Our First Sukkah (aka booth, tent or tabernacle)
This year we made our first “real” sukkah for the Feast of Tabernacles. Previously we had put up a tent in the living room or made a fort inside with blankets. While that was fun, I really wanted to make a bigger deal out of this wonderful festival commemorating God’s leading in the wilderness and reminding us that we are only pilgrims in this world, looking forward to a better – that is a heavenly – city that God is preparing for us (Heb. 11:16). It’s a reminder to keep our eyes on heavenly things and look forward to that time when we will all go up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and worship the King of Kings in the earth made new. (Zech. 14:16)
Here’s a few pictures of our building process. We hadn’t added the branches on top when I took these pictures. And we built it in the garage because it was raining outside…
Revelation and the Feast of Tabernacles
THE end goal of God in Revelation is to Tabernacle – or dwell – with his people. He wants to put his dwelling place, the New Jerusalem, over us and live close to us. Wow!! The feast of tabernacles is the reminder of this great desire that Jesus has to live with you and me face to face. The Bible describes this specifically in two places in Revelation.
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among [tabernacle over] them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 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. -Revelation 7:15-17
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell [tabernacle] with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. -Revelation 21:1-4
Towards the end of His life, Jesus alluded to this time and his desire to heal and restore all who come to Him. See what He said on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles – the 8th day – which many believe represents the time after the millennium when the earth is made new.
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” -John 7:37
Jesus repeats this invitation to drink of the living water in the last chapter of Revelation.
I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. -Revelation 22:16-17
I don’t want to miss that huge celebration in front of God’s throne. It’s going to be AMAZING!
But do you know what’s even more AMAZING? You can start to live with Jesus right now. He wants to live in your heart and he’s patiently waiting for you to invite him in. He loves you and wants to dwell (or tabernacle) with you right now, and every day until he comes to take you to heaven.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. -Revelation 3:20
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. -John 15:19
Ask Jesus to come into your heart today and everyday. He will help you to have joy and peace, even through the troubles we face in this crazy world.
