Israel's Feasts (2)

I wanted to share a few thoughts that have been on my mind a good deal recently. I have been thinking about the 7 feasts of the Lord celebrated by Israel. The first three pointed to Christ’s first coming and His sacrifice for our sins. The fourth feast was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was sent from God to indwell believers. The remaining 3 feasts respond to the stages of the Christ’s second coming, ie the rapture and the second coming.

Passover, Israel is freed from slavery or REDEEMED. The blood of the Passover lambs on the door posts and lintels saved them from death and freed them from Egyptian slavery at the same time. Jesus our Passover was slain for us. 1 Cor 5:7; 1 Pet 1:18-21; John 1:29 Israel ate the roasted lamb only once. Once saved always saved. The Lamb becomes a part of us. We are New Creations in Christ. 2 Cor 5:17; John 6: 32-35; 47-51; Eph 5:29-32

Unleavened Bread, Israel is made RIGHTEOUS, imputed righteousness, search for leaven in their homes, ie confession of their sin. They ate unleavened bread for 7 days. They started this in Egypt and continued on their journey towards Canaan. (7 speaks of completion). Unleavened bread was Tested by the fire, striped and pierced as it cooked over the fire. Jesus was made of a new lump of dough, (virgin born). temped, yet sinless. We will always need Christ’s perfect righteousness as we travel through the Christian life. 1 Cor 1:30; 5:7-8, Isa 53:4-6

First Fruits, Israel waved first fruits (a sheaf) to the Lord. RESURRECTION. Jesus is the first fruits from the dead. 1 Cor 15:20; Matt 27:51-53. But Jesus is not alone, He is joined by these saints who rose from their tombs at the time of His death and appeared to many. Together they make up the sheaf to be waved before the Father. Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone. Jesus did fall into the ground and died. John 12:24 At His ascension Jesus presented these resurrected saints joined to Himself to the Father, they are the first fruits of a greater harvest yet to come. The waving signifies that all the harvest belongs to God. Eph 4:8

Pentecost, Israel waved 2 loaves of leavened bread, REGENERATION. Sinners (bread has leaven) are now accepted by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. According to Jewish tradition tongues of fire were present at Mount Sinai when the Law was given. On the Day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit is given to the Church. Fire and wind symbolise the life giving and purifying work of the Holy Spirit. John 3:3-8, Acts 2:1-4 Matt 3:11-12 Maybe the 2 loaves symbolise how the Church is made up of both Jews and Gentiles. Eph 2:11-22

Trumpets, Israel celebrated this feast in the fall, at the end of the Harvest. When the New Moon appeared the first day of the 7th month commenced. The trumpet was immediately sounded and the people came to Jerusalem to celebrate 3 feasts over a 2 week period. REST and REJOICING. It meant the harvest was over, work was finished, come and worship. When the Church age is finished the trumpet will sound, the archangel will announce, (perhaps, behold the Bridegroom?) the Lord will shout and we will stop working in the fields and rise to meet the Lord in the air. We will rest from our labours and worship the Lord. 2 Thess 1:3-7; I won’t be dogmatic about this. It certainly fits with John 14:1-4 As there were 2 loaves of leavened bread at the feast of Pentecost, there are also 2 silver trumpets. (silver represents redemption) Maybe one is for Israel and one for the church. Maybe the 1st trumpet will summon the church to the Bridegroom when He returns to the air to collect His bride at the rapture. Eph 4:30; 1 Thess 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15:51-54; Rev 4:1-4 Whilst the 2nd trumpet accompanied with angels will gather the elect (Israel and the tribulation saints) to the Lord at the second coming. Matt 24:30-31

