How can observing biblical feasts deepen our understanding of God's redemptive plan? Leviticus 23:6 in Focus “On the fifteenth day of the same month begins the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the LORD; for seven days you must eat unleavened bread.” Why Feasts Matter in the Big Story • God Himself designed an annual calendar to rehearse His saving work. • Each feast functions like a living parable—tangible, rhythmic, unforgettable. • Following these appointed times trains us to anticipate, recognize, and celebrate every stage of redemption accomplished in Christ. The Feast of Unleavened Bread: Removing the Old to Walk in the New • Leaven often pictures sin (Exodus 12:15; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8). • Seven leaven-free days symbolize a complete break from bondage and corruption. • Pointing forward: Jesus’ sinless body lay in the tomb during these very days (Luke 23:54-56). • Practical take-away: our ongoing call to holiness—“Therefore let us celebrate the feast…with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:8) Connecting the Dots: The Full Cycle of Redemption 1. Passover (Leviticus 23:5) – Substitution – “Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) 2. Unleavened Bread (v. 6-8) – Sanctification – Living free from Egypt’s influence. 3. Firstfruits (v. 9-14) – Resurrection – “Christ has been raised…the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20) 4. Pentecost (v. 15-22) – Empowerment – Spirit poured out on the exact feast day (Acts 2:1-4). 5. Trumpets (v. 23-25) – Awakening – Foreshadows the future trumpet of Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:16). 6. Day of Atonement (v. 26-32) – Cleansing & Judgment – Points to the once-for-all atonement accomplished at the cross (Hebrews 9:11-12) and the coming final reckoning. 7. Tabernacles (v. 33-44) – God Dwelling With Us – Looks toward the Messianic Kingdom and the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:3). How Observing These Feasts Deepens Our Understanding • Reinforces the timeline of redemption—from the cross to the crown. • Stirs gratitude: every bite of unleavened bread, every blast of a trumpet, every booth erected in autumn is a multisensory reminder of grace. • Cultivates expectancy for promises yet to be fulfilled. • Unites the people of God around shared hope and shared story. Practical Ways to Engage • Read each feast’s instructions aloud on its appointed day. • Remove literal leaven for a week to feel the cost of consecration. • Celebrate Firstfruits on Resurrection Sunday with songs of victory. • Sound a shofar or trumpet on the Feast of Trumpets to rehearse the coming shout of the Lord. • Gather under a makeshift booth during Tabernacles to taste future joy when God will “tabernacle” with His people forever. Final Encouragement As we pattern our year around the Lord’s appointed times, the gospel moves from abstract doctrine to embodied reality. The feasts keep our hearts tuned to the cadence of redemption—past, present, and glorious future. |
    |