@nevi-goes

3 weeks ago

Brother Bill, is it possible this is what it means? the scriptural context of the 24 elders in Revelation, juxtapose this with the roles of priests in both the Old and New Testaments, and examine the warnings and judgments in Malachi against apostate priests. Here's how these elements connect:

The 24 Elders in Revelation:

Revelation 4:4, 10-11 describes the elders seated around the throne, wearing white garments and golden crowns, who fall down before the throne of God, casting their crowns before Him, saying:
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
Revelation 5:8-14 continues this scene where the elders fall down and worship as the Lamb (Christ) receives the scroll, recognizing His worthiness through His sacrifice:
"And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

These elders represent a priestly service in heaven, continuously acknowledging God's sovereignty and the redemptive work of Christ. They symbolize the complete fulfillment of the priestly role in worship and intercession before God.

Priests in the Old Testament:

Priests like Aaron (Exodus 28-29) were ordained to serve God, mediate between God and Israel, offer sacrifices, and teach the law (Leviticus 10:11). Their role was crucial for maintaining the holiness and purity of Israel.
However, not all priests fulfilled their duties faithfully. Malachi 2:1-9 condemns the priests for not honoring God's name, leading people astray, and neglecting the covenant:
"And now, O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings."

Priests in the New Testament:

The New Testament redefines priesthood through Jesus Christ, who is described as the "great high priest" (Hebrews 4:14-15). His priesthood is of the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7), eternal and perfect, fulfilling the priestly roles in a new covenant where all believers are metaphorically priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9).
The New Testament priests are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, which includes lives of holiness, service, and the proclamation of God's excellencies.

Comparative Analysis:

Faithfulness vs. Apostasy:
The 24 elders in Revelation are a model of ultimate submission to God's will, contrasting with the apostate priests in Malachi who failed in their duties. Malachi speaks of a curse for those who do not honor God, while Revelation shows the elders in eternal worship.
Sacrifice and Intercession:
Old Testament priests offered animal sacrifices; New Testament priests offer spiritual sacrifices. The elders in Revelation are involved in a heavenly, perpetual intercession through the prayers of the saints.
Justice and Compassion:
The critique in Malachi extends to the priests' failure in social justice - not caring for widows or orphans (Malachi 3:5). This is contrasted with the heavenly justice where every knee bows, recognizing Christ's rule (Philippians 2:10-11), which includes even those who might have previously rejected God's will or His people.
Rejection and Acceptance:
The historical rejection by some priests of their brethren from the northern tribes (after the Assyrian exile) is implicitly critiqued through the universal worship in Revelation. Here, all, including the elders, bow before the throne, symbolizing unity and reconciliation under Christ.

Conclusion:

The narrative from Malachi to Revelation shows a progression from judgment for unfaithfulness to a vision of restoration and universal worship. The 24 elders symbolize a priesthood that has learned from the failures of the past, embracing the ultimate priest, Jesus Christ, in worship and service. This vision in Revelation fulfills the prophecy that every knee will bow, addressing the past failures by showing a future where divine justice and grace are perfectly realized.

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