Author: Jerry Turk

SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES FORETOLD IN HEBREW FEASTS

Directing your attention to Exodus 23:17, 34:23 and Deuteronomy 16:2-3, &16 we read that the Lord commands the men of Israel to come before Him three times a year. The 16th chapter of Deuteronomy is more specific and these three times a year are identified. They include the Feast of Passover or Unleavened, the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles. According to the Hebrew calendar there were initially a total of seven feasts ordained by God. An additional two feasts were added later. These three feasts correlate to essential spiritual experiences in Christ.

First it is generally understood that it was no accident that Jesus was crucified on the feast of Passover. God was offering up his Lamb once and for all so that this annual practice that was initiated when the Hebrews fled from Egypt would not need to be repeated. Consequently we view our salvation experience or born again experience as the spiritual fulfillment of Passover initiated centuries before. That is, the Passover was instituted as a type and shadow of things to come. The blood of an innocent lamb had to be put on the doorpost and lintels of each household so that the death Angel would pass-over. Where there was no blood applied the firstborn died. Likewise, when we come to Christ we accept his shed blood on the cross like the blood that was applied to the vertical door posts and horizontal lintels for the propitiation of our sins. We leave a cursed kingdom of darkness where God’s judgment and wrath is poured out and we enter into His glorious kingdom of light that carries with it the promise of eternal life. Passover is a perfect picture of what Christ did for us on Calvary in type and shadow. Indeed the Christian knows that it was no coincidence that Jesus died on Passover.

Concurrent with the Feast of Passover two other feasts are celebrated in the springtime. These include the Feast of the Unleavened Bread and the Feast of the Firstfruits (Ex 34:18-20). Sometimes they are collectively simply called the Passover, and at other times in the Old Testament they are simply referred to the Feast of the Unleavened as in Deuteronomy 16:16. These, like Passover are also symbolic and instituted as a foreshadowing of events in the life of the believer that have spiritual significance. As the Hebrews approached the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army was in pursuit, the Hebrews were unable to allow their bread to rise with the yeast or leaven. They were instructed that they had to eat their bread in haste or “unleavened.” Jesus said regarding sin, a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump, cast out therefore the leaven. This is a type and shadow of the need for repentance – when a person first comes to Christ. We are brought out of Egypt (spiritually speaking) by the blood of the Lamb and we repent of our sins or cast out the leaven.

Finally, after they passed through the Red Sea as by dryland and the Egyptians were drowned, they celebrated the Feast of Firstfruits. This is described as such because the Hebrews offered unto God sacrifices including a portion of their first or early harvest. Even their firstborn were dedicated to God and were thereafter called to a priestly order. Again this is a perfect type and shadow of the commitment that is made to Christ at the time of salvation. Recall Paul’s words “that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service.”

Following their safe escape and out of the reach of Pharaoh one might naturally think that they would travel directly to the Promised Land. Instead God directs them in the opposite direction, to the southern region of the Sinai Peninsula, to Mount Sinai. There Moses receives the 10 Commandments. Because this occurs 50 days after Passover or on the day after seven weeks it is called the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Pentecost (from the Greek like pentagon: five sided building). Once again this is perfectly fulfilled in the book of Acts on the Feast of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was first poured out on the 120 disciples in the upper room. Recall from Jeremiah 31:33 and II Corinthians 3:3 (paraphrasing) I will no longer write my words on tablets of stone but on your hearts, and again in Isaiah 28:11 “with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.” Hence, just as it was absolutely necessary that Jesus die on the Feast of Passover, so too was it absolutely necessary that the Holy Ghost be poured out on the Feast of Pentecost. The first Pentecost described in Exodus was a celebration of the word of God given in a literal or natural way, on tablets of stone. The book of Acts reveals Pentecost fulfilled where the word of God is delivered spiritually and his disciples utter the very oracles of God by speaking in tongues. However, take note that when Moses gave the Hebrews the 10 Commandments etched in stone by God’s own finger there was a great falling away. Indeed a golden calf was erected and worshipped. The earth opened up and swallowed 3000 who sought to overthrow Moses and his leadership. So too, we should not be surprised as we enter into this spiritual Pentecost and we witness or are overwhelmed with a great falling away. Despite this mighty demonstration of God’s power at Pentecost the believer can also testify to the persistence of the carnal mind, which is often evident by the abundant working of the flesh. Indeed, more than any other feast we struggle with our own behaviors and the behaviors of other believers who have given way to fleshly and carnal desires, and they are often blatantly publicized. Hence we come to realize that these events associated with apostasy, debauchery and degradation were foretold in type and shadow at Mt Sinai. Why? Because just as it was not God’s intention that the Hebrews were to remain in the wilderness, it is also not God’s intention that we remain fixated on the Baptism of the Holy Ghost as God’s goal for our life. God desires that we move on to the Promised Land.

