PDF Summary:Aligning With God's Appointed Times, by Jason Sobel

The biblical festivals outlined in the Torah are more than mere ancient traditions. As Jason Sobel explains in Aligning With God's Appointed Times, these sacred observances have prophetic significance and reveal the divine blueprint for humanity. They represent key moments in the Messiah's life, death, and resurrection, as well as foreshadow events surrounding His return and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

By exploring the festivals' meanings and origins, believers gain fresh insights into their faith's Jewish roots. Non-Jewish adherents can connect with Christianity's Hebraic foundations, fostering unity with their Jewish spiritual kin and opening doors for meaningful gospel conversations.

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• Secular or non-religious individuals, including some who are culturally Jewish, may not view these feasts as sacred or significant, instead seeing them as cultural or historical commemorations.
• The emphasis on the shofar as an alert for atonement during Rosh Hashanah might overshadow other significant aspects of the holiday, such as introspection, renewal, and celebration of the New Year, which are also central to the observance.
• The idea that the shofar will unite God's faithful could be seen as exclusionary to those who do not share the same religious convictions, thus challenging the notion of unity in a broader, more inclusive sense.
• The Day of Atonement, while focusing on seeking forgiveness, may not necessarily lead to the making of amends, as the act of atonement in religious practice is often an internal and spiritual process, which doesn't always translate into external actions towards those who have been wronged.
• The concept of atonement in Judaism is multifaceted and not solely reliant on sacrificial practices; it also involves repentance, prayer, and acts of charity, which continue to be relevant and practiced annually on Yom Kippur.
• The idea that a collective recognition by Israel and individuals from every nation is required for prophetic fulfillment assumes a level of unanimity that historically has been difficult to achieve due to diverse religious beliefs and interpretations.
• Some might argue that the focus on historical events during Sukkot should not overshadow the present-day lessons and ethical imperatives that the holiday can teach, such as the importance of gratitude and the value of temporary shelter in the context of global homelessness and refugee crises.
• The idea that Sukkot is the ultimate homage to God's sovereignty could be challenged by those who believe that daily acts of faith and obedience are equally important expressions of homage to God.
• The idea of preparation through understanding could be seen as overly intellectual, whereas some might argue that spiritual readiness is more about personal growth, ethical living, or communal worship rather than intellectual comprehension.

The text delves deeply into the founding of God's Kingdom, as well as exploring the principles of redemption and restoration.

The sacred festivities highlight God's endeavors to save His devotees and to restore their relationship with Him.

The celebrations represent the role of the Messiah as the ultimate redeemer who grants forgiveness, emancipation, and a new start.

Sobel highlights that the central motif interlaced among all the feasts is one of redemption, which allows God to mend fractured relationships with His followers and among them. God's liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage symbolizes His desire to release us from various forms of spiritual, emotional, or relational bondage. Each celebration acts as a reminder of our reliance on salvation and the unwavering provision of it by God. The author underscores the belief that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus perfectly embody the salvation acts symbolized in the biblical feasts. Christ, fulfilling the role of the sacrificial lamb during Passover, secures the atonement for our transgressions, granting us complete pardon. His resurrection during the Feast of Firstfruits symbolizes the annihilation of death's dominion and guarantees rejuvenation for all believers.

Our revived bond deepens our personal connection and simultaneously revolutionizes the way we engage with those around us. The writer conveys that Yom Kippur serves as a divine reminder to repair our broken relationships with others. The core principle of Atonement is to seek forgiveness and make amends for one's misdeeds. The Divine's forgiveness and rejuvenation should motivate us to remain empathetic towards our peers, thus promoting unity and collective harmony. Every festival serves as a potent emblem of God's redeeming love, empowering us to become agents of restoration in a world desperately seeking to be mended.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer for community programs that focus on reconciliation, such as mediation services or restorative justice initiatives. By participating, you not only contribute to the healing of others' relationships but also gain insights and practical skills that can be applied to your own life when seeking redemption or mending fractured relationships.
• Volunteer for a cause that aligns with your values, dedicating your time to help others in need. Through this act of service, you can experience the joy of being part of someone else's 'salvation', which can deepen your understanding of your own reliance on the goodwill and support of others or a higher power.
• Create a personal rejuvenation ritual that aligns with the concept of renewal, such as planting a new flower or tree on a specific day each year to symbolize personal growth and rejuvenation. This act can serve as a physical representation of new beginnings and the belief in life's cyclical nature, mirroring the themes of rejuvenation and renewal.
• Create a "relationship repair" calendar where you mark one day each month dedicated to reaching out to someone you've had a falling out with, to initiate a conversation or extend an olive branch. This could be as simple as sending a thoughtful message, making a phone call, or inviting them for coffee with the intention of mending fences.
• You can foster empathy by starting a "Forgiveness Journal" where you reflect on moments you've forgiven others and how it made you feel. This practice encourages you to recognize the impact of forgiveness on your emotional state and relationships. For example, write about a time you forgave a friend and how it led to a deeper understanding between you two.

