One of the marvellous things about the Kingdom of God is justice. Isaiah 9:7 (KJV) says, Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this
.
I started to follow the case of Cleve Heidelberg in 2016 when this was the situation.
I have been kept in a state of death for the last 45 years and 8 months, with your help, I'm rising from the steel and concrete coffins in which I've been held," Heidelberg wrote last year in a letter put out on the attorney’s website, who is helping him to gain freedom.
In December 1970, Cleve Heidelberg, a 27-year-old Black man was accused and convicted of killing a cop. From Heidelberg’s words, on the evening of May 26, 1970, he was hanging out in a club in his neighbourhood in Peoria, Illinois. One of his friends, Lester Mason asked him if he could borrow Cleve’s car. Heidelberg gave him the car and spent the rest of the evening at an after-hours spot called Dimps. Mason later turned out and said that his car is crashed nearby.
Heidelberg was on his way to get his vehicle when he walked into a police stakeout. Police officers wrestled him to the ground, let their dogs loose on him and beat him so brutally they broke a disc in his spinal cord, which caused permanent nerve damage.
Heidelberg had no idea that a Sheriff’s Deputy Raymond Ezpinoza had been shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery at a movie theatre earlier that night. The shooter fled after a car chase which ended up in him crashing the car in a residential area.
The car, a blue Chevy belonged to Heidelberg, and he was charged with Ezpinoza’s murder.
During the trial, several black witnesses appeared in court to validate Heidelberg’s alibi, but one of the prosecutors, John Riddle urged the jurors to just “look” at them: “Do they even look credible or believable?” he asked. While speaking to an all-white jury about the prosecution’s white witnesses, most of whom were law enforcement officers, Riddle said, “I think you can learn from looking at them and listening to them that they are obviously a reliable group.” Heidelberg was convicted of murder and sent to prison.
In 1971, Heidelberg received an obscure note from a man who had just been sent in the same prison. The note promised Heidelberg information that would “clear up the error made.” It was the first time he heard from James Clark, who would go on to sign a confession to the murder of which Heidelberg was convicted. Clark kept to his word and confessed that it was he who shot Ezpinoza. He borrowed Heidelberg’s car from Mason, and he claimed he feared for his life when he saw Ezpinoza running toward him...
[Ken PattersonIs Cleve Heidelberg Going To Get Justice After 46 Years In Prison?blackmattersus.comhttps://blackmattersus.com/13979-is-cleve-heidelberg-going-to-get-justice-after-46-years-in-prison/Aug. 17,2016]
Heidelberg's public defender presented Clark's confession in an unsuccessful attempt to annul the conviction. The year before, a Chicago-based criminal defense lawyer Andre Hale, took on the case and was joined by Marcella Teplitz, a former Peoria police detective who is now a private investigator. Among the evidence that Teplitz uncovered were FBI reports which showed that Heidelberg's fingerprints were not found on the weapon and the sheriff's department may have hidden or destroyed evidence during the trial.
These facts were presented to the Illinois Attorney General's Office and the case was under review.
You can google Cleve Heidelberg and get a host of pictures and information.
UPDATE: fast-forward to the present.
Imagine if you were wrongly convicted for murdering a police officer and sentenced to life in prison, continuously maintained your innocence, and eventually had a judge order a new trial after serving 47 years in prison. It sounds like the premise of a Hollywood movie. Unfortunately, this case was very real for Cleve Heidelberg, who died only ten months after being released from prison on bond, awaiting his newly granted trial.
[editors of Hale & Monico BlogFreed after 47 Years: The Wrongful Conviction of Cleve HeidelbergHale & Monico Americas Justice attorneyshttps://www.halemonico.com/2021/09/10/freed-after-47-years-the-wrongful-conviction-of-cleve-heidelberg/September 10, 2021]
Job and Peter
Heidelberg would certainly not be the first person to be wrongly convicted. Let us compare what happened to Job with what happened to Peter.
Job
Job 1:6-12 (KJV) Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.7And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.8And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?9Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?10Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.11But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
God Himself said that Job was perfect (verse 8) but Job's number 1 problem was his defence:
- He had no emotional support
- He had no access to who mattered
- He did not know what was really going on to keep him anchored in reality
- He did not know the rules and protocols
- He had terrible witnesses
Let's add some more detail.
