Dueteronomy 14-16

God made it very clear to the people of Israel how they were to celebrate their faith once they reached the promised land. He summarized his directives in Deut. 16:16-17. Three times a year all of the men of Israel were to travel to the location he would choose to make a sacrifice and make offerings to enable the priests and Levites to serve in the tabernacle. Three times a year the men were to abandon their land to travel to one place in Israel. Three times a year, on a predictable and set schedule, they were to abandon their flocks and herds and travel away from home. No man could remain behind to protect the property. The flocks, herds, vineyards, fields were vulnerable to the ravages of scavengers, predators, weather, and decay. In addition each festivals lasted eight days, and there were at least a couple days travel each way. The absence of each owner and caretaker would be close to two weeks. This was a primary expression of their covenant faith. In what ways does God call modern believers to the same abandonment as an expression of faith? What vulnerabilities does God expect me, as a Christian, to open in order that he can demonstrate his protection and provision?

 

Stuart