February 2 Why the Feasts?

Esther 1:2-8 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on his royal throne in Susa, the capital, 3 in the third year of his reign he gave a feast for all his officials and servants. The army of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces were before him, 4 while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his greatness for many days, 180 days… 8 And drinking was according to this edict: “There is no compulsion.” For the king had given orders to all the staff of his palace to do as each man desired. 

THESE verses describe a very common occurrence among ancient nations. Ruling monarchs offered great feasts to celebrate their rule. Here we see that Persia’s King Ahasuerus held a large, sustaining feast for nobility. Then he offered a feast for everyone in Persia – an astounding event!
    A feast is a celebration, isn’t it? Do you know God loves a good feast? He even commanded the Jews to feast. He told them to celebrate the Feast of the Passover to remember their deliverance from Egypt (We now celebrate as Easter as we are delivered from sin.), the Feast of First Fruits – Pentecost – to remember the giving of the Law (We now celebrate as the beginning of the church). And he ordained the Feast of Tabernacle – or Booths – that the Jews would remember how he had sheltered them for 40 years on their desert journey (We now celebrate continually as the Holy Spirit “tabernacles” or dwells in us).
    Note now, that there is something fundamentally different between God’s feasts and Ahasuerus’ feasts. The Persian King’s feasts were designed to point to his power. They were feasts of boasting. He also allowed people to do as they pleased during the feast. This can only lead to chaos, especially when wine is involved.  
    God’s feasts, though, pointed to God’s sovereign power to establish a loving relationship with his people. Passover freed them to worship God. Pentecost taught them God’s right ways. Tabernacle protected them physically. Ahasuerus’ royal splendor was based on his worldly wealth. God’s royal splendor is based on his love for his people as he gave them specific ways to celebrate and remember the ways he had physically saved, taught and protected them.
    Then remember this: Jesus calls you to another feast, too, doesn’t he? It’s called Communion or the Lord’s Supper. This is the other three feasts formed into one. See here in Luke 22:19-20 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me (underline mine).” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”
    When you sit down to a meal, when you take a drink, when you break some bread, remember this: Matthew 20:28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 
    Jesus frees us from sin, teaches us Kingdom truth, protects us from evil and saves us into eternal life.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for teaching us to remember the magnificent ways you teach us to feast on your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.