This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Ron Braley. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
God appointed certain times for specific things (Leviticus 23:4) and put stars, planets, and constellations in a particular order and position to mark them. (Genesis 1:14). For instance, some seasons and feasts were, and are, dress rehearsals for fulfilling God’s words. Jesus’ first coming in the 1st century AD and his second coming to occur at the end of our current age/world (Colossians 2:16-17) have fulfilled (and will fulfill) them. What about the feasts?
God ordained seven of them. Four occur in springtime: Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Pentecost. Three more happen in the fall: Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), Atonement, and Tabernacles (Sukkot). The Jews were required to visit the Temple in Jerusalem for three feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Let’s take a brief peek at each of the seven events.
• Spring Feasts of the Lord (fulfilled by Jesus’ first coming): Roughly March to May)
Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread: These first two spring feasts commemorate the salvation of the Hebrews from God’s judgment against Pharaoh and their exodus from Egypt in about 1445 BC. Passover commences on the 14th day of the first month at twilight. The Feast of UnleavenedBread lasts for seven days, beginning the day after Passover.
Feast of Firstfruits: This marks the beginning of the harvest period and allows Israel to present the first fruits of that harvest to God in thanksgiving. It occurs 50 days before the Feast of Weeks.
The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): This feast occurs 50 days after the feast of Firstfruits to signal the end of the grain harvest and give thanks to God for His provision.
• Fall Feasts of the Lord (will be fulfilled by Jesus’ return to earth): September or October
The Feast of Trumpets: This ‘memorial of blowing of trumpets’ happens on the first day of the seventh month (usually September).
The Day of Atonement: The event is meant to be a time of atonement for the Jews and will most likely mark the manifestation of salvation and reconciliation between God and Israel at the end of the ‘time of the gentiles’ (cf. Luke 21:24 and Romans 11:25-27).
The Feast of Tabernacles: Finally, this feast commemorates the Israelites’ time in the desert just before entering the land of Canaan. During the festival, which lasts seven days, Jews are compelled to live in structures (booths) made of branches, twigs, and leaves.
Where will we go next week? Let’s kick off our deep dive into God’s ordained feasts by learning of Jesus in the Passover! Questions or comments? Email [email protected].
Blessings and peace,
Dr. Ron Braley,
Pastor, Northview Christian Church (www.nvcc.church)
