Take words with you,And return to the Lord,
Say to Him:
“Take away all iniquity;
Receive us graciously,
For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.
(Hosea 14:2)
Prophets, such as Hosea, exhorted people in ancient Israel not to forget their God, and to bring the sacrifice of praise to Him. That is, exactly, what the American holiday of Thanksgiving was established to do - to thank God and to praise Him for His blessings – But, let us not forget the great side-benefit of this holiday - which is usually a mega-feast….a feast that most of us joyfully anticipate.
The fact that we enjoy a day of feasting with family and friends could be the reason God instituted seven Feasts as a platform to tell the story of His design for mankind. Though the seven Feasts are, normally, celebrated within the traditions of the Jewish nation, they are relevant and important to today’s Christians because of the story they tell.
The story unfolds each year as the following festivals are celebrated
| FEASTS | THE UNFOLDING STORY |
|---|---|
| PASSOVER | Christ, the Passover Lamb, our Redeemer (The blood of Jesus shed for us) |
| UNLEAVENEDBREAD | Leaven is a symbol of sin in the BibleJesus is the only perfect one – the lamb without spot(Jesus’ body broken for us) |
| FIRST FRUITS | The resurrection of Jesus from the dead |
| PENTECOST | Gift of the Holy Spirit given to Jew & Gentile |
| ATONEMENT | Grace and cleansing atonement for Israel and for the world |
| TRUMPETS | The day Jesus will return for His bride – the churchThe sound of a loud trumpet will be heard |
| TABERNACLE | (or BOOTHS) Our Lord will return to reign over the world - and dwell with His people |
Scholars explain that Spring Feasts (Passover to Pentecost) are truth made incarnate in Jesus. Fall Feasts (Atonement to Tabernacle) are promises from God that have not, as yet, been fulfilled.
When we celebrate the Feast of Thanksgiving – as Hebrews 13:15 says – let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging His name……
…And, as children of the living God, let us offer praise for His design for mankind.