Tabernacles

The Feast of Tabernacles is the final of three large holidays that occur during the annual Jewish calendar. Occuring during the fall each year, this feast was commanded by God as a time of joy and celebration. It took place after the final harvest and all the hard labor was over. Along with Passover and Pentecost, the Feast of Tabernacles was to take place in Jerusalem to celebrate not only God's provision, but His presence as well. During this feast, the participants were commanded to build booths or "tabernacles" if you will and live within their walls for the entirety of the holiday. This was to commemmorate Israel's time in the wilderness and to dwell on the fact that God was there during their time of need and provided. The picture of a tabernacle is used throughout the Scripture to illustrate the presence of God. In John 1:14 says that "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The literal interpretion of this says that Jesus literally "pitched His tent among us" relating to the picture of the temporary dwelling of God in the tabernacle during the years of exile in the wilderness of Sinai.

Think on this with me for a moment. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 says the following:

"For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened--not that we would be unclothed, but aht we would be further clothed, so taht what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who prepared for us this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee."

This is mind blowing. Just as the Spirit of God dwelt in the very tabernacle of the exodus years, He dwells within our bodies (tents) as a guarantee for our permanent dwelling in heaven. Just as the Jews rejoiced over the fact of the provision and presence of God during the feast of tabernacles, how much more should we as followers of Christ rejoice in the fact that His very Spirit dwells within us. Where His presence dwells, there is great cause for celebration.

I know I take this fact for granted on a daily basis. Father, help me not to lose sight over the fact that Your very presence and Spirit dwells within me, just as it dwelt within the tabernacle of the Old Testament. You are still the same God that lead the nation of Israel in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Please guide me in that way! You provided for Israel during the exodus and I know that You have promised to provide our needs as well. I celebrate your provision and presence tonight! Amen.