Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Fasting and Feasting

Deuteronomy 16 is a great example of instruction to the people of Israel. 
In order to observe the Passover they were to offer a sacrifice, eat no leavened bread (a form of a fast).  The instruction includes specific items the people of Israel were to do for seven days, then they were to offer the Passover sacrifice followed by six more days of eating unleaven bread.
This time of sacrifice was followed by The Feast of Weeks (which lasted seven weeks).  During that time they feasted and rejoiced before God.  They were to remember that God delivered them.
It made me realize we don’t think of sacrificing things for God.  They fasted, sacrificed, and at the end of that time they feasted and rejoiced in the Lord.
What have you sacrificed for God lately?
Have you fasted (given up something you cherish) for God?
The last question is really important, because we don’t practice it much today (especially in the American culture). 
Have you feasted with friends and family and rejoiced to God for all He has done?
What an incredible event that would be!  It would be more meaningful if you gave up something you cherished for 14 days and that was followed by several days of feasting and celebrating! 
That’s what the people of Israel did to help them remember God’s faithfulness.  Do we not need to have days like that to look forward to, plan for, and participate in? 

No comments:

Post a Comment