By Pastor Ken Foreman
[Sermon Notes]
Text: Proverbs 22:1-6
God made us to live a righteous life; to walk and talk with Him. Politeness and courtesy are important, but choosing the world and its' friendship is a sign of enmity with God. (James 4:4)
A Christian life is an abundant life! Some of the benefits include; a good name, (Bible names describe character,) and loving favor. Jacob's name meant deceiver, trickster, supplanter. His name described his character. He didn't wait on God's timing - he just rushed in and grabbed what he wanted. Note that God had already promised that "the elder would serve the younger." But Jacob was determined to do things his way. And "his way" brought heartache on all who were involved.
Years later, when God changed Jacob's name, He gave him a good name! Israel = "prince who has power with God." From the dark life of a deceiver and a supplanter, Jacob was brought into the light and was given a new life of favor with God.
Note: Be careful what you call your children!
God sees the rich the same way as the poor - every one of us needs His salvation! Jesus knew what the rich young ruler really needed and that was to learn that his worth was not guaged by his possessions. Your soul is priceless (precious) to God. Rich or poor, high and mighty or meek and lowly... God says, "All souls are Mine!"
In I Kings 3:9, Solomon asked God for wisdom and an understanding heart to discern between good and evil. God gave him his request and much more besides, because his request was right and proper. It reflected Solomon's fear of the Lord and his respect for the task that was set before him. It also marked the beginning of Solomon's wisdom.
When you make Jesus your choice...
+ You'll find the windows of heaven are opened,
+ God is going to shower you with blessings, and,
+ He'll give you wisdom (prudence) and understanding so you can avoid the pitfalls.
Note: The longer you know God and the closer you get to Him, you'll find you repent more (for what you used to think of as "little" things).
Note: When you seek His favor for righteous reasons, He will bless you abundantly and supply all you need.
Caution: Keep on keeping on - doing so triggers the blessings. Also, by listening to His voice and obeying, He'll spare you the thorns of life (skeletons in the closet,) and actually keep you far from them! You don't have to experience evil - if you'll learn from your God-given examples.
Parents: Children need to learn (while they're yet wet cement). (Ephesians 6:1-4) Their primary teacher is your life and your example, and faithful training. God gives you the responsibility to mold and shape them into what He'd have them to be. This is the most wonderful heritage you can give your children. It's two-fold: when they have matured - and - when the Word has matured in them.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Benediction
A Poem/Song by Marjorie Kinnee...
May you find that whatever you need,
Can be yours ~ ask in faith and believe,
What He said He will do; it will surely come to you...
When you pray in His Name you will receive!
When you step out in faith-filled response,
Into fields where you've ne'er been before,
May you know peace of mind, in no gift be left behind...
For in the Father's hand there's only good in store!
May the joy of the Lord be your strength,
May His songs fill your heart with glee,
May your cup run over with the fulness of His love...
And may grace and peace be multiplied to thee!
May you find that whatever you need,
Can be yours ~ ask in faith and believe,
What He said He will do; it will surely come to you...
When you pray in His Name you will receive!
When you step out in faith-filled response,
Into fields where you've ne'er been before,
May you know peace of mind, in no gift be left behind...
For in the Father's hand there's only good in store!
May the joy of the Lord be your strength,
May His songs fill your heart with glee,
May your cup run over with the fulness of His love...
And may grace and peace be multiplied to thee!
Where is Jesus?
By Laurel D. Williams
As children, my parents expected us to behave ourselves whenever they took us shopping. But, as children often do, we soon became bored with the process of shopping. The racks of clothes seemed to be the perfect spot to hide. What was the harm in hiding among the clothes and jumping out at your brothers? Despite repeated warnings, we continued in our games of hide and seek.
During one hiding phase, my parents became lost. When I discovered that my parents were not where they should be, I looked down the next aisle. Too short to look over anything, I continued to search as fear took hold. Finally, crying, I approached the saleslady. She announced for all the world at Montgomery Ward that "there was a little lost girl named Laurie and would her parents please come and get her."
My mother was not ecstatic to see me or overjoyed that her lost baby was found. Instead, she called me "Laurel Dawn." I was reminded of the importance of staying with her, listening to her, obeying her. She hoped I had "learned a lesson." I had.
Jesus and his parents went to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover. They traveled with kinsfolk and acquaintances. They celebrated and worshipped at the temple. On the way home, after a day’s journey, Mary and Joseph discovered that their twelve year old son was missing. His parents returned to Jerusalem and searched for him for three days! How distraught, relieved, aggravated, and overjoyed they must have felt when they found him in the temple! His mother asked Him, "Son! Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere." (Luke 2:48 NLT) But Jesus replied, "Why were you searching? You should have known that I must be about my Father’s business." (v.49)
His parents didn’t understand. Jesus returned to Nazareth and was obedient. But Jesus was plainly saying; Where else would I be? You know where I must be and what I must do.
So many people are searching for God. They thirst after Him, their souls hunger for Him. They look here, they look there. They try this, they try that. They philosophize and expound, "WHERE IS GOD?" They are frantic in their searching, spend years and lifetimes trying to find Jesus. It’s really quite SIMPLE. He is in His church! Why are you looking anywhere else ? He is in the temple!
Jesus is in the temple. Jesus is in the church! Surprise! Don’t you know He MUST be there? When we give ourselves to Christ and bury the old man, we become a new creature in Christ Jesus. That new creature is the temple of God! You are God’s temple! (I Corintthians 3:16-17) There He is, in me! No more frantic searching, He must be there doing the Father’s work in His temple! He must be there - making me like Him! Here He is; above all, through you all, and in us all! (Ephesians 4:6)
Rest in the knowledge, worship in the awesome revelation. He is right here every minute of every day of your life. He is right here in all His power, majesty, and glory. Emmanuel! God is in His temple: Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient!
Where is He? Here!
"O God, we meditate on Your unfailing love as we worship You in Your temple." (Psalm 48:9 NLT)
"...The Lord is in His holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him." (Habakkuk 2:20 NLT)
"For in Him we live, and move, and have our being;…" (Acts 17:28)
"…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20)
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Revelation 21:3)
Editor's Note: Laurel Williams is married to Johnnie Williams. Their family lives in Orange, Texas and attends Eastgate United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor George R. Edwards,) in Vidor, where Laurie teaches Sunday School and is faithfully laboring in her Father's vineyard..
As children, my parents expected us to behave ourselves whenever they took us shopping. But, as children often do, we soon became bored with the process of shopping. The racks of clothes seemed to be the perfect spot to hide. What was the harm in hiding among the clothes and jumping out at your brothers? Despite repeated warnings, we continued in our games of hide and seek.
During one hiding phase, my parents became lost. When I discovered that my parents were not where they should be, I looked down the next aisle. Too short to look over anything, I continued to search as fear took hold. Finally, crying, I approached the saleslady. She announced for all the world at Montgomery Ward that "there was a little lost girl named Laurie and would her parents please come and get her."
My mother was not ecstatic to see me or overjoyed that her lost baby was found. Instead, she called me "Laurel Dawn." I was reminded of the importance of staying with her, listening to her, obeying her. She hoped I had "learned a lesson." I had.
Jesus and his parents went to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover. They traveled with kinsfolk and acquaintances. They celebrated and worshipped at the temple. On the way home, after a day’s journey, Mary and Joseph discovered that their twelve year old son was missing. His parents returned to Jerusalem and searched for him for three days! How distraught, relieved, aggravated, and overjoyed they must have felt when they found him in the temple! His mother asked Him, "Son! Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere." (Luke 2:48 NLT) But Jesus replied, "Why were you searching? You should have known that I must be about my Father’s business." (v.49)
His parents didn’t understand. Jesus returned to Nazareth and was obedient. But Jesus was plainly saying; Where else would I be? You know where I must be and what I must do.
So many people are searching for God. They thirst after Him, their souls hunger for Him. They look here, they look there. They try this, they try that. They philosophize and expound, "WHERE IS GOD?" They are frantic in their searching, spend years and lifetimes trying to find Jesus. It’s really quite SIMPLE. He is in His church! Why are you looking anywhere else ? He is in the temple!
