God's Appointed Times

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Moedim (The Appointed Times)

We have many appointments that we keep on a regular basis, and heaven forbid we should miss our doctor's appointment. However, how many of us realize that God has established special appointments for us that we are expected to honor? The Lord has designated monthly, weekly, and annual appointments for us to meet with Him. Regrettably, the Body of Messiah has prioritized other celebrations over the Feasts outlined in Leviticus 23. For the past 2,000 years, the Body of Messiah has largely neglected the observance of God's Calendar. Recently, however, the Holy Spirit has been stirring the Body to explore more profound aspects of their faith. An increasing number of believers are now recognizing and upholding their appointments with God. This trend is likely to continue until Yeshua's return, at which point we will joyfully celebrate the Festivals alongside our Master and Bridegroom.

Rosh Chodesh

Rosh Chodesh marks the celebration of the New Moon and the beginning of a new month, emphasizing the importance of gathering with family and friends to honor this occasion before God, as outlined in scripture. This celebration is rooted in the biblical command to worship from "New Moon to New Moon and Sabbath to Sabbath" (Isaiah 66:23), highlighting the significance of putting God first in our lives.

The observance of Rosh Chodesh involves giving the First Fruits of our time and making New Month offerings, reinforcing the communal aspect of worship. While many Jews celebrate the new moon based on the sighting of the crescent moon, it is important to note that the Biblical Calendar is a Luni-Solar Calendar, which incorporates the sun and stars alongside the moon for timekeeping (Genesis 1:14). This distinction is crucial, as it differentiates the observance from other ancient cultures that revered the crescent moon. 

On Rosh Chodesh, specific commands are given, such as the blowing of trumpets and bringing offerings, (Numbers 10:10, Psalm 81:3, Numbers 28:11). The celebration is also recognized as a special feast where family and friends gather together together to share a festive meal,(1 Samuel 20:5). 

Shabbat

When God created the world in six days, He took a break not out of necessity—since He is infinite—but to set an example for us. He showed that we should work for six days and then rest on the seventh day, allowing ourselves to be rejuvenated. This special day, known as our delight, comes with a blessing for those who celebrate this weekly gathering. Shabbat is a time we should eagerly anticipate, rather than view as a chore. According to the Ten Commandments, it is the only day we are instructed to remember and keep holy. Importantly, this practice is not exclusive to the Jewish community; it is also meant for all peoples.

Feast Days and Holy Days

As Messianics, we uphold one of the fundamental tenets of our faith, which is The Moedim, also known as God’s Appointed Times or “The Feasts of the Lord.” The Moedim represent designated gatherings where we dedicate time to engage with God according to His divine schedule rather than our own. We observe all those that are mandated in Scripture. Furthermore, we invite Christians to partake in the celebration of The Feasts, as they are indeed the feasts of the Lord; the Torah never refers to them as the feasts or days of the Jews. These Appointed Times are intended for those who wish to be integrated into and follow the Ways of God. God has repeatedly affirmed that these Appointed Times are to be an everlasting and perpetual ordinance (Ex. 12:14; Lev. 23:37-38). The Feasts and Holy Days, more accurately termed “Set Apart Days,” serve as reminders of our faith. While all Feast Days are considered Holy Days, not all Holy Days qualify as Feast Days. The following are recognized as Holy Days, yet not all are categorized as Feasts. On Feast Days, we are commanded to celebrate with a Feast (Ex. 23:14), whereas on other days, we are instructed to observe them as Holy Days (Set Apart Days). *It is important to note that Holy Days in Hebrew are denoted by the term Yom, which translates to Day, whereas Feast Days are referred to as Chag in Hebrew.

Passover, also known as Pesach, is recognized as a Memorial Meal rather than merely a day of observance. Its purpose is to serve as a reminder of the events of the Exodus, during which God liberated the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Ex. 13:3; Lev. 23:4-5; Deut. 7:18, 16:3). This meal is also considered a covenant meal, one of only two feasts, alongside Purim, referred to as “the feasts of the Jews” in the New Testament (Jn. 2:13, 6:4). Consequently, participation in this meal is restricted. Who is eligible to partake? Those who have undergone physical and spiritual circumcision, as well as individuals who do not invoke the names of other deities, such as Ishtar (Easter), are permitted to join (Ex. 12:43-49). 