Day of Atonement, On this day the people of Israel would fast and afflict their souls, confessing their sin. The High Priest would offer the blood of a bull for his own sin and then the blood of a goat for the sins of the people. This was the only day that the High Priest could enter the most holy place. The priest would confess the sins of the people over a second goat who was then driven into the wilderness. This showed that God had removed the people’s sins from them. REMISSION of sin. I believe that this feast has been fulfilled for the Church since Jesus has entered into the most holy place made without hands, the heavenly temple to offer His own blood once and for all. Jesus Christ has made atonement for us for He is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but for the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2; Heb 9:11-15; 9:23-28 Israel has been unable to keep this feast since the temple was destroyed in 70 ad. Since then, (1952 Years now) they are unable to offer sacrifices in the most holy place. They are unable to make atonement for their sins. Yet all the while Jesus is there waiting to make atonement for their sin. His once and for all sacrifice is sufficient for their sins and they could obtain eternal salvation if they would only look to the Lamb of God. Heb 5:5-9; 10:16-22; 1 John 2:1-2; John 1:29 Maybe this will have a special fulfillment for Israel when Christ is revealed to the world and to Israel at the second coming. Every eye will see Him and those who pierced Him (Israel). Rev 1:7; Zech 12:10-14; 13:1 Israel will mourn for their sin when their Messiah returns to save them from their enemies. They will see His wounds and mourn. God will pour on the house of David and Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication. Daniel said that 70 weeks were required to accomplish 6 things for Israel and for Jerusalem. Daniel 9:24 Clearly this has not been fulfilled for Israel and the prophecy is only for Israel. 69 Weeks have passed and the Messiah has been slain for His people.

The 70th week, or final 7 years is still awaiting fulfilment. What if the end of the 70th week (end of the Great Tribulation) coincides with the 6th Feast, the Day of Atonement At Christ’s 2nd Advent. Zechariah 12:10-14 describe this perfectly.

Feast of Tabernacles, Israel was to keep this feast for 7 days. They would cut down branches from beautiful leafy trees and make booths to dwell in whilst they kept the feast. This reminded them that God had made them to dwell in booths after He bought them out of Egypt. It spoke of their exodus, their pilgrimage from Egypt to the promised land. It spoke of how the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had lived as pilgrims, and strangers, in the land of Canaan. They too dwelt in tents during their sojourn in Canaan. Heb 11:8–10; 14-16 (NKJV) 8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 14For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

The Feast of Tabernacles also reminded Israel that God was journeying with them and His presence in the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night was seen by all. God provided, manna every day and water from the rock. It also reminded them that God dwelt in the midst of their tents in the Tabernacle. This was a portable dwelling place where God’s presence would reside in the most holy place. It reminded them that God was near yet also that He is Holy. He could not be approached by the people. The Day of Atonement was the only day that the High Priest could enter the most Holy place.

God wants His people to always remember that this world is not our home we are only passing through. Because we are journeying to the Holy City, New Jerusalem we ought to live holy lives worthy of our calling. This was why Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in tents and not in the cities of the Canaanites. Neither did the patriarchs marry Canaanite wives. We must not set our hearts on things down here but on what is above. God has promised to give us a heavenly country and a city that He has built for us, the New Jerusalem. Col 3:1–3 (NKJV) 1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Jesus told His disciples to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and He will provide all the things we need in this life, food, clothes and shelter. Matt 6:31-34 Our hearts must truly be set on spiritual things. When we realize that we are pilgrims traveling to our eternal home we hold everything with a looser grip. This frees us up to the live the life that God has intended us to live.

In Eden (paradise) God walked with man in the cool of the day. They enjoyed perfect fellowship.

After the fall, sin spoiled this relationship and God promised a Saviour would one day restore man from the fall.

Man could only approach God at the altar where a substitutionary sacrifice was offered for his sin.

The Patriarchs all approached the Lord through animal sacrifices to cover their sin. Lived separated lives.

The Tabernacle that God commanded Moses to build brought God closer to man, but a wall was still there.

The Temple’s built by Solomon and Zerubbabel both had restricted access to God’s presence.

Then God sent His Son to dwell (tabernacle) amongst us. People beheld His glory (shielded except for Mount of Transfiguration) as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 This was a major change as Jesus Christ, God’s Son lived and walked amongst us. People saw, heard, spoke to and touched God in human flesh. God had come closer to us than any other time except perhaps for Eden. 1 John 1:1-4

When Jesus died on the cross, He cried out in victory Te telastai. This word means, It is Finished, man’s debt is paid in full, the work of salvation is complete. John 19:30

The curtain in the temple was torn in two signifying man could now come into God’s presence. Matt 27:51

The bodies of many of the saints were raised and came out of their tombs and appeared to many. Matt 27:52 This could only happen if God had accepted the work of Christ, His sacrifice for our sin. Heb 10:20; Rom 4:25

Believers now have direct access to God’s throne. We no longer need an altar or sacrifice; we only need plead the blood of Jesus Christ for our sin. 1 John 1:7-9; Heb 4:15-16; 10:19-25

After Christ’s second coming He will defeat His enemies and save His people Israel. Zech 14:1-15

Jesus will establish an earthly kingdom and reign in Jerusalem for 1000 years. Psa2:1-12; Rev 20:4-6; Zech 14:9

A 4th temple will be built in Jerusalem and Jesus will reign from there over all nations. Ezekiel 40:1-46:24; the Church, believing Israel and Tribulation Martyrs will reign over the nations serving in Christ’s government.

