Old Testament Observances

  Old and New Testament Connections This lesson concerns a New Testament observance that originates in the Old Testament. ... every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.  — Matthew 13:52 The Old Testament doesn't get much attention these days, and sadly, it shouldn't, given that Paul tells us how valuable it is.  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Remember that the only Scripture available at that time was the Old Testament. If Paul affirmed its validity and value, shouldn't we be mindful of our obligation to its lessons? Neglecting the Old Testament leaves us with only a partial picture of the truths of the New Testament, which are often understood superficially, traditionally, an...

  The Old Testament Events Are Our Examples I love the feasts and seasons of the Old Testament because they offer so much insight into how New Testament truths apply. ... all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  — 1 Corinthians 10:11 I like to observe these seasons not religiously or technically, but by following the heart of each season's purpose and message. Who knows, maybe there are seasons in the Spirit when life might work more in harmony with us as we cooperate with what God is doing in each one. Tradition Traditionally, for the season we are studying, the 1st of Elul (August/September) on the Hebrew calendar marks the start of a 40-day season of repentance. This period leads up to the "High Holy Days" of Rosh Hashanah (the start of the new year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, or covering), also known as the "national day of repentance." The Jewish people regard ...

  The High Falls at the Minnesota-Canadian Border A Vacation Inspiration Some years ago, my husband and I vacationed at Gooseberry Falls State Park, north of Duluth, Minnesota. As we drove along the North Shore of Lake Superior, I was struck by how many waterfalls we encountered. After seeing so many, I wondered whether there were any spiritual lessons to draw from them.  According to the Jewish calendar, it was the start of the fall feasts. The first feast of the season is the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), and Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, would be observed ten days later. The Feast of Tabernacles would occur at the end of the season's observances, five days after Yom Kippur. I decided to focus on the Feast of Tabernacles, a topic I had already been studying. The Feast of Tabernacles commemorates God's miraculous provision for the children of Israel during their time in the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt. As they journeyed toward the...