Passover commences on the evening of the 14th day of the first month in the Biblical Calendar, a day also designated as “Preparation Day.” This is the occasion when the Passover Lamb is sacrificed and readied for the subsequent day, during which the Passover Meal is consumed at twilight, marking the conclusion of the 14th day and the onset of the 15th day, coinciding with the first night of Unleavened Bread (Ex. 29:38-41; Num. 28). Notably, the Passover Meal is unique among all the Feasts or Holy Days, as it provides a second opportunity for observance for those unable to participate in the first month, particularly for individuals who have become ceremonially unclean due to contact with a deceased person or who have been traveling (Num. 9:6-8). The Second Passover is commemorated at the conclusion of the 14th day of the second month (Num. 9:9-12).

Chag Ha Matzah, also known as Ha Matzot, refers to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which commences at twilight following the 14th day of Aviv. This celebration begins on the evening of the 15th day of the first month, as outlined in Exodus 12:17 and Leviticus 23:6. The purpose of this feast is to serve as a reminder of the liberation from the bondage of Egypt. God instructs His people to consume unleavened bread, or Matzah, for a duration of seven days. Leavening symbolizes sin; therefore, God commands the removal of all leaven from our homes, representing the purification of ourselves, akin to how the blood on the doorposts signifies His Blood covering our sins.  The biblical symbolism of leaven is complex, often embodying both negative and positive spiritual concepts. Leavening represents sin and corruption. In the Old Testament, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Israelites were instructed to eliminate all leaven from their homes as a means of symbolically purging sin and striving for holiness (Ex. 12:15). Additionally, it serves as a representation of false teaching and hypocrisy. In the New Testament, Yeshua employs leaven to illustrate the corrupting effects of false doctrines and hypocrisy (Matthew 16:6; Luke 12:1). Furthermore, leaven symbolizes moral decay within the Body of Messiah (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).

Yom Ha Bikkurim, also known as The Day of First Fruits, is a celebration that is often overlooked in Christian discussions, yet it merits attention. This observance occurs one day after the Passover Lamb has been sacrificed and consumed, as noted in Joshua 5:10-11. On this day, the High Priest would present the Sheaf of the first fruits of Barley at the Temple, offering it before God, as described in Leviticus 23:10-11. Yeshua is recognized as our First Fruits, enabling us to be presented, offered, and accepted as a pleasing sacrifice to the Father, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.

The Feast of Weeks, known as Shavuot in Hebrew and Pentecost in Greek, signifies the completion of seven weeks. The term Shavuot translates to "weeks" in Hebrew. According to Leviticus 23:15-21, we are instructed to count seven Shabbats from the day following the offering of the sheaf until the day after the seventh week, culminating in a total of 50 days. This occasion marks the celebration of the wheat harvest, as referenced in Exodus 34:22. In traditional Judaism, this day is also commemorated as the moment when God bestowed His Word upon the people at Mount Sinai. For Messianic believers in the Messiah, this day additionally represents the outpouring of His spirit, as described in Acts 2:1-4.

The Day of Sounding, known as Yom Teruah, translates to the Feast of Soundings. It is characterized by expressions of immense joy and exuberant shouting, particularly through the blowing of Shofars. On this occasion, we sound our Shofars to commemorate the arrival of the Fall Feasts. This day can also symbolize the Harpazó, or what is called the snatching away (commonly referred to as the Rapture within Christian communities), representing the gathering of the Ekklesia (the assembly). The day preceding the Feast of Trumpets is referred to as the "day that no man knows the day nor hour." While the precise moment of Yeshua’s return remains unknown, we can certainly discern the times and seasons surrounding His return.

This Feast is called Yom Kippur because it means The Day of Coverings. On the Day of Coverings, the High Priest would cover with blood, the horns of the altar, and the cover of the Ark of the Covenant. Yeshua is now our Yom Kippur. He has covered our sins, so Messianics should celebrate this day which is a great day because we remember our Atonement that Yeshua made for us on the Tree. 

The Feast of Tabernacles, referred to as Sukkot, represents the reign of the Messianic Kingdom, during which all nations are welcomed to partake, as outlined in Zechariah 14. It is prophesied that all nations will travel to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast. This occasion acts as a precursor to the Kingdom that God has promised to create.