Jewish feasts were essential to national well being. The Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) refer to the tribes gathering to the temple. Included are the clear and direct words; ‘I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”’ (Ps 122.1)
Later history in Chronicles indicates the neglect of these, and attempts by a series of reforming kings to restore them:
- 2 Chr 24 – Joash repaired the temple; restored worship is implied.
- 2 Chr 30.1 – Hezekiah references the prior neglect of the temple and the priesthood; as part of his work of restoration.
- 2 Chr 35.18 – Josiah inspired repair of the temple
- Ezra 2 – the feast of Booths (Tabernacles) was restored
In his gospel, John calls them the feasts of the Jews, not the feasts of the Lord. The feasts had become formal rather then genuinely celebratory. The feasts represented something corporate. The neglect of these feasts was a sign of corporate declension.
The book, Primal Vision, highlights the fact that African tribes have long celebrated events together. These are often related to sowing and harvests, as corporate events, being essential to the well-being of the tribe.
How does this translate into Church life? Is it sufficient to meet once a week? Weekly attendance on a gathering falls far short of NT pattern, where they shared life together. Acts 2.46 refers to daily gathering.
The ‘personal faith’ which we in the west frequently refer to is both damaging and deficient compared to the Biblical pattern and cultural norms in many African countries.
