Introduction: Do you recognize the title? It is otherwise known as the “Day of Atonement.” Moses, after being informed by the Lord, instructed the Jewish people concerning the 6th of the 7 Jewish Feasts. This is recorded in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus.

“26And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 27Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 28And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.” (Lev 23:26- 28)

1. First, Aaron was to make atonement for himself and his house with a SLAIN GOAT!

“2And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. 3Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on. 5And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. 6And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.” (Lev 16:2-6)

2. Next, Aaron would cast lots to see which goat would be the SLAIN Goat and which would be the SCAPEGOAT!

3. Then Aaron would lay his hands on the SCAPEGOAT and confess the people’s sins and then lead the goat into the wilderness.

Conclusion: Both of these goats – SLAIN and SCAPEGOAT would be prototypes of Jesus Christ. Looking back in retrospect, Jesus fulfilled both requirements to be SLAIN and with His blood to take away sin – not just cover, and needed to be repeated year after year. In addition, Jesus fulfilled the SCAPEGOAT which symbolically took away the people’s sins.

Bottom line: A holy God made provisions for sinful man to have forgiveness and fellowship with Him.

Praise the Lord!

Introduction: Have you ever seen a U-HAUL behind a hearse? Probably not. Why? Because we will not be able to take anything with us to heaven except what we’ve done FOR and THRU Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus told us (and His disciples) not to lay up our treasures on earth where rust can decay and thieves break into your house and steal. Rather, He said to lay up our treasures in heaven.

“19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:19,20)

1. How can we lay up treasures in heaven?

“20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” (Matt 6:20)

Witnessing and leading another person to Jesus is laying up your treasures in heaven. Paul wrote about receiving a “Crown of Rejoicing” at the Judgement Seat of Christ.” Living a holy life, overcoming the world, and looking for Jesus to return are all ways we can lay up our treasures in heaven. 

2. How can we tell we are laying up treasures in heaven?

“1For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:21)

How do you spend your time? Entertainment? Show me your checkbook…that will be an indicator of where your heart is.

Please do an honest evaluation of your life.

3. Are you laying up treasures in heaven?

“1For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:21)

Are you growing spiritually? Are you concerned for those who are not CHRISTians? Are you spending any time trying to reach the lost? Do you have spiritual disciplines in your life?

Conclusion: Planning for your eternal future is as important if not more than planning for your earthly future; i, e. jobs, retirement, college, upkeep on house, investments, etc.

We can purpose in our hearts to begin or continue to “lay up our treasures in heaven”.

Will you today?

Introduction: Hopeless times require an Anchor of Hope! Will you throw out the anchor of Hope? If you do not, you will miss out on opportunities of blessing. Speaking of anchors, I am reminded of growing up as a boy and fishing – navigating through the water in a boat. Searching for where the fish were biting became the goal of the expedition. Once we discovered where the fish were hiding or bedding, we would need to slow down and to throw out the anchor, less we drift right pass the “honey hole”! Any delay in chunking the heavy metal anchor would result in a MISSED OPPORTUNITY. But throwing out the Anchor would usually result in a nice catch of fish. So it is when it comes to the CHRISTian life – missed opportunities. Unless, like our passage teaches, we “Throw our the Anchor.”

1. Throw out the Anchor of TRUST when you are going through a Storm!

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:” (Heb 6:17)

Two thoughts. First, since we are “heirs” or inheritors, then secondly, we should listen to the “counsel”- advice- wisdom of our heavenly Father.

Are you teachable? Have you gotten a “know it all attitude”? Are you leadable? With so much false info going around do you just trust in yourself?

2. Throw out the Anchor of TRUTH when you are going through a Dark Day of Deception!

“18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” (Heb 6:18)

Three words sum up this verse.
* Delusion
* Confusion
* Perversion

Are you searching for TRUTH? Watch out who you listen to and where you go! Go to the Word of God!!

