YEAR 2, WEEK 11, Day 2, Tuesday, 11 March 2025

https://esv.literalword.com/?q=leviticus+23

Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 11 March 2025:

Leviticus 23:3 — Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwelling places.

“The Sabbath commanded here, and observed by Israel, was a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). In the New Covenant the idea isn’t that there is no Sabbath, but that every day is a day of Sabbath rest in the finished work of God. Since the shadow of the Sabbath is fulfilled in Jesus, we are free to keep any particular day — or no day — as a Sabbath after the custom of ancient Israel (Galatians 4:9-11; Hebrews 4:9-10).” (David Guzik)

Leviticus 23:10 – Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest….

Festivals are connected with work cycles and give opportunity to celebrate the fruits of one’s labor with gratitude as blessings from God, not merely the product of human effort, freely sharing these fruits with others.

Leviticus 23:42, 43 – You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Living in booths reminded the people of their history experiencing God’s miraculous provision under seemingly impossible circumstances, and it reminded them that both their history and their future was in God’s hands. Living in booths for a week reminded God’s people that they didn’t need many comforts to experience the blessings of God; it brought the people closer together in mutually supportive relationships, and it kept their camping skills up in preparation for any future crisis. Church communities today should consider annual celebration of the Feast of Booths.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 11 March 2025: Today, enjoy a continual sabbath rest and feast in the sanctuary of the Lord, Jesus and the fellowship of the believers, regardless your circumstances.

• Matthew 11:28, 29 — Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.