As Christians, we have been grafted into the rich heritage of Judaism, to the family of Abraham (Rom. 11:17–24, Eph. 2:12–22). For this we are eternally grateful. Part of the rich heritage that we have received includes the celebration of the biblical feasts—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. During these three feasts, God required His people to stop their normal activities, go up to where His presence resided among them, and worship. These were times of heart searching, sharing together, being thankful, and rehearsing the Word. The people of God rejoiced, sang, and worshiped in God’s presence.
As the Hebrew pilgrims traveled up to Jerusalem for the feasts, they would sing the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134). The first verse of Psalm 122 says, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” This verse captures the attitude of heart of the Jewish pilgrims as they made their way up to the presence of the Lord, entering the courts of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple). It also illustrates the attitude of heart we should have as we approach God’s presence.
It is now the season for the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast commemorates the time when God’s presence dwelt among the children of Israel in the wilderness. His presence manifested as a canopy to protect them from the sun, and as a pillar of fire to give them warmth and light at night (Ps. 105:39, Neh. 9:19). Every Feast of Tabernacles, families were to live in booths, like they did in the wilderness, and celebrate His presence with them (Lev 23:34–43).
As Christians, it is at this time that we remember the words of Jesus’ disciple, John the beloved. Speaking of the Son of God, he said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh, and dwelt [tabernacled] among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14). God tabernacled among the families of Israel through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Today, as believers in Jesus, we have become part of God’s household. We are built up together as a holy sanctuary, “as a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Eph 2:22). We become the tabernacle of God’s presence among all of the families of the earth!
Ultimately, this feast will find its fulfillment as God sets up His tabernacle in the earth, “and He will dwell [tabernacle] among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev 21:3–4).
The feast of Tabernacles is a great time for families to remember that where two or three are gathered in Jesus’s name, there His presence abides with them (Matt 18:20). For the children, make little booths to sit in and talk about God’s presence dwelling with His people in the wilderness. Talk about how God tabernacled with His people in Jesus. And talk about how much God loves us and tabernacles with us today. Recognize Jesus’ presence with you as a family and that He resides in your hearts (Col 1:27). Together, invite Jesus into your tabernacle (Rev 3:20).
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