Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: MAP (01/31/19)
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TITLE: On Feasts and Fog | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dave Wagner
02/01/19 -
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Oh, I was all into it for years, and actually thought I was doing good, throwing scriptures around, diving into the minutiae, laying out detailed arguments. It took a good, long while before I saw it all as wood, hay and stubble.
So what does a former self-stylized amateur theologian do when he wants to talk about something theological? Swallow my hypocrisy, hold my nose, and cannonball into it. The word count limit should keep me in check...
Out of consideration for your time, dear reader, I shall jump to the punchline.
God has hidden His "map of salvation" throughout the Old Testament.
These four places spell it out wonderfully: The Feasts of the Lord; the Furnishings of the Tabernacle; the Days of Creation and the Trip from Egypt to Canaan.
Wait! Before you roll your eyes and stop reading, I will be brief! And I wouldn't bring it up if I didn't feel it was very important. Without a proper goal, confusion reigns. There's no need for us to wander and wonder, when a map has been provided. God is showing us what He is doing - and it goes WAY beyond taking forgiven, unchanged sinners into Heaven. He's making us into His dwelling place.
A quick peek at the Feasts of the Lord.
1. Passover: This we understand well, as a church. This is the starting point. The blood cleanses and forgives.
2. Unleavened Bread: Baptism in water, cleansing us of the leaven of our past sin. Also well known.
3. Firstfruits: New life in Christ, being born again. Check.
4. Pentecost: Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Not quite as well known, but fairly solid.
This is as far as we have come, as a church, in understanding Salvation. When you ask most Christians what comes next, they say "Heaven! Amen!"
Nope. Three more feasts to go.
5. The Feast of Trumpets: The New Year begins. War is declared on the enemies of God - in our personalities. Our life goes on the altar, in its entirety, as God begins daily working with us, cleansing us. In this battle, our relationship with God is built, line upon line.
This is our next step. And because the demands are total, many will balk at it. Waiting to go to Heaven is a much easier path!
6. The Day of Atonement: The most solemn day of the year. God puts an end to the daily struggle, and in a sovereign move, finishes cleansing us. He is ready to take up residence.
7. The Feast of Tabernacles: The ultimate goal. God dwells in Christ, and together they dwell in your heart, which has been prepared, overlaid and inlaid with gold. You are a room in His House, forever. This is the rest of God.
This pattern fits the Days of Creation, the Furnishings of the Tabernacle and the Journey from Egypt to Canaan perfectly, and is far more robust a vision than this simplified summary could ever convey. It bears investigation, and it will answer tons of your lingering questions.
If you're content with the idea that all God is after is forgiving you and bringing you to Heaven to live in a big house, then your daily struggles won't make sense to you. They will seem random, or the work of the Adversary. The fog clears when you realize God is cleansing you in preparation for His moving in. I mean, you did invite Him into your heart, right?
The map is there, and it reveals wonderful things. Dig a little, you'll see.
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