The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

This evening (October 2, 2009) at sunset begins a seven-day festival known in Hebrew as Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles. Now if you are a Christian, you may never have heard of this and may be wondering why in the world should I care about this. Here are some of the reason.

1. The Feast of Tabernacles is listed in the Bible (King James Version) as "a feast of the Lord" not as "a feast of the Jews" in Leviticus 23:37. For a more detailed account of this feast read: Leviticus 23:23-44. We would have lost any idea of what this feast involves if it were not for the Jewish people and their perseverance to preserve these things.
   
2. All of the seven feasts appointed by God in Leviticus 23 show us the progressive plan of God for all mankind.
3. Each feast is linked to Jesus Christ. The feast of Tabernacles pictures the return of Jesus Christ and His thousand-year reign on this earth. This feast is yet to be fulfilled.
4. This feast pictures, that we, as Christians are temporarily dwelling in this world (thus the temporary dwellings or booths that people stay in during this time).
5. Because Jesus was our sacrifice, we keep it with a New Testament understanding of grace.
6. The feast is just plain fun to observe. It lasts for eight days. It is like going on a Christian vacation and feasting on God and his goodness. Money is saved throughout the year for this time to enjoy with fellow family and friends in a peaceful loving setting.
7. This feast will be kept even after Jesus returns to this earth. Read Zechariah 14:16-21. There are consequences from God to those who refuse to keep this feast.
   

Here are some ways that the Feast of Tabernacles can benefit you and your family:

1. It centers us back on God and His love for us.
2. We are able to rest and enjoy the fruits of our labors.
3. It brings us and our families together in love and fellowship.
4. It helps us to focus on the good future plans that God has for us.

This evening is not only a regular sabbath (day of rest) but it is also a High Holy Day of God's. Use this time to draw close to God and thank Him for the provision he has given you this year. Ask Him to reveal to you what this day should mean to you. Ask Him why and how to observe it. In light of the scriptures in Zechariah 14:16-21, as you keep this feast, ask God to rain down on you all that you need. God bless you on this wonderful Holy Day which is an open portal to God and His grace. The High Holy Day portals of God's power are available seven times per year and this is a wonderful day to realize that God has a plan for all mankind. God bless you and keep you. May He rain down understanding of this most precious day you and to all mankind.