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INDESTRUCTIBLE LIFE. This is suggested in the Midrash by the life of Melchizedek. This, of
course, sets aside the need for a system of passing on the priesthood from generation to generation.

The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest [Christ], who sat
down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty [Yehovah, YHVH] in heaven, and
WHO SERVES IN THE SANCTUARY, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by
man. Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was neces-
sary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth [under the Old Cove-
nant], he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by
the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven...But
the ministry Jesus has received is SUPERIOR to theirs as the covenant of which he is me-
diator is superior to the old one, and it founded on better promises (Hebrews 8:1-7).

Christ's Future Role

There are ten basic texts in the Old Testament Prophets which deal directly and specifi-
cally with the future role of Christ when He returns to this earth to prepare the way for the return of
His Father's Shekinah glory. These texts are highly specific about what Christ is to accomplish --
that is, about His messianic task and mission. And I would like to underscore that it is upon these
texts -- and these alone -- that we should meditate on and consider deeply before forming our own
concepts of Christ's messianic role. Let's go through each of these passages carefully to get a full
and direct picture of just what the Prophets say.

Without a doubt the most complete picture comes from Isaiah --

(1) For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon
His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor is the Mighty God, Ev-
erlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will
be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it
with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of
Hosts [YEHOVAH, YHVH] will perform this.

Unfortunately, many Christian translations have erroneously rendered the name of this
child, giving the totally misleading impression that the Messiah (Christ) is to be called Mighty
God and Everlasting Father. This is a complete misunderstanding of the Hebrew use of names --
not to mention the fact that the Messiah is YEHOVAH'S anointed/appointed one. The name of the
child is "Pele Jo'etz El Gibbor Avi-Ad Sar-Shalom." Hebrew names quite often celebrate the
CHARACTER and ACTIVITY of God the Father -- see the extended name "Maher-shalal-hash-
baz" in Isaiah 8:3. This name celebrates the counsel or Plan of Yehovah God in bringing forth
Christ as the Davidic ruler. To think, as many do, that the child is being called YEHOVAH God,
because his name reflects and signifies the unfolding Plan of God, would be akin to asserting that
the prophet Isaiah is God because his name means "YEHOVAH'S Salvation."

In the next passage -- Isaiah 11:1-12 -- we read:

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