In studying and reflecting on the ancient feasts in the Old Testament I was struck, once again, by the fact that Jesus’ message to His bride has been around for much longer than I realized. There is so much in the history of Israel that is applicable for us today that at times it seems a bit overwhelming. Just consider the five feasts that God set forth for Israel to celebrate.

Passover – The Feast of the First Fruits

The Feast of the First Fruits was signified by the “waving” of the first sheaf 50 days before Pentecost. It was the beginning of the year just as Christ’s death inaugurated the Church and our acceptance of His blood sacrifice is the beginning of our spiritual journey. For us the Passover is the Cross of Calvary and the single sheaf of our acceptance of His sacrifice—our first fruit—that is followed by the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost – The Feast of Weeks

Pentecost came 50 days after Passover. It was introduced by all the sacrifices and was representative of the first grain harvest. It was also the anniversary of the giving of the Law at Mt. Sinai. This is the feast of the first fruit and for us it’s the first fruits of faith and our salvation, followed by the rich harvest of our spiritual life. It’s the birth of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit—the “inner law”—and the indwelling presence of our bridegroom. It brings the power to understand and obey His perfect will for our life.

The Feast of Trumpets

Next is the feast of trumpets, which was celebrated on the first day of the 7^th month that ushered in the Sabatic month. For us that ushers in a time of spiritual renewal as we come up and out of the low places into a life of service for others. It’s during this time that we become stronger in our faith and the message of the gospel begins to come forth like rivers of living water, touching the lives of others. This is the time when we begin to lift up our voice like a trumpet, calling out to others with the Good News.

The Day of Atonement

Then comes the Day of Atonement on the 10^th day of the 7^th month. This is when the full impact of our reconciliation with God becomes a reality. It doesn’t come right after Pentecost but much later as the impact of Pentecost slowly but surely becomes a reality. What a special time this is for us as we find that place of “deeper commitment” when we enter into and begin living in the Holiest Place with our bridegroom every day. This is the place of abiding fellowship with Him—the Rest of Christ.

The Feast of Tabernacles

Now we are ready for the Feast of Tabernacles—Sukkot—the crowing joy of the entire Hebrew year. It began on the 15^th day of the 7^th month and lasted for 8 days, during which the people lived outside in “booths” made out of branches from young trees that were decorated with fruit and palms. It celebrated their wandering in the wilderness. The priests carried water from the pool of Siloam and poured it out on the altar in the temple and lights were hung up in the court of women. How appropriate then that Jesus referred to the Feast of Tabernacles when He said:

John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

And for the bride of Christ this feast represents the full indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This is the life of unceasing and overflowing joy, victory and service for others. Now it’s not only the water flowing in but a river flowing out to bless others.

It also points to our wandering in “our wilderness” and the complete homecoming of all God’s redeemed:

Rev 7:9, 16-17 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands… 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

How blessed we are to be “engrafted” into God’s family and be able to celebrate with our Jewish brothers and sisters the awesome faithfulness of our God. As we look back on these feasts it can’t help but encourage us that we are living in an incredible moment in history. As you think about each of these special celebrations, reflect on your own life and your own personal spiritual journey. Take heart in the fact that God had it all planned out from the very beginning and He is just waiting for His children to celebrate with Him.

As the bride of Christ we have come to the blood of the Cross, received the fire of Pentecost, gone forth with the Trumpet to call the nations, entered into the Holiest Place and are now waiting for the great last feast. So, we all should be waiting and watching as we live out His Rest as “vessels of living water” and “bearers of light” in a thirsty and dark land.

Sukkot is on the way to celebrate the harvest of the ages and we have a front row seat at His table!