Leviticus 23:17-25
Notice these two loaves were to be brought “out of [their] habitations,” and so we see, in figure here, that we have been separated from “this present evil world” — separated unto the Lord. Moreover, these two loaves were spoken of as “firstfruits,” for even though we do not have our glorified bodies yet, we are the firstfruits of God’s new creation (James 1:18) and just as sure of heaven as though we were already there — what grace!
Along with these loaves there were sacrifices, burnt offerings, a sin offering and peace offerings, for we are never to forget the work of Calvary as the ground of all our blessings. Every time we are reminded of our blessings, as in these feast days, we are reminded of the cost to God, and so here these things were to be waved before the Lord, then given to the priest as his portion. This would show us that when we have given the Lord His portion, He then delights to give us back all we can hold and more!
“No servile work” was to be done during any of these feasts, for nothing of the labor of our hands can bring the blessings the Lord has in His heart for us. He delights to have us sitting before Him, rejoicing in His work. Even our service is not to be “servile work,” but a “labor of love.”
The Poor and Strangers
Along with the instructions as to this feast of Pentecost, the children of Israel were told that they were not to reap the corners of their fields but to leave them for the poor and the stranger. It would appear that this is the character of things we can expect at the end of this dispensation of the grace of God. It began on the day of Pentecost with a mighty harvest, for three thousand souls were saved in one day, but now the poor and the stranger are being gathered in. The work does not assume large proportions in these favored lands of Christendom, but “the corners of the field,” a few here and a few there — “the poor” — and (perhaps in heathen lands) “the strangers” are being harvested before the day of grace closes. Undoubtedly, in applying this to Israel, it looks on to the bringing in of the nations with Israel in a coming day. The nations who will be saved through the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom are thus included in the harvest also (Revelation 7:4-17).
But how about you? Are you the Lord’s? Have you allowed the precious message of His grace to touch and win your heart? Remember there are many who will have to say when it is too late, after the Lord has come and taken His own to heaven, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved” (Jeremiah 8:20). Come now, before it is too late.
The Feast of Trumpets
This brings us to the next feast, the feast of trumpets. In applying it to ourselves (in this present church period), it would tell us of the Lord’s coming, when we shall hear the trumpet of God calling us home to the Father’s house above. What a day it will be when we are summoned into the presence of our blessed Saviour — set free from all that hinders us here — to be forever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). Surely that moment draws near. May we be found waiting and watching to see His blessed face! For Israel as a nation, this feast of trumpets typically applies to the time when they will be gathered back into their land for blessing (Matthew 24:31). Now they are going back, but still in unbelief, yet it shows us that the end is near.
For Further Meditation
1. What might the “poor and stranger” represent in a spiritual sense?
2. When will the Jewish people be called back by the Lord to live in their land? Has this already happened? What scriptures show your answer to be correct?
3. A simple and heart-warming presentation of the seven feasts can be found in G. C. Willis’ book The Seven Feasts of Jehovah. You will find it very easy to read and profitable.