GOD’S PLAN BEGINS WITH CHRIST’S REDEEMING SACRIFICE
First of eight devotions in What God’s Festivals Teach series
Leviticus 23:2: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are My appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’”
The Lord’s commanded feasts are important to Him. They ought to be important to Believers-in-Christ, too. Commanded Holy Days Importance Today devotional series ended. Does the reader understand that the feasts centered on Christ and teach us about God’s plan for all humans?
Christ was always the focus. Jesus had an essential role in whatever the Father was busy. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” See the lesson linked below for Scriptural confirmation for this devotion.
Yet Christians, Believers-in-Christ think that these feasts were only commanded for the Jews to keep, and not them. Do they really think that our Father considers His feasts meaningless for Christians?
Sadly, for 2,000 years Biblical scholars agreed. Let’s take another brief look at each festival and learn what they teach us about our Savior. Perhaps we all can arrive at the end of this incredible journey freshly awed what Jesus accomplished?
Yesterday, April 10, 2017, was the current date for Passover. This feast is the first one Scripture mentions. It marks the greatest event in Israel’s history with miracles that released Israel from Egyptian bondage. What does Scripture teach us about Passover?
John the Baptist leads the parade with, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Lambs were always Biblical symbols of sacrifice, especially at Passover. The blood of the lamb protected Israelites’ firstborn from death Almost fifteen centuries later, Jesus fulfilled the greatest of all sacrifices as the LAST Passover Lamb.
Jesus was grieved—overwhelmed by sorrow to the point of death—the night before He was arrested. He fully understood His role of the sacrificial lamb and walked willingly.(as far as he could), to His death.
Now this Passover feast took on ultimate meaning when Jesus’ disciples grasped the weight of Jesus being the Passover Lamb. They observed these Feasts while they lived. They understood that they are a shadow of things to come.
Take Home Nugget
God always planned for Jesus to sacrifice His life for redeeming all mankind from sin. A lamb as the symbol of Passover is the Father’s idea. Far from being obsolete, [OB-sole-eet] mean outdated, St. Paul talks about these feasts predicting the future.
These Feast events have not been fulfilled yet, but tell of mankind’s salvation in our future.
Heavenly Father, help me to observe Your feasts and learn Your plan of salvation for all people. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Adapted from God’s Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. ©1966, 1998, 2001, 2010, 2013 by the United Church of Christ. Ohio. Pgs. 52-53.
J.D. Griffith
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The latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:
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