3. Throw out the Anchor of TRIUMPH when you are going through a Test or Trial!

“19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb 6:19,20)

Jesus has already “BEEN THERE” “DONE THAT” except for sin. Therefore, we should listen to Him, and follow Him.
Are you?

Conclusion: Will you throw out the Anchor? Please do not MISS out on the opportunities our Lord has for you.

Introduction: Joshua had every reason to be afraid. Are you finding yourself living in FEAR? Or FAITH? FAITH in God’s WORD….His promises. Joshua’s task was daunting to say the least. To go where you had never been, to lead a whole nation of people, and to drive out ALL the inhabitants of the land, all required MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH! Are you facing a daunting task of living a holy life in an unholy world, staying focused on God’s WILL when everything seems like it is pulling you against it, and overcoming fearful thoughts and feelings when fear and worry are knocking at your door daily?

1. You can be STRONG in the Lord and exercise FAITH instead of FEAR by listening to the Lord!

“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, 2Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.” (Jos 1:1,2)

2. You can be STRONG in the Lord and exercise FAITH instead of FEAR by OBEYING the Lord!

“3Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. …..5There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant.” (Jos 1:3-7)

Are you obeying the Lord in what you know to do?

3. You can be STRONG in the Lord and exercise FAITH instead of FEAR by meditating on the Word of God!

Conclusion: May our Lord strengthen our FAITH in Him as we fight our FEAR by LISTENING, OBEYING, and MEDITATING on His Word both day and night!

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Jos 1:9)

Introduction: This devotion is a continuation of our study on the Jewish Feast – called “Feast of Trumpets”. Moses was instructed by the Lord to give these “Timeouts” to the Jewish  people for the purpose of practicing them on an annual basis.

“1And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.” (Lev 23:1,2)

There are (3) Feasts in the Spring:

1. Passover

2. Unleavened Bread

There is (1) Feast in the summer:

There are (3) Feasts in the Fall:

1. Trumpets

2. Day of Atonement

Moses writes,

“3And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 24Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. 25Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.” (Lev 23:23-25)

 The shofar was blown 100 times each day during the Feast of Trumpets. As mentioned in Part 1 of our study, the “Feast of Trumpets” identifies more with the second coming of Jesus Christ than the rapture. Why? First, keep in mind, Moses is writing to the Jewish nation of Israel NOT the Church. Second, the message of the rapture is written to the Church NOT Israel (see Paul’s epistles to the Church of Corinth, Thessalonians, and Philippians, etc in regards to the Church and the rapture). There are those Jews who died before the Church was established; howbeit, today a Jew can be a part of the Church as they put their faith & trust in Jesus. Jesus spoke concerning the last days to His disciples in Matthew 24, which parallels with the “Feast of Trumpets”.

Keep in mind, the purpose of Matthew’s gospel was to present Jesus Christ as the KING of the JEWS. Jesus will come in the RAPTURE as the BRIDEGROOM, but in His second coming as the KING of Israel. Again, this is in reference to Jesus’ second coming.

Listen to the terminology:

“29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matt 24:29-31)

Obviously, this is the catastrophic time during the tribulation (not before the rapture) and at the second coming of Christ. The focal point is God’s plan for the Jewish people through the tribulation and into the millennial reign of Christ. Many Jews who have rejected their Messiah will be saved….

“… and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” (Zech 12:10, etc.)

Conclusion: So these special time-outs during the Jewish calendar have significant agricultural, historical, and prophetical implications. For us, it is a time to reflect on God’s faithfulness to both the Jewish people and the Church.

He will keep His promises!

Introduction: Have you ever heard of Rosh Hashanah? The Jews call it the “Feasts of Trumpets.” This year it will be celebrated on Sept 6-8, 2021. Remember the seven (7) Jewish feasts were given by Moses from God to the Jewish people, not the Church.

However, we the Church – which are comprised of believers who put their faith in the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ are not the same as the Jews 2,000 years before Jesus’ resurrection. Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection was 2,000 years after God’s dealing with Abraham and his descendants.

However, we do derive benefits from these wonderful Jewish Feasts…but they were not given to the Church but the Jews.
There are some today, who may have good intentions, that demand we (the Church) practice these Jewish feasts. But that is incorrect, even though we should study and appreciate them as the Jews enjoy these holidays.

Here are the 7 listed in Leviticus 23:

All of these Jewish feasts have an agricultural, historical, and prophetical significance.

These were given by the Lord to remind His people to STOP and reflect on His plan and purpose for His people. In addition, these feasts are a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and second coming. Keep in mind, the rapture is for the Church, not the Jews, although Jews can be saved through trusting in Jesus and become a part of the Church. The Old Testament saints were a part of God’s plan for Israel. Both (Church & Israel, Jews) are to be distinguished from each other as we read our Bibles. Clearly, God’s dealing and promises yet to be fulfilled with Abraham, David and their descendants is a different futuristic plan than that for the early Church.

Jesus will come back for His bride the Church, first. Then after the tribulation, He will come again and establish His unconditional Covenants with the Jews – as they put their trust in Him. Jesus Christ’s second coming, 7 years after the rapture, will have a great meaning and fulfillment for the Jewish people as they go on into the millennium.

Therefore, “The feasts of Trumpets” is identified with the trumpets sounding with Jesus Christ’s second coming. (Don’t forget the RAPTURE is for the Church – 1Thess 4:16-18; 1Cor 15:52-56.)

Introduction: Do you feel safe? What will make you feel secure? Where can we go to find Peace and Comfort? How about reading Psalm 46? I just got off the phone after praying with a daddy whose daughter fainted and was rushed to the hospital….2 text messages were received earlier requesting prayer for loved ones diagnosed with Covid. In the last week, this Pastor has had 3 friends who have passed away and also had the privilege of seeing 2 of them receive Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior and then baptizing 2 of them.

1. Because in the ARMS of JESUS is a POWERFUL PLACE!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psa 46:1,2)

2. Because in the ARMS of JESUS is a PEACEFUL PLACE!

3. Because in the ARMS of JESUS is a PERSONAL PLACE!

“4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. “5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early…. 10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psa 46:4,5,10)

Introduction: Have you lost your hope? How can you get it back? One way is by reading and trusting in God’s Word, especially the book of Revelation. Our Lord reveals what is to come in the future. Have you read this apocalyptic writing?

1. How can we have “Hope and Healing” for our Hearts?

“1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Rev 22:1)

How can we find hope?

* by drinking the water of life freely!

“1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal…..” (Rev 22:1) 

“And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev 22:17)

This is the great invitation. In John’s gospel, Jesus invited any and all to come and drink from His everlasting fountain.

“37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

Are you thirsty? Once there was a Samaritan woman who needed to drink of that living water.

“7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water….. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” (John 4:7f)

Jesus said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

Once she tasted the living water her eyes were opened and her heart was quickened by the greatest Lover of her soul, Jesus Christ; consequently, she wanted others to drink of this same water.

“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.” (John 4:28-30)

2. How can we have “Hope & Healing” for our homes and nation?

“2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev 22:2)

How can we find healing for our homes and nation?

* by the water of life is the tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of nations.

• The word “healing” is θεραπεία,(ther-ap-i’-ah), which means care, attention, especially medical attention (treatment). 
• The word “nations” is ἔθνος,(eth’-nos) (as distinct from Israel) a race, people, nation; the nations, heathen world, Gentiles.

Jesus extends His healing power right now from the terrible disease called sin. There is healing power from the balm of gilead, healing from strongholds, lusts, pride, jealousy, bitterness and all kinds of demonic activity. 

Introduction: Have you ever heard the expression, “Burning the Midnight Oil”? Projects, deadlines, demands, responsibilities, tasks, and urgent needs all require…. “Burning the Midnight Oil”! Every mother understands this term from practical experiences! Most caregivers understand burning the midnight oil. 

