The Covenant Values of the Feasts of Israel
 The Covenant Values of Passover
Summary
God desires to build and maintain quality spiritual connections with His children. His heart, therefore, is focused on restoring, renewing and regenerating active relationships with Him. His goal, therefore, is to bring your relationship with Him to a flourishing state of oneness with Him—a true solid union. This was the core desire of Messiah’s heart, as expressed in His prayer recorded in John 17.
The blood of the sacrificial Passover lamb was sprinkled over the doorposts to mark the home that was spared from the plague of death. The blood, therefore, connected every family to God’s covenant of life. Any individual who did not participate in the feast would be cut off from the congregation of Israel. God’s word says this feast should be celebrated, “throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance.” (Exodus 12:17) The Passover feast was inaugurated as the first of a cycle of covenant feasts of the LORD, marking deliverance from bondage. John the Immerser, Baptist, introduced Messiah as, “God’s lamb! The one who is taking away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 JNT)
Messiah came to Jerusalem on the very day the Passover lamb was traditionally set aside for inspection. Likewise, He endured five days of questioning and “inspection” from the Jewish leaders. He was crucified on the same day, at the same time the lamb was to be killed. He, therefore, became the sacrificial lamb, obtaining eternal redemption, “setting people free forever.” (Hebrews 9:12 JNT) His blood was shed to, “cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” (v. 14) It was shed, “that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” (v.15)
The precious blood of Messiah, therefore, was shed to set your conscience free from the anguish and guilt felt from performing worthless and vain works that cannot earn salvation, liberate your weary and bound soul, connect you to God’s Spirit, and guarantee you eternal peace with God! His salvation is a gift of His grace.
Our union with Him is also to be dynamic and full of life. Such a union lives in a free state of communion and communication. God, therefore, desires to connect and engage with you in bi-directional conversation. As Messiah said, “My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life.”
(John 10:27 JNT)
Life Application Questions
How real and strong is your connection to God? Is your communion and communication with Him bi-directional? Do you know His Holy Spirit intimately? Can you recognize His voice speaking to you?
Scripture References
Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 30:11-14; Psalm 86:11; James 2:23; John 14:15-24
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 15-17; 87-88
Sons and Servants: p. 8-26; 38; 41; 45; 103; 111-112; 114
 The Covenant Values of The Feast of Unleavened Bread
Summary
The second feast immediately after Passover is the feast of Unleavened Bread. Whereas Passover lasts for a day, Unleavened Bread lasts for a week. The feast serves as a reminder of past bondage, and value of leaving it behind.
While Unleavened Bread stands for a process of removing leaven from the home, this process in essence acts as a shadow reflecting the reality and value of engaging in an ongoing process of removing revealed sin and contaminating and corrupting influences from our life, purifying our heart—and walk—before God. In another sense, it also points to the outward sign of water immersion, or baptism; which affirms the inward cleansing work of the Holy Spirit.
In valuing this reality, we have the opportunity to submit our fleshly desires to Messiah. We then place our faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to help us resist those appealing, but unprofitable temptations. Paul referred to this process as, sanctification by the Spirit or a “holiness that has its origin in the Spirit and the faithfulness that has its origin in the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 JNT)
By doing so, we trade the harmful influences of the world for the grace of Messiah’s dominion, or headship. We also allow the power of His resurrection to become a personal reality, and work a progressive cleansing work in our life.
For this reason, Paul exhorted the disciples to, “abound more and more,” walking through life pleasing God. “For, this is the will of God, your sanctification.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:1-3 NKJV)
Therefore, in being alive in the newness of Messiah, we need to understand that, as much as grace and sanctification work together, vibrant communion with Messiah cannot coexist with idols in our heart. For, idols are images we place greater value upon, than that of our relationship with God. It, therefore, behooves us to honestly assess our values, and truly discern the things in life that may take on the form of idols.
Life Application Questions
How do you examine your standing—or health of your relationship with God? Are there crevices in your heart that the Holy Spirit may be shedding light upon to bring your heart into a greater degree of sanctification, and unity with God?
