9.26.26 – The Lulav

For many, the Feast of Tabernacles has begun. By God's design, it is a feast for the nations! Prophetically speaking, 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 do not will experience a difficult year of drought (Zech. 14:16–19). Every time we celebrate this holy convocation, it is a set-apart dress rehearsal (Lev. 23:35).

One of the most unfortunate realities of living in the 21st century is that most people have forgotten that we are supposed to be celebrating these appointed times (moedim) of the Lord in anticipation of the full revelation that is to come, erroneously 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 (Matt. 5:13–16). We are like a city on a hill, seen by everyone. We are letting our light shine so everyone can see our God-centered deeds and light the path to where mankind is to go (Matt. 5:13–16).

Part of the rehearsal at Sukkot is to shake a bundle of tree limbs called a lulav. What is that, you may ask? The lulav is made up of the branch of a palm tree, a myrtle tree, a willow tree, and a citron (kind of like a lemon). The branches and citron are raised in celebration and recognition of the One who is being celebrated (Lev. 23:40).

The Scripture regarding the lulav figuratively represents people and nations as trees. When Yeshua began healing a blind man, in the first stage, he saw men, as Scripture identifies them, walking around like trees (Mark 8:24; Deut. 20:19). Judges 9:8 tells us that people are like trees. Yeshua emphasized the same when He spoke of His return, that the trees would send for their leaves—a prophetic timetable pointing us to the return of Messiah Yeshua (Luke 21:29).

As followers of Yeshua, Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:29), we have been grafted into Israel, the Olive Tree (Jer. 11:16; Rom. 11:16–26). One day Yahweh will exalt the lowly tree and bring down the high tree (Ezek. 17:24). We could go on and on with the symbolism of trees in Scripture. There is 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 (Ps. 1:3)... I want this to be said of me! We will all be recognized as a tree one day, and they will know what type of tree we are by our fruit (Luke 6:44). I do not want to be the tree that is cut down (Luke 3:9; Deut. 20:19–20) or burned (1 Cor. 3:12–15). NO, NO, NO!

The lulav has three tree 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/God's instructions but does not share it in a way that benefits others through love and compassion. These individuals will be at Sukkot.

  • The myrtle only has fragrance but cannot 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 will 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 (2 Tim. 3:7).

  • 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 are pleasant for all to enjoy.

By the time this Sukkot celebration is over, I would like to be known as the final part of the lulav, the citron. All "trees" are welcome! It is a feast for the nations! It is a prophetic time to rehearse celebrating the coming King! Messiah Yeshua! Prior to this time, as you have experienced, there are two other holy convocations in the fall (Lev. 23:24, 27): Yom Teruah (Day of Judgment) and Yom HaKippurim (Day of Coverings). The month traditionally known as the month of Elul, where we currently find ourselves, prior to these set-apart rehearsals, is all about teshuvah (repentance) in preparation for the coming King!

How is your lifetime preparation coming? What type of tree will you be? Leaf it to Him! He will get you prepared for that Great Day!

Chag Sameach Sukkot!

Shabbat Shalom!
Alan

Thanks for taking the time to respond to the daily study–prayer list. You have been prayed for.

www.lightintorah.org

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