Title: The Blessing of the Harvest Festival
Contents
Text: Exodus 23:14-17
Jews observed three feasts of thanksgiving a year.
① First, it is the Passover (Feast of Unleavened Bread).
② The second is the festival of Mace and Autumn.
This is the feast of offering the first fruits to God. It is also called the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Firstfruits. In Acts 2, it is called the Feast of Pentecost. When interpreted spiritually, it means receiving the Holy Spirit. It is a festival to give thanks to God even if we do not cultivate wheat or barley.
I went to the Honolulu meeting in Hawaii this time, and Hawaii is made up of 8 islands, but another island is being built now. After hearing that story, I thought, 'Why is America doing so well?', but again, I can't find an answer other than that my ancestors believed in God. The best thing we can do for our descendants is to make this land a nation that trusts in God.
Deuteronomy 30:5 says, “Behold, this day I have set before you life and blessing, death and disaster; this day I command you to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments and ordinances and decrees… Then God will bless you.”
God blesses those who love Him and always give thanks to Him.
③ The third is the Feast of Ingathering.
In other words, it is called the Feast of Tabernacles, and we keep it as Thanksgiving.
Today's Bible tells us not to show our hearts empty-handed to God during these feasts by preparing the best gifts with all our heart. Exodus 25:2 says, “Bring me a gift, and present it to me with a cheerful heart.”
God gives the following blessings to those who keep these three feasts.
1. He protects us on the road.
In verse 20, “I will protect you on the road,” this means that the Israelites who had left Egypt did not know where to go in the dangerous wilderness. But God guided them. These words are to say thank you if you believe that your God will protect and protect you as the year goes by. Then God will protect you from now on.
2. He heals me.
Verse 26 “I will take away your disease” This is the blessing of health. Health is happiness, wealth, and the secret to longevity. In Hawaii, even if you are 70-80 years old, it is envy to go to the senior center and run errands as a child. The text refers to the blessing of removing disease and mentions three things. ① No one will have an abortion ② No one will be barren ③ The number of days will be fulfilled. May this blessing be yours.
3. He drives out my enemies.
In verses 27-28, it says, “Cast out your enemies,” which spiritually refers to the devil. In Exodus 32:1-4, we see the scene of making a golden calf from the treasures that those who could not offer gold and silver treasure while building the tabernacle. Those who give to God will receive blessings, and those who do not will be cursed for making idols and serving them.
God has the attribute of abundance, and the devil has the attribute of stinginess.
Next week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. Let's give thanks and glory to God with the best thanks and the best material.
Dear members of Shepherd Church,
Our God is not a God of the dead, but a God of the living. Our God is not a poor God, but a God who has everything and delights in enriching us. Give the greatest thanks to God with joy, and as today's word, ① protect you on the road, ② heal your sickness, and ③ drive out your enemies.
Hallelujah!!! Amen.