Your word, O Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens
(Psalm 119:89).
On the Jewish calendar for 2022, October 18th is the holiday Simchat Torah. It is a festive holiday—filled with joyous feasting and dancing—to commemorate the completion and new beginning of the annual reading schedule of the Torah.
What a grand holiday!
Imagine! What if your annual reading plan had a grand finale? And a grand kick-off?
After reading through the Bible in a year, at year’s end, there’s a grand celebration of God’s Word. Why not?!
A day to celebrate the daily faithfulness of God in leading you through that year-long reading. And to celebrate the work the Word has done in you.
This Jewish holiday comes on the heels of a whole string of them. A few weeks ago, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, was observed; followed by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement; then Sukkot. I enjoy learning about the rich Jewish traditions. Unfortunately, they don’t include Jesus. And the Scriptures they celebrate are only in part.
I agree with the sentiment expressed in the book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus: “Viewing Christianity and Jesus from a Jewish perspective can add depth and dimensionality to our own faith.” This awareness adds immense gratitude. And it adds longing, as well. Longing for them to come to see that their Messiah has come! For them to confess, along with fellow-countryman and Lord Jesus’ apostle Peter, “You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68b-69).
Which takes me back to thoughts on celebrating the Word. What if we celebrated the words of Jesus? Words of eternal life! Didn’t He say, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63b)?
We have great cause to celebrate!
We have His Words of life.
And we have life in the Word, Jesus Christ.
Why wait to the end of the year? He is something to celebrate today . . . and every day that follows.