This may seem to be sound reasoning, but if today's application of this pattern is not followed with accuracy,
and that error violates any of God's commands, it is false reasoning.
(Prov.14:12; James 1:22; Matt.7:26; Luke 6:46; Rom.2:13; Matt.28:20)
This arrangement under Moses was replaced, when God gave orders for the Tent and it's priesthood.
(Ex.25:1,9,22,40; 27:21; 28:1,4,41; 29:44; 30:25,30-31,32-33; Num.3:10; 18:7; 2Chron.23:7)
That Temple priesthood foreshadowed the chosen priesthood to come
(Heb.7:11,12; 8:1-2,5-6,7-8,9-10; 9:11; 2Cor.5:17; 1Pet.2:10,9; Acts 7:48; 1Cor.3:16; 6:19; Acts 17:24; Col.2:17; Eph.2:20-21,22; 1Pet.2:5,9; Rev.5:9-10),
under the high priest, Christ.
We are under that New Covenant now,
so that this is the pattern we are to follow.
We must look to the "shadow" pattern of that physical Temple and priesthood,
to enact God's approved arrangement of the spiritual Temple "reality",
under the New Covenant to the anointed priesthood, which is now.
(Heb.9:8-9,11-12,15,23-24)
Yet there are some things we can learn from the example of Moses and his "helpers".
God Himself bore witness to His nation, to the fact that Moses was His approved representative (Josh.1:7).
God spoke of Moses as being above prophets, in that God spoke to Moses "face to face" (Num.12:6-7,8).
Can any man today, rightly claim a comparative position to that of Moses?
Among the anointed, there is only one Head and Leader...the Christ
(Matt.23:8,10; Eph.1:22; 5:29-30,28; Col.1:18). Only he speaks face to face with God (Heb.9:24) and has had God Himself bear witness of divine approval (John 8:18; Mark 9:7).
If we today are to compare God's approved leader of His nation, Moses, with anyone;
it should be the high priest of the Temple reality, Christ. He is the only single head of the Congregation, similarly appointed by the authority of God (Eph.1:22).
Christ's appointed "helpers" are his chosen under-priests, who are the only ones permitted to serve in the spiritual Temple priesthood (Num.18:7; 1Pet.2:5; 2Cor.5:20; 1Cor.3:9). Others may support these, but it is forbidden by God, to replace them or assume their assigned duties
(Num.16:10; 2Chron.13:9; Eze.44:6-7,8-9; 2Thess.2:4; Dan.11:31; Mark 13:14) (1Pet.2:9-10; 1Cor.6:1-2,3)
or bring them under subjection to anything but Christ (1Cor.7:23; Rom.6:16; Gal.1:10-11,12,16-17,20; Col.3:24) (2Cor.11:3-4,20; Col.2:8; Rev.13:10,7; 11:2).
How do the elders today support all the Chosen priests, including the "least" of Christ's brothers? (Matt.25:32,45-46; John 13:20)
Are the elders truly under the direction and service of all those appointed by God's spirit, or do they usurp and dominate the divine designation of these, in order to serve a prominent few who claim to be the exclusive faithful slaves of God?
Luke 22:24; 9:46-47,48; Mark 10:42-43,44; Rom.11:18; 1Cor.12:7,10-11,12,14,18-19,20-21,22,25,27-28,29)
Do the elders take the lead in judging, directing, and even punishing God's chosen priests
(John 16:2; Mark 13:13; Isa.66:5; Luke 21:16-17; Matt.24:9; Rom.8:33; Hosea 4:4; Rom.14:4);
rather than yielding to the Headship of Christ over his own Bride and chosen slaves?
The "helpers" of Moses were Israelites, members of God's Nation. The "Israel of God" today, are a Nation of spiritual Jews (Rom.2:28-29; Col.2:11; 1Pet.2:9; Gal.3:29,26)....not spiritual Gentiles (Rev.3:9; 11:2).
God did not approve of appointing Gentile "helpers" over His Nation under Moses,
so that these could dominate, and even oppress his people.
In fact, it was Moses who delivered God's people from such Gentile oppression under Egypt!
(Rev.11:3,8)
The reality today, is that Non-anointed elders (spiritual Gentiles) do not assist the "least" brothers of Christ.
Many of these least ones are being judged and expelled (by these spiritual Gentiles) for loyalty and subjection to truth and their husband and head Jesus, rather than to the false doctrines of the current steward and his army of Gentiles. These loyal brothers of Christ are being "beaten" for their faithful declarations (Luke 12:45-46; Hosea 6:5), by means of the Gentile so-called "helpers";
...just as the last Harlot persecutes God's witnesses (Rev.17:3,6)
through the Gentile Wild Beast she rides (Rev.17:3; 11:7)
(...and as the "false prophet" persecutes through the Gentile Wild Beast --Rev.13:11,15,17,7; 16:13)
(and as the "fallen star", "Wormwood", persecutes those not yet sealed, through the "locust-scorpions -Rev.8:10-11; 9:1,3-4,10)
All these illustrations depict the very same identities...
each illustration providing additional details about each of them.
