Events Calendar
Sermon
Before I dive into today’s sermon, I want to see what you know.
So, what is Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles? In Hebrew it is Sukkot.
What does the Bible say about the Feast of Booths? What does it symbolize and point to? What does this holiday mean for us as followers of Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus Christ?
These questions I hope to answer during our discussion tonight.
“Now, the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the produce of the land, you shall keep the festival of the Lord, lasting seven days, a complete rest on the first day and a complete rest on the eighth day. On the first day you shall take the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. You shall keep it as a festival to the Lord lasting seven days in the year; you shall keep it in the seventh month as a statute forever throughout your generations. You shall live in booths for seven days; all who are native-born in Israel shall live in booths, so that your generations may know that I made the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 23:39-43
Let’s break down what is happening here.
What is Yahweh having the people do? Live in tents for a week.
What instructions did Yahweh give? Don’t work on the day the holiday begins nor the day after it ends. It is a “holy convocation.”
What is a holy convocation? It is a sacred, God-appointed assembly where believers are officially summoned to gather for worship, rest, and spiritual instruction. The Hebrew word means “called-out gathering”, “sacred assembly”, or “proclomation.” These assemblies were designed for public worship, hearing and reading Yahweh’s instructions, offering sacrifices, and reinforcing the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people.
Why did Yahweh have His followers live in tents for seven days?
“so that your generations may know that I made the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Yahweh instituted this High Holy day as a memorial, a marker, that declared what He had done for His people. He brought them out from slavery. He guided them through the desert wasteland. He went behind them, beside them, and before them. Even when they lost sight of what Yahweh had promised them, He was faithful until the very end.
This day is a permanent landmark in our biblical calendar. A way to step back in time. To connect with our God given heritage as all believers receive. A promise. A promise that points to Yahweh’s ultimate promise found on in Yeshua Hamashiach, who even himself celebrated Sukkot (John 7:1-8).
“Tabernacle” in Hebrew is “sukkah” and multiple tabernacles is “sukkot.” Which can be translated as “dwelling place.” Yahweh came to “dwell with” or “tabernacle” with us. The angel that visited Mary, mother of Yeshua, gave her unborn child the title “Emmanuel” which in Hebrew means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Let’s see how this is connected in our next reading.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them and be their God;” – Revelation 21:3
The Bible tells us that Yahweh will come to dwell with us, with His people. He will booth among us. Tabernacle in our midst. That He claims us and we Him.
Sukkot is more than a living monument for when it was established. Yes, it lives in all generations who honor this sacred time, a biblical version of our American Thanksgiving. Praising and rejoicing in all the provisions Yahweh has provided. A harvest. A celebration of His promises, His covenants. And it points forward to the ultimate Sukkah found in Yeshua Hamashiach who dwells with us as the face of Yahweh, God all mighty. He is why we honor this Holdy Day. He is our God. And we are His people.
As we go forth this week let us carve out our own spaces, be it the way the Bible describes or not. Get into your booths and praise the Lord through prayer, meditation, and rejoicing. For all that He has brought you to and through.
Amen.
Camp Retreat
We are so grateful for Elder Curtis putting together our weekend camping retreat trip for the church. We are also thankful for our members pitching in.
I have not idea what face I am making here…😅
Elder Curtis’ Recovery Videos
The Truth About Confidence
Confidence is not easy.
Confidence comes from fear, failing, and learning.
Service Music Playlist
