Observances, Feasting, Rest and Worship

On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.

Leviticus 23:3, 7-8, 21, 25, 30-32, 35, 36, 39

The Feasts that God gave to Moses for His people included feasting and rest. Only one (Firstfruits) did not include a sacred assembly and the instruction to ‘do no regular work.’

God created us. He knows that we need special days to remember and celebrate. He knows we need holy days of observance. He knows we need rest. He knows the power of ‘doing no regular work’ in our lives. We need observances, feasting, rest and worship. Here in Leviticus God commands the Israelites to do these things.

Workaholism has always been a problem for people, I imagine, regardless of the century. The drive for production and profit consumes many. It’s common. Work is highly valued in the Scripture, but it cannot consume us. To always be working is not a life of worship. It is more likely a life of selfishness that doesn’t trust God to provide. It is a life not content with what God has provided, so it pursues more and more. It’s the anti-worship life. In my lifetime this culture has transitioned to a 24/7 work world. People expect to be able to access whatever they want or need whenever they want or need it. My children are growing up in this 24/7 culture and will not know any different… unless I teach them God’s way.

Acknowledging God as my Lord and living according to Hs Word will mean that observances, feasting, rest and worship will habitually be a part of my life. I am struck by the phrase ‘Do no regular work.’ To observe a Sabbath there are still things to be done, but this work is not to be my regular work. It is special work that creates an environment that has special and unique results: observances, feasting, rest and worship!

Father, You are Good and Your love endures forever! Thank You for providing a rich life for those who follow You. I can find my life in You, content with Your provision and rich with meaning and purpose. Lead me on in Your way this day.