In our devotion today, we are going to observe that some virgins, five (5), who were WISE kept stocked up on oil for their lamps and were ready for their bridegroom to come, whereas the other UNWISE virgins, five (5), did not have oil for their lamps and consequently they missed out being ready for their bridegroom.

The context of Matthew 25 is following Matthew 24, which records Jesus Christ’s response to His disciples’ question concerning the end of time.

“…..disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt 24:3)

After describing what obviously appears to be the time of the tribulation (see Matt 24:29- cataclysmic signs), Jesus moves into the discussion with His JEWISH disciples how to be ready for His second coming, not the rapture, which precedes  the second coming by seven years. 

Please note: The technical interpretation of this passage (Matt 25) is during the tribulation not before the rapture.

You ask why?

Because the tribulation (see all the signs in Matt 24:15f – ex. abomination desolation, etc.) was meant for the evangelization of the Jews, and the wrath of God to be poured out upon unbelievers. Furthermore, it will focus on the “times of the Gentiles” to be fulfilled (Luke 21:24).

Therefore, this passage chronologically speaking, would be a description of what happens to the Jewish people as they prepare for their bridegroom (Jesus Christ), or get left behind during the 7 years on earth when Jesus pours out His wrath on this earth in the form of 7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 vials (Rev 5,6-18).

All of this time, seven (7) years, is preparing them to enter into the millennium reign of 1,000 years where Christ sits on His throne and fulfills His unconditional covenants with Abraham, David, and the Jewish people.

Remember, Jesus will save and seal a remnant of Jewish people during the tribulation including the evangelists (144,000 -Rev 7;14), plus the two witnesses (Rev 11), who will be faithful to preach the gospel. In addition, there will be the salvation of a number of Gentiles as recorded in the book of Revelation.

But keep in mind that first Jesus Christ comes back for the Church before the beginning of the tribulation (see Paul’s writing to the Church -1Thess 4:13-18; 5:1-9- the rapture is the next event on God’s calendar). Having stated the technical interpretation, which is meant for the Jews in this passage (Matt 25:1-13), we can now draw some practical application from this study for the Church today.

But please notice… only after we stay TRUE to the technical interpretation.

So let’s see three (3) reasons Jesus is calling His followers today to keep OIL in our LAMPS.

1. Because with OIL in our LAMPS, we can REACH OUT to those without HOPE and ETERNAL LIFE!

“1Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” (Matt 25:11,12)

2. Because with OIL in our LAMPS, we can TEACH and make DISCIPLES to those who need to GROW in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord Jesus!

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matt 25:13)

“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Matt 24:42-46)

After we reach them, then we teach them. That is what our Lord instructed us to do.

Listen to the GREAT COMMISSION:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matt 28:19,20)

3. Because with OIL in our LAMPS, we can Prepare to stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ!

Conclusion: With oil in our lamps, we can reach out to the lost, disciple those who are saved, and prepare to stand before the judgement seat of Christ. One of our dear deacons, Bro. Phil used to say, “let’s get our wicks trimmed, and oil ready for Jesus to come again”!

Have you got oil in your lamp?

1. Should we be praying for SURVIVAL while we wait for Jesus’ ARRIVAL?

“And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24-28)

Our Lord Jesus is speaking to His disciples (and us) preparing them for what is ahead. This Olivet discourse covers a major portion of the tribulation events that will unfold AFTER the RAPTURE of the Church (see 1Cor 15:52-55; 1Thess 4:13-18).

Check out these SIGNS:

“25And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

After the GREAT EVACUATION – the “catching away” of the Church, the Antichrist will force a mark upon all left on the earth in order for them to buy or sell, which called the “Mark of the Beast.” (Rev 13:16-18).

2. Should we be praying for REVIVAL as we wait for Jesus’ ARRIVAL?

“34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

Like then, during this terrible time, there will be many people, bent OVER with CARES…. “and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” (v34)

But Jesus instructed His disciples instead of being bent over with “CARE,” be lifted up with “PRAYER”!

“36Watch ye therefore, and pray always.” (v36)