Read Numbers 28

Highlights:

Fascinating details of Israel's great Feasts (Festivals) since they reveal the sacrificial love of Christ and its many aspects. After 40 years a second generation prepares to enter the promised land.

All sacrifices, offerings, and ceremonies detailed in Numbers 28 and 29 were to lead the children of Israel to grateful acknowledgment of the mercies of God. The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and My bread for My sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto Me, shall ye observe to offer unto Me in their due season (appointed time) (Num. 28:1-2).Worshippers were led to express their appreciation to the Lord for protecting them, for causing them to be victorious over their enemies, and for supplying their needs. Furthermore, the worshiper experienced the joy of fellowship with God.

Note the precious interest and care by which God involves Himself with His people. My offering, and My bread for My sacrifices . . . for a sweet savour unto Me. God reveals the value He places upon acceptable gifts brought by those who love Him. Believers recognize that an acceptable gift is not primarily something we do for God, but foremost, it is that we be the person He created us to be.

The purposes of the sacrifice at the harvest festival (the Feast of Tabernacles) still remain. The trees that were used for these tabernacles (temporary dwellings) had symbolic meanings. The fig tree would provide shade, as well as remind them of the Lord's protection and provision. The palm was the emblem of victory; and the olive tree was a symbol of peace and the presence of God (Neh. 8:15). The willow tree of the brook signified a thriving and blessed people planted by the rivers of water (Ps. 1:3). The bountiful supply of God should deepen our appreciation for His goodness.

The Feast of Pentecost (celebrating the summer harvest) was an acknowledgment of His faithfulness to Israel who gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:17). This Feast (Num. 28:26-31) was set apart for joyful acknowledgment of the love of God. The Lord thy God hath blessed thee: And thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God (Deut. 16:10-11).

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:1-2).

Thought for Today:

He brought me to His banqueting table, and His banner over me was love (Song 2:4).

Christ Revealed:

By the Tabernacles (Booths) (Num. 29:12-39; Lev. 23:34). The Word (logos, i.e. the sayings of God) was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The Greek word translated dwelt means to "tabernacle or live in a tent temporarily."

Word Studies:

29:6 month new moon; 29:7 ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein you shall have a day of no work, but one of solemn fasting, soul searching, prayer, and repentance of all known sin.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Official: Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA) and Rep. Suzanne M. Kosmas (FL) • Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: English and Luganda • Religious freedom • 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who wrong you (Acts 7:59-60).

Optional Reading: Luke 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:5