Why Study the Feasts? Reasons 4-12 of 12

4. Because we will learn from what has been written

Romans 15:4 (New International Version)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5. Because Christ came to fulfill all that was written of Him in "the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets"

Luke 24:26-27 (New International Version)

²⁶Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" ²⁷And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Luke 24:44-45 (New International Version)

⁴⁴He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

⁴⁵Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

John 5:45-46 (New International Version)

⁴⁵"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. ⁴⁶If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.

Acts 3:22-23 (New International Version)

²²For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ²³Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'

6. Because it leads us to Christ

Galatians 3:24 (New International Version)

²⁴So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

7. Because the intricate details point to some aspect of the person, work and glory of Christ.

Hebrews 10:7 (New International Version)

⁷Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, O God.'

Psalm 40:6-8 (New International Version)

⁶ Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

⁷ Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.

⁸ I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

8. Because there was knowledge and truth in the external form of the Law. We study the external form to discover the internal knowledge and truth that was hidden therein.

Romans 2:20 (New International Version)

²⁰an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

Hebrews 1:1-2 (New International Version)

The Son Superior to Angels

¹In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

9. Because they set forth "patterns" of heavenly things on earth.

Hebrews 8:5 (New International Version)

⁵They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

Hebrews 9:9 (New International Version)

⁹This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.

Hebrews 9:23-24 (New International Version)

²³It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence.

10. Because they set forth the total ministry of Christ relative to the plan of redemption. They set forth in their time element the present Dispensation, from the first coming of Christ (Passover), through the Church Age (Pentecost to the second coming of Christ (Tabernacles)

11. Because the truths therein are part of "present truth" which the Holy Spirit is quickening to the Church in these "last days".

2 Peter 1:12 (New International Version)

Prophecy of Scripture

¹²So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

Matthew 4:4 (New International Version)

⁴Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " (Deut 8:3)

12. Because there had never been a generation who have experienced all three feasts, but the end-time generation will experience such, even as did that generation under King Solomon's glorious reign (2 Chron 8:13). This generation will hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches (Rev 2:7)

2 Chronicles 8:13 (New International Version)

¹³ according to the daily requirement for offerings commanded by Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons and the three annual feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Revelation 2:7 (New International Version)

⁷He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Extracted from "The Feasts of Israel" by Kevin J. Conner

Why study the feasts? Reason 3 of 12

3. Because they were prophetic in nature and points towards future events.

It is like someone telling us what will happen and when they do happen, we are not totally caught by surprise. For those part that had happened, we take comfort and hold on to what's to come, especially in the times of trials and sufferings.

Therefore they are foreshadows of what Christ would fulfill in Himself and in the Church. Christ's first coming had already come when He came as Savior. His second coming is pending, when He will come as King! That gives us hope now for what's to come. The Scripture exhorts us to live today well, but never to cling on to this world, for we are sojourners or pilgrims passing by. Look to the future. It's a better eternity!

1 Corinthians 10:6 (New International Version)

6Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

Matthew 5:17-18 (New International Version)

The Fulfillment of the Law

17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Matthew 11:13 (New International Version)

13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 22:1-30

Another tough one on application. But I found some interesting insights and applications.

Quite a few laws handled here in this chapter which can be categorised into:

1. Acts of charity and good neighbourliness , in the care of strayed or fallen cattle, and lost cloak (v 1-4)

2. For the preservation of order and distinction (v9-11) - cross dressing and needless mixtures

3. For the preservation of birds (v6-7)

4. For the preservation of life (v8)

5. For the preservation of the commandments (Numbers 15:37-41)

6. For the reputation of a wife abused if she was innocent (v13-19), but for her punishment if she is guilty (v 20-21)

7. For the preservation of the chastity of wives (v22), virgins betrothed (v23-27), or not betrothed (v28-29) and against incest (v30)

On item 1, it is interesting to note that the cattle and cloak of a person is important, one as a source of his livelihood and the other his source of protection against the cold. They must be returned even at personal cost or inconvenience of looking after it temporary until it's found by the owner, or returning it ourselves.

Let me mention that the standard is even higher in Exodus 23:4-5 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it."

Here the act of charity is extended to an enemy. How much more it is required for our neighbour? We are to do good to all men. If God gave such concern and attention to an animal that has gone astray, how much more we need to do that for fellow men when they have gone astray from God?

James 5:19-20 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Today's reading reminds me of the character and attributes of God, that through these laws, we are aware of His heart for everyone, especially the poor and needy, and those lost without eternity. Do we give such attention and eye to those around us? "Lord, open my eyes that I may see." This is precisely what Rev C.B. Samuel preached about this weekend in church.