He had no emotional support
Even Job's wife told him to curse God and die.
Job 2:9-10 (KJV) Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.10But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Can you imagine that in the pit of despair the person closest to you gives such horrible advice? When you are facing tragedy you need encouragement. A good advocate would provide encouragement.
He had no access to who mattered
When the hearings were convened Job was not there and had nobody there to represent him but his accuser was there (Job 1:6-12, 2:1-5). Those present were who had known each other for years, but Job was not around.
Job 38:4-7 (KJV) Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.5Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?6Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
They had intimate knowledge of each other but Job was not in the circle. Because power was on the side of his accuser (Ecclesiastes 4:1) we see a travesty of justice and all of Job's children and his wealth was abruptly snatched away (Job 1:13-19), nevertheless Job's righteousness stood firm (Job 1:20-21).
He did not know what was really going on to keep him anchored in reality
We just pointed out that Job was not at the hearings so he did not know what occurred there, but he did not appear to have any other detailed knowledge of where things were. God was not talking to him and the situation presented by his friends
was extremely bleak. For example
Job 22:21-24 (KJV) Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.22Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.23If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.24Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.
This was not the true situation.
He did not know the rules and protocols
Satan has power in this world. It operates by his rules.
Job 1:6-7 (KJV) Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.7And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
Matthew 4:8-10 (KJV) Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;9And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Job was living in Satan's world.
God also has rules and these were breached in Satan's attack on Job. His family was murdered and his possessions destroyed.
Ezekiel 18:18-20 (KJV) As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.19Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.20The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
The back and forth arguments between Job and his friends show that they were not clear on what the rules were although Job understood better than the rest. God required two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6-7, Deuteronomy 19:15) so they were enough but their testimony was not true of Job. There was a way to operate in heaven and under God's direct jurisdiction, and there was another set of rules which Satan enforced. Because of the lack of defense an innocent man was treated as a criminal based on a non-existent crime that the man might commit under exceptional circumstances even though the man had never shown any sign that he would.
He had terrible witnesses
Job had nobody to plead for him.
Job 16:19-22 (KJV) Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.20My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.21O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!22When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.
In Job 15 Eliphaz claims that Job's very words (from chapter 14: 4) have condemned him. He went on in Job 15 to say that men are full of sin (verse 16) and that obviously includes Job. He talks of his long experience (verse 17) with God because he is older than even Job's father (verse 10). In Job 18 Bildad wants to know why Job will not stop trying to defend himself (verse2) and respect his elders i.e. don't consider them as beasts. These older and wiser men all know that he is guilty of something. And so it goes on with people who came as his comforters supporting his guilt. We are natural accusers and can easily be turned to destroy the very people that we want to defend.
Peter
In contrast to Job, Peter had someone on his side. If not for Christ on our side we would all suffer terribly. We know that the Holy Spirit was with people in the Old Testament but it is in the New Testament that we learn of the Paraclete
or advocate
as a function of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament tells us that Christ is our advocate (1 John 2:1) through the Holy Spirit but the language of the Bible has it somewhat obscure because the word advocate is translated as comforter
(John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7) and it also means helper
and intercessor
.
John 14:26 (KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
All of Job's troubles could have been eliminated by a good advocate but there was no one there to defend his cause like what Peter had.
Luke 22:31-34 (KJV) And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.34And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
Daily Oblation
The oblation was different from the other offerings. For more details on offerings in general you may want to peruse the subject here.
Offerings
There are five types of offerings prescribed in the Law.
The Burnt Offerings (Leviticus 1; 6:8-13; 8:18-21;16:24)
The burnt offering (Hebrew: olah), as the name indicates, was a sacrifice that was completely burnt and nobody ate any of it (Leviticus 1:3-9). There was a continual burnt offering to atone for the peoples' unintentional sins against the Lord (Exodus 29:38-44, Numbers 28:3-8).
The Meal Offerings/Grain Offerings (Leviticus 2;6:14-23)
The Israelites offered cereals or vegetables in addition to the animals that were sacrificed (Leviticus 2). All meal offerings were made with oil and salt and without honey and leaven. The offering was to be made with a portion of incense.
The Peace Offerings (Leviticus 3;7:11-34)
Peace offerings were about fellowship. It was a meal that was shared with at least the priests, but typically with the whole community. Very often it involved a vow.
