Information Related to "Take a Listening Heart to the Feast"

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				Take a Listening Heart to the Feast By David Palmer When you see or hear the word "feast," what comes to mind? To members of our Church, the word relates to a wonderful yearly festival, the biblical observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. et's consider for a moment the word "feast" itself. Most modern dictionaries will describe "feast" as a "joyful religious anniversary, an annual village festival, a sumptuous meal, especially in public." The biblical expression "feasts of the Lord" in Leviticus chapter 23 emphasizes the importance of the feast as a festival observed as a fixed time or season, an assembly convened for a definite purpose. The Feast is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the Kingdom of God. The Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897 edition) describes the word "feast" as "a mark of hospitality (Genesis 19:3; 2 Samuel 3:20; 2 Kings 6:23); occasions of domestic joy (Luke 15:23; Genesis 21:8); and the occasion of a marriage (Judges 14:10; Genesis 29:22). [In ancient Israel,] feasting was a part of the observances connected with the offering up of sacrifices (Deuteronomy 12:6-7; 1 Samuel 9:19; 16:3,5), and with the annual festivals (Deuteronomy 16:11). "It was one of the designs of the greater solemnities, which required the attendance of the people at the sacred [tabernacle], that the oneness of the nation might be maintained and cemented together, by statedly congregating in one place, and with one accord taking part in the same observance." The dictionary then goes on to state: "To keep the people's consciousness alive to God's way, to revive, strengthen, and perpetuate it, nothing could be so well adapted as these annual feasts." Solomon's request should be our own The phrase "keep the feast" also encourages us to commune spiritually. In other words, as God's people travel each year to one of the various festival sites to keep this "anniversary," we recognize that we are invited guests, not only to a banquet of good food, fine drink and wonderful fellowship with other brethren who have made the same trek, but we also recognize that the invitation is from God. Not only does He want us to rejoice at the physical blessings that have been bestowed on us over the past year (Deuteronomy 14:22-26), but also He wants us to commune spiritually with Him, and with each other. What exactly does that mean? How do we commune spiritually? Let's look at a biblical example. When Solomon replaced his father David on the throne, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask! What I shall give you?" (1Kings 3:5). Solomon asked for an understanding heart, better translated as a hearing or listening heart, that he might better judge God's people and be a better king. "The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing" (1Kings 3:10). Solomon was blessed not only with the wisdom of a listening heart, but great physical blessings as well. We recognize that we are invited guests, not only to a banquet of good food, fine drink and wonderful fellowship with other brethren who have made the same trek, but we also recognize that the invitation is from God. The lesson we learn is this: Not only do God's people participate in the Feast of Tabernacles for the physical meat, but also for meat that leads to everlasting life (John 6:27). Remember what the apostle Paul wrote: "It pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" (1 Corinthians 1:21). If we develop a determination to attend the Feast with a listening heart, we will not only be in spiritual communication, drawing closer to God and Jesus Christ, but like Solomon we will find the physical blessings are much more enjoyable as we also draw closer to each other. The chance to grow closer as a family The Feast is a wonderful opportunity to prepare for the Kingdom of God. It is a great occasion for people to commune. The word "commune" merely means fellowship, and fellowship gives us the marvelous opportunity to apply some of Solomon's wisdom, such as, "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Proverbs 15:23) and "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24). God's people meet many personalities at the Feast, some who are quiet and shy, and some who have a hard time communicating. What better way to get to know God than by getting to know someone else God has called? After all, you and that new person you talk with may well be in the Kingdom of God forever. So why not take the opportunity to get acquainted while attending the Feast of Tabernacles? For more information about the Feast of Tabernacles and the rest of God's annual Holy Days, please request the booklet . Copyright 2007 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved.

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Other Articles by David Palmer
Origin of article "Take a Listening Heart to the Feast"
Keywords: listening understanding feast of tabernacles 

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