The next three feasts are celebrated conjointly like the first three feasts, and as a group are known collectively as the harvest feasts (in the fall season) or the Feasts of the Ingathering. In Numbers 11 we read that God instructs Moses to construct trumpets made of silver of which much could be said regarding their spiritual significance. For example, silver which tarnishes was used to purchase Joseph by Potiphar. Our Lord was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (further explanation for another time). Nonetheless, the traditional ceremonial shofar was not used. Instead these silver trumpets were used to announce to the encamped Hebrews the need to move on. The glory cloud was moving, the trumpets were sounding, tent stakes needed to be pulled up and God’s people needed to follow Him to the land of promise. Ephesians 1:13 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. (Verses15-17) I… cease not to… mention of you in my prayers that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Essentially this experience which involves divine revelation empowers the Christian to actually comprehend the full extent of His love to “usward who believe.” No more “ever learning, never coming to the knowledge of the truth.” No more need for Sunday school. It is because of this enlightening experience that the songwriter wrote, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” This revelation is divine wisdom. At long last the Christian understands God’s purpose and goal for the entire body of Christ. In brief that goal is to “conform us to His image,” and that we as “His body” are to be “filled with all the fullness of God.” But this encounter with Christ is inclusive of much more. Knowing the goal and knowing how to get there are two different things; hence the need for wisdom and revelation. And although reception of divine illumination can be likened to a spiritual experience, it is probably better understood in the context of a journey, much like the Hebrews who traveled from Sinai to Palestine. Yet at the same time this feast is experiential because a quickening in the spirit occurs with each new insight. For example, in their journey the Hebrews had many experiences and received many specific instructions. They were fed by manna and later by quail. Water miraculously gushed from the rock and quenched their thirst. They were healed when they simply looked upon the bronze serpent held up on Moses’ staff. They were overshadowed by the pillar of cloud by day, which protected them from the blistering desert rays. They were warmed at night from freezing temperatures by the pillar of fire. They received instruction to construct a tabernacle as well as an altar of sacrifice, a water laver, a golden candlestick, a table of shew bread and the Ark of the Covenant. An order of priests was established with specific duties. Even the garments of the priests were specified by the Lord himself. All of these events, instructions and more are provided as type and shadow of Wisdom and Revelation that is available in the realm of the Spirit for the believer.

After receiving such great Wisdom and Revelation from Christ himself the believer is attacked and tried in the natural and spiritual realms in a way like never before. Revelations gained at the Feast of Trumpets are tried in the fire by a seemingly endless series of tribulations. Because it is so difficult to rejoice in the midst of horrific personal tribulation this period of time is not referred to as a feast but is simply called the Day of Atonement. The believer becomes well acquainted with the books of Job and James. They become your new best friends while sackcloth and ashes are, for the first time, truly understood. Like the 40 days of Noah’s flood or the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness it now becomes personal. Indeed this period of time can be likened unto the 40 weeks of Job’s trials or like the 40 weeks of gestation before birth. This is a marked period of time foreordained by the Lord to confirm and solidify divine revelations that nourished the believer during the Feast of Trumpets. It’s as if Trumpets is a time of preparing the soil for a great planting, It is often a time of rejoicing and typically many are involved. At the end of the day there is satisfaction in the cool of the summer evening. It is a job well done. While Atonement involves waiting, pulling weeds and chasing away birds and rodents who would readily devour your garden and its fresh tender shoots. It is a difficult time and lonely time in which the heat of the noonday sun beats down mercilessly. And unlike the time of planting, no one is there to help.

Finally at long last the believer has come to the River Jordan. This experience, known as the Feast of Tabernacles is characterized by deliverance. Here each believer tabernacles intimately with the Lord as He delivers the New Creation Manchild who is born to slay giants. Just as the Hebrews are delivered out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land, so to is the believer birthed into a Kingdom Walk. All of the carnality associated with Pentecost is rebuked and cast out by Jesus himself. He may use other believers as midwives to assist in this task but the believer knows assuredly that only Jesus can do this mighty work. And with this deliverance we march into the Promised Land on dry ground while the Jordan River parts. We are well aware that there are giants in the land but we have been reassured that…
We are able to go up and take the country
And possess the land from Jordan to the sea,
And though giants tall there be our way to hinder,
God will surely give the victory.

I also mentioned two other feasts that were added. These include the Dedication of the Temple when fire fell from heaven and consumed 144,000 sacrifices while God’s glory like a thick cloud filled the Temple. It is beyond the scope of this writing to share this experience at this time but please know that this is a direct reference to the baptism of fire.

