8# Emor (SPEAK) (Lev. 21:1-24:23)(5-1-21)

(THE FEASTS OF THELORD: ‘SHOW UP FOR YOUR APPOINTMENTS’)!

From the Very Beginning we read in The Book of Genesis that God established The Heavens and Earth with order and for a purpose. On the 4th Day of Creation God Created The Lights that were to separate The Day from The Night. The Sun and Moon were Created and God said that these Lights had a purpose beyond just givinglight. God said:

(Genesis 1:14)

“and let them be for Signs, and for Seasons, and for Days and for Years;”



The word for ‘SEASONS’ in this verse is the Hebrew word “MO’ADIM – מועדים.” The word “MO’ED” or “MO’ADIM” (the singular and plural form) means ‘APPOINTED TIME, DATE, or FESTIVAL. In the context of Genesis chapter one, in reference to the creation, this word could be translated as 'seasons but it could also be translated as ‘APPOINTED TIMES or FESTIVALS. What are the appointed times?

(Midrash, Genesis)

The Creation that God made is perfect and beautiful. Each intricate detail was designed by the Master Designer for a purpose just as it is. The Biblical Holy Day Cycle (Leviticus23) is part of this Creation. It is like a jeweled watch, each holiday on the face of the dial represented by a beautiful gemstone. To move the jewels around does a disservice to the watchmaker, The Creator.'



This week’s Torah Portion reading contains a whole chapter dedicated to the “APPOINTED TIMES”, (APPOINTED BY GOD HIMSELF). Leviticus chapter 23 begins this way:

(Leviticus 23:2)

Speak (EMOR) to the sons of Israel and say to them, "The LORD's appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My (GOD) ‘APPOINTED TIMES’ are these."

In Leviticus 23, God gives a calendar to His people. This Biblical Calendar is different from the one that the western world uses. The Biblical Calendar is ‘Lunar’: It is based on the phases of the moon. The 4 phases of the moon determine the day of The Biblical Month. The tiny sliver of The New Moon always appears on the 1st Day of The Month; the Full Moon indicates the middle of the month; the disappearance of the moon indicates the end of the month.

The Lord’s Feasts are NOT To Be Seen As Obligations—they’re Invitations! Our Maker and our God invites us to an encounter at these “APPOINTED TIMES.” It’s not a matter of sin or guilt if you ignore these Feasts, but it is a ‘MISSED OPPORTUNITY’!

Celebrating the Lord’s Feasts aligns us and positions us for The Blessings and Revelations that they bring. These “APPOINTED TIMES” are part of your inheritance as a Child of God, Jew and Gentile alike. If you are hungry for personal transformation and a more profound sense of connection with God, ‘SHOW UP FOR YOUR APPOINTMENTS’! If you want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and His Disciples, celebrate these Holy Days (like they did). The Spirit, The Scripture, and Creation have invited you to encounter The Living God and experience His transforming power by observing His Appointed Feasts.

(THE FEASTS OF THE LORD: ‘SHOW UP FOR YOUR APPOINTMENTS’)!