Mon.’s Devo - The Fall Feasts

Read: Nehemiah 7:7-9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12 In the seventh month on the first day is the Feast of Trumpets. The people were called to the Water Gate to hear the words of the book of the law that they had found. He not only read it but explained it so they would understand what it was saying. They people were very grieved when they heard the words because they had not obeyed it. Ezra told them not to cry because it was not a day to repent but a day to celebrate with joy. *** On the second day of the feast they gathered all the leaders, priests and Levites to explain to them the word of the Lord and had read when it told them how to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles which also happened that month. They read that they were to live in shelters during the festival and instructed the people to find branches to build shelters on the roofs of their houses to celebrate the festival. They all lived in these shelters for the week and celebrated with great joy. The shelters were to remind them of how God took care of them during the wilderness and provided all their needs. For forty years their clothes didn’t wear our and their feet didn’t swell. The temporary booths were also to show them that life was temporary but our real home was with our heavenly Father in heaven. *** The leaders of the Levites encouraged the people to stand and praise the Lord. They led them in a prayer of thanksgiving remembering all the Lord had done for them and how the Lord had done what he promised and was always true to his Word. *** In Corinthians, Paul encouraged the people to support the ones who watched over them spiritually and taught them. These people had given up their jobs to be faithful in what God had told them to do and it was the responsibility of the people to support them back with payment and provisions. They were not different than the priests and Levites of the old covenant. They were paid from the gifts given by the people back then and the people needed to give to the apostles now. *** Lord, may we be faithful to what you have called us to. Thank you that you are always faithful to perform your Word and your power. May we honor you with our tithes and offerings and celebrate your feasts.