Key Text: Leviticus 23:4-5 (KJV)
"These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's Passover."
Have you ever felt like your life was running on a different schedule than everyone else's? Maybe you've experienced moments when it seemed like the whole world was moving forward, but you were stuck in place, waiting for your turn to catch up. We've all been there, haven't we? But what if I told you that God has a perfect timing for everything in our lives, and that He has set specific seasons for us to connect with Him and remember His goodness?
Today, we're going to dive into a passage from Leviticus that might seem a bit strange at first glance. It's about feasts and convocations, things that might not seem relevant to our modern lives. But I promise you, there's a beautiful message hidden within these verses that can change the way we view our relationship with God and our place in His grand plan.
Let's start by looking at our key text, Leviticus 23:4-5. It says, "These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's Passover."
Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Feasts? Convocations? What does this have to do with me?" Well, let me break it down for you in a way that we can all understand and relate to.
First, let's talk about what these "feasts" and "holy convocations" actually were. In simple terms, they were special gatherings that God instructed His people to observe. Think of them as important appointments on God's calendar – times when He wanted His children to come together, remember His goodness, and strengthen their relationship with Him.
The word "convocation" might sound fancy, but it simply means a large gathering of people. So, when God talks about "holy convocations," He's basically saying, "Hey, I want all of you to come together for something special and sacred."
Now, why is this important for us today? Well, just like how we have special days in our calendar – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays – God set up these special days for His people. These weren't just random dates; they were carefully chosen times that held deep meaning and significance.
Let's focus on the specific feast mentioned in verse 5: the Lord's Passover. It says, "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's Passover." This wasn't just any ordinary dinner party. The Passover was a reminder of one of the most significant events in Israel's history – when God delivered them from slavery in Egypt.
Imagine being part of a family that had been enslaved for generations. Your parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents had all lived under the cruel rule of Pharaoh. But then, in one incredible night, God stepped in and set you free. Wouldn't you want to remember that? Wouldn't you want to celebrate it every year?
That's exactly what the Passover was about. It was a time to look back and say, "Wow, God, you really came through for us. You didn't forget us. You saved us when we couldn't save ourselves."
Now, you might be wondering, "That's great for the Israelites, but what does it mean for me today?" Well, my friends, the beauty of God's Word is that it's always relevant, no matter when or where we live.
For us as Seventh-day Adventists, and indeed for all Christians, the Passover points directly to Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered the Israelites from physical slavery, Jesus came to deliver us from the slavery of sin. The Passover lamb that was sacrificed? That was a symbol of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would one day give His life for us.
When Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples, it was during the Passover feast. He took the elements of the Passover meal – the bread and the wine – and gave them new meaning. The bread became a symbol of His body, broken for us. The wine, a symbol of His blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