When Moses was given divine authority, there was no question as to him being an authentic representative of God.
Yet when it comes to all Chosen Ones...Jesus pointed out two distinct possibilities...
"Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?" (Matt.24:45)
Some would remain faithful representatives, and therefore lead others in the way of truth (1Cor.4:2,1; John 7:38-39,18,17).
Others would become unfaithful slaves, and lead others into error
(1Tim.4:1; Matt.24:4-5,11,24-25,48-49,50-51; 7:15,20; 2Pet.2:1-2,3; Col.2:8; John 8:47; 2Cor.11:13-14,15; Rev.2:2; 2Thess.2:1-2,3-4; Acts 20:30; Luke 16:1-2; Rev.2:20; 13:7,10-11).
God assigns His chosen priests into positions which direct their individual assignment and responsibility, according to His own choosing
(1Cor.12:4,18-19,13,27-28,29; Rom.12:6; 1Cor.14:32; Eph.4:11-12,13). Those positions are made plain within scripture as "apostles, prophets, teachers, etc.".
(http://pearl-prophecycease.blogspot.com/)
God has clear authority to assign each anointed one. Those not fulfilling their assignment come under the Master's condemnation (Matt.25:19; Rev.3:2; Ec.12:14; Rom.2:16).
How are the elders today, respecting God's appointment of each anointed assignment, by their supporting the various positions within the entire body of Christ's anointed slaves, under Christ their Head?
In the parable about the wicked steward, Jesus makes clear that this unfaithful slave, is one of his genuine chosen ones, ruling over Christ's own household of chosen slaves (Luke 12:42-43,45-46,47-48). The wicked steward of Christ's illustration is over the household of God, and is genuinely anointed.
(I don't know of any other religious organization, that is directed by those claiming to be Chosen Ones, nor other religious organizations even understanding this divine assignment and designation).
Fulfilling these traits (of being a ruling chosen one, "star", "lamb", false "Elijah", "Harlot", "Steward" appointed and anointed by Christ -Luke 12:42), is a requirement; in order for a religion to fulfill Revelation's prophecies. -Rev.8:10; 9:1; 1:20; 13:11,15,13; 2Kings 1:10; Rev.17:1; Deut.31:16; Isa.1:21; Jer.3:1,3 -lit."forehead"; Rev.17:5; Eze.16:17; Rev.13:14; Eze.20:30; 23:30; Hosea 6:10; 9:1)
The possibility of an appointed steward's unfaithfulness (as described by Jesus) must be considered, before assuming that a "Steward" should be supplied an army of "Gentile" supporters, if these are being used to beat a steward's fellow slaves. Today's "helpers" are exclusively supporting the Steward, and are being used to suppress his brothers in Christ. Such an arrangement is not of God. Such an arrangement is not outlined in scripture, other than it's fulfilling the foretold traits of the wicked slave, "Harlot", "false prophet", man of lawlessness, and "fallen star".
(lamps-and-stars.html)
Jesus referred to the existence of both faithful and unfaithful anointed...
(2Pet.2:11; 1Cor.11:19; Matt.18:7,6; Rev.18:2; 8:8; Mark 11:23; Jer.51:42,64; 1Tim.4:1; Rev.16:13-14),
...when he spoke of two sorts of prophets and "trees" (Matt.7:15-16,17-18,19-20; 12:33,35-36,37).
He told us to be discerning and cautious, and to examine the fruit of all those claiming to be "Christs" (Greek-"anointed") if we wished to avoid the wide path of those deceived.
Christ's repeated warnings should not go unheeded; nor should the identity of the faithful slaves be assumed; due to their having power, riches, or religious influence (1Cor.4:8-9,10-11,12-13,14; Matt.4:9).
If we compare that image of the Scribes and Pharisees to that of Jesus Christ, the contrast contained within Christ's example becomes clear
(Matt.16:24-25; Phil.3:10; Rom.8:17,36).
It is Christ's model which the faithful anointed follow as Master
(1Pet.2:21-22; Rev.14:5), not spiritual Gentiles, or other chosen ones (Gal.6:4-5)
(1Cor.1:12-13; Matt.23:8; 1Cor.4:6; Gal.1:11-12; 2Cor.11:20,4,2-3,5,12-13,14-15).
The helpers of Moses were chosen and installed according to the suggestion of his father-in-law Jethro who was a Midianite priest, not according to a directive from God. Moses was serving God like a priest would (Ex.18:15; Mal.2:7), prior to the official inauguration of the Levitical priesthood. It was during this time, that Moses yielded to Jethro's suggestion. (Ex.18:13-14,15-16,24).
Although Jethro was critical of Moses slaving for God "morning to evening" (Ex.18:14), there was nothing wrong with this in God's eyes. This is in fact, normal for chosen priests (1Chron.9:33; 23:30,32; Rev.7:15). It was not until Moses complained to God (Num.11:10-11,12,14-15), that God made an arrangment for Moses to share his authority (Num.11:16); but this came at a price (Num.11:17,25).
The "helpers" suggested by Jethro were under the oversight of Moses, who was a proven representative of God.
Despite this historical arrangement being applied to the arrangement of today, God's own arrangement forbids the replacing of the chosen priests, nor allows their sacred service to be performed by others. (Num.16:10; 18:7; 2Chron.13:9; Eze.44:6-7,8-9)
Therefore, this assumptive comparison to the helpers of Moses must be carefully scrutinized,
especially in light of the prophecies regarding the Holy Ones...
(stars -Rev.1:20; Phil.2:15; Dan.12:3)
...losing their power (Matt.5:13; Luke 21:24)
(Rev.12:4; Dan.8:10-11,12-13; 12:7; Rev.11:2; Luke 21:24)
...and their sacrifices being discontinued in the time of the end
(Dan.8:11; 9:27; 11:31-32,33-34,35-36,37; 12:11; 2Thess.2:4; Matt.24:15-16; Rev.13:7; Dan.7:21)
...by means of a "disgusting thing standing" in God's anointed temple (1Cor.3:16,17; Mark 13:14).
Jesus pointed to the fact that the Scribes and Pharisees seated themselves in the seat of Moses (Matt.23:2).
Is it appropriate for those of the New Covenant and anointed body of Christ, to imitate those religious leaders by acting similarly over their fellow slaves?
What did Jesus say about this?
(Matt.5:20; 23:8-9,10-11,12; Mark 9:33-34,35; 10:37,40,42-43,44).
The man-made term and doctrine of "governing body" is truly not found within scripture.
Jesus brings "all authority, governments and powers" to nothing, upon his return, regardless of their claims
(1Cor.15:24; Matt.4:8-9,10; 1Cor.4:8-9,10-11,12-13; Eph.6:11-12,18).
If the scriptures which supposedly support the concept of a governing body are closely examined according to the rest of God's Word, that concept disintegrates (John 5:44,43; Gal.1:10-11,12,17-18,19-20).
It was James (who was not one of the apostles) that called the congregation in Jerusalem to their senses, to stop persecuting Paul and resisting the demonstrated work of Holy Spirit (Acts 15:1,5,10,12-13,19-20). James was first to suggest the precise decrees which were accepted and published.
The entire congregation agreed (Acts 15:22-23,24-25,26).
If we resort to the pattern which the scriptures themselves direct us to consult, we note that Christ is the cornerstone of the spiritual Temple priesthood (Eph.2:20; Ps.118:22; Acts 4:11). The apostles and prophets are the foundation (Eph.2:20; Rev.21:14), upon which the rest of the "living stones" are erected (Eph.2:22; 1Pet.2:5).
There is no mention within the Temple arrangement, of spiritual Gentile "helpers" who become masters over the faith of anointed priests (2Cor.1:24; 1Cor.4:6). No one but Jesus Christ is given the right to judge which stones are fit for inclusion or expulsion from the spiritual Temple (Heb.12:22-23; Rev.3:5; 21:27; Luke 10:20; Rev.20:12; John 12:48; Rom.8:33-34). It is not up to spiritual Gentiles to replace or cast out Christ's anointed brothers.
"If only true anointed cared for the sheep, very few would get help."
According to last count of partakers at the time of this post, there were over 12,000 partaking. The number was on the rise, but this annual public tally was discontinued, and then re-instituted.
What is the special role of these partakers within the congregation? Do you find one? (1Cor.6:2-3; Mal.2:7-8)
The ancient Nation of Israel consisted of many millions. Yet how many priests served all the needs of the people?
Should the divine assignment of God's priests today be dismissed, because of the reasoning of men, and their lack of Faith?
If men doubt that God's spirit can equip those whom He assigns to accomplish their divine commission, does that justify rebelling against God's expressed direction because we deem it unreasonable?
(Col.2:8; Zech.4:6,11,14; Rev.11:4,3)
Is God an adequate shepherd, or not? (Eze.34:12; Ps.23:1-2,3-4,5-6) Will He not care for His sheep according to His own decrees?
