How does gathering for the feast connect to Hebrews 10:25 on fellowship? The Divine Pattern of Gathering - Exodus 23:14-17; Leviticus 23:1-2, 4 “These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.” - The word “assemblies” (Hebrew miqra) literally means a called-together meeting. - From Sinai onward, God wove rhythmic, physical gatherings into Israel’s calendar so His people would repeatedly meet with Him and with one another. Purposes Woven into the Feasts - Remembrance – rehearsing God’s mighty acts (Deuteronomy 16:3). - Celebration – expressing corporate joy (Psalm 122:1). - Instruction – hearing the Law read aloud (Nehemiah 8:1-8). - Mutual Care – sharing portions with “the Levite, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow” (Deuteronomy 16:11). - Anticipation – foreshadowing Messiah’s work (Colossians 2:16-17). Hebrews 10:24-25—The New-Covenant Call “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Linking the Feasts to Hebrews 10:25 - Same Divine Origin God, who commanded the feasts, inspires Hebrews 10:25; gathering is His idea in both covenants. - Same Covenant Family Focus The feasts assembled tribes; Hebrews gathers believers as a “household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). - Built-in Encouragement Feasts: nationwide testimony of God’s faithfulness. Hebrews: “encourage one another.” Both settings stir faith by shared stories and worship. - Rhythm and Priority Feasts punctuated the calendar three times yearly (Deuteronomy 16:16). Hebrews warns against “neglect.” Regularity guards against drift. - Forward-Looking Hope Feasts previewed redemption’s milestones; Hebrews urges assembling “as you see the Day approaching.” Meeting together keeps eschatological hope vibrant. - Tangible Fellowship Around a Meal Feasts centered on shared food (Passover lamb, booths’ harvest fare). The early church “broke bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46). Table fellowship remains a concrete way to obey Hebrews 10:25. - Witness to Outsiders Feasts showcased God before the nations (1 Kings 8:41-43). Jesus said, “By this everyone will know you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Consistent fellowship is still missional. Living the Connection Today - Set corporate worship as immovable in your calendar, just as Israel fixed feast days. - Integrate meals—potlucks, communion, home hospitality—to echo feast fellowship. - Use gatherings to retell salvation history: Scripture readings, testimonies, songs of redemption. - Invite the marginalized; the feasts made room for the sojourner and the needy. - Let every meeting lift eyes to Christ’s return, “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Key Takeaway From Sinai’s sacred assemblies to the church’s Lord’s-day worship, God summons His people to meet. The feasts were the Old Testament rehearsal; Hebrews 10:25 is the ongoing invitation. Gather, remember, encourage—until the ultimate feast when the redeemed sit with the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). |
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