LESSONS FROM SUKKOT
In terms of the feasts there is not much told to us about this day. We know its is another set apart day where no work was performed, we know food offerings and are required for this day, and we know that it immediately follows the 7 days of Sukkot. Unlike the Day of Atonement, the 8th great day is not a day of personal affliction it is a day of great rejoicing as the final major harvest for the year is brought before God in thankfulness and rejoicing for the harvest. There are so many parallels and echos throughout Scripture about the importance and significance of the 8th great day, and I tried hard to come up with something compelling to say to you today about this day. However, the Father has taken me in a different direction this morning. I have been wrestling with a concept interwoven into the narrative of Sukkot and as I continued to search the Scriptures it became evident to me that the Father was addressing in my life and I believe in our assembly the need to remember under the rejoicing and blessing of Sukkot is the reminder that this remembrance is about understanding the difference between a life lived in dependence and one lived independent. At its core Sukkot and even the 8th great day is all about recognizing the Isrealite’s dependence on YHVH both in their harvest and in their deliverance. As we reflect on this week within our community some have experienced heart ache and suffering, others have found rest, and some may have had personal struggles and shortcomings rise to the surface as momentary discomfort has caused personal weaknesses to become more evident. In much the same way Israel was forced to reconcile these very realities as they took their first steps in centuries as a free people by the hand of YHVH, and as they set up camp at the foot of Mount Sinai when fulness of YHVH’s presence was revealed they could not deny the greatness of the God of their forefathers, YHVH, who with a might hand freed them from oppressive bondage to evil and wicked rulers. This teaching is not long, but I encourage you to reflect on this set apart time remember the life of the Israelite was a constant reminder that they live mercifully in dependence on YHVH…and so do we. This teaching was delivered at Pursuing Truth Ministries. If you would like to find out more about that ministry click here.