Jesus is in the temple. Jesus is in the church! Surprise! Don’t you know He MUST be there? When we give ourselves to Christ and bury the old man, we become a new creature in Christ Jesus. That new creature is the temple of God! You are God’s temple! (I Corintthians 3:16-17) There He is, in me! No more frantic searching, He must be there doing the Father’s work in His temple! He must be there - making me like Him! Here He is; above all, through you all, and in us all! (Ephesians 4:6)
Rest in the knowledge, worship in the awesome revelation. He is right here every minute of every day of your life. He is right here in all His power, majesty, and glory. Emmanuel! God is in His temple: Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient!
Where is He? Here!
"O God, we meditate on Your unfailing love as we worship You in Your temple." (Psalm 48:9 NLT)
"...The Lord is in His holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him." (Habakkuk 2:20 NLT)
"For in Him we live, and move, and have our being;…" (Acts 17:28)
"…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20)
"And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Revelation 21:3)
Editor's Note: Laurel Williams is married to Johnnie Williams. Their family lives in Orange, Texas and attends Eastgate United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor George R. Edwards,) in Vidor, where Laurie teaches Sunday School and is faithfully laboring in her Father's vineyard..
Power... Fusion!
By Donna Franklin
God clearly told us in His Word that He is the Author of Fusion!
It began with Adam and Eve. One man and one woman were to become one as the Lord God joined them together. This is still God's plan! It is His will. Any of man's attempts to change this will result in confusion. And we know God is not the Author of that!
E Pluribus Unum – one of America's most important descriptions – that from the many, we are to become one… one nation consisting of every citizen, under God, with obedience to all just laws and a willingness to work together to bring liberty and justice to all.
President Ronald Reagan expressed the desire that we become that nation. He asked the rhetorical question: What could we accomplish if we didn't care who got the credit? In these days of politicians wanting to be treated as idols, we are a long way from finding out.
The Church began in one mind and one accord… the Body of Jesus Christ here on earth, designed to use His power and authority to carry out His will for all. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith...unto a perfect man… from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:13-16)
"For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones." (Ephesians 5:30)
"…that they all may be one…in us…" (John 17:21)
It is so clearly the will of God that we be unified. If we are determined to love the Lord above all else in our lives and to love our neighbors as ourselves, we will join together as one and accomplish great things in His Name. There will be this power only as we have this holy fusion/unity. May God exceedingly bless every single one who does their best to make this happen!
Editor's Note: Donna Franklin ad her husband attend the United Pentecostal Church in Paoli, Oklahoma (Pastor Terry Erwin). She has long been a writer of articles and poems, and is a willing worker and a valuable asset to the Body of Christ through her home church.
God clearly told us in His Word that He is the Author of Fusion!
It began with Adam and Eve. One man and one woman were to become one as the Lord God joined them together. This is still God's plan! It is His will. Any of man's attempts to change this will result in confusion. And we know God is not the Author of that!
E Pluribus Unum – one of America's most important descriptions – that from the many, we are to become one… one nation consisting of every citizen, under God, with obedience to all just laws and a willingness to work together to bring liberty and justice to all.
President Ronald Reagan expressed the desire that we become that nation. He asked the rhetorical question: What could we accomplish if we didn't care who got the credit? In these days of politicians wanting to be treated as idols, we are a long way from finding out.
The Church began in one mind and one accord… the Body of Jesus Christ here on earth, designed to use His power and authority to carry out His will for all. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith...unto a perfect man… from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:13-16)
"For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones." (Ephesians 5:30)
"…that they all may be one…in us…" (John 17:21)
It is so clearly the will of God that we be unified. If we are determined to love the Lord above all else in our lives and to love our neighbors as ourselves, we will join together as one and accomplish great things in His Name. There will be this power only as we have this holy fusion/unity. May God exceedingly bless every single one who does their best to make this happen!
Editor's Note: Donna Franklin ad her husband attend the United Pentecostal Church in Paoli, Oklahoma (Pastor Terry Erwin). She has long been a writer of articles and poems, and is a willing worker and a valuable asset to the Body of Christ through her home church.
Offenses...
By Scott A. Phillips
If there is one thing that is a thief of joy and a drain of purpose in the lives of otherwise good people, it is this singular issue. Jesus said it this way, "it must needs be that offences come..." Or let me translate it, "Get ready to get offended." People are going to hurt your feelings, take you for granted, say mean things and even cast you in a bad light.
