Leviticus 23:37-38. “These are the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, everything upon his day: beside the sabbaths of the Lord, and beside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and beside your freewill offerings, which ye shall give unto the Lord.” 19 SPECIAL DAYS. The nation stops: the claims of culture have its place, especially when God appoints – Days and times and ways to celebrate – not of moral depravity and wild independence. People need to meet together – social settings, rest, refreshment, remembering: All are part of the psyche of a nation that is called to thanksgiving.
The nation remembers: history is one of the greatest teachers of our identity; uniqueness. The Passover: the blood of the paschal lamb, the bitter herbs, unleavened bread. We look back to deliverance by God’s Almighty Hand – His arm made bare. And from my vantage point I look back and remember: my Savior – my Lord.
The nation eats: just like in the past the bread is flat – unleavened, like in Egypt. This nation is different; this nation is to be pure; this nation must be ready to obey. Day after day – seven days in all – for all to remember righteousness has a cost. We are to be holy, righteous and godly in our daily living, remember this – and eat.
The nation prepares: the harvest is nearly here; what better time and way to remember. Remember the labor needed to prepare and plant; give God the first, who sends the rain. Remember the corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies, and in dying brings fruit. I remember that Jesus Christ is raised from the dead and I wave Him before my God.
The nation reviews: the barley is in and the wheat harvest is about to start; take one day; One day for God, fifty days later, to show joy and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Recall on this day the life-giving power that God alone can give – and make life grow. The Holy Spirit has come – and is within; His power is at work that is beyond our ability.
The nation hears: the business year begins today, the first day of the seventh month. Rams horn trumpets are sounding all over the land; special trumpets of beaten silver – The sound is heard – lay down the shovel, the hoe, the pitchfork – bring an offering. Let joy be heard today and everyday as we think of all the way God has led us until now.
The nation fasts: the whole country goes silent. The souls of all are humbled in them. A solemn gathering takes place as the priest goes in – into the presence of God. With bated breath each person waits and watches and listens – he hears the bells – relief! For fellowship maintained between us and our God we give thanks – for the shed blood!
The nation camps out: tree limbs are cut down; happy children anticipate the family time. Under the boughs by day, and under the stars by night – the nation expresses trust in God. Seven days living outside as the ancestors did, and the children learn to really trust God. I too, remember – and want to pass on to my children and grandchildren: I trust my God!
“Holy Father, who has called us to remember Thee in various ways and times: I stop to consider that there are on every hand, and every day, many things that remind me that I feed on the Living Bread; the roast Lamb; the Manna from above. It is my joy to have so many means to bring these free-will offerings to Thee and I give them with a full heart, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”