The Eighth Day

Sunday, April 3, 2016
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Preaching from the book of Leviticus, my pastor recently discussed the significance of the eighth day in light of biblical teaching. His message inspired me to explore this idea.

Interestingly, the eighth day may be likened to a musical scale: Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti, Do. Although the eighth note is Do again, it has a brand new beginning and is performed on a higher level. There are seven days in the full cycle of the week, so the eighth day is the first day of the next week and the beginning of a new cycle.

Throughout the Scriptures, the number eight signifies new beginnings. Consider the following examples.

The eighth day was set aside for Levitical priests to begin their ministry after seven days of consecration to the Lord:

Leviticus 9:1 – After the ordination ceremony, on the eighth day, Moses called together Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. (NLT)

The purification ceremony after a person was healed of a skin disease took place on the eighth day.

Leviticus 14:23 – On the eighth day of the purification ceremony, the person being purified must bring the offerings to the priest in the Lord's presence at the entrance of the Tabernacle. (NLT)

On the eighth day after birth Jewish males were circumcised:

Leviticus 12:3 – On the eighth day the boy's foreskin must be circumcised. (NLT)

In the New Testament, the sign of circumcision was also symbolic of regeneration: a circumcision of the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit — becoming a new creation in Christ, and beginning our new life in Him.

Colossians 2:11 – When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision — the cutting away of your sinful nature. (NLT)

In such a case, the number eight signifies the resurrection from the dead for a born-again believer. Significantly, the apostle Thomas first saw the risen Lord on the eighth day after He was raised from the dead:

John 20:26 – Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. "Peace be with you," he said. (NLT)

Therefore, on this eighth day after the celebration of Christ's victory over death, let us consciously look for a new beginning in our relationship with Him. May we look for new opportunities and possibilities from the Lord. Like notes of a musical scale, let us ask Him for a deeper understanding of His Word that will carry us to a higher level of knowledge and blessings, bringing glory and honour to Christ.

Prayer: Almighty God, according to Your divine purpose, You have called us to be consecrated, cleansed, and circumcised in heart. May we walk in the power of Your resurrection, seeking to serve You always through Jesus Christ our Lord, in Whose holy name we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Very interesting Lori.


    An interesting, lovely devotional, Lori. Thank you.


    Thanks Lori for this message of hope and new beginnings. Blessings.


    Very interesting Lori! Good word and a good challenge.
    Blessings.


    Thanks, Lori, for this Devotional. I learned a lot from it today.
    Blessings.


    This is also why many baptismal fonts have 8 sides. The remainder I think are round signifying God’s eternal love.


    Thanks, Lori, for sharing your knowledge and insights. May God continue to lead you and bless your efforts in all your ventures.


    Lori, you amaze me. When I read one of these before I look at the author, and find it is soooo good, I always find your name at the bottom. God bless you Lori. You really are a good teacher.


    Lori,
    I am up early this morning and the first thing I did was read your devotional. Thank you for reminding me that I must continue to renew my relationship with Jesus daily. Your research on the 8th day was great.
    Continue your writing.


    Dear Lori,
    Thank you for some new thoughts on the eighth day.
    Keep writing.


    Lori – What an interesting revelation of facts regarding the eighth day!
    Receiving resurrection power is so powerful; thanks for sharing this teaching with us. The hymn “Higher Ground” speaks to our spiritual growth as we reach for higher ground.


    Thank you Lori for your devotional. It was so interesting about the number 8. I was not aware of this at all.
    Blessings.

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