# 38 The Best Day of the Year! Lu 22:19, "Keep Doing This in Remembrance of Me".

This Blog is based on my awe and appreciation for how much effort The Christ, has gone to, and the great amount of detail the Living God has gone to to provide Salvation, for me!

And partly due to my mourning the loss of pure worship and not being able to attend my favourite event of the year.

By the end of this section, hopefully, you too, will have greater appreciation for it also. I do, every time I meditate on this subject.

Have you ever seen professional ballroom dancers? Or, maybe an old movie with people gliding across the floor?

What the Living God, Jehovah, and his Women, His Heavenly organisation, has been doing is even more impressive.

Guided by Holy spirit, like a Bridal waltz, they have skipped across time, almost floating, they touch a page here, and a page there, as though they are dancers, skipping across marble pavers of glassy gold. Placing a word here, and then a comment their, and setting in stone, prophetic words that set a pattern throughout God's word, and time.

This, the Great and Almighty one has done on many occasions, and regarding many matters of importance. None more so than the word about forgiveness of sin and of reconciliation with our God and Father, and the hope salvation from a futile future.

He has done this thing, not in hiding, nor is it hard to find in his Word, but it has been done in the open and in stories of long ago.

Things you are likely well aware of, things like; Saving Noah and his family and the entire nation of Israel and a vast mixed company from bondage and slavery to Egypt and Pharaoh and their false god's.

What exactly set these ones that God saved aside from the Egyptians who missed out on the opportunity to take shelter under God's protective wings?

When He released the Israelites from the ties that held His peoples in a system of never ending sacrifices. So as to be called clean and free from sin in God's eyes they were given a set of Law's and instructions for a momentary forgiveness of sin.

Which instructions were leading to something even better, the Greatest gift ever received or given.

It was a sacrifice, once for all time for the forgiveness of sin.

It came in the form of a gift received by God from his Beloved First born, a Lamb, spotless and unblemished. A sacrifice and gift he gave for US. Yes! A way out of Sin and death, permanently.

No longer requiring animal sacrifices, we could now approach the throne of the Living God with confidence of a hearing ear and have a clear conscience before our God.

Access to Him by Holy Spirit in prayer through the one who makes all things, Yes! Christ Jesus, our Lord and saviour, our King and MY big Brother.

That's why I marvel at God's provision for forgiveness of sin. He legally and with great personal effort made me new.

How did all this come about?

Lets take a stroll through just some of the Marble pavers He touched with this wonderful truth.

Way back in the book of Genesis, a curious event took place. What was it?

Found at Genesis Ch 4. We learn that Abel pleased God! Abel, somehow recognised that life, that Blood, was precious.

He raised Sheep and presented an offering. His sacrifice he prepared and offered before the Living God was, yes, a Lamb, "Firstlings of the flock" and presented the best "Fatty pieces" to Jehovah.

Somehow Able discerned the value of blood before God's eyes.

His brother Cain was a "cultivator of the ground" and presented his offering also.

Was there anything wrong with him giving his best? Of course not, but Jehovah knew something was amiss with his attitude, which is what affected Jehovah's response. It was the person and the effort behind the offering was the issue.

However, Abel and his offering was looked upon differently, "Jehovah was looking with favour upon Abel and his offering". Yes, it was the person as well as the gift that was accepted.

Jehovah does not show favouritism, ALL are called, and loved, if they approach with the whole heart.

This was an interesting account because it set the patter for Jehovah's "Dance".

Satan however surely was not impressed, and likely had a hand in the events that followed.

All, from that day on who loved the true God and sought to serve him were likewise targets of rage and persecution. As God's word and history relates.

Before long, Noah, "A preacher of righteousness" was laughed at, ridiculed and treated as of no account. He and his family, like Enoch were saved from wicked men.

Gen 9. Once settled on the ground of his inheritance he too also gave a sacrifice of "Clean" beasts and flying creatures" was instructed. Again "blood" had value and merit.

"Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for you. As in the case of green vegetation, I do give it all to you. 'ONLY flesh with it's soul- IT"S BLOOD' you must not eat".

Verse 5,6 goes on to explain how precious "Blood" is to the Living God. Why? When Abel was killed Jehovah exclaimed, "Listen, your brothers blood is crying out to me from the ground".

