Each year we celebrate our wedding anniversary. We celebrate to remember all the blessings we have received in our marriage. Each year we celebrate our wedding anniversary. We celebrate to remember all the blessings we have received in our marriage. Sure, some times were better than others but with the help of God we have made it through over 33 years together.
God’s Commands to Celebrate
God was very intentional in Leviticus 23 to name seven times each year that were to be holy days dedicated to Him. Four times, in verses 14, 21, 31, and 41 God gives a message. Leviticus 23:14bThis is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live.[1]
Why would God command that these festivals be celebrated in each generation? Verse 39 says remember and verse 43 This will remind each new generation.[2] God knew how quickly His people forget.
The Hebrew people had witnessed the 10 plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and received manna from heaven yet they were willing to go back into slavery. Numbers 14: 1Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. 2 Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron… Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!”[3]
Jesus Tells Us to Remember
One of the last things Jesus did with His disciples before His death was to celebrate Passover. There He used the common elements of bread and wine to apply to His body and blood which was soon to be sacrificed on the cross. This Old Testament festival would have a new meaning and needed to be celebrated so we remember the New Covenant with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11: 23 For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24 and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.[4]
Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist are all names of the celebration. When we remember what Jesus has done for us, it refocuses our priorities. As humans, we soon forget and are distracted by the world. Our Lord has put a sacrament in place to build our faith and bring us forgiveness. Celebrate to remember, to hear more listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/foreshadowing-of-the-cross-passover
[1-4] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.