This is going to come from all directions. From people you have never met, people you barely know, your neighbor, your children, your spouse, your best friend. Everyone will hurt you at some point. I would like to tell you different, but the truth is embodied in yourself. You have a bad day some times, right? Wake up on the wrong side of the bed and fail to be as understanding as you should be, right? Well, on one of those bad days you probably hurt someone's feelings. You did not mean to, but because you were wrapped up so tight in your own thoughts you failed to consider others. Of course, if you were confronted you would have all sorts of excuses and could easily justify your lack of consideration.
Headline: Everyone has bad days and the day they offended you, it was their turn. So, just as you expect and hope others will cut you some slack, you must cut them some slack as well.
In my short life, (forty-two glorious years,) one of the greatest thieves in the lives of people I love and care for is this little fox called offense. Offense is a funny thing. It does not have to be a big thing, it can and often is a little thing. However, that source of sensitivity is easily infected - and from that place of offense all sorts of trouble will flow, surging into a flood of consequences.
I had an ingrown toenail once. It was intensely painful. It seemed everyone would bump or step on my foot. I was very aware of every little transgression of others' feet, because of my pain. Offense is like that. Do yourself a favor and everyone that loves you - just let it go. If you choose to keep it, nurse it, care for it and protect it; you are holding on to a bitter evil that will ruin the good God has planned for you."For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:" (Matthew 6:14)
Forgiving and releasing others from what they did to hurt your feelings is really not about them. It's about you. Even if they continue to be a jerk or jerk-ette, just let it go. If you let jerks and jerk-ettes contaminate your spirit, they get to live there rent free and you carry the weight and live with the stench of what they've dumped on you. The sad thing is, when you're living in offense, you end up hurting the ones you love and projecting that hurt on others. You begin to be hurt and offended at others who don't realize you have a large infection.
When you are nursing a hurt... nip it in the bud. Don't let it continue. Take a deep breath, pray a prayer for grace from God for yourself and then give it to the person who just ticked you off for their selfish ways. Your Father and Stepfather, your Mother and Stepmother, your Brother and Stepbrother, your Son and Stepson, your in-laws and out-laws; forgive them. Bless them. Cut them some slack.Bless 'em again. Do it till you mean it.
If you do not, you will continue to plow in the barren field of bitterness and harvest rotten onions of trouble. If you will forgive, in doing so, you will be able to progress to the next stage in God's purpose for your life. Forgive the offense; large and small, recent and long ago.
Editor's Note: Pastor of New Birth Church in Clinton, Mississippi, Scott Phillips is married to Becky. They have three fine sons who are growing in God. Scott is a . prolific writer with his own blogsite, several books, and numerous articles to his credit. - mjk
If there is one thing that is a thief of joy and a drain of purpose in the lives of otherwise good people, it is this singular issue. Jesus said it this way, "it must needs be that offences come..." Or let me translate it, "Get ready to get offended." People are going to hurt your feelings, take you for granted, say mean things and even cast you in a bad light.
This is going to come from all directions. From people you have never met, people you barely know, your neighbor, your children, your spouse, your best friend. Everyone will hurt you at some point. I would like to tell you different, but the truth is embodied in yourself. You have a bad day some times, right? Wake up on the wrong side of the bed and fail to be as understanding as you should be, right? Well, on one of those bad days you probably hurt someone's feelings. You did not mean to, but because you were wrapped up so tight in your own thoughts you failed to consider others. Of course, if you were confronted you would have all sorts of excuses and could easily justify your lack of consideration.
Headline: Everyone has bad days and the day they offended you, it was their turn. So, just as you expect and hope others will cut you some slack, you must cut them some slack as well.
In my short life, (forty-two glorious years,) one of the greatest thieves in the lives of people I love and care for is this little fox called offense. Offense is a funny thing. It does not have to be a big thing, it can and often is a little thing. However, that source of sensitivity is easily infected - and from that place of offense all sorts of trouble will flow, surging into a flood of consequences.
