Iris Bouwman
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Prophetic Insights in the Master Plan of God Iris Bouwman The Master Plan of God unfolds Intensive Geography of God’s Plan Prophetic School: The Kingdom of God Developments in the End Time Part I The Master Plan of God unfolds Iris Bouwman × 1. The hidden manna of Eldad and Medad × 2. The unfolding of God’s plan × 3. Spiritual Offspring × 4. Enmity between the Seeds × 5. Genealogy of the Master plan × 6. The Master plan with Judah and Ephraim × 7. The fulfilment of the Seed Principle Block I – Lesson 1 4/55 1. THE HIDDEN MANNA OF ELDAD & MEDAD Introduction The purpose of this school is to teach about the mysteries of God revealed in His Word. There is a need for revelation at this time. There is a sense of urgency. This teaching is not meant as a set of rules or new doctrines, but is an example of the revelation and understanding God has given us. There is a difference between dogma and doctrine. In Greek dogma means opinion, but it has become a word for a set of doctrines held by a religion, ideology or any kind of organization. The word “dogmah” in Hebrew means example. Even though the bible is full of “dogmah”, we have been given the “Torah”, the instructions of God, to live a righteous life. Torah in its original form was given orally to Adam and Eve and passed on to the next generations, until God make His covenant with Israel as a nation and confirmed this by giving them the written “Torah”. However we often live by the law rather than by “Torah”. This is not only true for orthodox Jews, because Christians too prefer to live by laws rather than by the Spirit of God. Torah is not the same as law. Hebrew uses two different words. The five books of Moses are called Torah because they are full of God’s instructions. Even before the Torah was given, it is said that Abraham followed the instructions of God. In Genesis 26:5 it says that Abraham kept God’s charge (literally it says he kept God’s “protection”). The Torah is given as a protection, so that we will not fall into sin and remain separated from God forever. Yeshua came to save us from the curse of the law (death). (Gal. 3:13-14) cf. Altar of Yoshua on Mount Ebal (Mountain of the curse) The Holy Spirit became our protector, because He reminds us of God’s instructions. (cf. 2 Cor.3:3) Genesis 26:5 tells us what this “protection” of God is: His commandments (mitzvoth), His statutes (chukah) and His laws (torah). 1. Mitzvoth The Jewish people have found 613 “mitzvoth” (commandments) in the Torah. They try to keep these commandments even though a large part cannot be fulfilled as there is no longer a temple in Jerusalem. Some of these commandments have been re-interpreted and have become part of the “halacha” (Rabbinic law). 2. Chukah This word is the closest to law (chuk), even though it has been translated with “statutes”. However the real meaning is constitution. 3. Torah This word comes from the Hebrew root “yarah”, which means to teach or to shoot. An unusual combination, but if you are a good teacher you will shoot your target. Throughout the ages “torah” became equivalent with law, but that is not really the proper meaning. In Exodus 18:20 both words (chuk & torah) are being used. The Master Plan of God unfolds Block I – Lesson 1 5/55 To understand the master plan of God, we need to be taught by the Holy Spirit even though we gather in schools to learn. Name of the school Eldad & Medad (Numbers 11:16-17 and 24-29) Why have we chosen this name? What can we learn from Eldad and Medad? THE PRESENCE OF GOD - 16 gather (meet as a group) in His presence (in the tabernacle of meeting ≠ “mishkan”) - 25 The Lord came down (was present) He took of the Spirit that was upon Moses He placed it upon the 70 elders (cf. 70 and the nations) Something happens when we enter into the presence of God. In the presence of God people are chosen and anointed to: 1. share responsibility (Num.11:14 and 17) 2. to lead (Num.17:5 and 8-9) Before Israel became a Kingdom, priestly and prophetic ministries developed. Development of priestly and prophetic ministries Even before the establishment of the priestly ministry prophets are mentioned in the Bible. Enoch - who prophesied about the end time judgment (Jude 1:14-15 [Enoch 1:9]). cf. Mat.24:30-31, 2 Thes.1:6-10 and Is.13:1-5 Abraham - God called him a prophet (Gen.20:7). The Lord talks to him and doesn’t hide anything from him. (Gen.17:22 and 18:17) Moses - There has not arisen in Israel a prophet like him (Deut.34:10). Moses was different (Num.12:6-8a). He had an intimate relationship with God like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They “walked” with God like Adam and Eve in the Garden. (This is the beginning of the restoration of the Kingdom, the dominion over the earth.) Adam was given dominion over the earth and therefore he had a Kingly ministry, but also a Priestly ministry, as he was a mediator between God and men. From him the Melchisidec order came forth, the Royal Priesthood that will be restored in the earth. It is said about Melchisedec that he was without father and mother, and without genealogy (Hebr.7:3). This was indeed the case with Adam, and therefore he became the foreshadowing of this King and High priest, which was confirmed by Yeshua as the last Adam. Yeshua is the High priest according to the order of Melchisedec and not according to the Levitical priesthood. This priesthood began with Adam and was passed on to the next generation and the one who had obtained the right of the firstborn. According to the Jews, Shem, as the firstborn after Noah, appeared to Abraham as Melchisedec. Abraham recognized his position and his sons (Isaac and Jacob) must also have understood this. Jacob, who received the right of the firstborn, passed this Royal Priesthood on to two of his sons: Judah and Joseph or rather The Master Plan of God unfolds Block I – Lesson 1 6/55 Ephraim. This is the mystery that is being revealed today and will be taught about in the following lessons. In the days of Moses the prophetic ministry began to develop. Aaron and Miriam are also called prophets (Ex.7:1 and 15:20). There is a difference between Moses and Aaron. You can see this clearly in their attitude at the situation with the Golden Calf (Ex.32 & 33). Moses (image of Christ) Moses is not only a prophet; he also acts as a priest or mediator, when God would no longer go up in the midst of Israel (Ex.32:7-14 & 30 and 33:3). If God remains in our midst when we have sinned, He will consume us! We will need a mediator who makes atonement for our sins. (After Adam and Eve fell into sin they were driven away from God’s presence in the Garden of Eden - God withdrew Himself behind a veil (cf. Cherubs). Moses pitched a special tent where people could seek the Lord. This was called the tent of meeting (NB. This is not the Tabernacle). This is where God spoke face to face with Moses (Ex.33:7-11). This is where Moses mediated on behalf of the people. He shows us four characteristics of a priestly ministry: (We are all called to be priests – 1 Pet.2:9) 1. He wants to work together with God, he doesn’t want to go out on His own 2. He wants to know God and His ways (intimacy) 3. He wants to serve God and not man (find grace in the eyes of God, not of man) 4. It is God’s work and not man’s work (Ex.33:12-13) Aaron (image of the church) Aaron complied with the wishes of the people by making a golden calf and building an altar for them (Ex.32:4-5). He defends himself and accuses the people. In doing so, he takes away the “covering” (leadership) of the people and they become unrestrained. Literally it says Aaron made the people “naked” (Ex.32:22-25). NB. This is what we (Christians / the Church) often do with Israel. We accuse them and leave them “naked” to be a shame among their enemies. However, Aaron redeemed his position and his leadership was restored. Again, when the people rebel against the leadership appointed by God, the Lord wants to consume them (Num.16:41-45). This time, urged by Moses, Aaron makes atonement for the people and literally stood between the dead and the living (Num.16:46-50). Hereafter Aaron’s leadership is confirmed through the budding and blossoming of his almond rod (Num.17:5 & 8-11 & Hebr.9:4). From Aaron the priesthood developed and apart from their service in the Tabernacle they also taught the people (Lev.10:11). When the priesthood fails prophets arise A change began to take place during the ministry of Moses when the seventy elders were elected to assist Moses. They began to prophesy (Num.11:25). More people became filled with the Holy Spirit. The Master Plan of God unfolds Block I – Lesson 1 7/55 After Moses, the leadership is passed on to the judges.