Strong Tower

A daily scripture exposition.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Leviticus 23:25 NLT
“You must do no ordinary work on that day. Instead, you are to present special gifts to the Lord.”
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In y(our) best interest
How do you come about your routine or, better still, your norm? There is no doubt that our routines evolve through repeated experiences and the nurturing we receive throughout our lives. For the people of Israel, their norms were shaped by their long and arduous period of slavery in Egypt. For generations, they toiled without pause, striving to meet the relentless demands of their captors. As a result, the concept of rest became foreign to them. If rest had been a natural rhythm for them, perhaps divine intervention would not have been necessary.

Among the many directives God gave regarding the festival of trumpets was that the people of Israel refrain from any ordinary work. The term “ordinary work” encompasses a range of activities, including cooking, washing clothes, sewing, planting seeds, gathering crops, igniting fires, extinguishing flames, and even carrying burdens. Importantly, God did not prohibit these activities forever; instead, He specified that they should be avoided on designated days of rest. This distinction highlights the sacredness of rest and the need to set aside specific times for rejuvenation.

So why was God so insistent on the observance of these days of rest? The answer lies in His deep concern for the well-being of the Israelites. God desired for the Israelites to relish the blessings of the Promised Land continuously, but an unyielding work schedule would impede their ability to do so. By instituting rest, God was essentially guiding them toward a balanced life where they could uphold their divine promises without being cut short by exhaustion.

Moreover, on the day of the festival of trumpets, God instructed each family to present special gifts as offerings to Him. This raises the question: Who is the true recipient of our gifts? Is it merely the priest officiating the ceremony, or is there a deeper significance? The answer is clear—only the Lord deserves our special gifts. These offerings symbolize our gratitude and recognition of His sovereignty in our lives.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, please help me know that Your instruction about me is in my best interest. Please help me embrace rest and always offer my special gifts to you because You are responsible for my existence. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

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