Both Glorified saints, ie the Church and Old Testament Saints, Tribulation Martyrs and mortal believers, ie tribulation saints (who did not die), saved Israel will live on the earth. Matt 19:28; Luke 19:11-24

Those in mortal bodies can still have children, can sin, need to confess their sin, every person born must received Christ as their Saviour. Some will, at the end many join Satan’s rebellion against Jesus Christ. Rev 20:7-9

All the nations who are left, ie tribulation saints will come up to Jerusalem to worship the King and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Zech 14:16-19 This celebration will be shared with King Jesus who is present. Hallelujah.

Jesus will dwell with mankind on the Earth. He will reign until He has put down every enemy. 1 Cor 15:24-26 We will see Him face to face, and He will usher in an age of great blessing and peace. Isa 2:1-4; 65:21-25;

Life will be lengthened and many of the consequences of the curse will begin to be rolled back. It will be a time of righteousness, bountiful crops. Amos 9:13 Sin will not be tolerated and dealt with very quickly. Rev 2:26-27

Death itself may be removed for believers as the tree of life grows on the banks of the river that flows out from under the sanctuary. Ezek 47:12; Isa 65:17-20. This river of life brings blessings directly from God’s throne. Ezek 47:1-10; Zech 14:8

This feast highlights how the 1000 year kingdom is not everything, personal salvation is still required for heaven.

The Eternal State. I could not finish this study without touching on the final relationship between God and His people. Revelation 21 and 22 deal with this in wonderful detail.

Rev 21:1–7 (NKJV) 1Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

It states very clearly that God will dwell (tabernacle) with His people. He will wipe away every tear, remove all sorrow, crying, death and pain. He will give an eternal inheritance to His children.

Revelation 21:22–23 (NKJV) 22But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.

It says that there is NO TEMPLE in the New Jerusalem because God and the Lamb are its temple. It is no longer a physical building. God’s presence is now the temple and we are pillars, or permanent residents in God’s spiritual house Rev 3:12 Temples are places of worship where we meet with and worship God. As we have seen they had barriers separating sinful man from a Holy God. This is no longer the case. Our sin has been removed completely and the imputed righteousness of our Saviour Jesus Christ has become a permanent part of our new glorified bodies. There is no need for light of the sun or moon any longer for Lord God almighty and the Lamb are its light. God is light and He is in fact surrounded by unapproachable light. 1 Tim 6:15-16 When Saul met Jesus on the Damascus Road He saw a light brighter than the noon day sun. Acts 9:3; 26:13 Isaiah was undone when he saw the Lord highly exalted sitting upon His throne. Isa 6:1-5 God told Moses that no one could see His face and live. Ex 33:17-23 Because God has completely removed our sin and its consequences we can see God and not be destroyed by His glorious presence. God has imputed the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ into our very beings. Jude 24-25. 1 John 3:1–3 (NKJV) 1Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

The Curse has been completely removed, God’s richest blessings rest on His people and our relationship is completely restored. See the following verses.

Revelation 22:1–5 (NKJV) 1And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. We will live and worship in God’s very presence. Our relationship will be close and personal as we see Him face to face. Perfect fellowship will continue throughout all eternity as God, our Father dwells, tabernacles with us. To Me this feast of Tabernacles speaks of RECONCILIATION, RESTORATION, RESIDENCE, RELATIONSHIP. All Of these apply. We will know God in a deeper way than we could of before the fall. Adam knew God as His Creator and Sovereign. Now we know God as our Redeemer and Saviour. This unfolding plan of redemption is the goal that the Lord has been working toward from the beginning. He has restored mankind to Himself and so perfectly that nothing will ever come between us. Amen, Maranatha.

2 Corinthians 5:18–21 (NKJV) 18Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.