Under His Wings

This page will be a compilation of my posts and pictures of our celebrations of the Biblical Holidays.

Passover, April 2005

Last Sunday my Bible study and I gathered at a local Bible camp along with some extra people that had been invited and we celebrated the Feast of Passover. What a wonderfully refreshing time it was to remember our redemption from Egypt both literally through the story of the Israelites and figuratively through the story of salvation from sin through Messiah. There are so many images in the story of the Passover which speak to us today. In fact, in one of his letters Paul said that these things were written for our learning.

From the image of Egypt and our bondage to sin and the world to God’s covenant with us in the wilderness, I love the story of Redemption through the Lamb. As an act of faith the children of Israel put the blood of the lamb on the lintels of their homes and God passed over sparing the first born from death. He redeemed them with a mighty hand and an outstreatched arm and brought them through the Red Sea, defeating their enemies. Because of the Passover Lamb we know that we no longer have to live as a slave to sin. The enemy is defeated.

This year a couple of things really struck me at our seder. There was a song played for us written by a woman who was a guest. She took her words from the story of the Exodus and they spoke of all the walking and complaining that the Israelites did upon leaving Egypt. But, God said, “I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” Ex. 19:4
How often during this stressful week since Passover I have remembered that when I am in the thick of wandering and just plain living that God has me on this journey to draw me to Himself. He draws me out of the world and out of sin and self to be in His presence and to dwell with Me. Sometimes we try to avoid the wilderness, but in the wilderness there is no one save Him alone. What a wonderful place to be.

I was able to see an interview this week with Gracia Burnham who was kidnapped along with her husband in 2001 by terrorists in the Philippines. She alone made it out alive. When she got discouraged her husband would say to her something to the effect to keep pressing on today because tomorrow she may be going home. Aahhh! I need to keep walking in faithfulness today because tomorrow I may see the One whom my soul loves. On that day the celebration will be made reality, the wedding feast can begin.

For His Name’s Sake.

The Season of our Joy….Oct. 2005

“And the Word became flesh, and did tabernacle among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of an only begotten of a father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

“On exactly the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the crops of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the LORD for seven days, with a rest on the first day and a rest on the eighth day. Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.You shall thus celebrate it as a feast to the LORD for seven days in the year. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month.You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” Lev. 23:33-43

The Feast of Tabernacles, Succot, is the last of the appointed times God listed in Leviticus 23. It is a festival of joy. From the somber mood of repentance and atonement in the holidays of the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement we now rejoice that our sins are forgiven. God has always desired to dwell with his people and the Feast of Tabernacles is a wonderful celebration of that reality. This year it is sunset October 17, 2005 - sunset October 24, 2005.

Historically, Sukkot looks back to the time when God took the Israelites through the wilderness. During this time they dwelt in tents and were ready at any moment to move where God wanted them to go. They were dependent upon Him. He dwelt among them in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.

This festival is rich with prophetic meaning as well. Many believe that it was during the Festival of Sukkot that Yeshua (Jesus) was born. It is also a celebration of His reign as King in His Kingdom. One day all the nations will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Zech. 14:16-

“The sukkah(singular) or booth, symbolizes man’s need to depend upon G-d for his provision of food, water, and shelter. This is true in the spiritual realm as well. The booth is the physical body, which is a temporary dwelling place for our souls and spirits (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We need the food that the Word of G-d provides (Matthew 6:11; 4:4; John 6:33-35); the cleansing, rinsing, and washing that the Word of G-d brings to our lives (Ephesians 5:26); and the shelter of G-d’s protection over our lives from the evil one (Matthew 6:13; Psalm 91). Our physical needs will be provided for by G-d if we seek Him spiritually (Matthew 6:31-33).” (From “The Seven Festivals of Messiah” by Eddie Chumney)

To celebrate this festival each family builds their own sukkah. It can be built out of lumber, small branches, a tent, even sheets. Remember this is a temporary dwelling. The ceiling is to be made so as to see the sky at night. Then you are to enjoy time together as a family in your sukkah by either eating your evening meal or even spending the night in your sukkah.

There are many, many thoughts regarding the Biblical holidays and celebrating them at Robin Sampson’s site. Understanding these feats greatly enhances one’s understanding of the New Testament and of Jesus’ life.

God is so amazing. He set up His appointed times to remind us of what He has done in our lives. Sort of like anniversary dates. Who wouldn’t want to spend these special times with the King of the Universe?
For His Name’s Sake.

