Today begins Sukkot, which is commonly called the Feast of Tabernacles or in some translations the Festival of Shelters, and it lasts through next Monday. If you were not able to worship with us yesterday and glean from Jay Graves who taught about Sukkot, or if you did not get a chance to read Friday’s devotion, these 7 days are a time for us to “tabernacle” or “shelter” with the Lord as we reflect on His miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt. We must remember that this miraculous deliverance is directly connected to us, in the present day, as it illustrates how God seeks to free us from the bondage of our sin and the slavery we have to this world. He wants to abundantly bless our lives. But life is hard, and our circumstances are often extremely difficult. So, how can we seek God’s blessings during these difficult times? Well, we MUST remember to seek shelter (time) with Him, no matter how difficult the circumstances, because God knows our devotion to Him. He knows that the people who revere and honor Him are the ones who truly understand what it means to fear the Lord. It is in that high place of fear (reverence) where we can enjoy real time in tabernacle (residing) with the Lord, and then we can enjoy His blessings to come.
Psalm 128
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
1 How joyful are those who fear the Lord—
all who follow his ways!
2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
How joyful and prosperous you will be!
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
as they sit around your table.
4 That is the Lord’s blessing
for those who fear him.
5 May the Lord continually bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
6 May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
May Israel have peace!
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being our Shelter. We honor Your Holy Name, and we cannot thank You enough for our blessings. We lift those up to You who need Your healing touch, on their bodies, for their souls, and to align Your Holy Spirit to the spirit that dwells within each of us. May Your Spirit guide each of us today, Lord Jesus. Guide our actions, speak our words, and allow us to listen as You would listen. We ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.
Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant