Come join the myriad throngs of Christians assembling in Israel for the 36th annual Feast of Tabernacles, taking place Sunday, Oct.16 through Friday, Oct. 21.
During Jesus’ time, millions of pilgrims went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, along with the other two pilgrimage festivals Passover and Pentecost. Come join the Jewish people who still gather together in Jerusalem not only to remember God’s provision in the Wilderness of Sinai but also to look forward to that promised Messianic age when all nations will flow to this Holy City to worship the Lord.
A Feast for all People
Tabernacles is unique in that the Gentile nations were invited to come up to Jerusalem along with the Jewish people to worship the Lord at this “appointed time.” The Lord told Moses to father all men, women and children, along with the foreigners in their land, so they can learn to fear the Lord. (Deut. 31:12)
When Solomon later dedicated the Temple during Sukkot, he asked the Lord to hear the prayers of any foreigners that would come there to pray (2 Chronicles 6:32-33). It may surprise some, but Jesus kept the Feast of Tabernacles as well. On the last “great day of the feast”, he stood in the Temple and cried out: “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 7:37-38)
Remembering God’s Past Provision
The most visible symbol of Sukkot is the small roofless booth the Israelites are commanded to dwell in for the week of the Feast (Leviticus 23:33-43). Israeli families build these makeshift huts on their apartment balconies, and decorate them with colourful fruit and pictures. Some families eat their meals in the sukkah and sleep there at night. These flimsy booths are a reminder to Israel that they once dwelled in temporary shelters during the 40 years in the Wilderness, totally dependent on the Lord. God is faithful, and continues to provide all we need to walk upright before Him still today.
Tasting the Joy of the Age to Come
Zechariah foretold of a time when all nations will ascend to Jerusalem each year to “worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.” (Zech. 14:16) Thus we also keep Sukkot now because of this future prophetic purpose. Throughout the Messianic Age, the entire world will celebrate this feast because it will mark the return of Jesus to the earth. But for now, Christians flocking to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles is a powerful statement of faith demonstrating that we believe the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus is coming.
This year’s Feast of Tabernacles celebration begins at the Ein Gedi oasis by the Dead Sea. Events include the colourful Parade of Nations at Jerusalem’s Pais Arena, an English-language Communion Service at the Garden Tomb, and dynamic worship experiences.
Come taste the joy of the Lord in the age to come. For more info, contact Kenes Christian Tours.