Why study the feasts? Further comments on reason 2

Interestingly, from today's reading, Deuteronomy 21:22-23, I think I heard you say, "How in the world am I going to get something out of this? This is gross! Capital punishment and hanging the body on a tree?"

²² If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and his body is hung on a tree, ²³ you must not leave his body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God's curse. You must not desecrate the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.

The intensity of punishment for the crime of murder is shown here. However, prolonged exposure of body gives undue attention to the crime and the criminal. In an earlier post, I had dealt with the meaning of being "hung on a tree."

This crime places a person under God's curse. God had condemned murder, and hanging on a tree symbolizes divine judgment and rejection. Christ accepted the full punishment of our sins, thus becoming "a curse for us" (Gal 3:13) ¹³Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Because of our sins, we are all under God's divine judgment. Jesus took our sins on the cross, and subject Himself to God's curse, so that we need not be cursed. He took all that we deserved and put it upon Himself. This is the ultimate demonstration of God's love, that He was willing to sacrifice His Only Son, and His Son was willing to lay down His life for us. We are extremely valuable to God. Unless we come to that point of understanding, we can never understand the love song sung throughout the entire Bible.

Therefore here we see an Old Testament law pointing to the Lord Jesus.

Why study the feasts? Reasons 1 & 2 of 12

This is a normal question to ask as we can be totally bewildered and confused by all the do's and don'ts of the Law. Are there any relevance to modern day living? So why do we need to study the feast?

As Hosea lamented: I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something alien. (Hosea 8:12)

The intricate detail of all things Mosaic would be meaningless unless they are all seen in the light of the Cross in relation to Christ and the Church. Apart from the Feasts, why then do we need to study the Tabernacle of Moses, the Tabernacle of David, the Temple of Solomon, the Priesthood and the Offerings?

Let me give you Twelve major reasons over the next few posts why all these should be studied. They are taken from "The Feasts of Israel" by Kevin J. Conner and I will elaborate on each of the points.

1. Because they are part of Scriptures given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God said it, so it must be important.

There's an old adage that goes:

God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!

Not entirely accurate. Whether I believe it or not does not make it any truer. It should read:

God said it, and that settles it! That's why we need to study it so that we have the whole context of the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work

2. Because they are a 'shadow of things to come'. They all point to Christ.

Shadow in the sense of a lesser. If only the people in the OT could have a glimpse of what we are enjoying today as God's redeemed people!

Colossians 2:16-17 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Hebrews 10:1-2 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.

Deuteronomy - One Place of Worship

It has been fascinating just reading Deuternomy slowly. I will attempt to share with you in the next few posts some insights into the Feasts of Israel and the various offerings that were mentioned in the book.

One thing we must watch out for when we read or study the Word of God is to look for repetitions. If something is repeated enough, it may be important. For e.g. note these two phrases:

• The place the Lord will choose
• The place the Lord your God will choose

In my bible study, I have compiled these phrases in the table here.

The Lord requires a single place of worship. Why? The tabernacle, the Lord's dwelling place during the 40 years of wandering in the desert, will eventually be located in the city of Jerusalem, where the Lord will choose to dwell. The ultimate fulfillment of this command came centuries later when God let David move the tabernacle to Jerusalem where his son Solomon built the temple. The command for a single sanctuary promoted or emphasized three things: the unity of God (He is One, not many), the purity of the Israelites’ worship of the Lord, and the people’s political and spiritual unity. (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

The Tabernacle of Moses

Solomon's Temple

Moses stresses the importance of centralizing the place of worship in the promised land, where the Caanites had established many places of worship for their many gods. The people of God must be different from them.

The sacrifices, offerings and feasts will culminate in the Temple, where feasting and rejoicing takes place as well as celebrating God and His blessings.

What's the application of this truth? Simply that we must have only one place of worship and that is God in our hearts. He must take first place and be seated on the throne of our hearts. The Bible says we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit where the Holy Spirit dwells. Not just dwelling in us individually, but in the church as a community.

1 Cor 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

2 Cor 6:16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

Isn't that an amazing truth, that we can have a personal relationship with this God? No wonder the Israelites would exclaim:

Deuteronomy 4:5-8

^5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. ^6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” ^7 What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? ^8 And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?

People will look at the church and we can exclaim: "What other community is so great to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?"

Is there a prominent place of worship in your life? Sing this song in your heart now:

Verse:

I will have no other gods before You

Only You will reign as my heart’s King

I will have no other gods before You

I will put You first in everything

Chorus:

With all my heart with all my soul

With all my might I want to love You Lord

With all my heart with all my soul

With all my might I want to love You Lord

Deuteronomy - What does it mean?

