Sunday, March 6, 2011

Fulfillment of the Feasts, Intro 1

There are a multitude of prophecies regarding the messiah within the Bible. One people often do not think of is found in Leviticus 23. Here God delivers through Moses the commandment to observe seven feasts throughout the year. To just read this chapter tucked away in the Old Testament it seems to fall right in with the remaining commandments given to Israel. However, when a closer look is taken at each feast, its timing, and subject matter, a messianic prophecy is brought to light. We find four feasts that were fulfilled during Jesus Christ’s life on Earth and the remaining three feasts addressing the future. Over the course of this year we will look at each of these feasts and how God’s plan for salvation is evident in each one.

Let’s start with a simple introduction. What are the seven feasts?

 Passover (Pesach) – Leviticus 23:5
 Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag Hamotzi) – Leviticus 23:6-8
 Feast of First Fruits (Yom Habikkurim) – Leviticus 23:10-14
 Feast of Weeks (Shavu’ot) – Leviticus 23:15-22, commonly called Pentecost
 Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teru’ah) – Leviticus 23:24-25, commonly called Rosh Hashanah
 Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) – Leviticus 23:27-32
 Feast of Tabernacles/Booths (Sukkot) – Leviticus 23:34-43

These feasts typically take place in three seasons: Spring (Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits), Summer (Weeks), and Fall (Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles). God centered these feasts on an agricultural calendar. During the feasts Israel was to praise God for His provision in the respective seasonal harvests. He wanted Israel to have a constant reminder that they were dependent upon His provision. This message holds true to us today. God will provide what we need. We may not receive our wants and it may not be at our desired time; but, we can count on His provision and protection (Matthew 6:25-34).

Next time we will look at these feasts from a messianic and Church-age perspective.