Passover 2006

“In Him was life and the life was the Light of men.” John 1:4

In the book of Exodus the plague before the Passover story is the plague of darkness. It was so dark that you could “feel” it. Likewise, when Jesus, the Passover Lamb, died on the cross darkness covered the earth.

Jesus told us that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. At Passover we celebrate God’s redemption through the blood of the Passover Lamb. Like the Israelites who were slaves in Egypt, we were all slaves to sin. Through the sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah God purchased our redemption and frees us to become slaves to righteousness. Therefore, the Passover feast is as much a memorial for us, who are grafted into Israel, as it was for the Israelites who physically left Egypt. Paul tells the Corinthian Gentile believers, to celebrate the feast with sincerety and truth.

“You were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.” Eph. 5:8

“If we walk in the Light, as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

In the Light…….Life.

For His Name’s Sake

Images of Shabbat….Aug. 2006

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe who has sanctified us by your commandments and has commanded us to light the lights of Shabbat.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who brings forth the fruit of the vine.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

Happy and Blessed son.

Hannah took the pictures so there are no pictures of here, but all of us take turns blessing each other which has been wonderful for our family.

Yom Teruah

I love the sound of a shofar blowing. It’s one of my favorite sounds. Mind you I don’t hear it that often, but I do have some CD’s with the shofar on. So to have a holiday where in it is a commandment to blow the shofar, now there is a holiday! The L-rd commanded the shofar be blown in the book of Leviticus chapter 23, right there among the other appointed times:

“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation….”

There are several places you can find out about this feast and several of my internet friends have already written about it. Here are some links if you are interested:

Sounds of the Shofar

Messianic homeschool

Annie’s Feast of Trumpets Page

Biblical Holidays

Lisa’s Blog

Beth’s Blog

Tim Hegg If you go to this site, you will see some new links on the right dealing with Rosh HaShanah. Tim shuts down his site for shabbat, though, so if you can’t get on be sure to go back because it is worth it.

Since there are several places to find information on the holiday, I want to share some other thoughts. I am a Gentile. Why all this Jewish looking stuff and talk about Biblical holidays?

Several years ago I met some friends who introduced me to studying the Bible in it’s Hebraic context. They showed me how the church left it’s Jewish roots and has become anti-Torah. The L-rd led me into a deeper understanding of His Word and His will regarding the Torah. He sent His Son not to abolish the Law, but that the righteous requirements of the Law might be fully met in us. G-d never meant for the Torah to be a burden, rather it is a path to Life and blessing.

We have found this to be true in our own family. When we celebrate the Shabbat and set it aside we are blessed. We are renewed by a day of rest. We are blessed by blessing the L-rd and blessing each other. G-d meets us when we set aside the time to meet with Him at the appointed time that He said He would meet with His people.

Yom Teruah, “The day of the Awakening Blast”, begins of time of repentance. I was recently moved by Isaiah 63:19 “We have become like those over whom You have never ruled, like those who were not called by Your name.” This is how we as believers as a whole have become today, as if we have never been called by G-d’s name. When we bear His Name we have the responsibility of walking in a way that brings honor and esteem to His Name. We do that by obeying Him.

One day there will be a great Shofar blow and our King will come. For some it will be a time of trembling and fear. But, there are those whom the L-rd has made His Delight. They will be glad to see Him.

“Blow a shofar in Zion, sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the L-RD is coming; surely it is near…

Rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the L-RD your G-rd, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil.” (from Joel 2)

For His Name’s Sake

Face to Face with God

“The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls and present an offering by fire to the LORD You shall not do any work on this same day, for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement on your behalf before the LORD your God. If there is any person who will not humble himself on this same day, he shall be cut off from his people. As for any person who does any work on this same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. You shall do no work at all. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. It is to be a sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall humble your souls; on the ninth of the month at evening, from evening until evening you shall keep your sabbath.” Leviticus 23:26-32

“For it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; and you shall be clean from all your sins before the Lord” Leviticus 16:30

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year on the Biblical calendar. Though it is a solemn day and a day of introspection and fasting, it is one of my favorite Biblical holidays. This year it falls on the 2nd of October.
During the time when there was a tabernacle and a temple, Yom Kippur was the one day a year that the high priest was allowed and required to enter the holy of holies. First, he must sacrifice a bull for his own sins and the sins of his household. He also did not wear his usual priestly garments. Rather, on Yom Kippur the high priest was required to wear white linen garments. This is the one day he would go into the holy of holies. Another name for Yom Kippur is “Face to Face” because the high priest was face to face with God on this day. When the high priest went behind the veil on Yom Kippur he would see the mercy seat and the L-rd’s presence hovering above it. The children of Israel waited outside to see if their sacrifice would be accepted.