These observances also act as harbingers of the imminent establishment of God's eternal kingdom, where His provision, protection, and omnipresence will be fully realized.

Observing these sacred occasions helps adherents stay focused on the divine plan for worldwide salvation and everlasting rule.

Sobel highlights that each festival symbolizes the impending creation of God's eternal kingdom. Sukkot represents a forthcoming time of complete divine presence among His followers, providing for their welfare and protecting them from harm. Sukkot is a celebration that honors the way God sustained the Israelites throughout their journey in the wilderness and, in the coming kingdom, it will serve as a period to pay tribute to God's eternal dominion, sustenance, and protection.

Sobel is of the view that these holy observances map out a celestial plan for redemption, spanning from the creation of the cosmos to the establishment of God's kingdom. Honoring the Sabbath acts as a commemoration of the pristine Eden, where God dwelled with His creation. The festival of Passover marks the liberation from Egypt, setting the stage for a renewed covenant with God that became established upon the acceptance of the Torah at Shavuot. Yom Kippur is fundamentally about seeking forgiveness and mending relationships, whereas Rosh Hashanah primarily acts as an invitation to repent. Sukkot celebrates the divine guidance and provision given during the journey to the Promised Land, symbolizing the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Believers exploring the deep meanings of the feasts discover that their hearts are in harmony with the divine tempo and purpose, revealing new insights into His unchanging plan and perpetual affection. Through the practice of celebrating the feasts, we develop an awareness that transcends the immediate and fosters an eager expectation for the manifestation of the Kingdom in our current existence.

