National Holidays
Remember me, O LORD, with the favor You have toward Your people; Oh, visit me with Your salvation, That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance. (Psalm 106:4-5)
Israel is blessed, and the world through her, with a number of God-given holidays and festivals.
Since the rebirth of Zionism over 100 years ago, the Jews have experienced major events of national importance that mandate additional days of remembrance, celebration, the honoring of God and of various national heroes. Some are days of mourning for those lost, others are occasions of great jubilation over miraculous victories brought about by the hand of God.
While these modern holidays are not biblical - not directly ordained by God - they commemorate deeds and events which are clearly referred to and foretold in the Scriptures. Had Israel not made these sacrifices nor won these victories, much Biblical prophecy would remain unfulfilled. As such, these days commmemorate the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy and are thus significant to all Bible believers.
As importantly, though these may not be national days of celebration or commemmoration for gentiles, our hearts do desire to rejoice with the Jews when they rejoice, and to weep with them when they weep. And we know that ultimatley we will have nor more reason to weep, only to rejoice.
"Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all you who love her; rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her..." For thus says the LORD: "Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; on her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem." (Isaiah 66:10, 12-13)
LORD, hasten that day!
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