The Sin Offering (Leviticus 4;5:1-13; 6:24-30; 8:14-17; 16:3-22)
The sin offerings were mandatory to cleanse the offerer of a specific unintentional sin or defilement (Leviticus 4:1-12).
The Trespass Offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; 6:1-7; 7:1-6)
The trespass offering was very similar to the sin offering but it involved restitution of something that someone was wrongfully deprived of (Leviticus 6:5-7).
You can see that the peace offerings, sin offerings and trespass offerings were offered periodically as required but the burnt offering was a daily requirement. The meal offering and libation was an oblation and could support the burnt offering or any other offering, but on a continuous basis it would have accompanied the morning and evening sacrifice.
Oblation
The English word oblation
occurs three times in Daniel. The fact that it does not mean what is commonly recognised as a sacrifice is brought out by Daniel 9:27.
Daniel 9:27 (KJV) And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
The Hebrew for oblation
in Daniel is not the same as used in Leviticus and Numbers where the Hebrew is qrbn
or qorban
. According to wikipedia in Judaism qorban
is any of a variety of sacrificial offerings described and commanded in the Torah
. In Isaiah there are two Hebrew words translated as oblation. Isaiah 19:21 and 63:3 both employ minchah
or mnche
which means: 1. a donation, 2. euphemistically, tribute, 3. specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary); [according to Mickelson's Enhanced Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionaries (Mickelson)]. In Isaiah 40:20 the Hebrew is truwmah
which Mickelson says means a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
. This is the same Hebrew used throughout Ezekiel. Daniel uses the same word minchah
used by Isaiah so Daniel is not intending to convey a meaning of blood sacrifice. According to the JewishEncyclopedia.com under the caption Burnt Offering
, @ 2016, bloodless offerings were made only in connection with the blood offerings. So what I want to convey is that the oblation was a non-blood, additional sacrifice done to support the main sacrifice.
Daily sacrifice
We saw earlier that there was a continual sacrifice: Numbers 28:3, And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering
as well as Numbers 29:38, Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually
.
We know that the daily sacrifice took place twice a day (Exodus 29:38-39) every day, and we also know that Satan accuses the brethren night and day, every day.
Revelation 12:10 (KJV) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
But it cannot be all night and all day because his access to God is controlled.
Job 1:6 (KJV) Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
Job 2:1 (KJV) Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
It seems like Satan accompanies the other senior angels when they appear before God. This could be something that occurs twice a day and at that time Christ defends us against any accusations
Hebrews 9:24 (KJV) For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
1 John 2:1 (KJV) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
Christ did the main sacrifice for us all once but He does a voluntary daily oblation, a non-blood sacrifice for us every day. It seems that each morning and evening He voluntarily offers Himself in our defence against Satan. We are introduced to this word advocate in 1 John and see this represented as far back as the book of Zechariah.
Definition of Advocate
In the New Testament Greek parakletos
is used for advocate. From Mickelson's Enhanced Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionaries we get:
- G3875 parakletos (par-ak'-lay-tos) n.
- 1. (properly) one called near (to give help)
- 2. an intercessor (one who entreats on behalf of another)
- 3. a comforter
Notice how closely this parallels the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is helper (to give help)
and comforter
. If your understanding of what I am attempting to express is unclear then you could explore the Holy Spirit as the presence of God.
To get back to my main point, there is consensus that the Greek parakletos
should in all places in the Bible be rendered as advocate
. An advocate was basically a Roman lawyer and when seen in this context it sheds light on what is being expressed in scripture. If we compare some definitions from various sources like Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary, Smith's Bible Dictionary and International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - we would surmise that there is consensus that the word is to be translated as advocate
.
Usage in the Bible
Tertullus
The Jews had their own legal system that was based on the Bible but unless you were very learned and connected like Paul, it was difficult for a Jew to access Roman justice. Even Christ was railroaded under that system although He was completely innocent. Regular Jews did not necessarily speak the Roman language nor had the access or influence within the Roman system. When they wanted to convict Paul even the high ranking Jews employed Tertullus (Acts 24:1) a Roman advocate. Similarly we do not have access to the high places of heaven on our own and we do not speak the language.
