 The Significance of The Feast of Tabernacles
Summary
The Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is the most joyous feast celebration, lasting a whole week. It marks a time of rest, remembrance and reflection on God’s divine sovereignty and providence, His goodness and power. It is celebrated at the end of the harvest season.
The feast has a dual significance: historical and agricultural. Historically, it commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters, or booths. Agriculturally, it is a harvest festival, and is sometimes referred to as the Festival of Ingathering.
As the Pilgrims who came to America were looking for a way to express their gratitude towards God for their survival and for the harvest, it was this feast described in the Scriptures that inspired their celebration—what has become the American tradition of Thanksgiving.
Messiah satisfied the debt for our sins. He redeemed us from dead works. He lifted the burden of guilt and condemnation. He invited all who believe to be joined with Him, and receive His peace. “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.? 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew11:28-30 JNT)
Life Application Questions
How much rest time do you devote to remembering and reflecting upon all that Messiah has accomplished for you, and all the ways God has blessed you? In what ways do you apply Messiah’s yoke and truly rest in the Lord?
Scripture References
Leviticus 23:33-44; Psalm 63:6; 77:6-12; 119; Hebrews 3:7-4:13
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 30-32; 52-53; 133-134
Sons and Servants: p. 9-10; 52-57; 99-104
|
