How can we "celebrate it as a feast to the LORD" today? Remember the Original Command Leviticus 23:41: “You are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD for seven days each year. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month.” • Israel lived in booths to recall the wilderness journey (Leviticus 23:42-43) • The feast was marked by rejoicing, rest, abundant offerings, and congregational worship (Deuteronomy 16:13-15; Numbers 29:12-38) • God declared the statute “permanent” for every generation, revealing His enduring purposes Why It Still Matters • God’s word stands forever, so the feast continues to speak into present-day faith (Isaiah 40:8) • Zechariah foretells nations coming to Jerusalem to keep this feast in the Messianic kingdom (Zechariah 14:16-19) • Jesus attended the Feast of Tabernacles and applied its symbols to Himself (John 7:2, 37-39) • “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us” (John 1:14), revealing the ultimate dwelling of God with His people Practical Ways to Honor the Feast Today • Set apart the biblical seven-day period in the seventh month (usually September/October) on your calendar, treating it as sacred time • Construct a simple booth (sukkah) in a yard, patio, or church property, using leafy branches in keeping with Leviticus 23:40 • Eat meals, sing psalms, and read Scripture inside the booth, recalling divine protection in the wilderness • Rejoice intentionally: share testimonies, celebrate salvation, cultivate joyful music and fellowship (Deuteronomy 16:14-15) • Present freewill offerings for missions, benevolence, and the needy, echoing the abundant sacrifices of Numbers 29 • Invite family, friends, and strangers for hospitality, reflecting God’s open-armed grace (Nehemiah 8:17) • Conclude with a solemn assembly on the eighth day, gathering for focused worship as in Leviticus 23:36 Connecting the Feast to Christ • Living water symbol: Jesus cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37-38) during this feast • Light symbol: huge lampstands once illuminated the temple; Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12) straight afterward • Booth symbol: Christ shelters believers now and forever, “He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them” (Revelation 7:15) • Prophetic hope: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men” (Revelation 21:3), the final fulfillment anticipated every time the feast is kept Living the Feast All Year • Practice continual gratitude for God’s provision, mirroring harvest joy • Cultivate pilgrim hearts, remembering life’s temporary nature just like the booths • Extend hospitality and generosity as a habit, not an annual exception • Celebrate Christ as present Shelter and coming King, maintaining anticipation of His return and the future kingdom |
    |