Christ is our advocate
We contrasted Peter's situation with Job and saw that while Job had no defence there was someone on Peter's side acting as advocate (Christ prayed for him). John sheds some light on Peter and uses a rarely seen word propitiation
which means the action of propitiating or appeasing a god, spirit, or person
(Webster's Dictionary) and is closely related to atonement.
1 John 2:1-2 (KJV) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 Timothy 2:5 (KJV) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
How good is our advocate? Christ marvellously demonstrates His capability as an advocate. We see how ably He takes on the lawyers of His day. We start with Him defending the resurrection.
Matthew 22:23-33 (KJV) The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,24Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.25Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:26Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.27And last of all the woman died also.28Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.30For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.31But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,32I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.33And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
Now a whole team gangs up against Him and He speaks on Christ being the son of God.
Matthew 22:34-46 (KJV) But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,36Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.38This is the first and great commandment.39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.41While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,42Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.43He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,44The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?45If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?46And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
On the matter of who is your neighbour again:
Luke 10:25-37 (KJV) And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.29But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?30And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.31And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.32And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.36Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?37And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
On the attack accusing the very lawyers:
Luke 11:37-54 (KJV) And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.38And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.39And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.40Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?41But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.42But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.43Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.44Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.45Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.46And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.47Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.48Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.49Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:50That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.52Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.53And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:54Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
On the use of the Sabbath:
Luke 14:1-6 (KJV) And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.2And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.3And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?4And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;5And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?6And they could not answer him again to these things.
So we can see that Christ demonstrates astounding wit and successfully confounds every attack.
He has access at the highest levels
We know that priests make intercession for the people and as a special High Priest Christ has special access.
Hebrews 9:23-28 (KJV) It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 7:17-28 (KJV) For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.18For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.20And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:21(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.23And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;27Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.28For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
And His name is good enough to give us access too.
John 16:23 (KJV) And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
Romans 5:10 (KJV) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Romans 8:31-37 (KJV) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Christ is our advocate through The Holy Spirit
Through the Holy Spirit we have Christ as our Advocate.
John 14:16-17 (KJV) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:26 (KJV) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26 (KJV) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John 16:7 (KJV) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
You recall that earlier in the article I pointed out that comforter/advocate is part of the definition of the Holy Spirit. Our advocate knows the score and had gone through it all before. The issues that we face are common.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Our Defence
With Christ through the Holy Spirit we have a perfect defence
We have emotional support
Christ knows what it means to want emotional support.
Luke 22:39-44 (KJV) And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6 (KJV) Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.5For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.6And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
And we can boldly claim it.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
We have access to who matters
Along with what we have mentioned about the High Priest we know that Christ sits on the right hand of God and we have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
We know what is really going on to keep us anchored in reality
Job did not know what was going on but our advocate does and has informed us ahead of time.
3 John 1:1-2 (KJV) The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
John 3:17 (KJV) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
Romans 8:38-39 (KJV) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So Christ explains to us that Satan is on the warpath to destroy us but He will defend us as our advocate, and there is nothing that can stop Him. There was no advocate available at the time of Job.
Christ our advocate knows the rules and protocols
The Jews had their own legal system that was based on the Bible, but unless you were very learned and connected like Paul (who was legally a Roman - Acts 22:24-27), it was difficult for Jews to access Roman justice. That is why the high ranking Jews employed Tertullus (Acts 24:1) a Roman advocate, when they wanted to condemn Paul. Similarly we do not have access to the high places of heaven on our own and we do not speak the language but we have someone who does and knows the law better than our accusers.
John 10:31-38 (KJV) Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
We have a cloud of witnesses
We have so many witnesses on our side that they are called a cloud.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (KJV) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Job's friends turned out to be false witnesses that assisted the prosecution with accusations against Job, but we have a whole cloud of witnesses on our side.
Conclusion
The Feast (actually all three feast periods) reminds us that there is a time of unprecedented justice coming under the Kingdom of God. Perhaps this issue is most closely linked to Shavuot because it represents the fusion of the Holy Spirit with the Church. Following this the Church has Christ in the role as advocate/comforter by the Holy Spirit. Just as with Cleve Heidelberg there is someone out to get us all but God says in Revelation 20:2 (KJV), And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years
. His world (i.e. the dragon and old serpent Satan's world) has no justice and we survive largely because we have a perfect advocate. The Feast is our time to celebrate our future. A future that will only come to pass because . . . unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.[7]Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this
. (Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV). We will join him in ensuring that the injustice of this world never occurs again.
