"AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS THAT EVERYONE WHO IS LEFT OF ALL NATIONS WHICH CAME AGAINST JERUSALEM SHALL GO UP FROM YEAR TO YEAR TO WORSHIP THE KING, THE LORD OF HOSTS, AND TO KEEP THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES." ZECHARIAH 14:16
ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles Dates: Oct. 10-15, 2014
ICEJ Feast of Tabernacles Dates: Oct. 10-15, 2014
Some may ask why are thousands of Christians coming up to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles? After all, isn't this a "Jewish holiday"?
The answer lies in the unique universal significance of this ancient biblical festival and its past, present and future relevance for all nations.
Every biblical holiday given to the Jewish people has these three aspects. Israel was commanded to observe the holiday in the present in order to remember something God had done in the past, and because of some future prophetic purpose hidden within each festival.
Thus Jews begin Shabbat each week by lighting of two candles, which stand for "Keep" and "Remember". In so doing, they remember how God rested on the seventh day of Creation while also looking forward to the Millennial rest promised for the whole earth.
Likewise, Passover and Pentecost look back on the great Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the law at Sinai, while their hidden prophetic purposes were fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus and the birth of the Church fifty days later.
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, is the third great annual pilgrimage festival when the Jewish people gather together in Jerusalem not only to remember God's provision in the Wilderness but also to look ahead to that promised Messianic age when all nations will flow to Jerusalem to worship the Lord.
A Feast for All People
Tabernacles is unique, however, in that the nations also were invited in ancient times to come up to Jerusalem at this season to worship the Lord alongside the Jewish people. This tradition first arose from the command given to Moses that Israel should sacrifice seventy bulls at Sukkot, which were offered for the seventy nations descended from Noah (see Numbers 29:12-35).
When Solomon later dedicated his Temple at Sukkot, he also called on the Lord to hear the prayers of all the foreigners that would come there to pray (2 Chronicles 6:32-33). Thus, Jerusalem and the Temple itself were destined from the start to be a "house of prayer for all nations" (Isaiah 56:7; Matthew 21:13).
A second unique aspect of Sukkot is that it is a feast of joy. It is a fall harvest feast to be marked with great rejoicing in the ingathering of the fruit of the land. Israel also was called to instruct the nations in the laws of God and the people were to take joy in this task. Thus, Sukkot also serves as a harbinger of the joyous last-days ingathering of the nations.
The Past: Remembering the God of Provision
The most visible symbol of Sukkot is the small hut or booth which the Israelites were commanded to dwell in for the eight days of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-43). Jewish families across Israel build these booths on their patios and balconies, and decorate them with colourful fruit, ribbons and pictures. Some families eat their meals in the sukkah and even sleep there at night.
These flimsy booths serve as a reminder to Israel that they once dwelled in makeshift huts during the forty years of wanderings in the Wilderness. It was a harsh environment and they were totally dependent on the Lord. Yet during that time, God was ever faithful to provide water, manna, quail and every other thing they needed to sustain them in the barren desert. He even was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night - a shade from the noon-day sun and then warmth and light in the darkness.
Indeed He is Jehovah Jireh, the "Lord who Provides", and who even provided Himself a sacrifice for our salvation (Genesis 22:14). So there is every reason for Christians to also celebrate the faithful provision of the Lord in our lives at Sukkot.
The Present: Celebrating His Presence Today
Sukkot also marks the ingathering of the harvest at the end of the summer season, providing sustenance for the coming winter. There is also at present a great harvest of souls from every corner of the world into the Kingdom of God. This too gives us reason to celebrate, as Christians from around the globe gather to worship the Lord together in Jerusalem at Sukkot.
It may surprise some, but Jesus also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. The Book of John, in chapter 7, tells us that one year the disciples went up to Jerusalem for Sukkot but Jesus stayed behind and then came up secretly. Then on the last "great day of the feast", he stood in the Temple courts and cried out: "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)
So Sukkot is a time for Christians to rejoice in the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our earthen vessels.
The Future: Entering the Joy of the Lord
The prophet Zechariah foretells of a time when all nations will ascend to Jerusalem from year to year to "worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (14:16). Thus we keep Sukkot now because of that future prophetic purpose hidden in this unique festival which will soon be revealed - and it has to do with the second coming of the Lord.
Throughout the Messianic Age, the entire world will celebrate this feast because I believe it will mark the return of Jesus to the earth. For a thousand years, we will look back on the day of his appearing to take up the throne of David in Jerusalem and to judge the world in righteousness and peace.
At that time all nations will be required to join in this yearly gathering, but for now it is voluntary. Yet when Christians flock to Jerusalem now to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, it serves as a powerful statement of faith that we believe that day is coming when the earth will finally be at rest in Messiah, the King of Israel.
