Letter 4
Septemeber 1, 2009

God's Joyous Festivals

As I consider God's Feasts, Rosh Hashanah - or the Festival of Trumpets, the following Ten Days of Awe leading up to Yom Kippur - or the Feast of Atonement, I ask myself; what could be more important than having our High Priest as our Advocate to go before God on our behalf? What could be more important than Messiah, our High Priest, going before the Ancient of Days to make atonement for us - to reconcile us to God - to make us AT- ONE with the Father God Most High?

The fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets culminates in the blast of the 7th and last trumpet - which hails Messiah's return, the resurrection of His saints, and death being swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:52-54).  The next angelic trumpet to sound will announce Messiah's Jubilee on the Feast of Atonement. Let's keep in mind that this most holy of days represents Yeshua (Jesus) our Messiah and High Priest going into the holiest part of the true tabernacle in heaven (Heb 8:1-6) to minister and atone for our sins. He goes as High Priest on our behalf to Yahweh, our God and Father. This day also represents the freedom and peaceful aliyah (return) of all the Hebrews to their God-given land in peace. Indeed, all peoples will be blessed with their own land and will dwell together in peace, for atonement and Jubilee will spread from Jerusalem to include all peoples around the world.
 
God's command for us to humble ourselves and fast on Atonement (Lev 16:29 ), is also to serve as a reminder of the true gratitude and humility that we are to carry in our hearts throughout the coming year. Learning to be merciful and forgiving (just as we all want mercy and forgiveness from God) is to become our lifestyle year-round (Matt 18:33 -35, James 2:13 ). Yeshua instructs us to first seek reconciliation with our brother before going before God's altar (Matt. 5:23 -24). Just as the sacrifices upon the alter serves as a symbol of God's atonement, mercy and forgiveness, the altar of incense represents the sacrifice of humble prayers from God's saints (Rev. 8:1-4).

Both fasting and keeping God's Holy Feasts are a time God says we are to remember those who are in special need. For example, compare these two passages from God's word:

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness. To undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?       (Isa 58:6-7)" NKJV
 
"... Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared... (Neh 8:10)." NKJV 

That's why I have long encouraged God's people to use the funds they would have spent on food when fasting to give to the poor or those in special need. Likewise, God instructs His people to remember portions for those in need during the festival season. This is the basis for the long standing custom, throughout the history of the Jews, to give to those in need during the fall feast season. Let's not forget to give - especially to those of the household of God - during this time of intense worship and learning during God's fall festivals.

We may also remember the scattered Hebrews in our prayers. In reference to Israel 's return to their homeland, the prophet Obadiah referred to the scattered twelve tribes of Israel as being in Sepharad, or as Sepharadim.  Those Jews who do live in Israel today have been under attack for decades - for Millennia - and they too long for relief. Throughout history the Jewish people have suffered repeated attempts at Jewish genocide at the hands of their enemies - the most recent being Adolf Hitler. Anciently, the book of Esther bears record of Persian attempts at genocide against the Jews from India to Ethiopia . Modern threats from Iran , the land of the Persians today, echo the same hatred of Jews, while the world is mostly silent. Israel is often blamed and seldom given credit for its efforts at peace. Notice the words of Mr. Tony Blair, who has been given the important position of Middle East envoy, as reported in a recent issue of the Israel.jpost.com:

"Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair said Monday that Israel was not getting enough credit for its many recent measures to improve conditions for the Palestinian population in the West Bank, such as the removal of roadblocks and checkpoints."

Now, Israel is being told by the new government of their closest friends that they need to give up land that God gave them as a precondition for peace talks with their ancient enemies, while no precondition is given to Israel 's ancient enemies. It seems that the world does not place Israel on a level playing field. So much for these so called land-for-peace-talks being truly fair and independent.

Remember, God promises to bless those who bless Israel and to curse those who curse Israel (Gen 12:3, 27:29, Num 24:29). Jesus also pronounced a blessing on those who cared for His brethren - He was a Jew (Matt 25:40). Certainly this applies not only to His church but to all those who are sanctified of God - including His fellow Jews. God's word instructs us to pray for Jerusalem and even pronounces a blessing on those who love Jerusalem .

Ps 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : "May they prosper who love you." NKJV

Therefore, let's remember ALL of those in need during this joyous time of learning and feasting before Yahweh the God of heaven and earth. Pray for God's Church, for one another and for all Israel . And as we learn to share God's gifts and become a blessing to others, let's remember that most basic principle of godliness: do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
 
In the next issue of BIBLICAL INSIGHT, we'll continue the prophecy series on Yeshua's words, "Watch therefore..."

Following in the path of Yeshua (Jesus) and His disciples (see John 7), we're off to keep Sukkot - God's Joyous Festival of Tabernacles - at the Shillo Inn, in Bend Oregon this year. All are welcome to join us. For many we'll see you there.

 

Blessings,