LESSON 31 MAJOR FEASTS AND ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Text: Deuteronomy 16:1-22; 17:1-20
As the children of Israel prepared to settle in Canaan, God, through Moses their leader, instructed them to celebrate their departure from the land of Egypt. In Egypt, they were maltreated and suffered afflictions in many ways which made them to cry unto God who sent Moses to deliver them. There are three key words in our topic. These are: feast, administration and justice. Feast means a large meal for a lot of people to celebrate a special occasion. Administration means activities involved in managing the work of an organization. Justice is the system by which people are judged in courts of law and the guilty is punished while the innocent is set free.
The children of Israel were given rules and regulations on how to celebrate their freedom from the hands of the Egyptians. The major feasts were: The Passover, The Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. They were promised numerous blessings if only they obeyed the rules and regulations given to them by God. The lesson here is that obedience to God, our parents and teachers attract bountiful blessings
- APPROVED GUIDELINES FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF MAJOR FEASTS:
Deuteronomy 16:1-17; Exodus 12:1-20; Leviticus 23:15-22, 33-43; Numbers 29:1-40
The Israelites were instructed to celebrate the Passover following laid down rules and regulations. The Passover was to be observed on the 14th day of the month Abib, which God commanded to be the first month of the year to them (Exodus 12:1,2,6; 13:4). During the Passover, the children of Israel were to eat only unleavened bread (bread without yeast) for 6 days. On the 7th day, they were to observe the sabbath which was a day of fellowship and rest. No uncircumcised male servant or stranger among them should partake of it (Exodus 12:43-48). The n Feast of Weeks was to be observed for 7 j weeks which should include giving a freewill offering unto God. The Feast of tabernacles was to be observed for 7 days. During the Feast of weeks and Feast of tabernacles, they were to rejoice before the Lord with their family members, servants, the Levites, the strangers, the fatherless and widows living among them. In all these major feasts, the children of Israel were to observe each of them three times in a year in the place where God has chosen and to give offering to the Lord (Deuteronomy 16:16, 17).
As friends of Jesus, whenever we are favoured by God, we must show gratitude to God and rejoice following guiding principles from our Christian teachers and the word of God. We should not go the way of the world in their celebration by which they provoke God with their alcohol, worldly dancing and dressings (1 John 2:15,16; Romans 12:2). However, sinners are called to repent, turn from their wicked ways and accept Jesus as their personal Saviour and Lord. Then they must offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
- APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES AND OFFICERS FOR MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER:
Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 17:1-20.
The people of God have grown to become a great nation. Their population have greatly increased; hence the need for the appointment of judges and officers to maintain law and order.
God in His wisdom instructed Moses, to appoint honest and faithful men to administer justice and good governance. They were however given caution on how to choose their king. I should be God-fearing people who will not lead them into idol-worship. The judges’ duties include:
(i) judging the people righteously and with the fear of God. There should be no partiality or miscarriage of justice (i.e. the guilty should be punished and the innocent set free).
(ii) Upholding God’s righteous standard by defending God’s word and not allow any form of corruption.
(iii) Execution of prescribed punishment for offenders.
All these are to help the people of God to fear and obey Him always.
As children of God, we are not to be partial in whatever we do. And we should avoid every form of corruption. God is our great and final Judge. He will judge the world on the final day (Psalm 9:8). When the rapture takes place, friends of Jesus will partake in the greatest feast, which is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven (Revelation 19:7-9); while the unrepentant sinners and backsliders e will be left behind on earth to suffer I during the Great Tribulation. To escape the Great Tribulation, therefore, sinful y boys and girls must repent of all sins g and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, while backsliders must repent and pray for restoration. Friends of O Jesus also need to be prayerful and E watchful so as to be ready for the rapture (Matthew 25:1-13).
- ABIDING IN GOD’S WORD FOR CONTINUAL BLESSINGS:
Deuteronomy 16:21,22; 17:1-5, 14- 20; 28:1,2
God warns His people of the consequences of choosing a king that d will lead them astray. Most of the al nation surrounding Canaan were idol- d worshippers. They do not have the n knowledge of the true God. Therefore, It Israel as the people of God must not at ill any time allow themselves to be corrupted by the idols of those nations. This is the way to continue enjoying God’s promised blessings. God hates idolatry in all its forms. The first commandment that God gave to the children of Israel in Exodus 20:3 is Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” This shows us that idolatry is a very grievous sin before God. Idolatry is anything that takes the first place in your life. Do you prioritise your academic pursuit, games, sports, media activities above God? If you do, that is idolatry and you must repent today.
The children of Israel served God by offering sacrifices unto Him. God however condemned offering Him animals with deformities or animals that lack soundness. This is also abomination and such were not acceptable to God. Today, we worship God in praises and prayers. Do you do that wholeheartedly?
God’s word is very clear on what He demands from His children. He wants you to do away with anything that may hinder you from serving Him wholeheartedly. He also demands that you love Him with all your soul, heart and mind, and serve Him in holiness and righteousness, all the days of your life. Obedience to God’s word is the key to bountiful blessings and access to sweet fellowship with Him. You must be obedient to God’s word.
QUESTIONS:
- Define the following words: feasts, administration and justice.
- Mention three rules given to the Israelites for the Passover celebration of
- Mention three duties of the appointed judges.
- Who is the highest and impartial Judge?
- What should a friend of Jesus do to enjoy God’s continual blessings?
MEMORY VERSE: “Judges officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.” (Deuteronomy 16:18)
LESSON: God demands obedience to all His commandments.
THOUGHT: I will obey God at all times.
ACTIVITY: Children should spend time and pray for themselves and the Church for revival and renewal.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 91- WHERE HE LEADS ME
CHORUSES:
(1) I am ready to obey Thy word
(2) Obedience is the very best way
(3) In my father’s house, there are many mansions there.
HOMEWORK: Prayer of consecration.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meanings of these words. You can use your dictionary.
- Passover 2. Partial 3. Justice 4. Administration 5. Feast.
