Where else would anyone rather be than spending these precious days in fellowship with God and His people? A Command to Rejoice Deuteronomy 14:26 reveals another essential purpose of the Feast: “...you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your house - hold.” Rejoicing before God is not simply encouraged—it is commanded. This command extends to the entire household. Parents have a wonder- ful responsibility to help create an atmosphere of joy for their families throughout the Feast. These days provide valuable opportunities to worship together, teach our children, strengthen family relationships, and enjoy the blessings God has provid- ed. Unlike much of the year, the Feast allows God’s people to step away from the pressures of work, school and daily responsibilities so they can focus on God, family, and the fellow- ship with His people. However, rejoicing is not dependent upon favorable circumstances. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”. Notice the emphasis—always. Joy is not merely an emotion, it is also an act of obedience and a deliberate choice. Sometimes unexpected difficulties arise. Travel plans change, luggage is misplaced, vehicles break down, or other disappointments occur. While these challenges are real, they should
not distract His people from the pur- pose of the Feast. Paul understood this better than most. When he wrote the letter to the Phi- lippians, he had endured imprison- ment, hardship, and uncertainty. Yet in Philippians 1:18 he declared: “In this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” His joy was not based on comfort- able circumstances but on confidence in God’s purpose. The joy God com- mands is not superficial happiness. It is a deep, abiding confidence rooted in God’s promises. It reflects the fruit of God’s Spirit found in Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...” Rejoicing at the Feast demonstrates trust in God regardless of present tri- als. It reflects contentment, hope, and confidence in His plan. The Apostle Paul also recorded in 1 Thessalo- nians 2:19: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
Ultimately, the greatest joy is not found in the physical blessings of the Feast, but in what it represents—the soon-coming Kingdom of God, the return of Jesus Christ, and the incred- ible promise of being born into God’s Family to live with Him forever.
Looking to the Bigger Picture
The Feast of Tabernacles reminds the people of God about His magnificent purpose for mankind. His people gather because these are His appoint- ed days. They attend because He commands them, and because they love Him. They rejoice because their hope reaches far beyond the present age. What an extraordinary privilege it is to be called out of this world and invited to observe God’s Annual Holy Days. Christians preparing for the Feast must keep the bigger pic- ture clearly in mind. They must fo- cus on worshiping wholeheartedly, loving God more deeply, rejoicing continually while never losing sight of the glorious future these days por- tray. There truly is no greater hope—or greater joy—than looking forward to the return of Jesus Christ and the ful- fillment of God’s eternal plan. ■
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A Good Report, Vol. 2 No. 3
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