Jewish Pasover Feast in the O.T. and Our Communion Today -- some thoughts.

 

Deuteronomy Chapter 16, Part I: Law of the Feast, especially celebrating Passover

Deuteronomy 16:1-17 – Gems and Thoughts from the Passage

The first eight verses of this chapter are very specific as to why, when, where, and how the Passover is to be observed annually. It makes me wonder whether or not we have strayed from God’s intent for the Passover, or the Communion Table remembrance after Christ’s last supper and subsequent death. Might we be observing it too often and it loses its power and impact on our lives and thus on the lives of others? Are we making it too easy for others who have not been brought out of their spiritual bondage to take part in it?

These and other questions are certainly deserving of some consideration. I know that what matters is that we who do observe the Passover or take Communion must do so solemnly fully understanding what God and His Son have done for us. I think of it this way: If a king has saved me and my family from ruin or the enemy and I have a chance to remember that act of his in his presence, in his court – will I insist on doing it my way, or follow every bit of instruction the king’s representatives have given me as to how to behave, what to say or not say, etc. I think the latter. How much more so when, in the presence of our Lord and God, we remember His saving us.

From verse 7 one could also surmise that the eating of the Passover lamb is an all-night event, not just a few moments during our services when we celebrate Communion.

Chuck Smith in talking about this chapter points to the need, mentioned twice – verse 11 and verse 14 – for us to “rejoice” in these celebrations, Even in remembering the death of Christ at Communion, there needs to be a sense of great thanksgiving and rejoicing in what Christ did for mankind.

The latter part of the chapter deals with the Feast of Weeks, the Joy of Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. The Israelites were commanded to observe all these feasts and to the extent allowed, invite others to join them for some. After all, celebrations are an incredible opportunity to share one’s faith.

Wrap-up

There are many things that Scripture tells us about God and one of those is that He loves for us to celebrate Him through Feasts. I know that we are no longer bound, after the death and resurrection of Christ, to follow all the laws and feasts of the Old Testament, but surely there are some that we do follow – including communion. Perhaps it is time for us to elevate them to a stature that God may have intended for us.  Just a thought as we start a new ministry year at our respective churches.

You can see a couple of Youtube videos by Ken here:

https://www.youtube.com/user/accordconsulting 

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