The Believer's Heartfelt Response to the Feasts of Israel
 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to Passover
Summary
The Passover feast served to mark the transfer from the bondage of Egypt to freedom found in a life based on faith and trust in God. As the children of Israel prepared to leave Egypt, the blood of the sacrificial lamb was washed over the doorposts of the home to spare its inhabitants from the angel of death which would strike the first born of Egypt.
Upon crossing the Red Sea, the children of Israel had entered into a new relationship with God. God would begin the process of renewing and proving their heart. Through this process, God would reveal His presence, and demonstrate His awesome power, provision, and divine protection.
Through the 40 year journey, God would demonstrate His love and way to walk with Him in the new life, ”that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV) Messiah, likewise, began His ministry by spending 40 days in the wilderness. At the end of that period, He quoted this very Scripture when tempted. When questioned by the Jewish leader, Nicodemus, Messiah uttered a profound statement:
Yes, indeed, I tell you that unless a person is born from water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. 6 What is born from the flesh is flesh, and what is born from the Spirit is spirit. 7 Stop being amazed at my telling you that you must be born again from above! 8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it’s going. That’s how it is with everyone who has been born from the Spirit. (John 3:5-8 JNT)
Being “born again” is a gift of God’s grace. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, changing the disposition of one’s soul, inclining the heart to God. The “new nature” of this renewed heart has a new set of values and motivations; but must be cultivated and nurtured by a deliberate choice to grow in this new life.
Effective spiritual growth is accomplished through Bible study, prayer, meditation on God’s Word, active fellowship, faithfulness, a willingness to yield to the Holy Spirit, and a heart inclined to worshiping God in spirit and truth.
Life Application Questions
How are you going about cultivating and nurturing your new nature as a born again believer? What kind of fellowship do you participate in? How are you ordering your time to include God in the equation of your life?
Scripture References
John 3:5-8; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 15-17, 85-87; 101-103
Sons and Servants: p. 8-9; 45-46; 132
 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to The Feast of Unleavened Bread
Summary
The Feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a reminder of the old life of bondage, and value of leaving it behind. The family was to engage in a process of thoroughly removing all the leaven from the home, and cleansing it. What is the issue with leaven? It is a fermenting substance; a turbulent form of bacterium that is permeating and pervasive in nature. It spreads like a cancer or virus, contaminating, polluting and corrupting what it touches. It therefore, is used as a metaphor for sin. As it spreads, it compromises and destroys what is good and otherwise pure.
This feast, in essence, acts as a shadow pointing forward to Messiah’s ongoing process of cleansing by the Holy Spirit; from the effects of sin and the corrupting and contaminating influences of the world, and establishing in us a pure heart and cleansed life before God.
In another sense, it is a reflection of the outward practice of water immersion, or baptism, which expresses what God has already done in the heart by burying the “old nature of the flesh.”
Messiah fulfilled all righteousness by allowing John the Immerser, or Baptist, to baptize Him in the Jordan. As He came up from the water, a dove descended upon Him.
This marked Him as the bearer of the Holy Spirit, and identified Him as the Servant Isaiah prophesied of. “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him...” (Isaiah 42:1 NKJV) John declared Messiah would thereafter baptize believers, “with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11)
Paul, therefore, affirmed that once immersed, or baptized, the believer should walk in Messiah’s grace, expressing this new nature. “Through immersion into his death we were buried with him; so that just as, through the glory of the Father, the Messiah was raised from the dead, likewise we too might live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will also be united with him in a resurrection like his.“ (Romans 6:4-5 JNT)
Life Application Questions
Have you been baptized to reflect the inward change that has taken place in your heart? How does your life reflect your “new nature” in Messiah?
Scripture References
Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 3:11; John 1:26-34; Romans 6
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 18-21; 84; 86-87
Sons and Servants: p. 10-11
 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to The Feast of First Fruits
Summary
Inspecting the first fruits of the harvest provided for affirming that if the first fruits were good so would be the rest. The Feast of First-fruits, therefore, is a shadow pointing forward to Messiah’s resurrection as the first soul arisen in the newness of His eternal life. “But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man. 22 For just as in connection with Adam all die, so in connection with the Messiah all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22 JNT)
This new nature is appropriated with a conscious decision to affirm Messiah as LORD, coming under His headship, and allowing the Holy Spirit to have dominion. This should produce a change in attitudes and behavior.
Paul, therefore, exhorted believers to, “strip off your old nature, because your old nature is thoroughly rotted by its deceptive desires; 23 and you must let your spirits and minds keep being renewed, 24 and clothe yourselves with the new nature created to be godly, which expresses itself in the righteousness and holiness that flow from the truth.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 JNT)
With this fresh focus and openness to new things God may be doing, it becomes easy to receive new truth and revelation by the Holy Spirit. As God reveals truth, the Holy Spirit works change in your heart and renews your mindset. The more the eyes of your heart open, the wider your perspectives become—clearing the way for God to bring you through transition and redirection.
This is how the Holy Spirit leads you through the outworking of God’s creative and redemptive process; and this is what “counting the omer” is about! As you take time to engage with God these 50 days over the early harvest of new things He is doing—the first fruits—and allow His Word and Spirit to minister to you, He progressively expands revelation and truth to the point of climax at Shavuot—Pentecost! As you continue to engage with God over time, He will truly take you from faith-to-faith and glory-to-glory! (Romans 1:17 and 2 Corinthians 3:18)
Life Application Questions
In what ways do you affirm and permit Messiah to be LORD, and the Holy Spirit to reveal new truth? How is your new nature reflected in your life?
Scripture References
Ephesians 4:17-32; Colossians 3:1-17
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 21-22
Sons and Servants: p. 119-123
 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to The Feast of Pentecost
Summary
Shavuot—the Feast of Harvest or Weeks (Pentecost) is a celebration of the fullness of the harvest. It also represents the fullness of God’s covenant—His Word and Spirit.
As the disciples were celebrating this feast 50 days after Messiah’s ascension, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. John the Immerser, or Baptist, said that Messiah would baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Upon receiving Messiah in your heart, you receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Paul admonishes believers to understand what the will of the Lord is and, therefore, “keep on being filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:17 JNT)
How is this accomplished? Paul adds in Colossians 3:16-17, “let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16-17 JNT)
You are, therefore, continuously filled with the Spirit by filling yourself with God’s Word, communing with God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you by yielding to Him in faith and obedience. It’s like driving your car. Upon filling your tank, you move forward, go places, and eventually need to replenish your tank! Such a repeated infilling should result in character growth that reflects the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)
It should also open up your heart and mind to God’s continuous enlightenment, a passion for the revelation of His truth, and the manifestation of various gifts of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12)
Life Application Questions
In what ways do you seek God’s continuous infilling of the Holy Spirit? How has your life been a reflection of this infilling?
Scripture References
Romans 12; Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 3:16-17; Hebrews 2:1-4
Book References
Faith and Fables: p.22-24; 151-172
Sons and Servants: p. 127-138; 161-162
 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to The Feast of Trumpets
Summary
The primary purpose of the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah; Head of the Year) is to call us to prepare our hearts for the coming solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It begins a period of reconciliation with God; specifically “Ten Days of Repentance” or “Days of Awe” which culminate in Yom Kippur.
Trumpets were also blown to acknowledge the presence of a king; and as a military practice, to send an alarm to the troops to prepare for battle. Our Messiah-King certainly deserves the honor of our high praises! “With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King.” (Psalm 98:6 NKJV)
In Daniel 10:10-21, Scripture reveals an element of spiritual warfare. An angel was sent to Daniel as an answer to his prayer. He told Daniel about a war in the heavenly places that was being waged, and how it related to earthly events.
