There has been a recent resurgence in the Christian Community to embrace our Old Testament Hebrew roots. Many Christians initially respond with a mixture of bewilderment, indignation and even anger at the suggestion that perhaps some of the practices, more often found in Judaism, are not only relevant to the Christian Faith but ESSENTIAL to its overall understanding.
We urge repentant Christians to research this issue within their own hearts and to re-read the portions of the Old Testament where God commands us to observe certain dates and Festivals. For example, in Leviticus 23: 41 the Lord states; “it shall be a statute forever in your generations.”
Without our Hebrew roots, we have lost much of the awe, majesty and mystery of God. In the Old Testament, God Almighty uses “Shadow-Pictures” to paint us a graphic image foreshadowing the Coming of the Messiah in BOTH His past and Future appearances.
Once we understand and begin to incorporate some of these practices, we will come “full circle” in our Faith walk. The First Century Church was comprised mainly of JEWS and, of course, our Messiah was born a Jew. Yeshua/Jesus Himself observed the Sabbath and the Jewish Festivals/Feasts during His time on Earth. Should we not earnestly desire to walk in His footsteps?
We at NDR encourage you to join us during our periodic days of Fasting, Prayer and Observances correlating with our Hebrew Roots in the Old Testament. We know you will begin to experience the joy and wonderment of walking closely with your Living God. He is truly the God of both the Old Testament and New Testament; the Covenantal God of Israel and of America.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph reveal all Truth to you as you diligently seek Him.
Jewish Holidays:
Tu B’Shevat: The day that marks the beginning of a “New Year” for trees. This is Shadow-picture of the reforestation of the Repentant Church.
Purim: Celebrates the victory of God’s people over evil rulers as told in the story of Esther. Purim offers a Shadow-picture for the Bride of Christ.
Passover: Celebrates the deliverance of God’s people from bondage and captivity in Egypt. Passover is a Shadow-picture of spiritual bondage and captivity and Christ Jesus’ becoming the Spotless Lamb lovingly spilling His blood to spare us death.
Lag B’Omer: 33rd day of “Counting of the Omer” which begins immediately following Passover. 50 days are counted out until the arrival of Shavu’ot. The 33rd day is highly significant in the Spiritual realm. It is a day that God “flips the tables” on evil. This is a Shadow-picture of the Crucifixion as seeming to be our darkest day yet it was our greatest Victory.
Shavu’ot: Marks the time that God delivered The Torah on Mount Sinai to His people. Also known as the Festival of Weeks. “First Fruit” (or Bikkurim) offerings are given at this time. Yeshua/Jesus is our Shadow-picture of the First Fruit offering.
Rosh Hashanah: This is beginning of the Jewish calendar New Year. It begins the “10 days of Awe”—a time of Spiritual Reflection leading up to the Most Holy of Jewish Holidays: Yom Kippur. It is during this time that the traditional blowing of the Shofar takes place. This date is a Shadow-picture of true and thorough Repentance. We encourage you to use our Resource: 45 minutes to Joy through Repentance. We need to take “spiritual stock” of the condition of our souls during this 10 day period.
Yom Kippur: Also known as “The Day of Atonement” or “Day of Reckoning.” If there truly were ONE particular day that best describes a “National Day of Repentance”, this would be the day. It is the Holiest day on the Jewish calendar. It is a Shadow-picture of Yeshua/Jesus who provided eternal atonement for our sins.
Sukkot: Also known as “The Festival of Booths” of “The Feast of Tabernacles.” This is the festival of Joy, five days following the Day of Atonement, where the Lord says; “You shall rejoice.” (Leviticus 23:40.) The Jewish people were instructed to create flimsy dwellings (sukkah) and abide in them for one full week as a reminder that there is NO safe place except under the Shadow of God’s Wing. It is yet another Shadow-picture of Yeshua/Jesus providing a “covering” for us under His sacrificial blood.
Chanukah: Also known as “The Festival of Lights” and the “Feast of the Dedication.” This is a commemoration of the amazing miracle that God provided in keeping the oil burning in the lamps of the Temple for 8 days. The New Testament shows that Yeshua/Jesus celebrated this Festival during His time on Earth. Of course, we realize today that He is truly “the Light of the World” and that this is yet another shadow-picture of our Messiah.
In addition to these Major Holidays, one may observe the traditional Sabbath of Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. It is our heart-felt desire to avoid the obstacles inherent in legalism. We ask that you search scripture and your own heart on these matters. However, we humbly believe God wants us to avoid any personal profit-making or personal gain activities during this time frame each week. It is a time to enjoy friends, family and our awesome God. Sacrificial activities such as public service, family service and volunteer work are encouraged as well.
From time to time, we may also note some traditional (yet more modern day) Hebraic observances such as the Fast of 17th of Tammuz. These were not required by God in the Old Testament scripture, however, NDR members have found them to be rich in symbolism and powerful fasting/prayer dates.