THE EPHOD 2

 

EPHOD 2

Let us study another person in relation to the ephod; Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech the slain priest.

Abiathar was able to escape as the slaughter of his father and other priests was in progress (1Sam. 22:20-23). But there was something remarkable about this young priest; while trying to escape for his life, he still had the audacity to search for and carry his ephod with him (1Sam. 23:6). He knew that he was a “dead man” without the presence and direction of the Lord, even if he was successfully escaping. I imagine Abiathar saying to himself “instead of me to escape without my ephod, let me rather die with it”. He searched for it while Dog (Doeg is his real name, but he should be a dog to willingly kill the anointed of the Lord. In fact even dogs reason better) was busy killing the priests and their families, and then he found it and fled.

Abiathar became relevant to the camp of David because he carried the ephod; the direct access to get answers from God. David was able to inquire of the Lord about the next thing to do, where next to go (1Sam.23:9-13). Precise direction was given to whoever carried the ephod.

Today, you and I are supposed to be carrying our ephods, if not we’re putting the world and everyone around us in danger (Matt. 5:13-16). The lives of so many would be in danger if we refuse to put on our ephod.

Our EPHOD today is the WORD OF GOD (OUR BIBLE)

It could be many other things as well relevant to the faith  like prayer etc.

Have you lost an understanding of its importance like King Saul? If so you’re in severe trouble and so are the brethren around you because you might end up slaying them just like King Saul did.

Also, if you’re still dining and wining with someone who has lost an understanding of the importance of the ephod, you’re putting your life in danger because they will slay you some day if not today. Tell them the truth and let them know their true state and repent!

On the other hand, do you go around with your ephod and obey the instructions given therein by the Lord, just like Abiathar? If yes, you would be a divine blessing to your generation because you would shine as light and lead the world to Jesus the Saviour!

SHALOM!

See also EPHOD 1

I'm still your brother and friend, Ikpa Onwuka...

Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

THE EPHOD 1

THE EPHOD 1

Have you ever asked yourself “How do I hear from God?” “Is there anything hindering me from hearing from him?” or have you ever felt so confused about a decision you needed to take and you just needed to hear from God as soon as possible?

Well, this helped me…And I trust God it could help you too… Enjoy!

The ephod is an apron which was worn by Hebrew priests. It is a divine instrument with which to inquire anything of God. Anyone who wore the ephod always got accurate answers and instructions from God as long as they were in line with him (because there were some who had compromised their ephod and couldn’t receive any correct information from God anymore).

It was designed by Moses with specific instructions from God, and first worn by Aaron his brother; the first priest of Israel. Since then, every priest had their own ephod. Many carried it wherever they went, many cherished it, and some despised it. Many recognized its importance, others neglected it. But all the same the ephod was used each time they needed to hear from God about any issue. It was carefully designed (Exodus 39:2).

There was no particular age one must reach as a priest before he began to wear the ephod. Samuel was a young minister, under training to become a priest, but he had his own ephod and always put it on (1Sam. 2:18).

To be able to use the ephod effectively, one must remain sanctified and always be in tune with God. Whoever qualifies to use the ephod is unarguably lent to the Lord. They no longer belong to themselves or anyone else apart from the Lord (1Sam.2:20; 1Pet.2:9; Gal. 2:20).

One dreadful thing to note is that whoever has once been in possession or in control of the ephod, and later disregards it or no longer knows its value is a disaster to the faith. Remember the ephod connects to God. When King Saul lost the presence of God, he also disregarded the ephod to the extent that he had to go to the witch of Endor to inquire about certain things, instead of asking the priests who were present. No wonder he was able to slay 85 priests of the Most High God (1Sam. 22:16-19). It is a dangerous thing to be without the ephod or worse still lose value of it, let us beware!
In the secondarticle, we would see the better side of using the ephod circumspectly.


Still your brother and friend, Ikpa...
Do well to leave a comment, let me know what you think.