In the Old Testament, we see God outlining to His people the ‘Appointed’ festivals that must be observed. God is very clear in His Word about the importance of observing these festivals and assemblies to remember the time of their escape from Egypt and their slavery! In observing these festivals, they would recall the miraculous way that God delivered them from their enemies. Starting with Passover and the blood of a lamb being applied over the doorways to their house, to bread being baked without yeast and observing the ‘Feast of Unleavened Bread’ as they hastily left Egypt. They were also instructed to observe the Festival of First Fruits and a Festival of weeks celebrating harvest in the new land. Following this they would then celebrate the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and a closing feast of the calendar year, The Feast of Shelters or Tabernacles. These dates in the calendar were so important to be observed and if not, there were consequences.
In these ‘seven’ festivals, we see the picture of Jesus, from His death on a cross as the ‘Lamb that was crucified, a sinless man – which is likened as bread without yeast! Sin in the New Testament is referred as ‘yeast’ as a little of it can affect the whole batch of dough! Jesus’ resurrection is declared as the First fruits of man redeemed from death and then 50 days later the outpouring of the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost – The festival of weeks! Exactly the same length of time between the two festivals as outlined in the Old Testament! The next Festival is of most importance to the Church – the Feast of Trumpets!! The trumpet blast from heaven will indicate that Jesus has left His position to call His Church – the True Bride of Christ! What is the date so we can save it on our calendar? No one knows – only the Father! But, as if it were tonight, or next week, Jesus expects His bride to be ready! The Apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:1 – “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Are you ready for the trumpet blast? Jesus has fulfilled all the dates thus far and He will NOT leave one date unfulfilled……..
