Sabbath Thought - Holy Convocation

What does it mean to assemble before God?  Holy convocations are mentioned in Leviticus 23 in regard to what we call Holy Days, but the first command to have a Holy convocation is found in Exodus 12:16 referencing the first and last days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  God's call for His people to assemble before Him is unique to His Sabbaths and Holy Days.

The Hebrew words translated into "holy convocation" are "qodesh miqra".  Qodesh is most often translated "holy" in Scripture and describes a setting apart or a sanctification by God.  God Himself defines holiness (Leviticus 10:1-3) and He alone extends that holiness.  His Sabbath and Holy Days are made holy by His decree and presence.

A summons is a legal requirement to present ourselves to a governing body.  On God's Sabbaths and Holy Days, we are summoned to come before His presence, but also into His court.  He has charged His ministry with instructing His people from His Word (Deuteronomy 12:9, Hebrews 4:1-11).  A minister of Jesus Christ speaks at God's court not to point members to himself or promote His own personal views, but to help God's people understand His Word (Nehemiah 8:8).

Gathering before God at His court is an overwhelming privilege and responsibility that should never be treated casually or taken for granted.  God rules His creation from His throne.  In His court, He directs the universe, with Jesus Christ at His right hand (Mark 16:19, 1 Peter 3:22, Revelation 4:1-11).  God wants His children to come before Him and learn how to become like Him. He also wants the host of Heaven to see how His children honor and emulate Him.  This is very different from when we approach Him individually in our personal prayers, which we initiate in our time.  Rather, God initiates a Holy convocation in His place and in His time (Leviticus 23, Deuteronomy 12:4-14).

We should approach Him in a dignified manner, in a way befitting His position, His place and His occasion.  We put aside our pursuits to honor His.  We leave our life, home, work, hobbies, activities and interests to obey and honor Him by complying with His standards.  Praise and worship are certainly appropriate (Luke 19:40), but when God summons us, He has something to teach us.  This is primarily a time for God's people to quiet themselves and listen to what God is telling them.  Receiving instruction from God is a principal focus of all Holy convocations. 

 

God's Sabbaths and Holy Days point us to the fulfilment of God's plan in all of its aspects and in bringing many to glory in His family (see Hebrews 2:10).  God's Sabbaths are not to be kept alone or to be separate from the Body of Christ (the exceptions are age, health, extreme weather or physical barriers). This is not just about proximity to one another, but the collective effort to unify with one another.  Members of the Body of Christ recognize that every part of the Body is placed there by God's design, and each has something to contribute to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).  Therefore, it is incumbent for each to meet with other believers in order to share their gifts in service to the rest of the Body.  Sabbath services are not simply about what each person gets out of it.  Rather, it is a compilation of the combined gifts which each member contributes, in love, with respect to one another.

 

Where God places His name is not defined by a label, but by the presence and practice of His divine character. By God's command, Sabbath-keepers come together on His Sabbaths. God wants those who share in their commitment to Him to gather with one another. It is God's appointed time for them to practice His rest, train in His way of life, and prepare for their inheritance (Deuteronomy 12:8-11).  As Christ came to set an example for us, we should in the same manner, desire with all our hearts to come together before Him.

I wish you a very meaningful Sabbath,

 

Joe Greene

 

 

Joe Greene 

Pastor for Richmond and Roanoke, VA