The Feast of Tabernacles—Sukkot (soo-kowt)—is an important joy in the Hebrew year, and it is just days away. It shows us that dwelling in “booths,” or temporary dwellings, reflects the lack of permanence in this world. And we are waiting for the time when Christ will return and replace our temporary earthly tabernacles.
Sukkot began on the 15th day of the 7th month (our October) and lasted for 8 days, during which the people lived outside in “booths” made from branches of young trees that were decorated with fruit and palms. It celebrated their wandering in the wilderness. The priests carried water from the pool of Siloam and poured it out on the altar in the temple and lights were hung up in the court of women. How appropriate then that Jesus referred to the Feast of Tabernacles when He said:
John 7:37-38 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
And for the bride of Christ this feast represents the full indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This is the life of unceasing and overflowing joy, victory, and service for others. Now it is not only the water flowing in but a river flowing out to bless others. It also points to our wandering in “our wilderness” and the complete homecoming of all God’s redeemed:
Rev 7:9, 16-17 9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands… 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
How blessed we are to be “engrafted” into God’s family and be able to celebrate with our Jewish brothers and sisters the awesome faithfulness of our God. As we look back on their feasts it cannot help but encourage us that we are living in an incredible moment in history. As you think about the Feast of Tabernacles, reflect on your own life and your own personal spiritual journey. Take heart in the fact that God had it all planned out from the very beginning and He is just waiting for His children to celebrate with Him.
As the bride of Christ, we have come to the blood of the Cross, received the fire of Pentecost, gone forth with the Trumpet to call the nations, entered the Holiest Place, and are now waiting for the great last feast when “our” fleshly tabernacles will be replaced with the eternal home our bridegroom has prepared for us to end our wandering.
So, we all should be waiting and watching as we live out His Rest as “vessels of living water” and “bearers of light” in a thirsty and dark land. Sukkot is on the way to celebrate the harvest of the ages and we have a front row seat at His table … something to think about on October 6th!