Scripture References
2 Thessalonians 2:13; 4:1-3; James 4; Ephesians 1:15-21
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 12-15; 83; 173
Sons and Servants: p. 45-47; 74-76; 91; 114; 145-150
 The Covenant Values of The Feast of First Fruits
Summary
The Feast of First-fruits marks a time of expressing gratefulness to God for one’s harvest by dedicating the first fruits of the crop to God. It, therefore, acknowledges God’s headship over mankind; and man’s stewardship before God. It also serves as a shadow, pointing to Messiah’s resurrection as the first soul arisen in the newness of 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. 23 But each in his own order: the Messiah is the firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of his coming; 24 then the culmination, when he hands over the Kingdom to God the Father, after having put an end to every rulership, yes, to every authority and power.
(1 Corinthians 15:20-24 JNT)
In identifying with His resurrection, the child of God is, therefore, elevated to a new spiritual state; “from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21 NKJV)
In addition to valuing God’s grace in the harvest, First-fruits gave the individual the opportunity to examine the first fruits of the crop to test the quality of the harvest. If the first fruits were good—and therefore blessed—the rest would likewise be blessed.
Here too, Messiah has become an example of the type of character we should value. The Holy Spirit, however, is the real enabler. He is the Comforter who, if allowed, will transform your mind and heart, bringing it to conformity with the character of Messiah.
Scripture References
Psalm 26; Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 6:4; Hebrews 4; 12:14-15; Matthew 7:21; 1 John 3:1-3; Galatians 5:22
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 21-22; 139-140
Sons and Servants: p. 72-73
 The Covenant Values of The Feast of Pentecost
Summary
The Feast of Weeks or Harvest—Shavuot (Pentecost) is a feast of jubilee—a celebration of the glory of God. It marks the time God’s law was given to Moses. As the disciples were celebrating this feast, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as Messiah had promised. It truly marked the glorification of Messiah, and glory of the power of God.
Messiah called the Holy Spirit the Comforter. The same Greek word is used for comforter and consolation. The disciples learned quickly that it was by the power and comfort of the Holy Spirit that the community of believers grew and maintained its vitality.
In appreciating the value of the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit, Paul endeavored to help believers understand the nature of the Holy Spirit, and how He communicates with us. He, therefore, shed light on Isaiah’s comment in 64:4—“Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You”—by explaining…
“It is to us, however, that God has revealed these things. How? Through the Spirit. For the Spirit probes all things, even the profoundest depths of God. 11 For who knows the inner workings of a person except the person’s own spirit inside him? So too no one knows the inner workings of God except God’s Spirit. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit of God, so that we might understand the things God has so freely given us. 13 These are the things we are talking about when we avoid the manner of speaking that human wisdom would dictate and instead use a manner of speaking taught by the Spirit, by which we explain things of the Spirit to people who have the Spirit. 14 Now the natural man does not receive the things from the Spirit of God — to him they are nonsense! Moreover, he is unable to grasp them, because they are evaluated through the Spirit. 15 But the person who has the Spirit can evaluate everything, while no one is in a position to evaluate him. 16 For who has known the mind of Adonai? Who will counsel him?? But we have the mind of the Messiah!” (1 Corinthians 2:10-14 JNT)
Messiah said the Holy Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” The Holy Spirit, therefore, is our greatly valued covenant partner, expressing Himself through “various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit” to confirm God’s truths. “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” (Hebrews 2:1-4 NKJV)
Scripture reveals how the gifts of the Holy Spirit flow within the context of a humble, reverent and orderly group of believers gathered together in faith to edify one another, and confirm His word of truth.