Yes, Jehovah could feel the death of a righteous one.

His Spirit is in our blood. That is why in verse 5 of Ch 9 he says "I shall ask it back", the spirit within, belongs to him, the true God.

Blood is very valuable, sacred in fact, NOT to be eaten and was never used for anything other than was directed through the priesthood of Israel. That is how the Sins of Israel and proselytes (foreigners who loved God) was covered over, or "Atoned" for.

This then set the standard regarding blood, and it's place in future events. The rhythm of the waltz.

The word Atonement, according to the Insight on the Scriptures publication, J.W.s. says; "the English word 'atonement' is derived from the expression 'At one' and as is applied Biblically, means 'a covering of sin'". In the Hebrew scriptures the word Ka-phar' is the word used for making atonement and originally meant, 'cover' though 'wipe off" has been suggested. page 211.

So imagine that, Jehovah can clearly see we are full of imperfection or sin. Though he chooses to, wash away or cover over our sins by means of the covering value of Blood, it is truly precious.

After the "Flood", Jehovah also set forth a pattern of correcting sources of evil toward creation, the "Rainbow Covenant". In which He swore never to allow creation to suffer a blow like the flood on man's account, clearly demonstrating God's view of all life and creation. Also providing a promise we can rely on far into the future.

In time, after the flood and that generation, a new generation of rebellion developed.

Babel was built, and thus Jehovah scattered the peoples by tongue or language's, taking with them their false god's and manmade religions all over the globe.

Till Abram caught God's eye. He was different from other men of his day, the Living God asked him to demonstrate the faith he had by sacrificing his son, his only one to Sarai. Abram had faith that his God could even raise his son from death.

Not that Jehovah wanted him to go through with it, but to test the depth of his love. So great a test it sounds shocking.

He did this to set a precedent. Another Paver, another step, yet another part of the dance.

A sacrifice that God himself would make in the future. Abram and Sarai were given new names, Abraham and Sarah. Because he trusted God, he became known as God's friend.

Jehovah's test on Abraham was a dramatic demonstration of things to come. A test that Jehovah God and his firstborn would personally re-enact for our salvation, and in the process, prove Satan a liar.

In time another step on a marble paver. Exodus 12:21-24.

Moses was to instruct all Israel to take "for yourselves small cattle (sheep or Lamb) and offer up the Passover victim". Why was that?

The Angel of Jehovah was going to pass through Egypt and if they were to be spared from judgement, the blood of the sacrifice was to be put above on the door frame and on the posts. this was a signal to the Angel, that they had faith in God's word through Moses and that they could then be spared the judgement that was awaiting Egypts firstborn.

Did you see yet again, Lambs blood and a sacrifice that would cover or protect those under it's "Atoning" value. Yes! Blood was able to protect them.

Not literally, but the value of it, legally, "Eye for eye, Life for life". This act of faith was all the Living God needed to act in behalf of his worshippers.

Within the Law code given to the nation of Israel, peppered through the daily lives and worship of Israel, were references and requirements that (should) have led the nation and individuals to the one conclusion, Jehovah was leaving the door open for all, though still sinners, so as to have a means for a reconciliation between wayward mankind and himself.

Which in turn, should have relayed into genuine appreciation of the sacrifice to come, one for all mankind.

Israel held Festivals, had Offerings for various occasions with Jubilee's, and Sabbaths, all of which should have likewise drawn them into an ever closer relationship with the Living God, giving them every opportunity to reflect on what these things might mean.

Even the Priesthood was in place, a tribe from their own family group a go between for anyone desiring a clear conscience and avenue for acceptable worship. They as Priests were to stand between God and men and to act on behalf of the tribes of Israel so as to "soften the face of Jehovah".

A major part of the dance.

There are so many references throughout God's word that relate to this dance, however, one custom seems to be curiously and especially linked to it. The Goat for Azazel.

Azazel appears four times in the Bible, it is linked to Atonement day, a very special day of the year.

On this day sacrifices or offerings were made for Aaron or the high priest, the Levites and the tribe of Israel.

The high priest was only to use UNBLEMISHED animals, sound and in good condition, the very best of the flock, also of significant as to what was to come.

