Fellowship With God 02.25.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday February 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read, Numbers 28 -- 29 in your Bile or Click Here to read online. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the daily and weekly offerings, Sabbath and monthly offerings, and the offerings at the appointed feasts.

All the sacrifices, offerings, and ceremonies detailed in these two chapters were to lead the children of Israel to be grateful and to acknowledge the mercies of God. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season." (Numbers 28:1-2). Worshippers were led to express their appreciation to the Lord for protecting them, for causing them to be victorious over their enemies, and for supplying their needs. Furthermore, the worshipper experienced the joy of fellowship with God.

The Israelites' civil year began in the fall with the Feast of Trumpets. "And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you." (29:1). This joyous day of blowing the trumpets was followed 10 days later by the solemn Day of Atonement. This was followed by the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths), which was also called the Feast of Ingathering because the work in the fields was finished and the time had come for the people to rest from their labors. It was a time of great rejoicing and lasted for seven days, from the 15th through the 21st of Tishri (September/October). It was followed by an eighth day of holy convocation on the 22nd which, though closely connected with the Feast of Tabernacles, was not a part of that feast for the people no longer lived in "booths."

The Feast of Tabernacles was the last great feast of the religious year. For seven days, all the residents of Israel dwelt in temporary booths (shelters) as an annual reminder of the time when their ancestors dwelt in tents during the 40 years in the wilderness. The trees used for these temporary dwellings also had symbolic meanings. The trees provided shade, as well as to remind the people of the Lord's protection and provision. The palm tree was the emblem of victory and the olive tree was a symbol of peace and God's presence (Nehemiah 8:15). The willow tree of the brook (Leviticus 23:40) signified a thriving and blessed people, a reminder that a blessed man shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not wither; and what ever he does he shall prosper in.

The purposes of the sacrifice at the harvest festival still remain. God's bountiful supply should deepen our appreciation for His goodness. The Feast of Pentecost (celebrating the summer harvest) was an acknowledgment of His faithfulness to Israel. The life of a Christian is a journey. It should be a great adventure of going on with the Lord into deeper experiences and greater faith.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the Tabernacles. (Numbers 29:12-39). The Word of God became flesh, and dwelt among us. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14).

Today's Psalm: 1:3
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you, Lord for your joy and energy to launch us into this new week with enthusiasm and optimism. Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to you. Find anything that might be holding us back from serving you more effectively. Point out areas of our hearts that we have previously kept "off limits" to you. It will be hard, but our true desire is to walk a closer walk with you. We want to have you working in every area of our hearts and minds. Cleanse us, Lord. Make us completely yours. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and blessed week.
God Bless,
Christina

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