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Bible Study: The Presence of God
Date: Feb 9th, 2008 11:08:35 am - Subscribe
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Presence of God 02.09.08

Hello Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday February 9, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus. Please read, Leviticus 22-23. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the Sabbath, Passover, Day of Atonement, and other feasts.

The Passover was the first feast of the Israelites' religious year. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. 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. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. " (Leviticus 23:1-6). The Feast of Unleavened Bread was to remind them of the Exodus from Egypt and to also represented the sinless nature of Christ. Israel's abstinence from leaven (yeast breads) for seven days was a reminder that they were a holy people separated unto the Lord God.

It took seven weeks to harvest all the early crops, beginning with the barley that ripened in the spring. After that came the harvest of olives and the vineyards, followed by wheat, the final summer harvest. Just as there was a day of Firstfruits in the spring to indicate faith in the coming harvests, the Feast of Weeks, also known at the Feast of Harvest, expressed thankfulness for the completion of the summer wheat harvest. Later it was called Pentecost, from the Greek word pente meaning five and pent konta meaning 50. The Greek word for Pentecost is pent kost. This feast took place on the 50th day after the one sheaf (bundle) offering of the Feast of Firstfruits. "And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD." (23:15-16)

On the annual Day of Atonement the high priest offered sacri fices first for himself and then for the sins of the nation. Only then was he prepared to enter the most Holy Place to offer incense (symbolic of prayer) before Jehovah. He passed beyond the veil hidden from the people, including all other priests, and he was alone in the presence of our Creator. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath." (23:26-32).

While individual Israelites under the Old Covenant did not have the privilege of coming into the presence of God, Jesus under the New Covenant has made a way for us to enter His presence any time and we are encouraged to do so with confidence. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16). Only a few pass beyond the view of people, to be alone in the presence of God, and to take time to pray and fast as did the early church.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed in the seven great holy days of the Lord: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus Christ is our Passover sacrifice, our Bread of Life. He is the Firstfruits of them that died. And now through our Lord Jesus Christ we have received atonement for all sins. And He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Today's Psalm: 132:11
"The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne."

Today's Prayer: Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Have a wonderfully blessed day/night and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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