Leviticus 23 - God's Special Days

Every breath we take we can rejoice that God made it possible. He provides for the air and all the natural functions within our bodies that cause us to take it in without even having to think about it. He ordains the number of our days and knows the plans He has for us. Every day could be a special celebration of God's goodness toward us. 

Yet God, knowing that special celebrations have the built in reminders of their origins can bring us into a special reflection time before Him. The Sabbath is a remembrance of God's work in creation, how when he was finished he rested. In honor of what God has done for us, we rest too. The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread remind us of how God delivered his people from the hands of the Egyptians. Each celebration a pause from ordinary activity to consider once again what God has done. 

Throughout the year, God ordained special celebrations for the people as opportunities to pause and reflect on our standing before God. Much like a Christian conference might be a special time away from activity to worship and reflect, celebrations like those mentioned in this chapter strengthened the people's faith and encouraged them to press on with daily trials knowing they serve the same God who has done marvelous things in their lives. 

We need special infusions in our lives. Times to pause and remember, times to be encouraged. Each week our worship services should do just that. Not just sing songs of praise, but having a time where the pastor unfolds the Word to remind us of God's provision, grace and mercy toward his people. We need to be reminded as we go out into a world that is increasingly godless that we are on the winning side and looks right now can be deceiving. 

Our application is to actively participate in days of worship making them opportunities to consider again what God has done for us. Identify some specials times of worship and reflection, perhaps Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Ash Wednesday and remember what God has done for you and remember His story is not yet completed. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.