How does acknowledging God's "appointed feasts" deepen our relationship with Him? God’s Invitation to His Appointed Feasts “Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” (Leviticus 23:2) What the Feasts Are • Passover (Pesach) – redemption from slavery (23:5) • Unleavened Bread – separation from sin (23:6–8) • Firstfruits – promise of resurrection (23:9–14) • Weeks / Pentecost – outpouring and harvest (23:15–22) • Trumpets – call to repentance and readiness (23:23–25) • Day of Atonement – cleansing and reconciliation (23:26–32) • Tabernacles – God dwelling with His people (23:33–43) Why Acknowledging Them Deepens Relationship • Reminds us of God’s historical faithfulness – Each feast celebrates an actual act of deliverance (Exodus 12:13–14; Joshua 5:10–12). • Rehearses the gospel storyline – Christ is our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). – He is the Firstfruits of those who sleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). – The Spirit was given at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4). • Aligns our calendar with God’s – Building life rhythms around His dates keeps Him at the center (Psalm 90:12). • Cultivates expectancy for future fulfillment – Trumpets and Tabernacles point forward to Messiah’s return and the dwelling of God with us (Revelation 21:3). • Encourages community worship – “Sacred assemblies” draw believers together in unity (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Strengthens obedience through remembrance – Regular memorials protect hearts from drifting (Deuteronomy 8:11–14). Practical Ways to Acknowledge Them Today • Read the corresponding passages on each feast day. • Share a simple Passover-style meal, highlighting Christ’s sacrifice. • Set aside time during Trumpets for concentrated repentance. • Give thanks for first-harvest provisions at Pentecost and for year-end blessings at Tabernacles. • Use music, Scripture readings, and testimonies to mark each feast within your church or family. The Feasts and Christ: Seeing Fulfillment • Passover → crucifixion (Luke 22:15–16) • Unleavened Bread → sinless burial (John 19:31) • Firstfruits → resurrection (Matthew 28:1) • Pentecost → Spirit given (Acts 2) • Trumpets → promised return (1 Thessalonians 4:16) • Day of Atonement → final judgment and cleansing (Hebrews 9:28) • Tabernacles → eternal dwelling (John 1:14; Revelation 21:3) Deepening Intimacy Through God’s Calendar As we mark each feast, we: • Look back—remembering the mighty acts of the LORD. • Look up—worshiping the One who planned redemption. • Look forward—anticipating the culmination of His plan. Keeping His appointed times turns abstract doctrine into lived experience, weaving His story into the very rhythm of our days and drawing us closer to His heart. |
    |