For the past thirty-five years, thousands of Christians from all over the world have come up to Jerusalem each fall to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, sponsored by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. They come with much expectancy to take part in a dynamic worship experience, knowing the One we worship will soon be sitting on His throne in this great city. Indeed, celebrating Sukkot now gives us a foretaste of the joy of the age to come.
AIM FOR RESTORATION!
There is no question that we are living in times of restoration. Never before was God so active as in the past century in restoring what needs to be restored. Both Israel and the Church have experienced extended periods of divine restoration. God is surely not at the end of this process, as the Word of God tells us the best is yet to come. These are truly exciting days to be alive.
A God of Restoration
Restoration is certainly a theme for the last days, but it also characterises God’s work throughout history.
Jesus’s ministry on earth was one of restoration. He restored the health and well-being of countless people in Israel. He desired to restore sinners and lepers back to society. Freedom was restored to the demon possessed as they were set free by the power of his word. After his death on Calvary and then his resurrection, millions and millions of people from all tribes and tongues and nations have been restored to a relationship with their God and Creator. Families have been restored, broken marriages have been mended, many have experienced financial restoration, and even emotionally wounded people have experienced the restoring power of the Holy Spirit.
Peter encourages the Church with these words: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10 ESV)
So Peter sees for the suffering church a coming period of restoration, while Paul also admonishes the church in Corinth: “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration...” (2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV).
Restoration needs to be part of our personal agenda. God is a God of restoration and no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we should never lose our trust that He wants to restore all things. Restoration is the essence of the cross of Calvary, where a powerful exchange took place from 'minus' to 'plus', so to speak. Think and pray about how you can bring the restoring power of the blood of Jesus to the people around you. Aim for restoration!
Restoration of the Church
A powerful process of restoration can be seen in operation in the true Church today. It was triggered already centuries ago, when after the sad and dark era of the Middle Ages, God started to restore important truths to the Church through the Protestant Reformation of the 16th and 17th centuries.
In this time, the Church rediscovered the authority of the Scriptures after believers had been discouraged for centuries from reading the Bible and rather were told to trust the priests and Christian sages for the correct interpretation. In fact for most a Bible did not even exist in their native language, as they were available only in Latin or other ancient tongues. A personal relationship with Christ became almost impossible, as the priests used the Church not as a vehicle to bring men to God but rather as one to financially exploit and control them.
With the Reformation, the Bible became available to ordinary believers in their own language. For instance, Martin Luther translated the word of God from Hebrew and Greek into an ordinary non-liturgical language - German. Its distribution received a significant boost when Johannes Gutenberg invented the first printing presses in Europe. The newly translated Bible quickly became accessible to countless believers all across Germany.
Just a few years later, France received its first printed Bibles in French and the same took place in England when King James I commissioned an authorised English translation of the two Testaments just over 400 years ago.
In the following centuries, the word of God became widely available and biblical truths were restored to the Church. Righteousness by faith and not by works; the priesthood of all saints rather than the rule of a corrupt clergy; baptism of those who believe rather than of new-born babes - these are just a few of the theological discoveries which came out of the Reformation. Yet, these were not new doctrines but ancient truths of the Bible, which were restored to the Church.
The Puritans of the 16th and 17th centuries rediscovered God’s covenant faithfulness with the Jewish people and foresaw a restoration of Israel long before there was a political Zionist movement. The following centuries saw the restoration of the great missionary movements. From the 18th century onward, Moravian missionaries would leave for Greenland, William Carey to India, Hudson Taylor to China, and David Livingstone to Africa.
In the 20th century, the Church saw the restoration of the gifts of the Spirit, which impacted even the mainline churches through the Charismatic movement. Along with it came a rediscovery of the five-fold ministry. The list goes on...
That God wants to restore the Church even further is beyond doubt. The Apostle Paul declares: “… just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25–27)
The Word of God declares that at the return of Christ, the Church will be in a most glorious state – like a bride made ready for her bridegroom. This makes me believe that the most glorious spiritual condition of the Church is still ahead of us. What a great hope we have!
Restoration through the Church
It is a fact that without the transforming power of the Church, our Western societies would not be what they are today. Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM, documents in his book “Transformation” how the reformation of John Calvin and Martin Luther had a major impact in shaping European culture.
Luther and his preachers told people that whatever they do, they should do so to the glory of God. Whether you are a carpenter or a blacksmith, you can do the work of God by carrying out your work for His glory. He took sanctity out of the cathedrals and brought it into the homes and work benches of the believers. Out of this emerged what became known in coming centuries as the German work ethic.