The feast of Purim was also instituted and referenced in the book of Esther. Again this is outside of our discussion but please understand that this is a reference to the intercessory work of Christ in our life when we needed it most. For most of us after we began the Kingdom Walk, we were immediately involved in healing the sick, raising the dead and casting out demons. But unforeseen consequences occured. We became totally full of ourselves, totally enamored with our “high spiritual standing.” Essentially we become what Oswald Chambers calls “spiritual prigs.” Though we were involved in signs and wonders we are oblivious to our arrogance, pride and blackened hearts. And so our great intercessor, Jesus, the Son of the Living God, slowly begans to reveal how deeply offensive we really were, how very shallow we had become, how truly unlovely we appeared. And once again he broke us, molded us afresh and we are again brought back and prepared to rebuild the Temple a second time. While we were performing mighty miracles we were carried off to Babylon. In some cases years, or even decades passed but God is faithful and brings us back to the land of promise. He gives us careful instruction and he revives our soul. We are allowed to rebuild. One might ask, What is the Land of Promise? The Promised Land is JESUS, our true inheritance.

In another time and another season, perhaps I will be able to share the significance of the three other days of holy convocation: Sabbath, Sabbatical and Jubilees. It has been a pleasure to share with you and thank you for friending me. It may be that the information that I have just shared is not new to you at all. However if it is new to you, I hope and pray that you receive it not from me but from the Lord Jesus Christ himself for I am nothing and he is everything.

In His Service,
Brother Jerry Turk
Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/v_G8NAIGPPA

According to CNN, today February 18, 2015 marks the first day of Lent for 1 billion Christians worldwide.  Traditionally Lent is supposed to be a 40 day period in which Christians prepare themselves for the celebration of Easter.  It is intended to be a time marked with prayer and fasting, a time of reflection, repentance and a time to draw closer to Christ.  Though the observance of this season is not found in Scripture it is a tradition which has evolved and is based on Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness, when he was tempted by Satan (Mat 4:2 ).

Fasting from food can be interpreted in many different ways.  In the medical field it can be interpreted across a broad spectrum.  For example, fasting can be mandated by treatment provider as a course of healing or it might be necessary prior to certain diagnostic tests.  But excessive fasting for no apparent reason can also be seen as anorexia, a pathological condition.  As a religious observance it can be welcomed or dreaded.  Sometimes believers and nonbelievers alike are willing to go along with the Lenten season.  I’ve even heard it said that fasting is a good way to justify a change in dietary habits, to improve one’s figure or just shed a few pounds.

But in Matthew 17:21 Jesus made a specific reference to the need for fasting. Recall his disciples returned to him complaining that there were certain spirits that they could not cast out.  Jesus responded “this kind comes out not but by prayer and fasting.”  Moreover, this passage has NOT gone unnoticed among many in the Christian world.  In some circles where exorcism is a public spectacle the need for dietary fasting is often stressed, presumably so that the intercessor can successfully exorcise the evil spirit.  I know of one well-known Christian minister who openly boasts that she fasts at least one day a week.  She alludes to this calling so that she can be prepared to do battle against the devil.

But the practice of fasting is not just found in the New Testament or among a minority of religious groups or individuals today.  Jehoshaphat called for a solemn fast in 2 Chronicles 20 when it seemed that the kingdom of Judah would be destroyed by invaders.  Again a solemn fast was proclaimed by Nehemiah and Joel to call God’s people to repentance and to invoke God’s blessing around specific events.

However, in Acts 19:15 we read one of the strangest episodes of demonic activity recorded in the Bible.  Apparently there were these 7 sons of Sceva who considered themselves exorcists but were not necessarily believers in Christ.  It seems that they attempted to cast out an evil spirits using the name of Jesus, believing, I suppose, that his name alone carried with it some type of magical power.  In any event these 7 brothers were far from successful.  For in this passage it is recorded that the evil spirit leaped onto them, and overcame them.  The result was that these brothers fled out of the house naked and wounded.  Given the previous exhortation mentioned in Matthew’s gospel one might conclude that perhaps these 7 brothers had not properly prepared themselves through sufficient prayer and fasting?  But this assumption was clearly not the case.  Reading from Scripture we discover that the evil spirit spoke to the 7 brothers and explained, “Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are you?”  So here we see that a personal relationship with Christ is imperative when casting out demons.  Indeed, abstinence from food or “fasting” was not even mentioned.  So what exactly did Jesus mean when he said “this kind comes out not but by prayer and fasting?”

