Observing God's appointed times is a practice rooted in the biblical tradition, where specific days and seasons are set apart for worship, remembrance, and celebration. These appointed times, often referred to as "feasts" or "festivals," are outlined primarily in the Old Testament and hold significant theological and spiritual meaning for believers.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of appointed times is introduced in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Leviticus 23 provides a comprehensive list of these sacred times, which include the Sabbath, Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These times are described as "holy convocations" (Leviticus 23:2), indicating their communal and sacred nature.

The Sabbath

The Sabbath is the first of the appointed times mentioned in Leviticus 23. It is a weekly day of rest and worship, commemorating God's rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3). The command to observe the Sabbath is reiterated in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). The Sabbath serves as a perpetual sign of the covenant between God and His people (Exodus 31:16-17).

Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread

Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, as described in Exodus 12. It is observed on the 14th day of the first month (Nisan) and involves the sacrifice of a lamb, symbolizing the protection provided by the blood of the lamb. The Feast of Unleavened Bread follows immediately, lasting seven days, during which no leavened bread is consumed. This feast serves as a reminder of the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt (Exodus 12:17-20).

Feast of Firstfruits and Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

The Feast of Firstfruits occurs during the Feast of Unleavened Bread and involves offering the first sheaf of the harvest to the Lord (Leviticus 23:10-11). Fifty days later, the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost, is celebrated, marking the end of the grain harvest. It is a time of thanksgiving for God's provision and is associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19).

Feast of Trumpets

The Feast of Trumpets, observed on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri), is a day of rest and trumpet blasts (Leviticus 23:24). It marks the beginning of the civil new year and is a call to repentance and preparation for the Day of Atonement.

Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the most solemn of the appointed times. It occurs on the tenth day of the seventh month and involves fasting, prayer, and the offering of sacrifices for the atonement of the people's sins (Leviticus 16:29-34). It is a day of national repentance and reconciliation with God.

Feast of Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, begins on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and lasts for seven days. It commemorates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and God's provision during that time (Leviticus 23:42-43). Participants dwell in temporary shelters, or booths, as a reminder of their ancestors' dependence on God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the fulfillment of the appointed times. For instance, He is identified as the Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is seen as the fulfillment of the Feast of Weeks (Acts 2:1-4). While the early church grappled with the observance of these feasts, the underlying principles of rest, redemption, and reliance on God remain central to Christian worship and practice.

Theological Significance

Observing God's appointed times serves as a reminder of His sovereignty, faithfulness, and redemptive plan. These times are opportunities for believers to reflect on God's past acts of salvation, anticipate future fulfillment in Christ, and live in obedience to His commands. They underscore the rhythm of work and rest, the importance of community worship, and the call to holiness and repentance.