Why is it important to observe God's appointed times as stated in Psalm 81:3? Setting the Scene “Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon, and at the full moon on the day of our Feast.” (Psalm 81:3) The verse is short, but its implications are wide: God has established specific “appointed times” and calls His people to honor them. God’s Appointed Times Defined • Leviticus 23:2—“These are My appointed feasts, the feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.” • The Hebrew word for “appointed times” (moedim) speaks of fixed, set encounters arranged by God Himself. • They include weekly Sabbaths and annual feasts such as Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks (Pentecost), Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. Why Observing Them Matters 1. Obedience to a Direct Command • Psalm 81:3 is not mere poetry; it is an imperative. • Jesus affirmed, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love shows itself in obedient action. 2. Remembrance of Redemption • Exodus 12:14 ties Passover to the deliverance from Egypt. • Each feast re-anchors the heart in what God has done: rescue, provision, covenant. 3. Prophetic Foreshadowing of Messiah • Colossians 2:16-17—“These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body belongs to Christ.” • Passover points to Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 5:7). • Firstfruits prefigures His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20). • Pentecost parallels the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2). • Remaining fall feasts anticipate His return and kingdom. 4. Cultivating Regular Worship Rhythms • God structures time so His people won’t drift. • Weekly Sabbaths and annual festivals interrupt routine, drawing hearts back to Him. 5. Strengthening Covenant Identity • Observance marks God’s people as distinct (Exodus 31:13). • It knits generations together around shared stories and practices (Deuteronomy 6:20-21). 6. Receiving Promised Blessing • Leviticus 26:2-4 links honoring Sabbaths and reverencing sanctuary with rain in its season and fruitful harvests. • Isaiah 58:13-14 promises delight in the LORD for those who “call the Sabbath a delight.” New-Covenant Participation • Early believers still valued the appointed times (Acts 20:6; 1 Corinthians 16:8). • While ritual sacrifices are fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:1-14), the underlying rhythms remain spiritually enriching. • Romans 14:5-6 guards liberty, yet honoring these days can deepen appreciation for the gospel story. Practical Steps Today • Mark the biblical calendar; note key feast dates alongside civic holidays. • Read the corresponding passages (e.g., Exodus 12 at Passover). • Gather with family or church for a meal, Scripture reading, and worship. • Use symbols (unleavened bread, a shofar blast) to engage the senses and imprint truth. • Look forward: each observance fuels hope for Christ’s promised return. A Closing Encouragement God sets appointments not to burden but to bless. When we honor His timetable, we realign our own, meeting Him in the moments He Himself has marked for encounter, remembrance, and joy. |
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