2 October Leviticus 23

The Seven Feasts of Israel

Though rooted in ancient Jewish traditions, the seven feasts of Israel carry profound spiritual lessons and applications for believers today. Here’s how each feast affects us personally and how its significance can influence our daily lives:

1. Passover

Leviticus 23:4-5 (NIV) “These are the Lord’s appointed festivals, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times: 5 The Lord’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month”.

Just as the blood of the Passover lamb saved the Israelites from death, the blood of Jesus saved us from eternal separation from God. This reminds us daily that through Christ’s sacrifice, we are forgiven and free from the bondage of sin. We can live with gratitude, knowing we are redeemed and have a fresh start every day, free from the weight of past mistakes. Romans 8:1 (AMP) “Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Saviour]”.

2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread

Leviticus 23:6 (NIV) “On the fifteenth day of that month the Lord’s Festival of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast”. Unleavened bread represents a life free from the corruption of sin. This feast calls us to examine our hearts daily, remove “leaven” (anything sinful or harmful) from our lives, and strive to live in sincerity and truth.

Each day is an opportunity for spiritual purification and growth in holiness, relying on God’s grace to overcome sinful habits. John 6:35 (NIV) “Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”. Further confirmed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV)Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth."

3. The Feast of First Fruits

Leviticus 23:9-11 (NIV) “The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter the land I am going to give you and you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest. He is to wave the sheaf before the Lord so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath.

Jesus’ resurrection as the first fruits shows us that our lives are meant to bear fruit for God's kingdom. Every day, we can live in the hope of our resurrection and victory over death. We are called to offer God the “first fruits” of our time, talents, and resources, dedicating our best to Him. Gratitude for life’s blessings leads us to generosity and commitment to giving God our best.

Romans 8:29 (NIV) "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."

4. The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

Leviticus 23:15-17 (NIV) “From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord. 17 From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of the finest flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the Lord”.

The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowers us to live for Christ. Daily, we can ask the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, power, and guidance for our actions and decisions. We can constantly rely on the Holy Spirit, seeking His direction in every aspect of life, from how we relate to others to fulfilling our calling.

Luke 24:49 (NIV) "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

5. The Feast of Trumpets

Leviticus 23:24-25 (NIV) “Say to the Israelites: ‘On the first day of the seventh month you are to have a day of sabbath rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts. Do no regular work, but present a food offering to the Lord.’ The Feast of Trumpets reminds us to live in readiness for Christ’s return. It calls us to a life of spiritual alertness, repentance, and anticipation of the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promises.

Every day one should live with an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual things rather than being consumed by worldly concerns. This feast encourages us to be ready for Christ’s return. 1 Corinthians 15:52 (NIV) In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

6. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

Leviticus 23:26-28 (NIV) The Lord said to Moses, “The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves,[a] and present a food offering to the Lord. Do not do any work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the Lord your God”.

The Day of Atonement emphasises the importance of repentance and reconciliation with God and others. We can reflect on our need for forgiveness and offer forgiveness to others daily, keeping our hearts pure before God.

We should regularly engage in self-examination and repentance, maintaining a clear conscience before God and nurturing right relationships with others. Through Christ’s atonement, we have the confidence to draw near to God each day, assured of His acceptance and love.

Hebrews 9:11-12 (NIV) “But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption."

7. The Feast of Tabernacles

Leviticus 23:33-35 (NIV) The Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord’s Festival of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. 35 The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work. For seven days present food offerings to the Lord, and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and present a food offering to the Lord. It is the closing special assembly; do no regular work.

This feast celebrates God’s provision and His dwelling among us. Through Christ, we are reminded of God’s constant presence with us daily. No matter our challenges, we can trust that God is with us, providing for our needs and guiding us. We can cultivate gratitude for God’s provision and find peace in His presence, especially in life’s wilderness seasons. God dwells with us, and His care for us is ongoing.

Revelation 21:3 (NIV) “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.'"

In conclusion, the feasts teach us to live constantly, aware of God's love, redemption, provision, and promise. These scriptures remind us to live each day in gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice, pursue holiness, be empowered by the Spirit, hope for His return, and trust in His daily provision.