Many Believers today are transforming their walk with God by seeking the Jewish roots to their Christian faith. They celebrate Sukkot and the other Feasts of the Lord, finding great blessings during God’s appointed times.
The observances of the Fall Feasts carry significant meaning, and when Believers begin to dig into their meaning, revelation is given about God’s character and their identity in Christ.
- “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”—Colossians 2:8
Sukkot is a joyous feast, traditionally observed by our spiritual forefathers to commemorate the story of Exodus—whereas Passover, or Pesach, commemorates the escape from slavery, Sukkot commemorates God’s deliverance and protection, as well as new beginnings, in the Promised Land.
Sukkot is the plural form of Sukkah, which means tabernacle, or booth. The Jewish holiday Sukkot is the Feast of Booths. It is a celebration of the end of the harvest during the seventh month, Tishri, and also a celebration of freedom and gratitude of the Lord our God:
- “You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”—Leviticus 23:42-43
Build a Sukkah Booth in Honor of God
Traditionally, the Jewish people would celebrate Sukkot by constructing and spending time in a sukkah to honor God during the feast. It was made with organic materials found in the wilderness to commemorate the time the Jews spent in the wilderness after escaping Egypt.
It had three walls at least three feet tall, and the walls were rigid enough not to sway in the wind. The significance here is God’s protective hand against physical and spiritual elements.
- “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”—Psalm 46:1
The roof, known as the S'chach, was also made of organic material, such as leaves or grass, and partly open to the sky.
These booths are significant today as they symbolize God’s deliverance from the slavery of sin and the Holy Spirit’s guidance through hard times and ultimate salvation.
It was a hard journey for the Israelites as they made their way through the harsh desert, but God never left them:
- “So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea…”—Exodus 13:18
- “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.”—Exodus 13:21
For Believers, we can hold tight to these same promises that God’s Spirit always guides us. Are you looking for it?
Rejoice in God’s Deliverance and Renew Your Covenant with Jesus
Just as God delivered the Jews from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, He has also delivered Believers from the bondage of sin.
- “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”—Galatians 5:1
As Believers, we can rejoice in the deliverance found in the blood of Jesus and the continued protection at the hand of the sovereign God. We, too, can celebrate Sukkot!
The deliverance into Israel was one of humble beginnings. The Jewish people weren’t given castles but rather the land and life and potential to build them.
When we humbly come before the Lord and ask Him to construct our dwelling places according to His will, we witness His work of redemption and restoration. We experience His mighty power as He rebuilds our lives!
- “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” —Ephesians 2:8-10
The ultimate deliverance from the bondage of sin and slavery is God’s greatest gift to us. He created us in His image, and He desires to take us back to the roots of our faith, to have constant covenant revelation.
Celebrate Sukkot as Jesus Did
- “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 7:37-38
The Gospel of John chronicles the time Jesus traveled to Judea during Sukkot, where the authorities were looking to detain Him—but with divine protection, they could not stop Him from spreading God’s truth.
Is anything holding you back during this season? Renew your mind and your covenant relationship, celebrate Sukkot and allow the Lord to guide you by the fire of the Holy Spirit through the wilderness, bringing you into your forgotten heritage.
