It Was Always the Plan

It Was Always The Plan

I’ve been reading in the Old Testament, and I’m really finding myself interested in the seven festivals—the Lord’s appointed festivals.

In Leviticus 23, it lays out what they are and why the Israelites were to observe them.

These are interesting to me because as the Lord is explaining them to Moses, He reminds the people who He is, and He also says that these are to be lasting ordinances for the generations to come.

These festivals gave the Israelites opportunities to celebrate what the Lord had done, remember His provision and faithfulness, and pass that remembrance down from generation to generation.

God wanted His people to stay close to Him.

We see that throughout the Old Testament in the sacrifices He established, the tabernacle He instructed them to build and carry with them, and even in the way He led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

God knew His people would sin, so He established a sacrificial system that provided a way for atonement and restored fellowship with Him. All of this becomes even more meaningful when we understand what Jesus would ultimately do for us.

As far as the festivals are concerned, here’s a small breakdown.

First, the Sabbath is talked about again. God wanted them to remember this day and keep it holy. Rest and worship were woven throughout the appointed festivals as the people stopped their regular work and turned their attention toward the Lord.

Festival 1 — Passover

Passover began on the 14th day of the first month. It was a day of remembrance for when God spared the firstborn of Israel and delivered His people from slavery in Egypt.

Festival 2 — The Festival of Unleavened Bread

This began on the 15th day of the first month and lasted seven days. The Israelites ate bread made without yeast, remembering their deliverance from Egypt and how quickly they had to leave.

Festival 3 — The Festival of First Fruits

When the Israelites entered the Promised Land and began harvesting its crops, they were to bring the first portion of their harvest to the Lord. It was an acknowledgment that what they had ultimately came from Him.

Festival 4 — The Festival of Weeks (Pentecost)

They were to count 50 days from the offering associated with First fruits and then present another offering to the Lord. This festival was connected to the harvest and giving thanks to God for His provision.

Festival 5 — The Festival of Trumpets

This began on the first day of the seventh month with—you guessed it—the blowing of trumpets. It was a sacred day of rest and a time for the people to gather before the Lord.

Festival 6 — The Day of Atonement

This was on the 10th day of the seventh month. It was a solemn day centered on sin, atonement, and the people's relationship with God.

Festival 7 — The Festival of Tabernacles

This began on the 15th day of the seventh month and lasted seven days. The Israelites lived in temporary shelters as a reminder that God had brought them out of Egypt and cared for them along the way.

There is so much more to all of these things, but I’m mesmerized by it.

The people had to keep track of all of this, but what stands out to me most is why God had them do it.

He wanted His people to remember.

Remember what He had done.

Remember how He had provided.

Remember how He had delivered them.

Remember who He was.

The Life Application Study Bible describes these special days as opportunities for the people to come together for rest, refreshment, remembrance, and thanksgiving for what God had done.

This makes me think more and more about the importance of Jesus’ coming, death, and resurrection.

We don’t have to make all of those sacrifices because God sent His Son as the final and complete sacrifice for sin.

Hebrews 10:10 - For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

I looked up the word atonement, and that made this even more meaningful to me.

The Hebrew word kippēr carries the idea of making atonement. We see the ideas of covering, cleansing, and reconciliation associated with atonement throughout Scripture. It points to the restoration of a relationship that sin has broken.

And to me, this shows God's love for His people.

He always had a plan for atonement.

Isn’t that amazing?

When I look at all of these festivals, sacrifices, laws, and reminders, I don't just see a long list of things the Israelites had to do.

I see a God who continually made a way for His people to remember Him and come near to Him.

Then I look at Jesus.

God sent His Son for His people. Jesus became the sacrifice we could never provide for ourselves. What we see unfolding throughout the Old Testament ultimately points us toward our need for Him.

It was always the plan.

And through every generation, every festival, every reminder, and ultimately through Jesus Christ, we see the character of a God who does not change.

He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.