God that can seal a matter.” He likes to hide things! Think about that. The God of the universe and it is His glory to conceal a matter! But the 2nd part of that verse says, “It is the Honor of kings to search things out.” We are those kings! God likes to conceal things and it is to our glory and honor to reveal them.
Let’s begin a journey. A fore -warning on this one…please be wearing some form of helmet because this will blow your mind. It’s a studying tool called the ‘Law of first mentioned.’
Anywhere something is first mentioned in the Bible it always holds profound spiritual implications; whether it’s a rock, or love, or any other specific word. Find when it is first mentioned in scripture and then begin to look behind the tapestry. Use your own prophetic mind (which we are all given) and you will begin to figure out what God is trying to tell you.
There are many titles for Christ, but my favorite title is ‘He is the Bread and the Wine’. What is the significance of the Bread and the Wine? Where did it originate? Where was it first mentioned in the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation?
It was actually first mentioned in the book of Genesis. Abraham had just completed defeating many very large armies. It was a time of triumph for him and he had rescued many captives. He had all of this plunder with him. Out of absolutely nowhere this mysterious man randomly comes upon the scene. His name was King Melchizedek from Salam.
Who was this mystery man? Melchizedek and Abraham just seem to stumble into one another. They were complete strangers who both worshiped and served the one God and that was unusual for the time. What does Melchizedek offer to Abraham? They sit under a nice tree and they have bread and wine. That is the first place bread and wine is ever mentioned in God’s Word.
Who was this mysterious man who was literally only mentioned a few times in the entire old testament? Who was he that an entire chapter dedicated to him in the book of Hebrews says that Christ will follow after the order of King Melchizedek? Let us look at the scripture and then continue on our journey of the ‘Law of first mentioned’.
Genesis 14:18-20 NIV Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Psalm 110:4 NIV The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 5-7 NIV Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.
In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,
“You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
(Continued in part 2)
I missed out on the Passover last night, the door was locked actually it was probably my arthritic fingers but anyway The Passover was such an important feast day that God provided a secondary one for those unable to attend the main Passover it was or is to be one month later (sure seems again to be a foreshadowing of event that have happened and are yet to come. This makeup Passover has a Hebrew name to it although I dont know enough Hebrew to spell it. The Rabbi was very gracious and said that they have never observed this makeup Passover but the provision is there and is deciding that perhaps my inability to gain access may have been a sign They are thinking of the second chance and along the foreshadowing . I got really excited for He has been so guiding my steps in new revelation. I pass this along to you for your research. God is so good and full of so many new revelations that make you just love HIM more.
Zach, you have been a great help to Jim’s teaching in the “Rapture Chapters”,of Revelation 10 and 11, and Matthew 24, etc. You fill in places where Pastor Jim needs help, with just the right word; it’s as if you and The Pastor are of the same mind. I saw your face when you emerged from the waters of the Jordan River as your Baptism was just being concluded. Your face shown with the purity of love I know you have for God, and His Word. I urge you to keep on going the pathway that God has laid before you, as you are a wonderful example to the young people of your generation. I’m not trying to blow your head up to large, I’m just trying to encourage you, and warn you from the snares of the enemy, as God once gave me a ministry in which i stumbled, but fortunately recovered from. I admire you, and wish I’d had the opportunities you’ve had when I was at your age ( I ‘ll be 70 years old in June ). I’ll be praying for you, and encourage you to keep on praying too for God’s guidance and protection. God Bless You, and keep on keeping on! Yours In Christ, Joplin Chuck.
Brother Zach, I can hardly wait for tomorrows 7 thunders! In The Passion Translation by Dr Brian Simmons, the Psalm 29 sub-title is, “The Glory-God Thunders! King David’s poetic praise to God for the last days of THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES!” (as found in the Septuagint translation). God is surely speaking into 2015 because Feast of Tabernacles is the last blood moon of the tetrad on Sept 28! An interesting footnote that The Passion Translation has for verse 5 concerns the shattering of trees: “Trees in the Bible are used for men. The strongest of men are toppled and bowed down when the Glory-God speaks.” I am sure Pastor Jim is going to have fun with verse 6 – TIME IS RUNNING OUT”. Maybe you could add a blog section with links to PDFs or videos explaining to viewers how they can get saved, and their need to connect to a group of believers to get water baptized, study the Word and discipled. Time is running out for the atheists, prodigal sons and daughters, lukewarm, and the non-reached. Blessings!
Dear Brother Zach – sending greetings and blessings from Third Watch Ministries – Watching Canada’s East Gate since 1994 midnight to 3am…. Zach, your your deep passion and hunger for more of God is shining through and your gentle humble spirit is so refreshing and inspiring. I study the Word every day comparing 3-8 translations and in past year I have grown to appreciate THE VOICE. It exemplifies all you are saying about Revelation 10. I hope on next programme when you get to Rev 10:3 you mention the 7 thunders in Psalm 29:3-9! Our generation will see Isaiah 60 1-3 in its fullness. The Bride of Christ will be clothed with the Light of the Gospel of her Bridegroom King Jesus! Fresh oil and wine is coming!
Good use of Hermeneutics in Bible study. God has hidden wonderful truths in His Word and given us the opportunity to dig them up and be blessed. Keep up the blog, Zach, you are doing a great service to the Body of Christ.
Well done, Zach! You are a blessing to Jim & Lori’s ministry. May God continue to bless you with a hunger and thirst for understanding His Word.
Zach you have an amazing ministry ahead of you God bless love reading your blog
Zach you are awesome! You are a model that all young men should aspire to, so proud of you.