Year of the Bible: Part Three of Twelve Sample

Holy Days and Celebrations.

God had a calendar of worship that the people were to observe, and this calendar would become a vital part of their walk with God. You can read all about them throughout the Old Testament. God led them as children, and a calendar is a beneficial tool for children because it reminds them of what to do and when to do it! God gave them precise directions for every worship celebration they were to observe. These celebrations were called "Feasts." David Pawson gives us some explanations of the Feasts in his book, "Unlocking the Bible."

• Passover – This is the first feast of the year, celebrated in the first month. The feast of unleavened bread celebrated the release of the Israelites from captivity in Egypt. On the day before the Passover, a lamb had to be killed at 3:00 pm.

• Firstfruits – Three days after Passover, the people would offer Firstfruits of the harvest to God. It is not difficult to see the similarities in pattern with Jesus' death and resurrection.

• Pentecost – 50 days after offering the first fruits, they held the Feast of Pentecost. Pente means 50 and is also called "The feast of weeks." This feast commemorated the day the law was given on Mount Sinai, and they were to give thanks for the giving of the law. When the law was first given, 3,000 people died because of their sins. Centuries later, when the spirit fell at Pentecost, 3,000 were saved in one day!

The following three feasts are toward the end of the year:

• Feast of Trumpets – The shofar was blown. This was an old ram's horn, and it was blown to signal a whole new round of feasts. Interestingly, every time a trumpet is mentioned in the New Testament, it is to announce the coming of Jesus.

• The Day of Atonement – This was the crucial day when a sacrifice was made for the repayment of all the people's sins, and the scapegoat was pushed out of the camp with all the people's sins on its head.

• Feast of Booths – Also known as Succoth, came after the Day of Atonement and lasted eight days. The people moved out of their homes and lived in shelters. They had to be able to see the stars through the roof to remind them of the 40 years wandering in the desert when they could have been in the promised land in 11 days!

As you look forward to Christ, it's incredible to note that these feasts all find their fulfillment in Jesus.

Question: What excites you the most about how these feasts point to Jesus?

Prayer Focus: The Feasts were for remembering things God had done and looking forward to something God had yet to do. Ask God to open your eyes to what He has already done. Thank Him for His works. Ask Him to open your eyes to what He is doing and join Him in that work. Ask Him to show you what is coming and give you the patience and courage to wait and hope.