I had an ingrown toenail once. It was intensely painful. It seemed everyone would bump or step on my foot. I was very aware of every little transgression of others' feet, because of my pain. Offense is like that. Do yourself a favor and everyone that loves you - just let it go. If you choose to keep it, nurse it, care for it and protect it; you are holding on to a bitter evil that will ruin the good God has planned for you."For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:" (Matthew 6:14)
Forgiving and releasing others from what they did to hurt your feelings is really not about them. It's about you. Even if they continue to be a jerk or jerk-ette, just let it go. If you let jerks and jerk-ettes contaminate your spirit, they get to live there rent free and you carry the weight and live with the stench of what they've dumped on you. The sad thing is, when you're living in offense, you end up hurting the ones you love and projecting that hurt on others. You begin to be hurt and offended at others who don't realize you have a large infection.
When you are nursing a hurt... nip it in the bud. Don't let it continue. Take a deep breath, pray a prayer for grace from God for yourself and then give it to the person who just ticked you off for their selfish ways. Your Father and Stepfather, your Mother and Stepmother, your Brother and Stepbrother, your Son and Stepson, your in-laws and out-laws; forgive them. Bless them. Cut them some slack.Bless 'em again. Do it till you mean it.
If you do not, you will continue to plow in the barren field of bitterness and harvest rotten onions of trouble. If you will forgive, in doing so, you will be able to progress to the next stage in God's purpose for your life. Forgive the offense; large and small, recent and long ago.
Editor's Note: Pastor of New Birth Church in Clinton, Mississippi, Scott Phillips is married to Becky. They have three fine sons who are growing in God. Scott is a . prolific writer with his own blogsite, several books, and numerous articles to his credit. - mjk
Friday, April 6, 2012
Calvary Week & the Seven Feasts
Editorial
By Marjorie Kinnee
Text: Leviticus 23
Luke 16:16 - "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the Kingdom of Heaven is preached, and every man presseth into it."
Luke 26:44 - "And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me."
Over the last few days, a link I've never noticed before has been illuminated. That Calvary week occurred during the Jews Passover and feast of unleavened bread is well documented. That this was intentional is also clear. I recently learned that Jewish rabbis teach that their calendar is not merely linear, it is also cyclical; meaning significant events occur again and again on the same date throughout their history. Students of Bible prophecy will find this concept fascinating. Let's explore all seven feasts and some interesting correlations...
Passover [Pesach] - a one or two-day feast, (one day in Israel, two days everywhere else,) which commemorates the night when the death angel passed over the homes of the children of Israel. The key to their safety lay in obedience to God's command - a spotless lamb, killed, and its blood sprinkled (using a hyssop branch) on the lentel and doorposts of each home. This obedience spared the life of every first born taking refuge in a blood-marked home. Into every home, Egyptian or otherwise, (from the Pharaoh himself down to the lowest slave and the animals,) that did not have the blood of the spotless lamb in place, the death angel entered and the life of the firstborn in that dwelling was forfeited. During the seder, the Jews also rehearse the events leading up to the Passover; the patriarchs, their sojourn in Egypt, slavery, Moses' birth and deliverance, his call and confrontations with Pharaoh, the ten plagues, and on through to the parting of the Red Sea. Through the Haggadah (readings) they re-visit their deliverance year after year, always leaving an empty chair for Elijah, (the one who is to come and prepare the way of the Lord,) and always ending with, "Next year in Jerusalem!" Today, we understand the relationship between Passover and its fulfillment at Calvary as a cornerstone of our present faith.
Unleavened Bread - occurs in tandem with Passover because it is a memorial of the meal eaten in haste as they prepared to leave Egypt behind; it lasts seven days. To this day, Jews eat the Passover Seder; consisting of unleavened bread, wine, roasted lamb, along with vegetables and bitter herbs, (each having its own significance,) in remembrance of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Prior to Unleavened Bread, they undertake an extensive cleansing of their homes, vehicles, clothing, accessories, etc., to eliminate every trace of leaven. The rabbis teach this purging of old leaven, which in itself takes many days to complete, is symbolic of repentance. Note: Both John the Baptist ("Prepare ye the way of the LORD!") and Jesus preached repentance. Moreover, when Jesus sent His disciples out two by two, He told them to preach repentance. Finally, The Last Supper was not only a celebration of Passover and Unleavened Bread, it was also its fulfillment! There - Jesus instituted the concept of a new testament/covenant, one that extended into the immediate future and would find its fulfillment when we all celebrate it in the Kingdom of God. (See Matthew 26:28-29.) What we now call the communion service, which includes the essential elements of both Passover and Unleavened Bread, was rooted in what was and would grow a veritable mountain, in which the knowledge of the LORD, who He is and what He came to do would fill all the earth - and heaven too! Of this supper, Jesus said, "This do in remembrance of Me." [Side note: Jesus first washed His disciples' feet, including Judas Iscariot, and the at first unwilling Peter, then shared communion with them, still including Judas. It was at this point that Judas went out into the night to meet with the chief priests and their guards. Jesus went on to Gethsemane, where He prayed, submitted, was betrayed, arrested, abandoned by all, and then thrust into an all-night trial and the agony that followed.]
