The feasts of the Lord

« These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times. » (Leviticus 23:4)

I grew up in a family of 5 children. Between Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Birthdays and Holidays, it seemed like we were always struggling to find out how best to bless someone in our family. Perhaps it was blessing someone out of duty that led me to put less and less emphasis on special occasions, and parties in general, as I became an adult and gained my independence. But anyone in my immediate family today will tell you that I’m not a great gift-giver, and often forget important dates like birthdays and anniversaries.

Personally, I believe that being a good husband means celebrating my wife every day of the year and not just on one special day. Nevertheless, I am sure that as good as a husband I might be all year long, if I were to forget the date of our anniversary, she might feel dishonored in some way. Our God established three feasts during the year. The first is Pessa’h (Passover); the second is Shavuot (Pentecost); and the third is Succot (Tabernacles). In the Mosaic covenant, God commanded His people to bring to Him certains offerings at each of the feasts; and He commanded all of the men of Israel to go up to Jerusalem and present themselves before the Lord. These were the « appointed times » when God would release special grace upon His people.

In the Messianic covenant, established for us by the Lord Jesus, we are not constrained to comply with the physical details in the Mosaic covenant. Nevertheless, the « appointed times » of the Lord have not changed. The appointed times serve as a continual reminder that we can know the God of the feasts 365 days a year. However, on the appointed times we set ourselves apart to meet with God and honor him on the days that He reserved for that purpose. I might be a good Christian and worship God every day of the year; and that is noble because this is what He is truly seeking. Nevertheless, a good Christian will also take seriously the appointed times that the Lord Himself has set for His people.

ACTION POINT : I want to encourage you today to repent of any neglect or indifference you may have displayed in your life towards the appointed times of the Lord. Today at sundown begins the Feast of Trumpets, or Rosh Hashanah, that announces the New Year of the Lord and is the first step towards the feast of Tabernacles. If you can find a trumpet to blow, or any instrument to play, do so; and while you do that, declare that this Year belongs to the Lord and you will live it for His glory. Declare that you receive from Him new mercies and new graces for the year to come. Then bow before Him and receive from Him prophetic insight into the works that He has prepared for you.

PRAYER TARGET : Pray for the entire Church to honor to feasts of the Lord.