"Fast Forward

Jul 12

A fast that looks back also points forward.

The fast on the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz is known as Shivah Asar B’Tammuz[1], a minor fast which falls on July 17 this year (2022).

This day commemorates five tragic events that, according to tradition, happened on this day in Jewish history:

Moses broke the tablets upon seeing the Jewish people worshipping the Golden Calf.[2]
Daily sacrifices during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem ceased because they ran out of sheep.
Apostomos (a Roman general) burned a Torah scroll.
An idol was placed in the Holy Temple by the Romans.
In 69 AD the walls were breached in Jerusalem by the Romans who would destroy the Temple three weeks later (the 9th of Av).

This day is observed by fasting from dawn to dusk. There are also traditional readings in the synagogue on this day.

Consider these readings in a new perspective with me:

The Scriptures read are: Exodus 32:11-14 and 34:1-10; some synagogues also read a Haftarah (Prophets section), consisting of Isaiah 55:6-56:8.

Between the Torah portions

In the first portion, we read of Moses recounting to the LORD His promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and asking that He not completely consume His people in His anger at their sin with the Golden Calf.

In the second portion, we read that the LORD had Moses make new tablets and ascend to meet with Him where the LORD then renewed His covenant with His people.

But, in the interim,

There was a heavy price exacted for Israel’s idolatrous worship. In Exodus 32:26-28, Moses called for those who were faithful from the tribe of Levi to join him and go throughout the camp and put to the sword those who committed this sin. Three thousand people fell on that day.[3]

Moses intercedes on behalf of his people

After this we read of Moses as a mediator for the people – confessing their great sin and pleading for forgiveness to the point of asking that his own name be blotted out of the Book of Life should the LORD not grant forgiveness.[4] Moses was willing to give his life for theirs!

The Scripture portion read from the Haftarah is stunning!

Finally there is the Haftarah portion of Isaiah 55:6-56:8. It is a beautiful portion of Scripture showing God’s blessing to those who are obedient, observing justice and righteousness. There is a promise for the foreigner and the eunuch – God reveals that the outcast and the Gentiles can also be drawn into His covenant. What a picture of our God!

Forecasting the future Redeemer

The observant world-wide Jewish community uses this as a time of solemn remembrance of past tragedies, a time of reflection on their sins, and the call to repentance. God’s loving kindness falls on those that do so. But there is something greater. Someone greater. Greater than Moses even.

Moses wrote of a Prophet like himself whom God would send – a Prophet from among Israel whose words were from God and needed to be heeded.[5]

This Person is the key to what can turn the 17th of Tammuz from a day of reflecting on past tragedy to a day where repentance can lead one to a better covenant, one not written on tablets of stone, but on the human heart![6]

Because this Prophet is a true Mediator, He is given as a Covenant

Isaiah wrote of this Perfect Servant, the One from Israel who would call out to the coastlands and the people of Jacob to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.[7]

This Servant would be given as the covenant.[8]

Jesus, before He was crucified, spent His final earthly Passover with His disciples and declared what was going to happen to Him. The shedding of His blood, would institute this New Covenant.[9]

Take the time to hear more about the One who is greater than Moses,[10] who brings a better covenant,[11] and is of a higher priesthood.[12] One who can take your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh by putting God’s Spirit within you.[13]

3,000 came to eternal life

Yes, 3,000 lives were lost in the wilderness because of not following God’s command in the covenant He made with Israel. But in Jerusalem, 1,500 years after Moses and shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the message of faith in Him was preached. On that day of Pentecost, God poured out His Spirit as promised to those who believed in Him through faith – and the Scripture records that 3,000 were saved![14]

Fasting because of past tragedies or sin is good. But knowing there is One who can forgive all your sins – this brings the “Fast” forward, into your life now![15]

Written by Jeff, Life in Messiah staff

What sin in your life do you need God to forgive?
Have you allowed the Redeemer to cover your sins? Give us a call or check out www.insearchofshalom.com/ to read more and hear testimonies of many Jewish people who have come to know the One Moses wrote about (see John 5:45-47).
Is there something or someone for whom your heart is burdened that the Lord is calling you to fast and pray about?

Endnotes:

[1] https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/17th-of-tammuz/. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/479885/jewish/The-17th-of-Tammuz.htm.

[2] Exodus 32:15-19.

[3] Exodus 32:28.

[4] Exodus 32:32.

[5] Deuteronomy 18:18-19.

[6] Jeremiah 31:33.

[7] Isaiah 49:1-6.

[8] Isaiah 49:8.

[9] Luke 22:20.

[10] Hebrews 3:1-6; Jeremiah 31:31-34.

[11] Hebrews 8:5-13.