First Fruits - Leviticaus 23 lists the seven feasts and places "First Fruits" on "the morrow after the Sabbath" (Sunday). This feast, although not celebrated until they came into the Promised Land, was also part of Passover week, because the fifty-day countdown to Pentecost [Shavuot] began on that same day. (See I Corinthians 15:20-23.) At some point the Jews began combining "First Fruits" with "Pentecost" and they celebrate the two together at the present time. Either way, whether you count Jesus as the first fruits of the resurrection, or whether you count Pentecost as the first fruits of His harvest - the feast of first fruits plays an important part in God's design, plan, and purpose.
Pentecost [Shavuot] - Shavuot literally means weeks. It comes seven Sabbaths (also referred to as "the counting of the omer,") after the Feast of Unleavened Bread is complete. Shavuot commemorates the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. Pentecost is a Greek word meaning fifty. Present day Judaism does not recognize the relationship between Shavuot and the Day of Pentecost, but a comparison of Deuteronomy 29:10-15 and Acts 2:38-39 should help clarify the relationship between the old and the new covenant/testaments. (See also Deuteronomy 29:29; and Ezekiel 11:19; 18:31; 36:26.) Jesus coined the phrase "new testament" (Luke 22:20) while the writer to the Hebrews (in Hebrews 8-9,) explains how the "old" passes away when the "new" (better) comes. After His death and resurrection, (on the first day of the week, as the "first" fulfillment of the concept of "first-fruits,") Jesus showed Himself alive with many infallible proofs for forty days, then, as He ascended into heaven, the disciples watched in amazement. Ten days later, "when the Day of Pentecost was fully come," while Jews from every nation were assembled in Jerusalem, the Holy Ghost was poured out, the old passed away, the new covenant was initiated, and the world took note that this was the inauguration of true, life-changing transformation.
Trumpets [Rosh Hashanah] - the feast of trumpets actually marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar. It celebrates the sixth day, when man was created. Everything prior to the sixth day was in preparation for God's holy purpose, man. The rabbis teach Rosh Hashanah comes for two reasons; 1.) to crown God as King, and, 2.) to remind us that creation was not accidental. God had a purpose in mind. We are here for a reason - to fill the earth with the knowledge of God. The shofars (trumpets) call us to think seriously. The Day of Atonement is coming when the deeds of men will be judged. The ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur allow man to consider his ways, repent, ask forgiveness, make restitution where possible, and prepare to stand before God's judgment seat. It's interesting to note that there was a period of ten days between Jesus' ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost, during which the disciples and Mary, Jesus' mother, were among the 120 gathered in the upper room waiting/tarrying for the promise of the Father (See Acts 1:4-5; 12-14; 2:1-4.) Look how the knowledge of the Lord filled the earth following that glorious outpouring!
Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur] - Under the Old Testament sacrificial system, sins were dealt with year by year. Atonement could be accurately described as at-one-ment. Acknowledging sin, recognizing that God's way was the only right way, and coming into agreement with God and His commandments concerning sin was key. Two goats were selected; one to be sacrificed immediately, the other to bear the blood of the first goat and thereby, the sins of the people outside the camp into the wilderness, where he too perished. Sins covered by repentance were rolled forward to the next Day of Atonement, sins not repented of were not forgiven and cut one off from fellowship with God. Compare the Day of Atonement with Romans 14:10-12; I Corinthians 3:11-17; and, II Corinthians 5:10-11. (See also Revelation 20:11-15.)
