Feasts of the Lord
Believers have heard of the “Jewish Feasts.” This term is used repeatedly in Christianity to describe the seven feasts given in Leviticus 23. The interpretation, or at least, the inference is they don’t pertain to the Church. They are solely for the Jews who don’t recognize the Messiah.
There are several things wrong with this interpretation and, with the Fall Feasts fast approaching, this is a good time to address the subject.
First of all, in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus, where the feasts are enumerated, they are clearly not referred to as the “Jewish Feasts.” The scripture calls them “the Feasts of the Lord” in multiple verses. And so, where did the “Jewish Feast” concept first creep into the Church. Most historians conclude it was part of the Constantinian concept of separating his new church from the constraints of its Hebrew roots. Just as Constantine forbid Sabbath worship and substituted Sunday worship, his new church substituted holidays such as Easter for the Feasts of the Lord.
If one is interested in returning to the foundations of the Faith, the feasts become something to consider.
Secondly, in Paul’s writings, he tells us we should keep Passover. He also says don’t pay any attention to those who criticize you for keeping the Feasts or the Sabbaths (weekly ones or the High Sabbaths). Colossians is an example. The situation was: philosophy and vain deceit (Colossians 2:8) were being promoted within the Colossian congregation by Gnostics. These twisters of Scripture were criticizing others’ obedience to Torah commands.
Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Also, Paul links the Feasts to End Times events such as God’s pouring out His wrath. In this example, the translators have called the feasts “the Times and Seasons.” And, in this example, Paul clearly links it to the second coming of Yeshua/Jesus.
1Thessalonians 5:1-4 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
In the Church, we frequently hear the term “thief in the night” and understand it refers to the Second coming of Yeshua/Jesus. However, many are not aware that this phrase is a Hebrew idiom describing the high priest’s entering the Temple at night to check on the priest who was in charge of making sure the evening sacrifice had been burned completely. The historical record shows, if the priest was found asleep, the high priest would place hot coals on the sleeping priest’s linen garment. He would obviously awaken and have to throw off the garment leaving him naked. Going home naked would be his punishment. Several places in the prophets, we find reference to those who experience the “shame of their nakedness.” Obviously, any priest found asleep on the job would experience shame going home naked. Since we are to be a nation of priests, or as Peter says it, “kings and priests” (1 Peter 2:9-10), we certainly don’t want to be found shirking our duties when our High Priest returns.
Now let’s go back to the Thessalonian example above. Why did Paul say he did not have to tell the Thessalonians about the Feasts (times and seasons)? It seems clear that they were obedient to Scripture and observing the Feasts. He relates the thief to those who are asleep (in darkness) in contrast to those he is addressing. Paul, as a trained Torah scholar, understood the Scriptural definition of darkness to be the opposite of Torah Obedience.
Paul, in teaching the second coming of Yeshua/Jesus, connects the Second Coming with God pouring out his wrath in judgment. In verse 9, Paul mentions both wrath and salvation. Therefore the context of the entire chapter is linked to the very first concept mentioned: the Feasts.
Other factors about the feasts
When we are told Yeshua/Jesus will return on the Last Trump, and we read about the Trumpet judgements, it seems quite clear the Feast of Trumpets will be significant in the End Times. Although one can blow the Shofar any time of year, there is a day when it is commanded. This one day feast is also a day that no man knows because it begins at the sighting of the new moon and not the easily calculated full moon for most of the other feasts.
After this feast, the following days are called the days of awe. This is traditionally the time for repentance and is followed by the day of atonement. This day is a day of fasting. Prophecy calls this, “The Day of the Lord,” and frequently refers to it as “in that day.” Revelation, tells us this is a day like no other in history. This is undoubtedly the day Paul refers to in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 above.
Following, five days later, is Sukkot/Tabernacles. Sukkot is to be a joyous occasion. It is a week of camping, freedom from daily cares, fellowship and coming closer to the Lord. It commemorates coming out of bondage. It is considered to be the Wedding Feast. Evidence also tells us this is the Feast commemorating the First Coming of the Messiah…the birth.
Conclusion
Since most would agree we are living in the End Times, we know God is going to make himself known to the entire world as He did to the known world at the conclusion of the Egyptian captivity. It is important for us to be in His will. Remember, the first time He revealed Himself, He protected His own in the midst of the judgments. Scripture seems to show the pattern of judgments coming at the pilgrimage Feasts. If that plays out in a similar manner as Paul indicates in 1st Corinthians 10:11, then the judgments of Revelation will very likely come on these feasts as well.
Twice in Revelation (12:17 and 14:12) Yeshua/Jesus tells us those who make it to the end of the Tribulation will “have the testimony of Yeshua and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS.” Today, many play at religion but that is it…just play. Since believers are commanded to keep His Feasts, if one is taking his or her walk seriously, then it seems only logical to get with His program and become obedient to His Commandments before it is too late.
And a final word for those who say this has all been done away with. Yeshua/Jesus tells us none shall be done away with until after heaven and earth pass away. Either the whole book is true or you might as well throw it all out. This whole topic comes down to one question: Who is God…you or Him?
Joshua said it: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”