“What is our conclusion, brothers? Whenever you come together, let everyone be ready with a psalm or a teaching or a revelation, or ready to use his gift of tongues or give an interpretation; but let everything be for edification. 27 If the gift of tongues is exercised, let it be by two or at most three, and each in turn; and let someone interpret. 28 And if there is no one present who can interpret, let the people who speak in tongues keep silent when the congregation meets — they can speak to themselves and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, while the others weigh what is said. 30 And if something is revealed to a prophet who is sitting down, let the first one be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, with the result that all will learn something and all will be encouraged. 32 Also, the prophets’ spirits are under the prophets’ control; 33 for God is not a God of unruliness but of shalom.” (1 Corinthians 14:26 JNT)
Disciples are afforded the opportunity to grow into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah, or Lord’s “standard of maturity.” (Ephesians 4:13 JNT) Such a measure, or standard, carries real value; “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV) If we truly value such a measure, we will respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, transforming our minds, and conforming our attitudes and character to that of Messiah’s.
Such a transformation happens over time. It truly requires disciplined submission to the Holy Spirit. “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NKJV)
The result of the process yields good fruits. The more we submit to the Spirit, the more we reflect the fruits of the Spirit. We must, therefore, allow the Holy Spirit to discipline our flesh through patient submission, humility and love. “Moreover, those who belong to the Messiah Yeshua have put their old nature to death on the stake, along with its passions and desires. 25 Since it is through the Spirit that we have Life, let it also be through the Spirit that we order our lives day by day.”
(Galatians 5:24-25 JNT)
Life Application Questions
In what ways have you valued the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life? How do you recognize the comfort of the Holy Spirit? How does He speak to you? How do you confirm what the Holy Spirit reveals to you? How are you being transformed, and conformed into the fullness of Messiah?
Scripture References
John 14-16; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; 12-14; 2 Corinthians 3:4-18; Galatians 5; Romans 14
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 22-27; 58-59; 81; 115-122; 139-140; 164-165
Sons and Servants: p. 29-30; 44-46; 79-81; 90-91; 108-115; 119-123
 The Covenant Values of The Feast of Trumpets
Summary
The primary purpose of the Feast of Trumpets was to call the people to prepare to do battle against the enemy of the soul—sin—on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.
Messiah has become the eternal “horn of salvation.” He overcame the devil first when tempted in the wilderness; and finally through His death on the cross and resurrection, conquered all authority over evil, sin, and death. “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:13-16 NKJV)
Paul, like David, experienced the full spectrum of pain and joy. He knew suffering and shame, yet also knew the sweet taste of victory. He knew that experiencing victory and defeat worked to build character. For, he knew that in Messiah—either way—he lived in victory! “I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who gives me power.” (Philippians. 4:12-13 JNT)
Embrace his exhortation regarding our triumph in Messiah. “No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, 39 neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 JNT)
Life Application Questions
In what areas of your life have you appropriated Messiah’s victory in a real way? Generally speaking, do you feel that you are living a victorious life, or is life overcoming you? In what additional ways do you need to receive His victory? Have you asked God what it will take for you to gain victory in the areas you need victory?
Scripture References
Romans 8:18-39; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 9:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 John 5:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 2:18-21; 3:13-17; Colossians 2:13-16; Exodus 17:8-16; Psalm 16; 98; 108; 129
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 27-29; 58; 95-110
Sons and Servants: p. 106-108; 145-147; 149-150; 160-161
 The Covenant Values of The Feast of Atonement
Summary
The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, remembers the one day of the year when the high priest would go into the tabernacle, behind the veil, into the Holy of Holies to atone for the sin of the people. On the Mercy Seat covering the Ark of the Covenant, the priest would sprinkle the blood of the covenant sacrifice. From within the cloud of God’s glory over the ark, God would see the sacrificial blood as evidence of man’s atonement of sin, reversing God’s judgment, transforming it to mercy.
The sacrificial blood of Messiah was poured out once and for all reversing God’s judgment of sin. As much as we need to allow the Holy Spirit to convict our heart of sin, we also need to allow our heart to receive with conviction the Father’s love and the grace of Messiah’s mercy. As we receive God’s forgiveness purchased with Messiah’s blood, we can forgive others. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)
As we value Messiah’s sacrifice and His forgiveness, we are able to cast off condemnation, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill and refresh our heart. Such liberty enables us to walk free from guilt; and empowers us to set others free from our judgment. In a similar sense, as we take the “log” out of our eye (Matthew 7:4) and stop judging others, God cleans our eye, and clears our vision—so that we can see with His open vision.
Living free from the guilt of sin and judgment truly transfers us into a new realm. For, when you receive the liberty of the Spirit, you are transferred from the realm of the guilt and condemnation of sin to the realm of freedom in the Spirit.
We often find it difficult to shake off guilt. Therefore, we need to embrace Paul’s exhortation. “Therefore, there is no longer any condemnation awaiting those who are in union with the Messiah Yeshua. 2 Why? Because the Torah of the Spirit, which produces this life in union with Messiah Yeshua, has set me free from the “Torah” of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2 JNT)
Life Application Questions
Have you fully received the love of the Father? Do you know the mercy of Messiah? He you fully received the Holy Spirit’s comfort? How easily do you freely extend Messiah’s love to others—even difficult people? How do you extend mercy and grace to others?
Scripture References
1 John 4:16; Psalm 19:7-14; 27; 136; Hebrews 6:13-20
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 29-30; 39-41; 135-139
Sons and Servants: p. 74-76; 90-94; 114-118
 The Covenant Values of The Feast of Tabernacles
Summary
Sukkot, Tabernacles, marks the time of completing the cycle of covenant feasts. Having gathered in the fruits of the harvest, Tabernacles was a time to express gratefulness to God for His provision and increase. It was a time to rest in contentment, reflect on God’s goodness, and celebrate with joyful hearts.
Messiah satisfied the debt for our sins. He redeemed us from dead works. He lifted the burden of guilt and condemnation. He invited all who believe to be joined with Him, and receive His peace. “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.?? 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew11:28-30 JNT)
The peace of Messiah is very precious, and most valuable. It is the true antidote for anxiety. To some, real inner peace and God’s shalom may be hard to comprehend. But, it is real. It is available to experience.
How to find it? “Don’t worry about anything; on the contrary, make your requests known to God by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. 7 Then God’s shalom (peace), passing all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with the Messiah Yeshua. 8 In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy.” (Philippians 4:6-8 JNT)
Through his labor and trials, Paul learned how to have contentment in Messiah. He confessed that, “I have learned to be content regardless of circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who gives me power.” (Philippians 4:11-12 JNT)
In a world that finds it hard to find satisfaction with the simple things of life, contentment in Messiah is to be greatly valued. For this reason, the writer of Hebrews reminded believers that Messiah was their source of sufficiency and peace. Even in the face of the threats and pressures of life, we are exhorted to find our confidence and faith in Messiah, whose presence is always with us. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)
The early community of believers valued the peace and presence of the Holy Spirit. They also valued studying God’s Word and maintaining fellowship with one another in the Spirit. They valued enjoining and engaging with one another in rich communication, and earnestly cared for one another.
Such dynamic fellowship enabled them to truly experience the fullness of the Spirit of Messiah. These believers were convicted in their hearts that they needed one another, and needed to support one another through the trials and toil of life. They valued the different gifts, skills, and resources that God had given to them, and in turn, actively engaged in the practice of generously sharing and caring for one another.
Their sense of community was real because the presence of the Holy Spirit was real to them. That presence gave them a sense of confidence and peace. Although external trials abounded, they were exhorted to rest internally in that state of completion in Messiah. “For in him, bodily, lives the fullness of all that God is. 10 And it is in union with him that you have been made full — he is the head of every rule and authority.” (Colossians 2:8-10 JNT)
Furthermore, they learned that prayer and patience work together to see God’s will and purposes accomplished.
Life Application Questions
Is God’s peace and contentment real to you? What blockages could be preventing you from experiencing God’s presence and peace? Do you find peace from God’s Word, and by spending time with Him in prayer? What kind of Messiah-centered fellowship do you have with other believers? How do you engage with God through the Holy Spirit in a real way?
Scripture References
Matthew 11:28-30; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 13:4-6; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Acts 2:42-47; Colossians 2:8-10; James 1:3-8
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 30-34; 58-59; 65-66; 87-93; 133-140; 142-147
Sons and Servants: p. 52-57; 99-104
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