The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the Lord that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts. (Leviticus 22:1,2 ESV)
The Feasts
The seven feasts of the Lord’s people, described in Leviticus were not just times to eat together and have a party. They taught, in a way that repeated every year as the calendar was followed, the story of Israel’s salvation. Some are remembered, today, more than others… but all seven pointed to the wonderful promise of the necessary Messiah.
Passover remembers the forgiveness of sin, because of the blood of the lamb. Unleavened Bread teaches about the pervasive nature of the sin that makes salvation necessary. First Fruits rejoices that salvation WORKS, and that God’s people are blessed by it. Weeks experiences the waiting that is sometimes present in God’s salvific process. Trumpets announces the GLORY of God’s work. The Day of Atonement examines the details of justification. And Booths announces that, through salvation, God becomes present: Emmanuel!
And all of those celebrations are all about Jesus! Passover is really about Christ’s blood. The Feast of Unleavened Bread is about Christ cleaning up our sins. The feast of First Fruits enjoys the knowledge that HE was resurrected first, and we follow Him. The feast of Weeks shows us that waiting for Christ is always worthwhile. The feast of Trumpets announces that Jesus is King. The Day of Atonement examines Christ’s work in life, death, and life again. And in the Feast of Booths we are reminded that Christ is not far off… but with us.
Not just food and a party… but the Messiah!