The observance of sacred times is a significant aspect of biblical teaching, reflecting the rhythm of worship and devotion prescribed by God for His people. These times are set apart for rest, worship, and remembrance, serving as a means to draw believers closer to God and to one another.

Sabbath

The Sabbath is the foundational sacred time instituted by God. It is a day of rest on the seventh day of the week, commemorating God's rest after creation. In Exodus 20:8-11 , the commandment to observe the Sabbath is given: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." The Sabbath serves as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17) and is a time for physical rest and spiritual renewal.

Feasts and Festivals

The Old Testament outlines several feasts and festivals that Israel was commanded to observe. These include:

1. Passover (Pesach): Commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, Passover is a time of remembrance and thanksgiving. Exodus 12:14 states, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD."

2. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Following Passover, this week-long festival symbolizes the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt and the removal of sin, as leaven often represents sin in Scripture (Exodus 12:15-20).

3. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): Celebrated 50 days after Passover, this feast marks the giving of the Law at Sinai and the firstfruits of the wheat harvest (Leviticus 23:15-21).

4. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): A day of rest and trumpet blasts, signaling the beginning of the civil new year and a call to repentance (Leviticus 23:23-25).

5. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The holiest day of the year, dedicated to fasting, prayer, and repentance, seeking atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16:29-34).

6. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): A week-long celebration of the harvest and God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey (Leviticus 23:33-43).

New Testament Observance

In the New Testament, the observance of sacred times takes on new dimensions with the coming of Christ. Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Law and the feasts (Matthew 5:17). The early church gathered on the first day of the week, Sunday, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). This practice highlights the shift from the Jewish Sabbath to the Lord's Day, emphasizing the new creation inaugurated by Christ's resurrection.

Eschatological Significance

The observance of sacred times also carries eschatological significance, pointing to the ultimate rest and celebration in God's eternal kingdom. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a "Sabbath rest for the people of God," indicating the future fulfillment of God's promises.

Practical Application

For Christians today, the observance of sacred times is an opportunity to reflect on God's faithfulness, to rest from labor, and to engage in worship and community. While the specific observances may differ from those of ancient Israel, the principles of rest, remembrance, and worship remain central to the Christian life.