Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. Raise a song, sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our festal day. (Psalm 81: 1-3)
The law of Moses mandated celebration. Exuberant singing, dancing, eating, and drinking were a form of worship.
Resting every seventh day was a requirement. Long vacations were scheduled each Spring and Fall.
Unlike most modern forms of recreation these times were to be focused on God: remembering God's blessings in the past and listening to God's intention for today.
The worshiper no doubt benefited from - and enjoyed - the rest and party. But the purpose was worship not indulgence.
Of course many of the people of Moses were - so much like us - inclined to misuse the sabbath and festivals. Instead of focusing on God, we choose a different focus... and miss out on most of the fun.
"O that my people would listen to me... I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." (Psalm 81: 13, 16)
The law of Moses mandated celebration. Exuberant singing, dancing, eating, and drinking were a form of worship.
Resting every seventh day was a requirement. Long vacations were scheduled each Spring and Fall.
Unlike most modern forms of recreation these times were to be focused on God: remembering God's blessings in the past and listening to God's intention for today.
The worshiper no doubt benefited from - and enjoyed - the rest and party. But the purpose was worship not indulgence.
Of course many of the people of Moses were - so much like us - inclined to misuse the sabbath and festivals. Instead of focusing on God, we choose a different focus... and miss out on most of the fun.
"O that my people would listen to me... I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you." (Psalm 81: 13, 16)
posted by Didymus | 5:16 AM
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