Messiah took this reality to a new level. In Luke 10 we see how the 70 disciples who had been sent out came back with this report, “Lord,” they said, “with your power, even the demons submit to us!” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Remember, I have given you authority; so you can trample down snakes and scorpions, indeed, all the Enemy’s forces; and you will remain completely unharmed. 20 Nevertheless, don’t be glad that the spirits submit to you; be glad that your names have been recorded in heaven.” (Acts 10:18-20 JNT)
Paul taught the disciples more about waging spiritual warfare. He proclaimed, “For although we do live in the world, we do not wage war in a worldly way; 4 because the weapons we use to wage war are not worldly. On the contrary, they have God’s power for demolishing strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 JNT)
What are spiritual strongholds? They are spiritual fortresses founded on lies. They give place to demonic opposition of God’s truth and kingdom purposes. We, therefore, confess lies we have believed, renounce them, and pull our minds and thoughts into compliance with God’s truth, obeying His Word in faith.
Peter spoke more about the issue of demonic opposition, and provided this exhortation. “Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 JNT)
James added more on the subject. “Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Clean your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded people!” (James 4:8 JNT)
Messiah defeated Satan and the authority of the powers of darkness on Calvary’s Cross. Satan, and his host of demons, however, are sore losers! They regain limited power as people agree with and subscribe to lies against the knowledge of God’s truth by maintaining prideful attitudes, pursuing lustful desires, and exalting vain images—the worship of idols.
Revelation 12:11-12 addresses the issue and final outcome. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
Life Application Questions
How have you positioned yourself to wage spiritual warfare? Do you wear your “armor” daily in humility and faith? See Ephesians 6:10-18. Do you have prayer and accountability partners to support you in fighting spiritual battles?
Scripture References
Daniel 10:10-21; Luke 10; Matthew 16:17-19; 2 Corinthians 10:2-6; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7-8; Ephesians 6:10-18
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 95-110
Sons and Servants: p. 65-70
 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to The Feast of Atonement
Summary
Messiah became the atonement for our sins; and is the atonement. We appropriate His atonement by receiving His sacrificial blood for the remission of our sins. We then come under the law of grace, and receive the operative power of the Holy Spirit; thus living in the freedom of the law of the Spirit.
Our natural fleshly tendencies, however, are inclined towards satisfying carnal desires, and therefore subject to the sway of sin. Giving into sin—lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life—brings guilt upon us, and puts us under the operative power and consequences of the law of sin; which leads to spiritual death. Repentance—the active turning back towards God—and receiving the mercy of Messiah’s forgiveness, restores the operative powers of the law of grace—the liberty of God’s Spirit.
Life Application Questions
Review Paul’s monologue in Romans 7. How do you relate to what he is describing? Then read Romans 8. Meditate about what Paul is relating. Compare the benefits and values of life as a child of God vs. life under the sway of sin.
Scripture References
Romans 7-8; Galatians 3:21-29; 5:16-26
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 22-27; 165-173
Sons and Servants: p. 9-12; 15-18; 33-35; 65-66; 80-81
 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to The Feast of Tabernacles
Summary
Sukkot, Tabernacles, is the most joyous of the feasts. Scripture prescribes seven days for gathering in small booths, resting and remembering God’s testimonies. It is a special time to be grateful for God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and sustaining our lives.
After Messiah had ascended to heaven, the disciples remained in a state of worship and fellowship, meeting often in an upper room. “These all devoted themselves single-mindedly to prayer.” (Acts 1:14 JNT) Scripture also reports in Acts 2:44-45 the magnitude of their cooperation with one another. They became “their brother’s keeper.” (Genesis 4:9) They continued living faithfully towards God and one another with singleness of purpose, in a state reflecting the genuine love of Messiah.
The context of Scripture truly has in view a spirit of real covenant love; intimacy, mutual affection, care, and concern for one another. They shared what they had. They supported one another. They lived with a genuine sense of community. The glimpse we have from their engagement, in essence, is a real knitting of hearts: between God and man; and one another.
Life Application Questions
What kind of fellowship do you maintain with other believers? Are you part of a small group that prays for one another, supports one another—emotionally and physically, and fellowships in Messiah—in the Word and His Spirit?
Scripture References
Acts 1-2; 5:42; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Philemon 2
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 25-26; 32-33; 177-185
Sons and Servants: p. 114-115; 147-172
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