Which is more reasonable...
for 12,000 to serve and shepherd God's flock, or 8?
If we look to the scriptures, we see an example as a lesson in this.
Both Saul and Uzziah thought it unreasonable to be patient, and wait on God's arrangement of the priesthood
(1Sam.13:9-10,11-12,13-14; Num.18:7; 2Chron.26:16-17,18-19,20; Neh.13:29).
These proud men did not discern the sanctity of consecrated priests and their duties, feeling that others could "fill in" if the priest were delayed.
How did that turn out?
There was a time when the people grew impatient with waiting for God's direction through Moses as well.
When he took "a long time" to return from the holy mountain to give the nation direction;
the people thought God's principles so flexible, that it seemed acceptable to replace His expressed arrangement with a golden calf. They then ascribed their salvation from Egypt, to that idol (Ex.32:8). Who can discern, that the very same credit for salvation today is being ascribed to a Gentile organization that has replaced God's genuine spiritual Temple?
Ps.94:7-8; Zeph.1:12
Even if we should judge Godly obedience as inadequate in caring for our needs, we are not excused when we deviate from it.
Is it not numerically impossible for the chosen to care for all "JW's"?
Jesus and the twelve took care of the entire nation of responsive Israel in his day. Through their teachings and writings; these continue to care for all of us.
How does anyone know what the 12,000 partakers can do with God's spirit, if these were brought out of their restrictive bonds, and began to prove faithful to their calling?
Who are men to judge that God's spirit would be so lacking upon these, that disobedience is necessary and preferable, just as kings Saul and Uzziah reasoned? (Prov.3:5-6,7; Isa.5:21)
(Rom.12:2; 1John 2:17)
Is God's way "not adjusted right", because we deem His arrangement as "numerically impossible"?
(Eze.18:29; Isa.55:8-9)
Who dares to cut God's arm short?
(Isa.50:2,4,7,9-10,11)
Was it not "numerically impossible" for Gideon's 300 men to conquer the Midianites and Amalikites, who were "as numerous as the locusts" (Judges 7:2,7,9,12).
Why did God decree this numerical imbalance?
God demands that we recognize, that His will is accomplished, "not by a military force" or any other earthly "power"; but by His own spirit and obedience to His direction.
(Zech.4:6; 1John 5:3; Matt.15:8)
If we do not worship Him according to His spirit and His Word of truth (John 4:23-24; Rom.8:14), any efforts to serve Him while we lean upon our own understanding or the doctrines of men, are in vain (Mark 7:7,9,13).
When was God's will ever accomplished through the power of men or the physical/earthly advantages of Satan's world? (Matt.6:19-20,21; 1John 2:15-16; 1Cor.4:8)
If the elders believe that the divine assignment of the anointed and the Will of God can only be accomplished by means of them; where is the giving of all glory to God?
The divine assignment given individual anointed, is to keep their lamps burning based upon spirit, not upon doctrines of men. This assignment is ignored or scrutinized by the elders. When spirit decrees light other than the current official doctrine, the faithful are subject to persecution by these "helping" elders.
Since those assignments are due to the will and choosing of God, that will and choosing is also ignored by the elders, in favor of the will of the "Steward", who has seated "himself" in the seat of Moses (Matt.23:2,28; 5:20).
"Is not Jehovah flexible in applying principles of leadership over his people?"
We also know that with most principles, God is not flexible, nor does He change. God is righteous, and as such, He has standards. It is never okay to disobey Him or the teachings of Christ. Is the principle of exclusive devotion to God, loving and serving Him alone, avoiding idolatry, or going beyond what is written, negotiable? Is it permissible to alter the chosen priesthood and it's temple service (Mal.2:7-8,9; Lam.1:10)?
Is this related to Jesus' prophecy about a "disgusting thing standing in a Holy Place"?
(See pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com)
The discipline contained in the book of Revelation to the seven congregations makes very clear, that if we deviate from Christ's direction, there are consequences. The principles expressed there are not flexible. In fact, unless the faithful are willing to die to uphold Christ's commands, Revelation's message is that they will lose their crown and fail the test.
We who face the time of the end, should be sober and in fear of God;
vigilant with a view to prayer that we may succeed in escaping what is destined to occur,
that we may be found spotless, and remain standing under Christ's inspection
(Phil.2:12; Eph.6:18; 1Pet.5:8; Luke 18:26-27; 21:36; 2Cor.13:5; Mal.3:2-3; 2Pet.3:14).
If our focus and priority is upon how we can bend God's principles, to be flexible enough to accommodate our own application, rationalizations, and interpretations of His directives, we are asleep as to this hour of test.
