The feast of tabernacles is a time of celebration. As a matter of fact, this is one of the most joyous celebrations among all other feasts of Elohim. Every feast has it unique significance in God’s overall plan for salvation of mankind. Observance of the feast of tabernacles is characterized with the construction of booths (sukkah) as recorded in Nehemiah 8:17 “And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths….Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he (Ezra) read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.” Nehemiah 8:17-18. We can see that the children of Israel were led by Ezra in keeping the feast of Tabernacles before Elohim. They were overwhelmed with joy for having an opportunity to keep the feast, something that they could not do while in Babylonian captivity.
The feast of Tabernacles (sukkot) acts as a reflection projecting to the millennial reign of Yahshua, after he comes again. Booths are used because they are temporary shelters which help to remind us that we are sojourners in this world, and we are awaiting a better life when the kingdom of God is established on earth, for He will Tabernacle with us (Revelation 21:3)
Someone might ask why not make the animal sacrifices ordered by God during a feast like this one. The reason is because of the sacrifice made by Yahshua on Calvary. Remember that God has brought us into a new covenant with Him through the precious blood of His son, Yahshua. After Yahshua ascended into heaven, he became the High Priest forever in the new order of priesthood. All those that have received salvation through Yahshua are made priests with Him, offering sacrifices, not of animals, but of singing, prayer, worship among many other ways through their bodies as holy sacrifices before God (Romans 12:1)
I would like to welcome you to join us in celebrating this year’s feast of Tabernacles which runs from 16th to 24th October 2016.
May Hashem bless you as you purpose to do His will.
Hezekiah Kuria Karanja
General Overseer –Church of God 7th Day, Kenya
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