Leviticus 23:1-14

Sabbath, Passover and First-Fruits

Leviticus 23:1

The year of Israel's national life was marked out by high and blessed convocations, which preserved its unity, kept the people in mind of the great past, and kindled high ideals and enthusiasms. There is a divine precedent, therefore, in the observance of the Christian Year, with its holy services and commemorations. In its earlier stages the religious life requires the help of special times and seasons, when it may realize itself and catch sight of the Delectable Mountains or the Golden City.

A pause must be called in life's busy haste, and families should have an opportunity of gathering at solemn ceremonials, participation in which will leave lasting memories with the coming generation. Probably the mature soul outgrows these, and ceases to observe days. See Colossians 2:16. But remember that the absence of the temple in the New Jerusalem did not imply that there was no worship, but that every moment was worship.