Today you should read: Leviticus 23
Today’s chapter covers the different festivals that the people of Israel observed. Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology says about the feasts:
Israel’s festivals were communal and commemorative as well as theological and typological. They were communal in that they drew the nation together for celebration and worship as they recalled the common origin and experience of the people. They were commemorative in that they kept alive the story of what God had done in the exodus and during the sojourn. They were theological in that the observance of the festivals presented the participants with lessons on the reality of sin, judgment, and forgiveness, on the need for thanksgiving to God, and on the importance of trusting God rather than hoarding possessions. They were typological in that they anticipated a greater fulfillment of the symbolism of the feasts. It is not surprising that each of the major feasts is in some way alluded to in the New Testament.
This definition of the feast helps us think about what a rhythm of a God-centered life:
- Community: God has created us in his image to live for his glory in the context of community with others. We are not meant to do life alone. God has created the church to encourage and challenge each other as we pursue Christ together. In the midst of the chaos of dealing with the Corona Virus and the feelings of isolation it can bring, what are some ways you can maintain a sense of community?
- Commemorative: What are ways that you can remember the ways God has worked in your life? What are some milestones that should stand out to you in your spiritual life? Think about the day that you accepted Christ, got to lead someone to Christ, you saw a disciple take steps of obedience. Take time to reflect on how God has been at work in your life and the lives of others.
- Theological: One of the purposes of the feasts is to remember the truth and the character of God. What are you doing to grow in your love and knowledge of God?
- Typological: The purpose of the feasts is to point to the finished work of Jesus. When you read the book of Hebrews, you are overwhelmed with how Jesus is the “greater” of everything that is seen in the Old Testament. Everything in our lives should center around Christ. What are you trying to make greater in your own life more than Christ?
By: Graham Withers — Pastoral Ministry Associate
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What about The Festivus for the Rest of Us? (Seinfeld reference for those who may not be aware)
JK, Graham! Good word for the day. As I read the scriptures and thought about how the festivals were designed to draw the nation together, I thought about the current condition of our nation and the world with the corona virus. This public health crisis has drawn us together in a way that was unimaginable a few months ago. My prayer is that the light of Christ will shine bright as we seek ways to be the hands & feet of Jesus to our neighbors.