Musing -- Should Christians celebrate God’s feasts?

Hebraic Musing -- Should Christians celebrate God’s feasts?

Or we might ask ourselves: How did Jesus fulfill the meanings of the so-called ‘Jewish feasts’?

I find the Old Testament to be a combination of advice, instruction and/or commands to us, His children, from our loving Father God. I deem it important to follow Abba’s advice, however, I too find myself caught in a world, a culture and a calendar that does not always line up with Father God’s Word. The Jews have incorporated instructions from the OT into their culture; as for me, that has revealed some fascinating perspectives in the way they celebrate God’s feasts –in the calendar timing, rituals and symbolism. 

Jesus, Yeshua, reveals himself in each of the Levitical feasts. Condensed and basic examples:

1) Passover (Lev. 23:5) –Yeshua is our Passover lamb. He was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover at the same hour that lambs were being slaughtered for the evening Passover meal.

2) Unleavened Bread (Lev. 23:6) – Points to Yeshua’s sinless life (leaven represents sin).

3) First Fruits (Lev.  23:10) – Symbolic of Yeshua’s resurrection as the first fruit. Since Jesus was resurrected on that day Paul refers to Him in I Corinthians 15:20 as "first fruits from the dead."

4) Shavuot or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:16) – Represents the harvest, also the great harvest of souls and the gift of the Holy Spirit for both Jew and Gentile, which started the ‘church age’. 

5) Rosh Hashanah or Trumpets (Lev. 23:24) Sept.16 to 18 – The first of the Fall feasts is celebrated with trumpet calls alerting Saints to the end of times. ‘Pre-Trib’ folks consider this the rapture of the Church.

6) Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement (Lev.  23:27) Sept. 26 – While there are a number of ways to view this most Holy Day, I find myself honoring it as a day of deep self-reflection supported by total fast. 

7) Tabernacles or Booths (Lev. 23:34) Oct. 1-8 – Is celebrated by eight days living outdoors in flimsy shelters remembering God’s miraculous salvation of His people. The final day is Called Simchat Torah, a full day devoted to “The Joy of the Torah”. Sounds a lot like heaven to me!  Is this what Micah and Isaiah taught us when we say the Lord will once again “tabernacle” with His people? 

Here is the way the question of honoring Levitical Feasts was answered in a recent e-mail I read:

Whether or not a Christian celebrates the Jewish feast days would be a matter of conscience for the individual Christian. Colossians 2:16-17 tells us “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.” Christians are not bound to observe the Jewish feasts the way an Old Testament Jew was, but we should not criticize another believer who does or does not observe these special days and feasts (Romans 14:5).      While it is not required for Christians to celebrate the Jewish feast days, it is beneficial to study them. Certainly it could be beneficial to celebrate these days if it leads one to a greater understanding and appreciation for Christ’s death and resurrection and the future promise of His coming. As Christians, if we choose to celebrate these special days, we should put Christ in the center of the celebration, as the One who came to fulfill the prophetic significance of each of them.

Points to ponder

Are these Jewish Feast days?    Or God’s Feast Days for all His children?

Why not study and then celebrate God’s ordained feast days, in addition
to our customary celebrations until we fully understand God’s message in His Word?

Shalom                                                                 August 28, 2012

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd