We are to remain a pure and set apart, or holy, people, dedicated to the LORD and His ways. In many ways the church (those who identify as followers of Christ) has blended with the culture and beliefs of others who do not follow Christ and this continues still today.
A simple example is those that claim Christ and use the Bible, but then support abortion and homosexuality, which the LORD speaks against very clearly in the Bible. Perhaps another example is those who claim Christ but then consider the Bible just another book, and not authoritative. Whether divinely inspired (which I believe is true for the original translations in Aramaic and Hebrew) or not, it is the most reliable source of instruction for our relationship with our Creator.
Other examples include the mixing and mingling of Christian concepts and teachings on top of pagan celebrations like Christmas or even Halloween. Instead of being set apart, we blend in. We mix and mingle the beliefs of how others worship their gods (or did in the past) with how we worship our Creator. This is offensive to God. The Bible speaks against this repeatedly and clearly.
By contrast, there is widespread ignorance about the feasts and celebrations the LORD has called us to celebrate, all of which focus on our relationship with Him. Yeshua and His disciples observed the Moedim and so should we!
How can we be a light if we blend in with those around us? How can we be the salt of the earth if we bring no flavor?
13“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
17“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18“For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19“Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
To study more on this topic, please review our category of posts relating to Holidays/Traditions (scroll down to move from one post to another) and consider the following.
Here are a few resources where you can learn more about the Moedim, the Creator’s calendar (often called the “Jewish” calendar).
- Leviticus 23 article – Bible.org
- Hebrew4Christians.com
- Psalm 119 Ministries at TestEverything.net – video series “Mo’edim”
- Additional resource links available at our page Focused Ministries – Understanding Hebrew Roots
- JacobsTent.org is a fellowship that meets in Tennessee and live streams events for Moedim and regular Sabbath services weekly. It is more than just a study, but brings you in to be part of a fellowship worshipping and learning together.
I encourage you to invest time studying this topic and do not dismiss it. I have found it to be powerful in transforming the focus of our celebrations off of ourselves and rightly focused toward our Creator and Savior!
Shalom