of Pentecost falls. The barley harvest takes
place during these seven weeks, but the harvesting cannot begin UNTIL the
first sheaf of grain is offered to God. The day of the wave sheaf is “the
first of the weeks.” The places in the New Testament that say “first
day
of the week” are referring to this day.
Although the day of cutting the wave sheaf
should be an important day to Christians (as should all of the Biblical Holy
Days), the seventh day Sabbath remains the most important messianic
observance.
Jewish tradition says that if all of Israel
were to keep the Sabbath for just one day, then Messiah will come. Many
believe that the prophecy is talking about every single Jew keeping the
Sabbath. However, another explanation is possible ... It is the time that ALL ISRAEL -- BOTH
HOUSES (the house of Judah AND the house of Israel) keep the Sabbath. There
will always be secular Jews and secular Israelites, but when both houses of
Israel come together and keep the Sabbath, Messiah will come.
If we look at the end-time prophecies we see
why God is upset with the house of Israel.
Sabbath in Ezekiel
| Ezekiel 20:12 |
…gave them my Sabbaths to be a sign
between me and them. |
| Ezekiel 20:13 |
And my Sabbaths they greatly polluted |
| Ezekiel 20:16 |
…polluted my Sabbaths… |
| Ezekiel 20:21 |
…polluted my Sabbaths… |
| Ezekiel 20:24 |
…polluted my Sabbaths… |
| Ezekiel 22:8 |
…profaned my Sabbaths… |
| Ezekiel 22:26 |
…hid their eyes from my Sabbaths… |
| Ezekiel 23:38 |
…profaned my Sabbaths… |
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