Session 29

Every Sunday is a celebration

From Numbers: A 5-Week Devotional

During the seventh month of the year, the people of Israel celebrated three major holidays — the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Festival of Tabernacles.

During these national holidays, the people gathered to worship. They suspended work and daily activities and brought burnt offerings before the Lord to show their commitment. Each celebration was an opportunity to refresh their minds and renew their faith in God.

The festivals in Numbers 29 might seem outdated, but their principles still apply to us today.

1.  The people gathered together to celebrate and worship.

Coming together for church on Sunday lets us see that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. As we are serving together and singing about God, we celebrate who He is and we are united around the bond we all share — a relationship with Jesus.

2.  The people abandoned their normal routine and didn’t do any work during this time.

In Exodus 31:15, God says, "For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord.” God commands us to take a break (or holiday) from daily tasks to rest, listen to Him, and reflect on His character and faithfulness. Our faith is fully renewed when we abandon our routine and hear what the Lord has to say.

3.  The people gave God something of value (sacrificed animals) as an act of worship.

We do the same thing when we bring our tithes and offerings. We give something of value, such as our money, out of obedience to God’s commands and out of trust in His character.

These festivals were a way for the Israelites to break from their routines and renew their commitment to God. And in many ways, that’s what we get to do every Sunday. We break our routine and gather as a church to sing, celebrate, and bring our offerings to God.

Reflect:

• What’s one benefit you experience from coming to church every week?
• Do you feel separated and far from God? What’s one step you can take this week to break your normal routine and carve out time to hear from Him?
• What’s one thing giving has taught you about obedience to God? What’s one thing it’s taught you about trust in God?