Elder's Model of Creation:
Messiah in the Festivals

The Festival Calendar

The Calendar System

When Elohim created the sun, the moon, and the stars He made them to act as a calendar. One of the main purposes of this calendar was to point to the special times of assembly when the Nation of Israel is to gather together in worship. The assemblies and festivals mark important events in the relationship between the Almighty and His people.

The Work of the Messiah

The assemblies and festivals represent the work of the Messiah. They act as memorials for what He does on behalf of believers in the process of atonement and redemption. The Spring Festivals represent the Messiah's first coming that occurred two thousand years ago. The Autumn Festivals represent the Messiah's second coming that has yet to occur.

The Spring Festivals

Last Supper

The evening before the Passover sacrifice, the Messiah gathered His disciples. He performed the equivalent of a Jewish wedding betrothal with them, and with all believers, in offering the cup of wine. The communion meal, which is held often, serves as a constant reminder that He will return for His bride.

Passover Sacrifice

The Messiah, being crucified on the 14th day of the 1st month, fulfilled the picture of the true Passover Sacrifice. He takes us, not out of Egypt, but out of the bondage of sin and death. The shedding of His perfect blood in our place makes atonement for our souls.

Feast of Unleavened Bread

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is the first of the three pilgrimage festivals. It historically looks at the leaving from Egypt while prophetically looking at the believer's being removed from sin. It is a time of purification when the Almighty's people are set-apart.

Wave Sheaf offering

The wave sheaf offering follows a few days after the Passover sacrifice. At this time an omer of Barley is lifted up to Elohim in the Tabernacle. This is a picture of the resurrection of the Messiah who shows that He is able to offer new life to people.

Feast of Weeks

The Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost, is the second pilgrimage festival. It comes fifty days after the wave sheaf offering. This was fulfilled in the giving of the Spirit to the Almighty's people as an earnest, or down payment, of the new life that is to come to believers.

The Autumn Festivals

Day of Shouting

The Day of Shouting marks the end of the tribulation and the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom also known as the thousand year reign of the Messiah. This includes the binding of Satan for one thousand years and the first resurrection that includes those martyred during the tribulation.

Day of Redemption

The Day of Redemption comes after the Millennial Kingdom. It is the time of the second resurrection and also the Great White Throne judgment. The Messiah finishes the act of redeeming our lives as we are given the judgment of life and not the judgment of the second death.

Feast of Booths

The Feast of Booths is the third pilgrimage festival. It represents the marriage of the Lamb. This is when the Messiah takes His betrothed, the believers, to be with Him forever and ever. It is a time of celebration.

Eighth Day Assembly

In Hebrew, the number eight represents new beginnings. The Eighth Day Assembly it is no different because it represents the creation of the New Heavens and the New Earth and of the coming city of New Jerusalem.

Summary

The Assemblies and Festivals of Scripture are pictures of the work of the Messiah on our behalf. They are pictures of His first and His second coming. They also picture His work in our atonement and redemption. They should give believers hope as they see the wonderful future that is yet to come.

Todd Elder - www.exploringsalvation.info - 07 / 2010