Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

The Big Story Read Leviticus 23:1-44 There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. Leviticus 23:3 Festivals are part and parcel of every culture. They tell the story of a people. They remind us of our roots. They set forth our hopes and aspirations. The people of Israel had their festivals too. The festivals reminded Israel of their roots. The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread helped them reminisce about their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) commemorated the giving of the Law at Sinai. During the Feast of Tabernacles, Israel relived the wilderness journey. The festivals also celebrated God’s present provision. The Feast of Firstfruits (at the start of the barley harvest), the Feast of Weeks (close of wheat harvest), and the Feast of Tabernacles (close of grape and olive harvests) all pointed to God’s bounteous provision. Each of these feasts and ordinances looks forward to an event: - The Sabbath to spiritual rest in the New Covenant - The Passover to Christ the Passover Lamb - The Feast of Unleavened Bread to complete removal of sin - The Offering of the firstfruits to Christ in His resurrection and the first believers - The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) to the giving of the Spirit to write the law on our hearts - The Feast of Trumpets to the trumpet call at the end of the age - The Day of Atonement to Christ’s atoning sacrifice - The Feast of Tabernacles to the future ingathering of the saints and permanent residence in the presence of God Israel’s Story has become our Story too! Select one of these feasts and take time to reflect on its significance. Rejoice in God’s salvation and tell your story to someone today. Thank God for remembering your ethnic group. Pray that Christians of all backgrounds will be united as one people in one common story.