Practical Tips

• Engage with a diverse online community that observes similar sacred occasions, through forums or social media groups, to share experiences and gain insights into how others maintain focus on the divine plan. This can provide you with a broader understanding of the global impact of these observances and inspire you to integrate them more fully into your life. You could participate in discussions or virtual events that commemorate these occasions, enriching your own observance with the collective wisdom and practices of the group.
• Develop a ritual or tradition for each festival that embodies the qualities of the 'eternal kingdom' you envision. If kindness is a pillar of your kingdom, you might start a tradition of writing anonymous letters of appreciation to people in your life during a particular festival.
• Designate a quiet space in your home as a "sanctuary" where you can spend time daily to meditate or pray, focusing on the feeling of divine presence. This space can serve as a physical representation of Sukkot's themes, allowing you to cultivate a personal sense of peace and protection.
• Start a small garden to connect with the concept of sustenance from the ground up. Even if it's just herbs on a windowsill, the act of nurturing and growing your own food can be a powerful reminder of the natural cycle of sustenance and the importance of caring for one's own needs.
• Create a gratitude jar to acknowledge daily provisions and protection, writing down one thing you're thankful for each day and placing it in the jar. This tangible practice helps you focus on the positive aspects of your life, fostering a sense of appreciation and awareness of the sustenance and protection you receive. For example, you might write, "Thankful for a warm home on a cold day," or "Grateful for the support of a friend."
• Start a journaling practice that explores the connection between personal growth and cosmic events. Each entry could correlate to a phase of the moon or a planetary alignment, using these as metaphors for your own life phases and transitions. For instance, a new moon could prompt you to write about new beginnings or intentions you wish to set.
• Create a "digital Eden" by turning off all electronic devices for 24 hours once a week to mimic the peace of the original Eden. By disconnecting from the constant flow of information and demands of the digital world, you can create a space for quiet reflection, family time, or personal hobbies that bring you joy and peace, similar to the tranquility of Eden.
• Develop a "renewal ritual" that you perform annually, akin to the renewal of the covenant during Passover. This could involve setting aside a day to disconnect from technology, meditate, and contemplate your values and commitments for the coming year. Use this time to write down your personal "covenant" with yourself, outlining the principles you want to live by and the goals you wish to achieve.
• Develop a "Shavuot box" filled with items that symbolize learning and growth. This could include books you want to read, seeds to plant as a metaphor for personal growth, or a journal to reflect on your progress. Use this box as a physical representation of your commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement, similar to how Shavuot celebrates the receiving of wisdom.
• Implement a "relationship audit" at regular intervals, such as every six months, where you reflect on your interactions and identify any patterns of behavior that may have hurt others. Use this insight to proactively reach out and mend these relationships. For instance, if you notice you've been consistently short-tempered with a colleague, take the time to apologize and discuss ways to improve your interactions going forward.
• Develop a habit of daily affirmations focused on compassion and self-improvement. Each morning, take a moment to affirm your commitment to being a better person. You might say, "Today, I will be more understanding and patient with others," or "I will acknowledge my mistakes and learn from them." This sets a positive tone for the day and aligns your actions with your intentions for repentance.
• Create a personal reflection journal to document your journey towards a significant life goal, drawing parallels to the concept of a guided journey. As you work towards your goal, write down the resources, people, and internal strengths that guide and provide for you. This practice can help you recognize and appreciate the 'divine guidance' in your own life, similar to the journey to the Promised Land.
• Develop a personal ritual around feasts that includes a moment of silence before the meal to contemplate the deeper meaning and purpose of the gathering. This can help set the tone for a more mindful and spiritually aligned experience, allowing you to connect more deeply with the essence of the feast.
• Start a "Kingdom Manifestation" project where you choose a local community issue and address it through the lens of the values celebrated in feasts. For example, if a feast emphasizes community support, you might organize a neighborhood clean-up or a food drive. Document the process and outcomes, reflecting on how these actions are small manifestations of the values you celebrate and how they contribute to building a better world.

The sacred festivals outlined in the Bible are instrumental in strengthening belief, fostering trust, and encouraging a reinvigorated pledge among believers, as well as connecting Jewish and non-Jewish followers and supporting the spread of the gospel within Jewish societies.

The holy celebrations call upon believers to move forward confidently, keeping their faith intact even during times when the divine presence appears hidden.

The celebration of Purim and Chanukah vividly demonstrates that unwavering faith can overcome obstacles that appear overwhelming, resulting in the realization of God's deliverance.

Sobel underscores the significance of Jewish celebrations in bolstering our belief and reliance on the celestial blueprint, particularly in moments when we might feel less aware of God's proximity. The importance of this truth is especially highlighted during celebrations like Purim and Chanukah. God's providential hand guided the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy them, which unfolded through a sequence of events that appeared coincidental at the time of the Purim celebration. The author emphasizes that, although God's name is not explicitly stated in the book of Esther, His guiding hand is delicately woven into the narrative's unfolding events. Believers are encouraged to trust in the celestial blueprint by observing Purim, even when His presence isn't instantly recognizable.

During Chanukah, the Maccabees, despite being vastly outnumbered, achieved a miraculous victory over the formidable Greek forces and observed the menorah's oil supply miraculously lasting longer than expected within the sacred confines of the Temple. Sobel interprets these occurrences as signs that a higher power can transcend human constraints and barriers that appear insurmountable. The author shares a personal anecdote in which he offered prayers for an acquaintance without a home who was suffering from frostbite, and astonishingly, the individual experienced a miraculous healing of their legs during Chanukah. These celebrations underscore the importance of practicing our faith with dedication, following heavenly instructions that might test our comprehension, and trusting in the Almighty's sustenance and protection.

