Heaven on Earth:
Times and Seasons
The Old Testament Perspective
As Christians read the Old Testament, some initially react with wonder to the long genealogies, others to the stipulations and regulations concerning worship. Laws regarding what animals to be sacrificed by whom for what kind of sin and where the sacrifice is to occur abound in the liturgical texts (e.g., Leviticus). Even the time for ancient Israel was defined - when they had to worship and what special events were to occur on particular days. It might seem overwhelming for Christians to contemplate the "burden" it placed upon the people, but for what reason did the LORD give those laws? The intent of this section is to begin to answer that question and to anchor ourselves firmly as we ask other questions concerning the times and seasons in the Old Testament.
1. Beside the plants' need for the light of the sun, what additional benefit do the greater light and the lesser light provide after the Fall? How does Leviticus 23 & 25 support your suggestion?
2. Read Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. How does the reason for the Commandment differ in the second proclamation? When in Israel's life is the 3rd commandment first spoken? When in Israel's life is the 3rd commandment preached a second time? How does this account for the different emphasis? In what way is the emphasis similar?
3. Reread Leviticus 23 & 25. What kind of obligations did the sacred calendar place upon Israel?
4. Read Deuteronomy 16:1-17. Why would Yahweh gather His people at Jerusalem at specific times? For direction, see Deuteronomy 12:4-7.
5. Read Isaiah 66:19-24. How is worship described in this passage? What is the intent of the phrase "one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another" (v.23, NIV)?
6. Consider your responses to the previous questions and answer this question: What about Himself did Yahweh reveal to Israel in the calendar and what was He teaching His people? How does this help you understand Yahweh's condemnation of Israel's worship in Isaiah 1:13-14?
The New Testament Perspective
What happens in the New Testament to the liturgical calendar of the Old Testament? Jesus goes to the synagogue on the Sabbath; He attends the services of the Temple on the Festivals. Why don't we? Has time for Christians been radically redefined? Our goal in this section is not to plumb every passage that mentions time, but by examining a few texts be given a broad perspective on times and seasons in the Christian life now and how this should affect our view of Heaven.
1. If our conclusions concerning the land, the Tabernacle, and Temple are indeed correct, how should we then understand time in the New Testament?
How do the following passages support your response?
· Galatians 4:4
· Colossians 1:15-20
· Revelation 1:17-18
· Hebrews 10:1
2. According to our reading of the Old Testament, the Sabbath rest for the Old Testament believers was found where? But we are to see that rest as pointing to where? Read Hebrews 3:7-4:11. How, then, is Jesus Lord of the Sabbath? Read Matthew 12:1-14.
3. How does our understanding of the Sabbath, as unfolded by Luther in the Small Catechism, keep Jesus at the center of time?
Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.
4. Since we, as are all other people - believer and unbeliever alike - are creatures, we are bounded by time. How are we brought to participate in the Sabbath, in this new understanding of time? Read our Lord's words in John 5:24-27. How does Paul state it in Romans 6:3ff and Colossians 2:9ff.?
5. The words of Scripture have led us to conclude that land and building are defined in and through Jesus; time is given the same orientation. Yet, how does this lead us to perceive Heaven? Let's back up for a moment and ask that question of two other New Testament texts. How do the Old Testament celebrations, festivals, and calendar practices culminate in Jesus? Read Luke 4:14-21 and Revelation 7:9-17. To what time is the Christian to be oriented? Therefore what time was the Old Testament anticipating (see also 1 Peter 1:10-12)?
6. How do the following passages suggest we view our present time?
· 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
· Luke 13:1-9
· Luke 21:25-36
7. In order to teach His people of the better things yet to come, the LORD gave to Israel a liturgical calendar that began with what event (Exodus 12:1ff.)? Why is that significant?
8. To a great degree, Lutherans have been guided by a liturgical calendar; since Christ has come, what purpose should it serve? By what major events is the year structured? How does that relate to the Old Testament year?
9. What does Paul say in Colossians 2:16-23 to the practice of observing a liturgical year?
10. How do you think that this is enacted in Heaven? Read Revelation 21:22-23.
11. Comment on Luther's explanation to the 3rd Commandment in the Large Catechism.
12. Explain why we are no longer under obligation to observe a Saturday Sabbath, being bound to no work, and the enactment or observation of blue laws? How might they be beneficial?
13. If, as we have concluded, a Christian view of time anticipates the
Last Day and our entrance in life eternal in our Lord's presence, how does this change our approach to the Sunday services? In what way could you say that time spent at Trinity on Sunday is a part of Heaven? How and why might that be said of the rest of your life? How will this study cause us to reexamine the stewardship of our time?