But perhaps before we offer an alternative explanation for fasting as a prerequisite to exorcism let us consider carefully the words of the evil spirit. Indeed, the evil spirit’s response is quite revealing.  That is, the evil spirit suggests that even the demons of hell were terrified of Paul because his “knowing Christ” had brought him into complete union and intimacy with our Lord.  Essentially, to this evil spirit Jesus and Paul were synonymous or one in the same.  If fasting from food was sufficient, a Lenten season should produce enough champions in the faith who are well-equipped to rid the planet of all evil.

Instead, let us examine an altogether different fast that is mentioned in Isaiah 58:9-10.  It’s a fast that has nothing to do with food whatsoever.  We read:
“IF THOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE MIDST OF THEE THE YOKE, THE PUTTING FORTH OF THE FINGER, AND SPEAKING VANITY; AND IF THOU DRAW OUT THY SOUL TO THE HUNGRY AND SATISFY THE AFFLICTED SOUL; THEN SHALL THY LIGHT RISE IN OBSCURITY AND THE DARKNESS BE AS THE NOON DAY.”  In fact verse 6 of the same chapter reads: “IS NOT THIS THE FAST THAT I HAVE CHOSEN TO LOSE THE BANDS OF WICKEDNESS, AND TO UNDO THE HEAVY BURDENS, AND TO LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE, AND THAT YE BREAK EVERY YOKE?”

Essentially this fast which is called THE FASTS OF THE LORD has nothing to do with food and everything to do with prejudice and a judgmental posture towards others.  Of course fasting from food can be valid especially when led by the Holy Ghost.  But, without the leading of the Holy Ghost fasting can be nothing more than a ritual and a work of the flesh.

Consider for a moment Jesus and fasting.  Aside from his 40-day wilderness experience we read nothing of Jesus observing ritual fasting prescribed by Jewish law.  In fact his enemies even falsely referred to him as a glutton and a winebibber (Luke 7:34).  Instead consider Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:4-26).  Recall how his disciples criticized him, complaining that the Jews were to have nothing to do with Samaritans.  Indeed, his disciples tried to scold Jesus for his LACK OF BIGOTRY.  And recall his words to the woman who is caught in the act of adultery, “Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more” (John 8:1-11).  Despite every opportunity to do so Jesus offered no prejudice, no bigotry, and no judgmentalism.  When feasting at the home of a rich man a prostitute came in unannounced, washed the Masters feet with her tears and dried them with her hair.  Of course this DID NOT GO UNNOTICED and Jesus was criticized for not judging this “disreputable woman” (Luke 7:36-47).  Fellow believers, the lists of individuals that Jesus could have rightfully judged according to the law are seemingly endless, but instead we read that He repeatedly demonstrated compassion and mercy everywhere instead of judgment.

If you are a believer that acknowledges the season of Lent consider the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12) which are more meaningful to God than the outward activities of fasting from food or going to church for ashes.  “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart” 1 Sam 16:7.  As the corporate Body of Christ let us together examine our hearts and see if there yet remains some form of prejudice, judgmentalism, or a critical spirit that looks down on others.  If you call yourself a Christian and feel the need to criticize Communists, Muslims, homosexuals, child molesters, heroin addicts, prostitutes, those filled with lust or greed, those you think are involved in the cult, or even those who say they worship Satan, I urge you, do not argue or contend with them.  Love them even if you despise their behaviors or beliefs, “for against such there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23).  It is not for us to judge (Matt 7:1).  Even the Archangel Michael when contending with Satan over the bones of Moses “Durst not bring railing accusation against him but said only the Lord rebuke you” (Jude 1:9).

Beloved, let us resolve as his Body to “take away from the midst, …the putting forth of the finger.”  In other words, we should not be pointing fingers at others, we should not judge others, but we should keep our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2).  As his Body let us walk in love and fast from judging others.  Leave judgment to God.  Join with me in the FAST OF THE LORD not just for this Lenten season but for all time.

Lord Jesus, fill us with your Spirit.  Empower us to walk in love toward our fellow man.  We confess our pride, arrogance and our bigotry.  We place these beliefs and attitudes at the foot of the cross and look to you for healing and deliverance.  We desire to be the expression of your will and instruments of your love.  All this is committed to you in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen and Amen.  Thank you Jesus that your word does not return void.

http://youtu.be/HU9Pi4g_3No

Often Christians are confused about the difference between the earth and the world. Jesus made a clear distinction. “The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof” (Ps 24:1) and “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matt 5:5). That’s you and I believers.

But the world is worldly. He calls us out of worldliness to a life of holiness. He says we are to “be in the world but not of it” (Jn 17:14-15). In John 18:36 He says “My kingdom is not of this world.” But when God created the earth He said it was good (Gen 1:25). I fact, later on the 6th day He said it was very good (Gen 1:31). Just think of it. One day soon “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isa 11:9).

— with Sandi Hanson.