As I mentioned in my last blog, the key theme of the Feast of Sukkot (or Tabernacles, or Shelters) is that God, the creator of the entire universe, desires to dwell with us, and dwell intimately with us! That is, since the beginning (Gen 3:8, Ex. 25:8; Ex. 40:34), now (1 Cor. 6:19; 1 Cor. 3;16), and forever in the future (Zech 14:4-9, 16-19; Rev. 21:3-4)!
The fact that God desires to dwell with us forever not only gives me joy, it also gives me hope for the future! This past week at our congregation’s beautiful outdoor Sukkot service, I couldn’t stop gazing upon the sukkah — beautifully decorated with flowers, greenery, and white lights under the brightness of an amazing Texas full moon. It is a powerful symbol of God’s provision, protection, and presence not only in the lives of the wandering Israelites, but in our own daily lives as well.
The sukkah reminded me that the Tabernacle (and later Temple), where God dwelt in the wilderness with the Israelites, was a shadow or a model of the Tabernacle in heaven where Yeshua would sprinkle His blood upon the mercy seat for me (Heb. 8:5; 9:12, 23-24). The sukkah gave me a glimpse and a reassurance of heaven, and filled my heart with hope and security in my future.
The sukkah, and Sukkot’s theme of God “tabernacling” or dwelling with us, also reminded me of the coming Millennial Temple (Ezek. 40-48) where Yeshua will rule and reign from Jerusalem, and where we (believers) will rule and reign with Him as kings and priests (Rev. 5:10; 20:6). My heart was filled with excitement for what lies ahead with Him.
Celebrating Sukkot under the sukkah also filled my heart with anticipation and wonder as I pondered upon the fact that by celebrating now, I was actually practicing for the ultimate Feast of Tabernacles celebrations with Yeshua during His Millennial reign.
Zechariah 14:4-9, 16-19, the verses that describe the return of the Lord and the start of His Millennial kingdom and reign, tell us that we and all of the nations of the world will go up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles” (Zech 14:16). Ezekiel 45:25 also mentions celebrating Sukkot in the Millennium – “During the seven days of the festival, which begins in the seventh month on the fifteenth day, he is to make the same provision for sin offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings, and oil.”
In fact, all nations who do not celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles will have no rain, and plagues will fall upon them (Zech 14:17-19). When the Lord commands us to celebrate HIS feasts, He means it!
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to celebrate Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) with Yeshua! Until then, I want to be ready and prepared when He comes, so I’m going to get all the practice I can get by celebrating each year and obeying God’s command to rejoice — rejoicing in the hope, security, excitement and anticipation for all that lies ahead! Won’t you join me this last day of Sukkot?
For more detail and teaching on this topic, please click this link.
Chag Sameach!
Happy Sukkot!
Blessings,
Jeanne