There were two goats involved in the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. One goat was chosen, by lot, to be sacrificed for the sins of the people. The sins of the people defiled the Temple so the L-rd could not dwell among them and that is His desire. The second goat was called the “azazel” or the scapegoat. The high priest would lay both of his hands on the azazel and confess the sins of the children of Israel. In this way he put the sins on the head of the goat and then the goat was led away into the wilderness. The blood of the sacrifices brought cleansing for the priesthood, the sanctuary, and for Israel as a nation.

Yom Kippur is also called, “The Fast”. It is a day to “afflict your soul” which if you look in other Jewish literature means to fast. It is a time of getting right with G-d and with others.

The Biblical holidays are rich with symbolism. In the book of Colossians Paul tells us that the festivals are a shadow of what is to come and the substance is in Messiah. The Messiah Yeshua fullfilled each of the spring festivals and we await for His coming during the time of the fall festivals. He is our atonement. He is our High Priest. He is our sin offering. He is the scapegoat. Because of him we are clothed in robes of righteousness and we can come before the throne boldly to find mercy and grace to help in time of need. Truly this is a solem day, but for those in Messiah it is also a day to rejoice.

May you have an easy fast.

For His Name’s Sake.

Sukkot 2006

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory” John 1:14

This verse has really spoken to me this year as I have been pondering the season of Sukkot. This Biblical holiday commemorates the days of Israel wandering in the wilderness and living in tents in the wilderness. They were fully dependent upon G-d. His glory dwelt among them in the form of a pillar of fire by day and a pillar of cloud by night. He was their Provider and Protector.

In the same way Yeshua, Jesus, came in an earthy dwelling and the Scripture says that He was G-d’s glory among us. We are secure in Him. This is the season of our joy. The festival of Sukkot is a celebration of G-d dwelling among His people in the past and in the future. In contrast to the solemn celebrations of Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur it is a day of singing, dancing and celebration.

My Bible study had our Sukkot celebration this afternoon. Here are a few pictures for you.

HAPPY SUKKOT - Chag Sameach!

What did we do to celebrate?

After our sukkah was finished we sang praises to HaShem, we shared any words of testimony, thanksgiving, and praise. The children shared special songs in Hebrew and English, some played instruments and danced. My friend, Lori, told some stories. Her husband, Tom, who is our Bible study teacher, spoke about the covenant meal that is part of every covenant. He believes that even in the Garden of Eden the L-rd came and shared a meal with Adam and Eve before the Fall. So, as is the tradition in our celebration of Sukkot, we shared the fruit of the vine and the challah bread together in family groups. Finally, we shared a meal together. It was truly a wonderful time.

Yom haKipuriym (Day of the Atonements)

9/22/07

For it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; and you shall be clean from all your sins before the Lord. It is to be a sabbath of solemn rest for you, that you may humble your souls; it is a permanent statute (Leviticus 16:30-31)

Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship, but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation. But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:6-11)

Even if your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

“Since the days of Moses, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) has been the most holy day on the Jewish calendar. The focus of this day is the most important issue facing humanity. We are told that this is the day when we are to find atonement and forgiveness for our sins.

In Temple times, Yom Kippur centered around the sacrifice of the two goats described in Leviticus 16. The chatat (sin goat) was to be killed after the priest had confessed the sins of the nation over it. The second goat, the azazel (scapegoat), was also to have the sins of the people confessed over it. But instead of being slain as a sacrifice, this goat was to be set free in the wilderness. By so doing, the people of Israel were to realize that their sins were taken away from them as they trusted in God’s way of atonement.” (from Voice of the Lord devotional)

“…without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. ” (Hebrews 9:22)

“…When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:3)

The Day of Atonements is a day to repent, remember, and rejoice.  We repent in turning back to God and loving Him with a whole heart.  We remember all that was before, the sacrifice of the goat, the priest going into the holies once a year, blood, and the scapegoat that takes the sin far away.  And we rejoice in our Messiah Yeshua who has given His life to make us a people, set apart.

For His Name’s Sake.

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