John Calvin challenged the rulers of Geneva over usury, as money lenders asked for interest rates of up to 60 percent. Calvin called for a fixed interest rate of no more than 4 percent, which was implemented and became the start of the Swiss banking system. Calvin also called for every believer to own a watch so they “should not waste God’s time”. His summons gave Switzerland its reputation for punctuality and built the foundation for its world renowned watch industry.
The Indian philosopher Vishal Mangalwadi documents in his book “The Legacy of William Carey” how that great English missionary transformed India in a way that is still felt to this day.
It is widely recognised today that without the revival of the Wesley brothers, England would have experienced a massive social revolution similar to the French revolution, with its horrible human toll. Many more examples could be mentioned of the transforming power of the Gospel over society.
Today we see a similar development taking place in Africa, where the growing church of Nigeria is impacting that nation in a significant way. We have witnessed this as well in the Ivory Coast, where high-ranking politicians have a pastoral council helping them to make godly decisions for their nation.
There is no area which can be excluded from the transforming power of the Kingdom of God, even today.
Restoration for Israel
The most widely covered restorative theme in the Bible relates to Israel. God declares through the prophet Jeremiah: “… I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord...” (Jeremiah 29:14, ESV)
Nearly every Hebrew prophet foresaw a time when God would restore the fortunes of the Jewish people following a long period of exile, destitution and suppression. Indeed, they would return from the all countries where God had scattered them (Jeremiah 32:37). He would plant them back in the land of their fathers (Jeremiah 24:6). They would rebuild the ancient cities (Isaiah 61:4). They would turn the desert into a blossoming garden (Isaiah 51:3). God would increase them in numbers (Ezekiel 37:26). And most importantly, God would restore His people not only physically but also spiritually (Ezekiel 36:24ff).
In the second half of the 19th century, the Jewish people entered into a period of divine favour and restoration as Jews mainly from Europe began longing to “return to Zion”. As a result, the first Jewish settlements were established in Ottoman-ruled Palestine.
In the ensuing decades, many more Jews would come until in 1948 the State of Israel was established. This reminded many of the question posed by Isaiah long ago: “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?” (Isaiah 66:8 ESV)
In May 1948, the resounding answer was “Yes!” The German theologian Karl Barth later proclaimed: “Now we can read it in the newspapers: God keeps His promises.”
Today, close to half of the world's Jewish population is residing in Israel, compared to only 0.5% in 1889. They have turned the State of Israel into a hub of technology and innovation. Israel's ancient cities are not only rebuilt, but they are larger and more beautiful than ever before.
But this process of restoration has not ended yet, as many of the promises of God for Israel are still outstanding. The Hebrew prophets foresaw that God will one day pour out His Spirit of grace and supplication upon His people and they would look upon him whom they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10). A people which Moses and the prophets described as rebellious and with an uncircumcised heart, will receive a new heart of flesh and will be filled by the Spirit of God (Jeremiah 31:31). This is exactly what the Psalmist declares: “...the set time to favour Zion has come.” It is the time of restoration.
Restoration in troublesome times
Recently, somebody told me: “Jürgen, you have a far too optimistic outlook on our world, as the Bible speaks clearly about great judgments, apostasies and tribulations to come.” The truth is the Bible speaks about both. It speaks about the judgment of the nations (Joel 3), but also about the outpouring of His Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28-32). And both will take place before the great and terrible Day of the Lord.
It is true that the word of God does speak about the great falling away and apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4), but it also talks about God preparing an end-time church without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:25-27). It speaks about five foolish virgins with empty vessels but also about five wise virgins with vessels filled with oil (Matthew 25:1-13). The question is, therefore, not so much which eschatology you hold to, but more about on which side do you want to be?
It would indeed be foolish to ignore the difficult times which the word of God foresees ahead. Looking on our world today, one cannot help seeing the dark signs on the horizon. But in the midst of all the chaos, God is doing a marvellous work. The Church is increasing every year in staggering numbers. Israel is back in its land and thriving as a successful nation.
This is what Isaiah foresaw: “For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:2)
He calls upon us and upon Israel to arise and let our lights shine in a world which increasingly is covered with darkness.
In the years ahead, the gulf between light and darkness will increase. Grey areas will become either black or white. Luke-warmness will not be tolerated anymore. We are called to make up our mind to be either hot or cold.
We purposefully chose “Restoration” as the theme for this year's Feast of Tabernacles as we believe that there is great hope for both Israel and the Church. There is still great hope of restoration for you, your family, your city and your nation.
As God is restoring Israel, He is calling upon the Church to have an active part in it. This is why we help with Aliyah and why we support Holocaust survivors. But this is also why we bring Jews and Arabs together to declare to them the great and glorious future God has for this region. It is the time of restoration. Join with us to fulfil that calling.
