10 December 2021
I've been asked to explain where I get the concept that valid covenant bodies always have two leaders, one ceremonial leader and one organizational leader.
In Zechariah 3, we are treated to a vision first of Joshua, the High Priest over those returning from Exile. His anointed duty was to oversee everything about the Temple services, treating it as if it were God's own courts. It's clearly symbolic, but a promise is held out for him: If he faithfully discharges his anointed duties, he will be welcome in the real Courts of God in Heaven. Then there is mention of how he can help to usher in the Messiah.
In the next chapter of Zechariah, we have a vision of the two olive trees feeding the Menorah. Connected to this is some prophetic promises made to Zerubbabel about building the Temple in which Joshua is to serve. Again, there is the symbolic talk about enabling the Messiah. At the end of the chapter, we are told that the two olive trees represent these two anointed leaders of the nation. The two pillars at the front of the Temple were reserved for the anointing ritual of these two, one pillar for the King and one for the High Priest.
So we fast forward to Revelation 11 and the chapter begins with more of the standard Hebrew symbolism. John refers to the Two Witnesses who will prophecy during a time of tribulation (1260 days = 42 months = 3.5 years is not literal, but symbolizes a time of tribulation). They are further identified as two olive trees.
In the First Century churches, we see comments about pastors and elders, among other church offices. In terms of descriptions, pastors perform priestly duties in the church. Elders were simply the natural organizational leadership that had existed in every Hebrew household, clan and tribe since the beginning. The senior elder of the nation was the King; the senior priest was the High Priest. These two offices were ordained in Israel and in the early church.
The current system where the "clergy" are rather like CEOs combining both offices is a violation of the Covenant. It's just that simple. Have you seen any single church organized under the Two Witnesses? The symbolism of Revelation 11 says that both of these witnesses in the church are required for any time of tribulation. Whatever it is churches may have gotten away with during times of peace will not do when God's wrath begins to fall.
This is the time to restore the Covenant ways for churches.
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