The high priest was to take two Goats. He would cast lots over them, one was to be a sacrifice as a sin offering to Jehovah. The other would be led into the wilderness and let go, to "CARRY away their sins.

Do you get the significance. It was to, in effect, bare the sins in behalf of the peoples and literally take them away.

All these things were supposed to be, according to Galatians 3:24, where Paul wrote the Law was a "Tutor leading to Christ".

Yes! All this dance through time, through God's Holy writings was leading to one very special moment in time.

To a most beautiful crescendo and the highlight of the dance, where Jesus, this one the builders rejected, but God approved of, would offer his SINNLESS body, his sacred BLOOD and become the LAMB of God.

Isaiah 53:4 prophesied the result in doing so, "Truly our sicknesses (sins) were what he himself carried; (Goat of Azazel) also in recognition of this Matthew 8;16- ""People brought him many demon possessed persons; and he expelled the spirits with a word, and he cured all who were faring badly; that there might be fulfilled what was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He himself took our sicknesses and carried our diseases." I will try to scan chapters 51 - 55 of the prophet Isaiah for you at the end with other useful study materials.

Subjecting himself to false accusation Jesus willingly proved his loyalty to God for us.

Jesus clearly demonstrated he was the foretold one, the Messiah.

Countless prophecies became just so due to him. Not predictions or chance, but history written in advance is what was recorded.

All leading to the anniversary of Most beautiful day of reflection in the year.

In fact, it is the ONLY day we are actually commanded to observe. That day is the anniversary of the day Jesus died.

The evening before he gave his life to save ours and satisfy justice, he was celebrating a VERY similar day with his Apostles, The Passover celebration.

Do you recall we mentioned the night that Israel was set free from Egypt and they painted blood on their doorways?

This Passover celebration, Jesus was observing with his disciples was the anniversary of that night, all Israelites were to continually remember their Salvation by God's powerful arm in this way and on that occasion.

Israel was to copy the events of that night, the meal and the wine etc, and were to reflect on what that meant for them as a nation, a family and as God's covenant peoples.

Using some of the items from the meal he instituted A NEW arrangement which, like the Passover, was to be observed annually. Jehovah's Witnesses did this for many decades.

However; Those who actually participated on that night, were only those invited into the new Covenant. Those of Jesus friends who proved faithful and were to join Jesus in Heaven.

This was an invitation for a limited few, which this number gradually reduced over time, as those with the Heavenly hope began to finish their course on Earth. I'm not of that number.

I, and most were observers of the proceedings only, with our hope is to live on a paradise Earth being cemented in our hearts, not Heaven. My future is one under the protective care of Jesus and these ones who had proven like our King that they were faithful. These will soon share in governing the new World of mankind.

Previously Jesus told his disciples they would "Eat his flesh and drink his blood." A major sequence of the dance.

On that occasion many refused to follow him any longer, thinking the suggestion was disgusting.

Now! On this night, Finally, the eleven that stuck by him would find out what he meant.

Mt 26: 26-28 explains; "Jesus took a loaf and after saying a blessing, he broke it and, giving it to each disciple he said: 'Take, eat, this means my body.' Also, he took a cup and, having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying: 'Drink out of it, all of you; for this means my blood OF THE COVENANT, which is to be poured out in behalf of many for FORGIVENESS OF SINS."

YES! All this dance through God's word had led to this moment in time. A moment pivotal in crushing Satan's hold on the "World of mankind", and setting the way forward so we and our God could be re-joined, once again, and forever, as one.

In the process, replacing what Adam had lost and thrown away from reach.

A future was now certain and attainable for all who want it. All due to the value and application, of the Sinless, precious and legally bound value of the Blood of the Lamb, spotless and blameless, the New Adam, our new father, Christ Jesus.

The Lords evening meal was to continue till he, according to Matthew 26:29, "I will by no means drink--- until the day when I drink it new with you in the Kingdom of my Father".

That I believe is the day when all those who go to Heaven and are part of "the marriage feast" these make up the Christs bride, all, men and women, 144,000 kingdom heirs.

This I suspect has already happened some time in 2012.

So, as for the night of Nisan 14, the anniversary of the evening Jesus instituted the Lords Evening Meal. On into the future, I do not know what commemoration will replace it, as this one was between Jesus and the 144,000.

