Book SummaryAligning With God's Appointed Times, by Jason Sobel

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Aligning With God's Appointed Times

The biblical feasts are imbued with deep spiritual significance and foretell future events.

God has designated particular moments for us to enter His presence, be touched by His might, and be graced with His sustenance.

The holy celebrations serve as a mirror to prophecy, shedding light on the celestial blueprint and purpose concerning the Messiah and His realm.

Sobel sees the biblical feasts as "divine appointments" that God has pre-programmed into our calendars for us to meet with Him and experience His presence in unique ways. These observances go beyond mere ancient customs or simple remembrances of past occurrences; they are dynamic, prophetic happenings deeply connected to the celestial blueprint for what is to come. The festivals act as periodic havens, offering designated moments for believers to connect with the Divine and explore the various aspects of His nature and purposes. These opportunities interrupt our usual schedules and enhance our bond with the Divine, ensuring that our spiritual well-being is cultivated.

These sacred intervals are mirrors reflecting the divine blueprint for future events, echoing the deeds of the past. By celebrating the feasts, we continually recall the ongoing redemption God provides and the ultimate fulfillment of His Kingdom, in the same way that recognizing Creation turns our focus to the Creator. Sobel underscores the continuous and evolving nature of divine actions, as opposed to static occurrences confined to history. Historical events preserve their hallowed significance, allowing followers to engage with the triumphs of the Lord from the past and experience these victories anew in the present day. Each celebration emphasizes particular facets and promises, revealing more about the nature of the Divine and His plan for believers with the passing of each season. We engage in a synchronized dance with the Divine, discovering the deep influence of His mercy while we learn about and observe these sacred times.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal festival calendar by marking dates that hold spiritual significance for you, whether they align with traditional religious festivals or not. This allows you to carve out time for reflection and connection with your beliefs. For example, if nature inspires you, you might designate the first day of each season as a personal festival to appreciate the earth's cycles.
• Engage with a creative project that symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's Kingdom, such as composing a piece of music, painting, or writing a poem that captures your vision of this fulfillment. This not only allows for a personal expression of your faith but also creates a...

Aligning With God's Appointed Times Summary The life and teachings of Jesus are deeply intertwined with the celebrations found in the Bible.

Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises represented by the spring festivals, namely Passover, Firstfruits, and Pentecost.

Jesus' crucifixion, His resurrection as the first fruits of new existence, and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost coincide with these ancient Jewish observances.

Sobel emphasizes the synchronization of Jesus' life, crucifixion, and resurrection with the spring feasts as described in the Torah. The apostle Paul imparts wisdom by explaining that, in the context of 1 Corinthians 5:7, Christ fulfilled the role of the Passover sacrifice. Jesus's crucifixion occurred simultaneously with the Passover festivities, thereby symbolically linking Him to the sacrificial lamb of Passover, representing the Israelites' emancipation from bondage in Egypt. Every believer was set free from the constraints of sin through His sacrifice, which actualized the prophetic significance that the Passover anticipated. Similarly, His resurrection coincided with the Feast of Firstfruits, celebrating the firstfruits of the barley harvest. Paul underscores this connection, declaring, "But Christ has indeed been raised from...

Aligning With God's Appointed Times Summary 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...

Aligning With God's Appointed Times Summary 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,...