Sweeter Than Honey: Renew Your Delight in God’s Word Along With Wycliffe Bible Translatorsနမူနာ

Pour on the Sprinkles

Sprinkles make ice cream a party. And, like sprinkles on cake batter ice cream, God’s Word is rich in celebration. These pops of perspective and brightness can totally lift your spirit.

From the gatherings of the Acts church to the marriage supper of the Lamb, feasting and celebration are an integral part of the life of faith. What’s even more amazing about the Bible is what’s hidden in many of these occasions. In particular, the seven feasts of Israel hold the clues to who Jesus is.

1. The Passover (Leviticus 23:4-8) reveals that Jesus — born in a stable, visited by shepherds and led to the slaughter — is the sacrificial lamb sent for us. His death allows the judgment we deserve to pass over us.
2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6) reveals that Jesus is the unleavened (sinless) Bread of Life (John 6:35). He is the only perfect sacrifice for our sins.
3. The Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:10) reveals that Jesus’ resurrection represents the firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20) of the dead. He represents the first great harvest of souls — including you — that will resurrect to eternal life because of the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20).
4. The Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:16) reveals that salvation through Jesus the Messiah is a harvest extended to both the Jews and the Gentiles.
5. The Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24) reveals that Jesus will return at the sound of a trumpet, where there will be a wedding feast of celebration (Revelation 19:9).
6. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16, 23:26-32) reveals that Jesus took on our sins as a “scapegoat” and is the once-for-all atonement of our sins (Hebrews 9:12).
7. The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths (Leviticus 23:34) celebrates God dwelling with His people. Jesus is called Immanuel, meaning “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23, NLT). He put on a temporary tabernacle (a tent) — a human body — to dwell on this earth and offer Himself as a sacrifice.

God takes a personal interest in people, and we know that the angels party when even just one comes to salvation (Luke 15:10). Each time you celebrate a personal milestone, remember your loving Father who celebrates your life in Christ.

Points to Ponder:

• What’s your favorite kind of celebration?
• How can you celebrate God?
• Look up celebrations in the Bible, and think about how they give you hope for the future and joy in the present.