March 12, 2021
Remembering the Past, Preparing for the Future
Deuteronomy 16 describes three feasts: the Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles). These feasts were designed to mark significant moments in Israel’s journey. They functioned like modern celebrations to mark anniversaries and birthdays.
Passover was a way to remember the night God passed over Israel’s houses in the plague of the firstborn. That night was the breaking point that led Pharoah to let God’s people go (Exodus 12).
The Feast of Weeks was a time to remember God giving Israel the law seven weeks into their journey and to thank Him for the blessing of the harvest. The Feast of Booths commemorated the time Israel spent wandering in the wilderness and how the Lord dwelled with His people there.
Every detail, from the timing to what they ate, was a way to worship God and to remember what He had done for them.
In Mark 13, Jesus prophesies about several events related to the end times and His return. He cautions His followers about the future, not to scare them but to prepare them.
Jesus wanted them to know what to look for and what to believe. He wanted them to know who to trust and who to dismiss. Like the disciples saw the temple destroyed in 70 A.D., one day, humanity will witness Jesus’ return.
No one knows when, but Jesus’ desire was that His disciples would live ready. He warned them not to fall for speculations or predictions (Mark 13:32-33). He called His people to hold true to His teaching and trust His promises (Mark 13:31).
Make It Personal
- Much of Deuteronomy is Moses reminding Israel what God has done for them and what He has asked from them. How do you remember the ways God has come through for you?
- If Jesus came back today, would you be excited to see Him? Why or why not?