Wave Offering 1

Exodus 23:15-16

Although I enjoy the humor of comedian Jim Gaffigan, I caught him on a commercial the other day and his comment irritated me. I don’t even recall what he was promoting, but he was comparing things that were good with those that are not, and said something was “like church.”

The implication was that church is dull and bad. Worshiping God is boring and restrictive, and there are many, many people who believe that whole-heartedly. Lots of people believe God does not like fun.

But in Exodus God outlines certain activities for the Hebrews. What instruction does God give in these verses?

While it is true that there are certain rules to life, and God is not a god of “anything goes,” still the fact remains that God calls us to celebrate and have a good time. These three feasts are just the basics in God’s party plan. There are other opportunities to celebrate throughout the year.

It isn’t that God doesn’t like a good time. In fact, I believe God is one of the best at providing reason and occasion for celebration. What God wants, however, is that we keep our lives and our celebrations in perspective.

There are times of work and sacrifice. There are times of hardship and struggle. But there are also times of celebration and party. What is most important in all these seasons is that we keep God as our priority and confess that all things are of God.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread celebrates that God saved His people, whom He loved. He also saved us. The Feast of Harvest and the Feast of Ingathering both recognize that God has given us what we need and continues to provide.

As we consider our faith, our worship and our offerings, we must remember that all of the good we have comes from God. Our celebrations are permitted and encouraged, but God must be honored first in all things.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Is worship a joy or a burden to you?

Shamar the Holidays 1

Exodus 23:14-16

Although it may seem impossible, the Christmas holidays are quickly approaching. And with their approach can come the anxiety, confusion and frustration of these exhausting holidays. We can be anxious about all the work involved in getting ready. We can be confused about whether or not we are truly honoring God in our celebration. And we can feel frustrated by all the work that seems to rob us of the joy we should be feeling.

In this passage from Exodus we see God giving the command to celebrate festivals, or holidays. What are the three feasts? Who is to be honored at the festivals?

The Hebrew word used in this passage is shamar, which has several meanings. It means “celebrate,” as it is used here, but it can also mean “protect.” The third meaning is “observe,” as in “honor” or “keep the commandments.”

Blending these three meanings together we can see God’s attitude toward the feasts that He has decreed. He wants us to observe the festivals – that is, God wants to be certain we take time to be part of the festival. We are also to protect them. We are not to let them be ignored. And finally, we are to celebrate these festivals.

A common misconception of the Jewish faith is that all Jews are legalistic and strict. We often have the impression that the Jewish faith is nothing but a series of rules just waiting to be broken so we can be punished or feel guilty.

The same is true of Christianity. So many people believe that being a Christian means obeying strict laws that prohibit happiness or joy or laughter. There are those who think that Thanksgiving and Christmas have been so commercialized that real Christians should ignore them.

But neither view is accurate. God has decreed that holidays (feasts or festivals) should take place. He has decreed that we should observe these holidays, protect them by continuing to hold their observance; and He has decreed that we should celebrate. Shamar!

God has certain laws and decrees for life; that is true. But overall, God is love and God has created all things so that we might celebrate His love and mercy. He wants us to celebrate Him – shamar the Lord! – in our holidays.

As we enter into this holiday season, let us allow our fears and troubles to fall away. Let us truly celebrate God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How might you “protect” the Christmas holiday this year?