Make a purposeful decision today to expect, hope and work for restoration. As a child of God, your personal agenda needs to be an agenda of restoration. Think of what you can do in the sphere where God has placed you to bring restoration to the people and situations around you.
Aim for restoration!
By Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ Executive Director
FEAST SCHEDULE
Schedule of Events:
Friday, October 10
Opening Celebration at Ein Gedi from 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Paul Enenche
Gates open with meal service from approximately 4:30pm
Program begins at 6:30pm
More info ›
Opening Celebration at Ein Gedi from 4:30pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Paul Enenche
Gates open with meal service from approximately 4:30pm
Program begins at 6:30pm
More info ›
Saturday, October 11
English Communion Service at Garden Tomb from 10:00am - 11:30am
Speaker: Rev. Wayne Hilsden
Doors open at 09:15am
Portuguese Communion Service at Garden Tomb from 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Speaker: Apostle Rene Terra Nova
Doors open at 2:00pm
More info ›
Parade of Nations at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Jürgen Bühler
Doors open at 7:15pm
English Communion Service at Garden Tomb from 10:00am - 11:30am
Speaker: Rev. Wayne Hilsden
Doors open at 09:15am
Portuguese Communion Service at Garden Tomb from 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Speaker: Apostle Rene Terra Nova
Doors open at 2:00pm
More info ›
Parade of Nations at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Dr. Jürgen Bühler
Doors open at 7:15pm
Sunday, October 12
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Evening Celebration at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Prince Guneratnam
Doors open at 6:30pm
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Evening Celebration at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Prince Guneratnam
Doors open at 6:30pm
Monday, October 13
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Bus Tours from 1:15pm - 4:00pm
Various local bus tours hosted by the ICEJ are available
More info ›
Evening Celebration at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Bishop John Francis
Doors open at 6:30pm
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Bus Tours from 1:15pm - 4:00pm
Various local bus tours hosted by the ICEJ are available
More info ›
Evening Celebration at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Bishop John Francis
Doors open at 6:30pm
Tuesday, October 14
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Jerusalem March from 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Assemble at the north end of Saker Park at 2:00pm
More info ›
Israeli Guest Night at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Rev. Robert Stearns
Doors open at 6:30pm
More info ›
Prayer and Worship at Pais Arena from 8:00am - 9:00am
Doors open at 7:45am
Seminars at Pais Arena from 9:00am - 12:45pm
Sessions are 45min each with 2 breaks at 10:30am and 11:45am
Jerusalem March from 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Assemble at the north end of Saker Park at 2:00pm
More info ›
Israeli Guest Night at Pais Arena from 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Speaker: Rev. Robert Stearns
Doors open at 6:30pm
More info ›
Wednesday, October 15
Prayer meeting at the Huldah Steps in the Old City from 9:00am - 12:00pm
More info ›
Prayer meeting at the Huldah Steps in the Old City from 9:00am - 12:00pm
More info ›
THE FEAST HAS A NEW HOME
The Feast has a new home!
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is pleased and very excited to announce that our annual Feast of Tabernacles celebration will have a new home this coming October, as we will be moving to the brand new sports arena in Jerusalem.
Ever since 1981 the ICEJ has hosted the Feast in the Jerusalem Convention Center, drawing thousands of Christians each year for a dynamic celebration of this “Feast of the Lord”. Now, a new opportunity has opened to expand the Feast to accommodate larger crowds in coming years, as our following continues to grow worldwide. The ultra-modern Jerusalem arena will enable us to welcome over three times as many participants into our main services in future.
“Our move to this new facility in Jerusalem is a very exciting development which will allow us to further grow the Feast of Tabernacles", said Dr. Jürgen Bühler, ICEJ Executive Director. "We strongly feel that this is a God-given opportunity to expand our mandate to bring the nations to Jerusalem to worship the Lord and to stand alongside the nation of Israel. We trust God that in the years to come He will fill this new hall with the nations in the same way He was faithful to fill the previous venue.”
Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat has been particularly encouraging about the move to the new arena, offering the Christian Embassy the privilege of hosting the first major international gathering in the state-of-the-art facility.
So please join us in Jerusalem this fall for the historic opening of a new home for our Feast of Tabernacles 2014, under the theme “Restoration!” And do your best to bring as many pilgrims as you can with you.
Please note that new Feast promotional materials will be sent out soon reflecting the change in venue. Tour operators and pilgrims also may contact our Feast office with any inquiries regarding the move to the Jerusalem Arena. And be assured that the Christian Embassy is committed to making this move to the new venue as smooth as possible.
Source: ICEJ
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