Daily Manna

Key Verse

“Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)” (Exodus 23:15).

TEXT — Exodus 23:14-19

Message

Through the United Nations, the world designates specific days, weeks or months of the year to mark significant events or issues of international interest. Such observance days create awareness and allow people to connect with shared values and goals. In some cases, the chosen days are declared as holidays so that people can celebrate and pay sufficient attention to the issue in focus.

God appointed such holidays for the Israelites, during which they commemorated some critical events in their history annually. The text highlights three significant feasts, although there were four others associated with them (Leviticus 23). They were to remember and celebrate their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the times of the early harvest, and the final harvest or in-gathering of their crops. These commemorations are aptly described as feasts or festivals because they are periods of rejoicing, thanksgiving, mutual fellowship and sober reflection before God.

They signified times of celebrating God’s goodness and provision when all males in the nation gather to worship and offer prescribed sacrifices unto the Lord. As believers, we must also remember landmark events in our faith journey. In particular, we must never forget our deliverance from the tyranny of sin and the periods of memorable encounters with the Lord. Such times of celebration allow us to recall God’s goodness and mercy and reflect on how to love Him better. Significantly, God says the Israelites were to keep the feast unto Him (not unto themselves), and no one should appear empty-handed before Him.

The implication here is that the feasts are not times of frivolity or self-indulgence but a period to refocus on God, acknowledge His sovereignty in all things, sing His praise, and renew one’s devotion to Him. To leave God out of our feasts is to miss the primary purpose and turn spiritually significant events into mere rituals. God delights in the fellowship of His people. He is pleased when His children separate themselves from the world and rededicate themselves to Him. Therefore, periodically, you should take a break from regular daily activities to have deep fellowship with God.

Thought for the day

Celebrate God’s goodness with gratitude every day.

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• Bible
• in one year
• Ezra 1 – 3 (Read By Alexander Scourby)