'Deuteronomy' comes from two words in the Greek language: deutero, which means 'second', and nomos, which means 'law'.

This is not talking about another new set of Laws, but a reiteration of it. When the Ten Commandments were given in Exodus 20, they were given to the first generation of Israelites who came out of Egypt, crossed the Red Sea with a huge natural show of God's power, camped at Sinai and heard the Ten Commandments for the first time. With the Ten Commandments are 613 laws of Moses. As we know, the people sinned and the consequence of it were the 40 years wilderness experience in the desert until the whole generation of those above 20 years old at the time of the escape died (except for Moses, Joshua and Caleb). They never had the privilege of taking possession of the Promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey!

The new generation were only little children when they crossed the Red Sea and camped at Sinai. Most would barely remember after forty years what had happened and certainly would not recall the reading of the law at Sinai. So, here's the purpose of the reading and explaining of the law for the second time, hence Deuteronomy, 'second law' to this new generation.

Moses was himself not privileged to lead the people into the Promised Land due to his own sin of striking the rock for water instead of speaking at it. (Numbers 20:1-13) He disobeyed God's Word and God showed him he was going to die in just seven days. Therefore Moses wanted to ensure that this new generation were informed about the past and ready to face the future.

Each generation must renew their covenant with God. The baton was passed to Joshua and the rest is history. But what a tragic ending for Moses when he stood on top of Pisgah (Deuteronomy 3:21-29), looking at the new land and not being able to go in. So near yet so far. I believe at that moment, it must have been his deepest regret.

We must be reminded that while we can start well, we may not necessarily end well. That's why the Bible repeatedly warns us to "be very careful". Keep focus in your Christian life!

Deuteronomy is the last of the five books of Moses, the Pentateuch. He was by then an old man of 120, and was entering his last week of life (the book ends with his death). Having seen the weakness of the present generation's parents, he was afraid they might got the same way. He saw ahead to the battles they would need to fight, both physical and spiritual.

In the last week of his life he spoke three times to them. The whole Deuteronomy is made up of three long speeches, each of which must have taken the best part of a day to give. This spoken style comes across. It is very personal and emotional book. Moses is appealing to the people, like a dying father to his children. (Unlocking the Bible, Pg 187)

Everyone is Beautiful!

Shaun and Ashton (the younger one)

I smile when I saw this photo that I took a few weeks ago. Thought I'll share this with you what went through my mind in conjunction with our journalling.

We are all made in the image of God. All of us are made beautiful in God's sight. Like any proud Father, our Heavenly Father is proud of His handiwork! Never wish you are someone else. Look in the mirror every morning and say "I like what I see. God did not make a mistake!" You are one of a kind.

When God listed names after names in the Bible of His people, the message clear. He knows everyone by name. He keeps a careful tab of you and your situation. He is concern about you. When one sheep is lost out of 100, like a good Shepherd, he notices your absence, leaves the 99 and look for you. (Luke 15) You are not just a digit in the billions of people. God knows you ... you are beautiful in His sight!

Vacancy open - all can apply! You can be beautiful!

Apostle Paul's Three-Step Leadership

You should have just completed Ephesians, Jude and Philemon.

Apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Colossae, Ephesus and Philippi, and in between a personal letter to Philemon. His two years of house arrest led to these wonderful letters that have encouraged the church since.

Let me comment about the way Apostle Paul wrote to Philemon to appeal for Onesimus. Let me quote from the NIV Study Bible:

To win Philemon's willing acceptance of Onesimus, Paul writes very tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he creates with a wordplay*. The appeal (vv. 4-21) is organized in a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport (vv. 4-10), to persuade the mind (vv. 11-19) and to move the emotions (vv. 20-21). The name Onesimus is not mentioned until the rapport has been built (v. 10), and the appeal itself is stated only near the end of the section to persuade the mind (v. 17).

* verse 11: Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

Useless ... useful. A play on the meaning of Onesimus's name which means 'useful'.

Wow, I wrote in my journal that Apostle Paul is skilled in human relationship. Just as in all of his letters, he said something good before he said something to rebuke or correct. May we learn how to do that.

I call that Apostle Paul's "Three-step leadership":

1. Build Rapport (Relationship is very important as a starting point)

2. Persuade the Mind (Then reason with the person)

3. Move the Emotion (The goal is help the person to be self-motivated)

This reminds me of an adage I use frequently in my pastoral ministry and interactions with people:

You cannot exhort an unencouraged person.

Meaning, until the person is encouraged by your words and intention, it would be hard to correct him. Let's be an encourager first and foremost!