Tabernacles [Succot] - Also called the feast of booths, is celebrated by fashioning a crude booth out of boards or reeds and "camping out" in it for eight days. The rabbis teach that it is celebrated during the fall of the year (as opposed to sequentially after Shavuot,) as a reminder that God's purpose prevails in good times (spring, when all is fresh and new,) and not so good times (fall, when the weather is changeable and often rainy, chilly, and uncomfortable,) in the understanding that God wants to "tabernacle" with men in every kind of situation. During this feast, Jews remember the wilderness sojourn of their forefathers, meditate on what went wrong back then, and look forward to the promised day when the knowledge of the Lord shall truly fill all the earth. (See Isaiah 11:1-9; 65:17-25; Habakkuk 2:14; and, Revelation 21:1-4.)
By Marjorie Kinnee
Text: Leviticus 23
Luke 16:16 - "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the Kingdom of Heaven is preached, and every man presseth into it."
Luke 26:44 - "And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning Me."
Over the last few days, a link I've never noticed before has been illuminated. That Calvary week occurred during the Jews Passover and feast of unleavened bread is well documented. That this was intentional is also clear. I recently learned that Jewish rabbis teach that their calendar is not merely linear, it is also cyclical; meaning significant events occur again and again on the same date throughout their history. Students of Bible prophecy will find this concept fascinating. Let's explore all seven feasts and some interesting correlations...
Passover [Pesach] - a one or two-day feast, (one day in Israel, two days everywhere else,) which commemorates the night when the death angel passed over the homes of the children of Israel. The key to their safety lay in obedience to God's command - a spotless lamb, killed, and its blood sprinkled (using a hyssop branch) on the lentel and doorposts of each home. This obedience spared the life of every first born taking refuge in a blood-marked home. Into every home, Egyptian or otherwise, (from the Pharaoh himself down to the lowest slave and the animals,) that did not have the blood of the spotless lamb in place, the death angel entered and the life of the firstborn in that dwelling was forfeited. During the seder, the Jews also rehearse the events leading up to the Passover; the patriarchs, their sojourn in Egypt, slavery, Moses' birth and deliverance, his call and confrontations with Pharaoh, the ten plagues, and on through to the parting of the Red Sea. Through the Haggadah (readings) they re-visit their deliverance year after year, always leaving an empty chair for Elijah, (the one who is to come and prepare the way of the Lord,) and always ending with, "Next year in Jerusalem!" Today, we understand the relationship between Passover and its fulfillment at Calvary as a cornerstone of our present faith.
Unleavened Bread - occurs in tandem with Passover because it is a memorial of the meal eaten in haste as they prepared to leave Egypt behind; it lasts seven days. To this day, Jews eat the Passover Seder; consisting of unleavened bread, wine, roasted lamb, along with vegetables and bitter herbs, (each having its own significance,) in remembrance of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Prior to Unleavened Bread, they undertake an extensive cleansing of their homes, vehicles, clothing, accessories, etc., to eliminate every trace of leaven. The rabbis teach this purging of old leaven, which in itself takes many days to complete, is symbolic of repentance. Note: Both John the Baptist ("Prepare ye the way of the LORD!") and Jesus preached repentance. Moreover, when Jesus sent His disciples out two by two, He told them to preach repentance. Finally, The Last Supper was not only a celebration of Passover and Unleavened Bread, it was also its fulfillment! There - Jesus instituted the concept of a new testament/covenant, one that extended into the immediate future and would find its fulfillment when we all celebrate it in the Kingdom of God. (See Matthew 26:28-29.) What we now call the communion service, which includes the essential elements of both Passover and Unleavened Bread, was rooted in what was and would grow a veritable mountain, in which the knowledge of the LORD, who He is and what He came to do would fill all the earth - and heaven too! Of this supper, Jesus said, "This do in remembrance of Me." [Side note: Jesus first washed His disciples' feet, including Judas Iscariot, and the at first unwilling Peter, then shared communion with them, still including Judas. It was at this point that Judas went out into the night to meet with the chief priests and their guards. Jesus went on to Gethsemane, where He prayed, submitted, was betrayed, arrested, abandoned by all, and then thrust into an all-night trial and the agony that followed.]
