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I’m Tom Nicholas — a pastor, teacher, and community builder living in Billings, Montana. My life and ministry flow from one heartbeat: to see the Church alive — Spirit-filled, rooted in Scripture, and moving with Jesus into the world. I serve as a pastor, chaplain, and mentor, helping people grow in faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship. Whether around a campfire, in a coffee shop, or through digital spaces, I believe the gospel belongs where life happens — in the field, among the people, and around the table. Through The Church Alive, I write about biblical leadership, spiritual formation, and building vibrant, missional communities that reflect the love and courage of Christ.

📖 Week 12 — Moedim: The Appointed Times of the LORD

Main Reading: Leviticus 23
Theme: God’s Sacred Calendar, Holy Rhythms, and Prophetic Signposts
Messianic Focus: Yeshua as the Fulfillment of Every Appointed Time

🌿 Overview

In Leviticus 23, God gives Israel a set of sacred moments — appointments where He meets with His people in rest, remembrance, and celebration.

מוֹעֲדִים — Mo’edim

  • Pronounced: mo-eh-DEEM
  • Meaning: appointed times, sacred appointments, set feasts
  • Root: יעד — ya’ad — “to appoint, to meet”

These are not Israel’s feasts — God calls them:

“My appointed times” (Leviticus 23:2)

They structure Israel’s life around:

  • rest
  • worship
  • deliverance
  • thanksgiving
  • repentance
  • joy

And each Mo’ed points directly to Messiah’s redemptive mission.

🌿 The Appointed Times (Overview Table)

Mo’edHebrew NameThemeFulfillment in Messiah
SabbathShabbatRest, creation, holinessMessiah is our rest and restoration
PassoverPesachDeliverance through the LambYeshua is the Lamb of God
Unleavened BreadMatzotPurity, leaving sinMessiah removes sin’s leaven
FirstfruitsBikkurimFirst of the harvestMessiah is firstfruits of resurrection
ShavuotWeeksTorah & Spirit givenSpirit poured out on the same day
TrumpetsYom TeruahWake up call, repentanceForeshadows Messiah’s return
AtonementYom KippurCleansing & forgivenessMessiah is our eternal atonement
TabernaclesSukkotJoy & God dwelling with usMessiah dwells with humanity, and will again

🌿 Key Scriptures

TopicScripture
The Mo’edim IntroductionLev. 23:1–3
Passover & Unleavened BreadLev. 23:4–14
Shavuot (Weeks)Lev. 23:15–22
Yom Teruah (Trumpets)Lev. 23:23–25
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)Lev. 23:26–32
Sukkot (Tabernacles)Lev. 23:33–44

🌿 Supporting Readings

  • Prophets / Writings: Zechariah 14; Psalm 81; Isaiah 66
  • Messianic Writings: 1 Corinthians 15; Acts 2; Revelation 21–22; Matthew 24

🌿 Hebrew Notes (Integrated)

1. Mo’ed — מוֹעֵד — “appointment, set time”

God sets the times — we respond to His invitation.

2. Shabbat — שַׁבָּת — “Sabbath, rest”

  • Pronounced: sha-BAHT
    A weekly sanctuary of rest and renewal.

3. Teruah — תְּרוּעָה — “shout, trumpet blast”

A wake-up call — spiritually and prophetically.

4. Sukkah — סֻכָּה — “booth, temporary shelter”

  • Pronounced: soo-KAH
    A picture of God’s protection and future kingdom.

🌿 Messianic Connection

Every Mo’ed points directly to Messiah.
Together they form the prophetic timeline of redemption.

SPRING FEASTS — Fulfilled in Messiah’s First Coming

  1. Passover (Pesach):
    • Yeshua is the Passover Lamb (John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7)
  2. Unleavened Bread (Matzot):
    • His sinless body was broken for us
  3. Firstfruits (Bikkurim):
    • His resurrection as “firstfruits” (1 Cor. 15:20)
  4. Shavuot (Pentecost):
    • Spirit poured out; new covenant written on hearts

FALL FEASTS — To be fulfilled at Messiah’s Return

  1. Yom Teruah (Trumpets):
    • Resurrection trumpet (1 Thess. 4:16)
    • Announcement of the King
  2. Yom Kippur (Atonement):
    • National cleansing of Israel (Zech. 12:10)
  3. Sukkot (Tabernacles):
    • God dwelling with humanity (Rev. 21:3)

Together, the Mo’edim reveal the entire story of salvation — past, present, and future.

🌿 Moral and Spiritual Application

  • God gives us a rhythm of life centered on Him.
  • Rest (Shabbat) is holy and needed.
  • Redemption rewrites our personal story.
  • God invites us into seasons of joy, repentance, gratitude, and celebration.
  • Understanding the Mo’edim helps us see Messiah more clearly.
  • Our lives become aligned with God’s calendar rather than the world’s.

These appointed times teach us to live awake, aware, and expectant.

🕎 7-Day Devotional (gentle Hebrew included)

DayReadingFocusHebrew NoteMessianic Insight
Day 1Lev. 23:1–3ShabbatShabbat (שַׁבָּת)Messiah is our rest.
Day 2Lev. 23:4–8Passover & MatzotPesach (פֶּסַח)Messiah is the Lamb.
Day 3Lev. 23:9–14FirstfruitsBikkurim (בִּכּוּרִים)Messiah is firstfruits of resurrection.
Day 4Lev. 23:15–22ShavuotMo’ed (מוֹעֵד) — appointed timeSpirit given on this day.
Day 5Lev. 23:23–25Teruah (Trumpets)Teruah (תְּרוּעָה)Messiah will return with a shout.
Day 6Lev. 23:26–32Yom KippurKippur (כִּפּוּר) — atonementMessiah is our eternal atonement.
Day 7Lev. 23:33–44SukkotSukkah (סֻכָּה)Messiah will dwell with us forever.

🌿 Discussion Questions

  1. Why does God structure time around holy appointments?
  2. Which Mo’ed resonates most deeply with you? Why?
  3. How does understanding the feasts enrich your understanding of Messiah?
  4. What part of God’s prophetic timetable becomes clearer through the Mo’edim?
  5. How can you build rhythms of rest, celebration, and renewal into your life?

🌿 Prayer Focus

Ask God to align your life with His rhythms, His timing, and His calendar.
Thank Him for the redemption Messiah has already fulfilled and for the hope of His future return.

🌿 Memory Verse

Leviticus 23:2 — “These are the appointed times of the LORD, holy convocations, which you shall proclaim.”

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