Context

• Both Purim and Chanukah involve specific rituals and customs that reinforce community identity and collective memory, such as lighting the menorah during Chanukah and wearing costumes or performing plays during Purim.
• This can refer to moments of spiritual doubt or crisis when individuals feel disconnected from their faith or divine presence. Such feelings can arise from personal struggles, societal challenges, or perceived silence from God.
• The idea of God's providential hand suggests a belief in a purposeful divine plan, where events that seem coincidental are part of a larger, meaningful design.
• Many Jewish and Christian scholars interpret the hidden nature of God in Esther as a lesson in faith, teaching that God's presence and guidance can be trusted even when not overtly visible.
• The holiday symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the reversal of seemingly dire situations, encouraging faith in divine justice and protection.
• The Maccabees employed guerrilla tactics, using their knowledge of the local terrain to conduct surprise attacks against the larger and better-equipped Greek forces.
• The miracle is interpreted as a sign of hope and faith, encouraging believers to trust in divine providence even when circumstances seem dire. It serves as a reminder that spiritual light can endure and overcome darkness.
• Personal anecdotes, like the healing story, serve as modern-day testimonies that reinforce the belief in miracles and divine intervention, making ancient stories relevant to contemporary believers.
• Engaging in these celebrations can have a positive psychological effect, providing hope and a sense of continuity, especially during challenging times, by reminding participants of past deliverances and victories.
• Trusting in a higher power during adversity can provide psychological comfort and resilience. This trust can help individuals cope with stress and uncertainty by fostering a sense of hope and purpose.

Participating in these hallowed practices together promotes harmony between followers from Jewish and non-Jewish heritages, recognizing their shared spiritual ancestry in the Messiah.

Engaging in the biblical feasts can foster moments that allow for the sharing of the Gospel with Jewish people, guiding them towards accepting belief in Yeshua.

Sobel passionately advocates for harmony between believers of Jewish and non-Jewish heritage, underscoring the significance of Christians reconnecting with the Hebraic roots of their faith. The writer underscores the concept that in God's initial plan, there was no division between Jews and non-Jews. Engaging in these important celebrations serves as a potent force for promoting unity, connecting diverse groups, and enhancing shared comprehension. Believers in the Messiah, who come from diverse Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds, share a rich heritage that is intricately connected to the life, death, and resurrection of Yeshua. We can deepen our bond with our shared spiritual heritage by celebrating the sacred festivals outlined in the Bible.

Additionally, by participating in these hallowed celebrations, one can deepen their involvement with the Jewish community, thereby laying the groundwork for conversations about the Gospel and enhancing relationships with others. The author reveals that his understanding of the feasts from a Jewish viewpoint led him to the recognition and acceptance of Yeshua-Jesus as the Messiah. Believers not of Jewish origin can enhance their understanding of traditional ceremonies and celebrations, thereby presenting the Anointed One in a way that resonates with the cultural traditions of the Jewish community, and at the same time, emphasizing the Judaic foundations of their belief system.

Context

• The biblical feasts, also known as the Jewish festivals, include Passover, Pentecost (Shavuot), and Tabernacles (Sukkot), among others. These are times of remembrance and celebration that have deep historical and spiritual significance in Judaism.
• The New Testament, particularly in books like Romans and Ephesians, discusses the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing unity in Christ.
• Christianity emerged from Judaism in the first century CE. Jesus (Yeshua) and his earliest followers were Jewish, and the early Christian community observed Jewish customs and traditions.
• God's promise to Abraham in Genesis was that through his descendants, all nations of the earth would be blessed, indicating an inclusive plan for all peoples, not just the Jewish nation.
• The feasts offer moments for spiritual reflection and renewal, encouraging participants to contemplate their faith journey and the broader narrative of salvation history.
• The belief in Yeshua's life, death, and resurrection is seen as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy by Christians, which is a point of theological convergence and divergence between the two faiths.
• Participating in these festivals often involves gathering with others, fostering a sense of community and shared identity among participants.
• Participation provides an opportunity to learn about Jewish laws, customs, and the Hebrew calendar, enriching one's knowledge of Jewish life and practices.
• Being aware of and avoiding theological positions that suggest Christianity has replaced Judaism can help maintain respectful and constructive conversations.