“Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people let me praise you with those who are your heritage.” Psalm 106:5
It seems that every town these days has some sort of festival to call their own. In Grifton, a small Eastern North Carolina town where I spent some childhood years, they’re known for their annual Shad Festival in early Spring. The event marks the annual migration of the Shad fish that makes its way from the coastal waters up the rivers and creeks to spawn, and although they’re not much for eating, they sure are fun to catch. The neighboring town of Ayden, NC celebrates its annual Collard Festival in the Fall and folks come from miles around to enjoy the sights, sounds and delicious festival foods on hand. Some even enter the collard eating contest which, along with the grand prize, always leaves the winner with a stomach ache.
What a celebration it must have been for the Israelites! Everyone had turned out for what became a huge celebration in Jerusalem as the Ark of the Lord had finally been brought back home to God’s people and they could not have been more elated. Music, dancing, food, laughing and fun being had by all as they celebrated the return of God’s presence. In 1 Chronicles chapter six, we see that at the end of a long few days of celebrating, David ended the festivities by handing out three gifts to every man and women in attendance: bread, cakes of dates, and cakes of raisins.
Knowing that these Old Testament accounts are full of types and shadows of New Covenant truths, what exactly do these three simple gifts represent for us today? These three gifts are a picture of the Sozo Life. Jesus, clearly represented through bread, in John 6:51 He calls Himself the “Bread of Life.” Date cakes were an uncommon item but were most often enjoyed during the time of Passover. Cakes of dates represents God’s Power to Save, while cakes of raisins represent harvest and fruitfulness. What incredible gifts and what an incredible way for us to see Gods’ reminders of God’s blessings of life through Jesus; the salvation that only He can bring and fruitfulness that can only be found through a life in Christ.
Today, let’s remind ourselves of all that we have been given through Jesus and His finished work on the cross for us.