Feasting The Yearly Rhythm of Pilgrim Feast OVERVIEW VIDEO
THEME OV ERV IEW
Even before they reached the Promised Land, God offered His people a remarkable gift: three unique week-long holidays each year. These “Pilgrim Feasts,” as they were sometimes called, were invitations to step entirely away from normal tasks and burdens. Participants traveled together up to Jerusalem for a matchless time of refreshment, worship, fellowship and feasting. (Lev. 23, Num. 28-29 and Deut. 14:2226; Deut. 16.) Imagine the journey. You’ve closed up the business and the house … packed the tent, bedrolls and favorite foods … and set off traveling. You walk and talk together with family and close friends, camp side-by-side at night. Laughter and singing abound. As your path rises towards Jerusalem, travelers join together in songs you’ve known since childhood, the Psalms of Ascent. Days in Jerusalem are full of rich fellowship and corporate worship. At night, the hillsides are alive with campfires, singing and the smells of roasting meat. It’s all an experience of rest, worship and enjoyment like nothing else!
Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary, embraced this gift at least once every year (Luke 2:41). Jesus did as well, traveling to Jerusalem for Pilgrim Feasts many times during his three years of public ministry (i.e., John 7:14, 8:2, 10:22). Jesus also invited his disciples away from their regular work for other experiences of refreshment, too — to “come away with me…and rest….” (Mark 6:31-33). Scripture doesn’t require Christians to receive these gifts. But if God invented them and Jesus practiced them, why not consider making Pilgrim Feasts part of your yearly rhythm?
E LEMENTS TO CO N S ID ER IN A P I LGR I M F E A S T The path to a Pilgrim Feast starts with a hearstance: willingness to receive. This isn’t just about time off you’re owed or a vacation you’re planning. It’s not self-care. It’s God care, a sacred gift. He desires to restore your soul — body, mind, relationships and spirit. Our part is to consider how He may invite us to receive this gift. -1-