10.1.24 ~ Sukkot: a dress rehearsal - feast for the nations

Good morning!

Sukkot is coming! It’s a feast for the nations! It will be the major determining event, after the Tribulation, to find out where the hearts of men are stationed. Zechariah tells us that everyone who makes the trek to Jerusalem to worship Messiah Yeshua will be blessed with rain. Those who don’t will experience a difficult year of drought (Zech. 14:16-19). Every time we celebrate this event it is known as a holy convocation, a set apart dress rehearsal (Lev. 23:35).

One of the most unfortunate realities to living in the 21st century is that most people have forgotten that we’re supposed to be celebrating these appointed times of our Creator in anticipation to the full revelation that is to come; thinking they are Jewish Feasts or only for the Jews. Nothing could be farther from the truth!

By participating in these now, we are carrying out our role as salt and light to the world. We are like a city on a hill, seen by everyone. We are letting our light shine so everyone can see where they are to go.

Part of the rehearsal at Sukkot is to shake a bundle of tree limbs called a lulav. The lulav is made up of the branch of a Palm Tree, Myrtle Tree, a Willow tree and a citron (kind of like a lemon). The branches and citron are raised in celebration and recognition for the One Who is being celebrated.

The Scripture figuratively represents people and nations as trees.

When Yeshua began healing a blind man, in the first stage, he saw men walking around like trees (Mk. 8:24). Judges 9:8 tells us that the people and/or nations are like trees. Yeshua emphasized the same when He spoke of His return (Lk. 21:29), that the trees would send for their leaves (speaking of nations being established). We’ve been grafted into Israel the Olive Tree (Jer. 11:16). One Day Yahweh will exalt the lowly tree and bring down the high tree (Eze. 17:24). We could go on and on with symbolism of trees in Scripture. There’s the Fig Tree, the Oak Tree, the Vine, the Cedars, the Palm Tree, etc. Some who meditate upon the Torah day and night are like trees planted by the water who bring forth fruit in their season (Psa. 1:3)...I want to be this one :-) not the kind that is cut down (Lk 3:9).

The lulav has three branches within its structure. Each has a significant meaning to those who come to Sukkot. The Palm bears fruit (good works), but is not fragrant (spiritual blessing to others). This could represent a person who lives by the Torah, but doesn’t share it in a way that benefits others through love and compassion.  These individuals will be at Sukkot.

The myrtle only has fragrance, but can’t bear fruit. This is the person who is ‘so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. They may be able to recite Scripture, but there is no fruit attached to their lives. They’ll be at Sukkot.

The willow can neither produce fruit nor fragrance. This is like a person who is intrigued by doctrines, but never impacts the lives of others.

Finally, we come to the citron, which has both fruit and fragrance. This is like the faithful believer who lives a balanced life in wisdom before Yahweh and man. They live the Torah based lifestyle that produces fruit and its fragrance and taste is pleasant for all to enjoy.

When Sukkot comes to your area, I hope that our desire is that we'd be known as the final part of the Lulav, the citron. All ‘trees’ are welcome! It’s a feast for the nations! It's time to rehearse celebrating the coming King! Messiah Yeshua! Prior to this time, however, there are two other holy convocations (Lev. 23:24,27), Yom Teruah (Day of Judgment, trumpets, shouting, remembrance, resurrection, coronating the king...) and Yom HaKippurim (Day of coverings). The 6th month, aka Elul, that we recently finished, was all about teshuvah/repentance in preparation for the coming King!

How’s your preparation coming? What type of Tree will you be? Leaf it to Him! He'll get you prepared for that Great Day!

Chag Sameach/happy feast season!

Shalom!

Commercial: Last night's zoom call: The Bridal Garments Pt. 5: the bride and the priesthood woven together (Isa. 3:18-24; Isa. 61,62)

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