Sunday, December 07, 2014
Text: LEVETICUS 23:1-8
Key Verse: “These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons” (Leviticus 23:4).
A prominent African Pastor traced back his conversion to a camp meeting held for youths many years ago, even when his motive of going there was quite different. Holy Convocation attracts the presence and power of the holy God.
Moses instructed the children of Israel to observe different feasts which God ordained for them to symbolise specific purposes. God appointed these feasts to make the children of Israel remember His dealings with them and for celebration, fellowship and worship. They were to observe the Sabbath day of rest every week and also enjoy other national holidays. The Passover was to be celebrated to reflect when God spared the lives of Israel’s first born children in Egypt and freed them from slavery. The feast of unleavened bread was to remind the people that they were leaving the old life behind and entering into a new way of living.
Careful reflection on what each of these holidays symbolises will draw the heart of a heaven-bound pilgrim closer to God. Much can be learnt about people in every nation on how they observe and celebrate their holidays. Of course, not all national holidays today are holy convocations. Christians must take note of all holidays and ask what they say about their values before celebrating them.
God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. Holy convocations that are characterised by sensuality, frivolity and immoral lifestyle negate the primary purpose of such gatherings. Godly fear with reference, worship, adoration, deep solemnity must be the prevailing features of all holy assemblies. Those who stray away from weekly meetings, special camp meetings and retreats in pursuit of other ephemeral things of life are missing the peace, purity, power and provisions that freely accompany holy convocations.
Thought for the Day: Seasons and festivals come and go but God remains the same.
Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
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