Numbers 28

God commanded Israel to bring Him daily offerings, one in the morning, and one at twilight. With the appointed grain and drink offering, this was to be a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

Every Sabbath there was an extra offering. And every month, at the beginning of the month, another offering was required.

The rhythm of ceremonial life was established by God. The life of His nation was filled with these markers of their relationship to Him. He was their God. They were His people.

Beyond these daily, weekly, and monthly occasions, the Lord commanded that His people celebrate the festivals that He had established. In this chapter we read again of Passover in the first month. Then on the appointed day, the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost.

More will be noted in the next chapter, but in the New Testament ceremonial life, all of these temporary rules have found their fulfillment. Christ, our Passover has come. He was sacrificed as our Substitute. We have been purchased by His blood. This happened in close connection with an actual Old Testament Passover festival. The accounts of the Lord's Supper prove this.

After fifty days, the harvest of the nations began through the Spirit-filled preaching of the gospel. This all began on the day of Pentecost that year. Even now the final harvest is coming in throughout the world.

We no longer live in a time of shadowy preparation. We do not bring sheep, grain, and strong drink the same way. One sacrifice without blemish has been freely given. His offering has been received, and the old way of life under the ceremonial law has been fulfilled.

The church, filled the Pentecost Spirit, gathers together on the day of Resurrection, when the Lamb became the first fruits of the Resurrection Age. We partake in the meal that He appointed for us at His table. We enjoy His body and blood through His spiritual presence with His people. And we look for even these markers of truth to yield soon to the end of all things in the return of the King.