A FEAST is a large meal, typically one in celebration of something; or an annual religious celebration. We feast at Thanksgiving and Christmas, for birthdays and anniversaries. In Judeo/Christian tradition, in this season we celebrate The Feast of Tabernacles (Hebrew:Sukkot), a 7-Day festival found in Leviticus 23. Verses 33-43 describe the activities which are to be observed each year from generation to generation to commemorate God’s faithful provision and supply in the wilderness as He delivered the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. Bracketed by two Holy sabbath-like days of rest, the Children of Israel observed the Sukkot with offerings to the Lord, charity, and feasting and celebration with family, friends, foreigners, and strangers – ‘to honor the LORD who blesses us with bountiful harvests and gives us success in all our work.’ The festival was to be a time of great joy for all. (Deuteronomy 16:14-15, NLT)
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This culminating harvest pilgrimage after Passover (planting season), and Pentecost (grain harvest); the Sukkot celebrated the final harvest of the year – the fruit harvest, and offered praise to the LORD, who continually supplies our needs, has given us life, and has brought us to this season. In the same way that Moses was commanded to build a tabernacle for God’s dwelling in Exodus 25:8, each person was to build a personal tabernacle (Sukkah) for worship. The Feast of Shelters/Booths, was also called the Feast of Ingathering, and the Season of Our Joy. The inside of the shelter was beautified to embody the sentiment in Exodus 15:2 that our God is enshrined or extolled in praise there. Imagine setting aside a whole week for JOY!!
There were Four Species of plants/fruit waved before LORD as
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blessings were recited. The Etrog, a citris fruit, symbolized the heart, repentance, humility, healing and redemption. God, rid us of pride and arrogance. (Psalm 36:12) The Lulav, a date palm branch, symbolized the spine or backbone – spiritual strength and conviction. Hadass or Myrtle leaves bunched in threes, symbolized the eyes or vision that God gives. The Aravah, willow leaves, symbolized the mouth. Willow leaves required lots of water to sustain. The order was to Extol or sing praises and rejoice in the LORD’s presence (Psalm 68:4). On the last day, called Hoshanah Rabba, the willow branches were beaten against the ground until many leaves fell out. This ‘beating of the willows’ symbolized ultimate victory over their enemies. Blessings were recited praising the Eternal and Sovereign God for consecrating us with His mitzvoh (commands), giving us life, holiness, and instructing us to commemorate The Feast.
The Feast of Tabernacles expresses our utter dependence on God, and our need for Him to tabernacle with us. It foreshadowed the Word incarnate, Jesus Christ, being made flesh and dwelling among us (John 1:14), and His Holy Spirit being given not to just be with us, but to live IN us! (John 14:17) Now each individual Christ follower is a moving dwelling or tabernacle of God’s presence! This fulfills the prophetic statement in Ezekiel 37:27, “My dwelling place also will be with them, and I will be their God and they will be my people.” Our eternal hope in Rev. 21:3-4 echoes this thought, “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them and they will be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” This week, as we prepare for Friday night’s Feast of Tabernacles Concert with Pastor William McDowell, (see below) let’s celebrate and give thanks for God’s continual presence, power, protection and provision!
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2016 Dove Award Winner in Worship Category
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THIS FRIDAY!!
Pastor William McDowell
Friday, October 21st 8:00 PM
at Zion Global Ministries
9180 Cincinnati-Columbus Road
Tickets $20 VIP $40
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9:30 AM Class
Youth Room
11:00 AM Worship
The Great Room at Wyoming Presbyterian
225 Wyoming Ave., 45215