But surely we who survive on Earth will likewise enjoy an event of reflection. For how could such a sacrifice, and the value of such precious blood not be given consideration, into eternity?

This night in modern times came to be called "The Memorial" of Christs sacrifice", or "The Lords evening meal", By Jehovah's Witnesses.

It has been held the same night as the Passover, which the Jews still celebrate to this day.

However, as I mentioned in another blog, the last time I attended one of these meetings, the current Judas class, event watered down the event to pat themselves on the back.

Instead of an occasion for ONLY reflecting on the two greatest acts of love, EVER.

Following the pattern set out by Jesus and was customary for first century Christians, it was a meal of sorts, symbolic and for us, not very long in duration at all. With some time reflecting on this sacrifice then following the serving of the bread and wine, as Jesus did. The best night of the year for me!

It is held on the night of Nissan 14 in the Jewish Luna calendar. Their Calendar day begins and ends at sunset. Counting from the first visual sighting of the new moon, each month, you begin counting the days. Jesus died in the daytime, after sunset on the 14th day of the month Nisan.

(see the chart posted at the finish this Blog) It was full moon that day.

However; I have a slight issue with the timing. Not the date but how it has been started first from the date line and around the globe, instead of from Jerusalem.

Call me stupid but if the Luna month begins once the first new moon is visible over Jerusalem, then shouldn't the globe of mankind commence observing the memorial of Christ's sacrifice after sunset in Jerusalem, not according to modern date lines.

For example. I believe J.W.s began observing the memorial on the 4th of April this year 2023.

While the moon was not quite yet in it's full moon state as was indicated by the scriptures the night Jesus gave his soul, and even before the sun has set in Jerusalem. For example some 9 hrs before in New Zealand?

Paul explained the new arrangement that was instituted in the first century after Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice. (see the Bible accounts posted after this blog.)

I am in awe of this dance, it's movement, it's flow. it's beauty.

Only an Almighty one could purpose such an outcome, such a free gift, so as to gather to himself peoples, from all walks of life and from all time periods.

In doing so, buying back even those who had long ago died by using the redeeming value of Christ's blood, making the resurrection hope a reality. To give himself and his Son an inheritance of loyal ones.

But more amazingly for us, while we are so corrupted and full of sin, he repurchased us from death and futility. What a God is the Rock? Is there any other like him? Is there anyone who comes close to his matchless wisdom and glory. Bit even still, He humbles himself and puts on a cloak of longsuffering, tolerating imperfection and even listens intently to our prayers.

It's no wonder Jesus himself declared, "No-one is good but God".

This dance, will go on forever, can you feel the rhythm can you see them gliding through time. Dancing for you, me, us.

One last question; The first people mentioned were Cain and Able.

One developed his power of reason and appreciation for beautiful things, good things and obviously the "Deeper things of God".

The other, even when given encouragement to change his course, lacked self control, discipline and respect for life. Cain spent his time on practical things, providing for the family, obviously there is merit in that. But he missed the finer detail by failing to develop a hatred of bad and a love of good.

Able, I'm sure will walk among us in the new system of things. whether Cain will, will be interesting to find out, did he learn?

The Question is, Which one will you prove to be like? Whether you are alive today or will be born in the future. What will you do with your life?

I do not know if I have gotten off track with this information, hopefully it is coherent and palatable.

May you too benefit from this free gift from the Living God, OUR Father, Jehovah. As we marvel at Hid dance, a dance for us.

Oh! I do love my God.

Man in expectation :)

The following is additional scriptures and study materials you may find useful.

At the end of the day, all things being considered, God is Love! Who is like him? Are you?

All thanks to the one, living forever, My God, My Father, My redeemer.

The mash-up! "You must love Jehovah your God, with your whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength and keep His Commandments. If you do, you will be wise enough to bypass any trial with ease, and have an indefinitely lasting name with The Living One. Those who fail to take these things to heart, will suffer shame and fall short in a large way, all that is his, will be destroyed and cease to exist.

You who love Him, however, will flourish with joy, under the tent cloths of Jehovah, always." Ecc 12:13, Mark 12:30 and Ps 37:18-20.