First Fruits - Leviticaus 23 lists the seven feasts and places "First Fruits" on "the morrow after the Sabbath" (Sunday). This feast, although not celebrated until they came into the Promised Land, was also part of Passover week, because the fifty-day countdown to Pentecost [Shavuot] began on that same day. (See I Corinthians 15:20-23.) At some point the Jews began combining "First Fruits" with "Pentecost" and they celebrate the two together at the present time. Either way, whether you count Jesus as the first fruits of the resurrection, or whether you count Pentecost as the first fruits of His harvest - the feast of first fruits plays an important part in God's design, plan, and purpose.
Pentecost [Shavuot] - Shavuot literally means weeks. It comes seven Sabbaths (also referred to as "the counting of the omer,") after the Feast of Unleavened Bread is complete. Shavuot commemorates the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. Pentecost is a Greek word meaning fifty. Present day Judaism does not recognize the relationship between Shavuot and the Day of Pentecost, but a comparison of Deuteronomy 29:10-15 and Acts 2:38-39 should help clarify the relationship between the old and the new covenant/testaments. (See also Deuteronomy 29:29; and Ezekiel 11:19; 18:31; 36:26.) Jesus coined the phrase "new testament" (Luke 22:20) while the writer to the Hebrews (in Hebrews 8-9,) explains how the "old" passes away when the "new" (better) comes. After His death and resurrection, (on the first day of the week, as the "first" fulfillment of the concept of "first-fruits,") Jesus showed Himself alive with many infallible proofs for forty days, then, as He ascended into heaven, the disciples watched in amazement. Ten days later, "when the Day of Pentecost was fully come," while Jews from every nation were assembled in Jerusalem, the Holy Ghost was poured out, the old passed away, the new covenant was initiated, and the world took note that this was the inauguration of true, life-changing transformation.
Trumpets [Rosh Hashanah] - the feast of trumpets actually marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar. It celebrates the sixth day, when man was created. Everything prior to the sixth day was in preparation for God's holy purpose, man. The rabbis teach Rosh Hashanah comes for two reasons; 1.) to crown God as King, and, 2.) to remind us that creation was not accidental. God had a purpose in mind. We are here for a reason - to fill the earth with the knowledge of God. The shofars (trumpets) call us to think seriously. The Day of Atonement is coming when the deeds of men will be judged. The ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur allow man to consider his ways, repent, ask forgiveness, make restitution where possible, and prepare to stand before God's judgment seat. It's interesting to note that there was a period of ten days between Jesus' ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost, during which the disciples and Mary, Jesus' mother, were among the 120 gathered in the upper room waiting/tarrying for the promise of the Father (See Acts 1:4-5; 12-14; 2:1-4.) Look how the knowledge of the Lord filled the earth following that glorious outpouring!
Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur] - Under the Old Testament sacrificial system, sins were dealt with year by year. Atonement could be accurately described as at-one-ment. Acknowledging sin, recognizing that God's way was the only right way, and coming into agreement with God and His commandments concerning sin was key. Two goats were selected; one to be sacrificed immediately, the other to bear the blood of the first goat and thereby, the sins of the people outside the camp into the wilderness, where he too perished. Sins covered by repentance were rolled forward to the next Day of Atonement, sins not repented of were not forgiven and cut one off from fellowship with God. Compare the Day of Atonement with Romans 14:10-12; I Corinthians 3:11-17; and, II Corinthians 5:10-11. (See also Revelation 20:11-15.)
Tabernacles [Succot] - Also called the feast of booths, is celebrated by fashioning a crude booth out of boards or reeds and "camping out" in it for eight days. The rabbis teach that it is celebrated during the fall of the year (as opposed to sequentially after Shavuot,) as a reminder that God's purpose prevails in good times (spring, when all is fresh and new,) and not so good times (fall, when the weather is changeable and often rainy, chilly, and uncomfortable,) in the understanding that God wants to "tabernacle" with men in every kind of situation. During this feast, Jews remember the wilderness sojourn of their forefathers, meditate on what went wrong back then, and look forward to the promised day when the knowledge of the Lord shall truly fill all the earth. (See Isaiah 11:1-9; 65:17-25; Habakkuk 2:14; and, Revelation 21:1-4.)
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