God has invited us to His Feast of Tabernacles, and He will be pleased if we come with a hearing heart.
When you see or hear the word Feast, what comes to mind? To members of the Church of God, the word relates to a wonderful festival, the biblical observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. But let's consider for a moment the word feast itself.
Most modern dictionaries will describe feast as a "joyful religious anniversary," "an annual village festival" or "a sumptuous meal, especially in public." The biblical expression in Leviticus 23:2, "feasts of the LORD," emphasizes the importance of the Feast as a festival observed as a fixed time or season, an assembly convened for a definite purpose.
Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897 edition) describes the word feast as "a mark of hospitality (Gen 19:3; 2 Sam 3:20; 2 Kings 6:23); occasions of domestic joy (Luke 15:23; Gen 21:8); and the occasion of a marriage (Judg. 14:10; Gen 29:22). Feasting was a part of the observances connected with the offering up of sacrifices (Deut. 12:6, 7; 1 Sam 9:19; 16:3, 5), and with the annual festivals (Deut. 16:11) it was one of the designs of the greater solemnities, which required the attendance of the people at the sacred tent, that the oneness of the nation might be maintained and cemented together, by statedly congregating in one place, and with one accord taking part in the same observance."
The dictionary then states, "To keep the people's consciousness alive to God's way, to revive, strengthen, and perpetuate it, nothing could be so well adapted as these annual feasts."
Invited to Commune Spiritually
The phrase keep the Feast also encourages us to commune spiritually. In other words, as we travel each year to one of various Festival sites to keep this "anniversary," we recognize that we are invited guests. We are not only drawn to a banquet of good food, fine drink and wonderful fellowship with other brethren who have made the same trek, but we also recognize that we have received an invitation from God Himself.
Not only does He want us to rejoice with the physical blessings that have been bestowed on us over the past year (Deuteronomy 14:22-26), but He wants us to commune spiritually with Him and with each other.
What exactly does that mean? How do we commune spiritually?
A Listening Heart
Let's look at a biblical example. When Solomon replaced his father David on the throne of Israel, God appeared to Solomon in a dream. He said, "Ask! What shall I give you?" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon asked for an understanding heart, better translated as a hearing or listening heart, that he might better judge God's people—that he might be a better king.
"The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing" (1 Kings 3:10). Solomon was blessed not only with the wisdom of a listening heart, but with great physical blessings as well.
The lesson we learn is this. Not only do we participate in the Feast of Tabernacles for the physical meat, but for meat that will not perish, but will lead to everlasting life (John 6:27).
When you and I travel to the Feast this year, let's ask God for a listening heart, a heart willing to hear God's instruction. Remember what the apostle Paul wrote: "It pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" (1 Corinthians 1:21).
If we develop a determination to attend the Feast with a listening heart, we will not only be in spiritual communication and drawing closer to God and Jesus Christ, but like Solomon we will find the physical blessings are much more enjoyable as well, as we draw closer to each other.
A Feast of Fellowship
The Feast is a wonderful opportunity to rehearse the Kingdom of God, and since God communes with us spiritually, Tabernacles is a great occasion for us to commune with fellow brethren. The word commune merely means fellowship,and fellowship gives us the marvelous opportunity to apply some of Solomon's wisdom:
"A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Proverbs 15:23). "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24).
We will meet many personalities at the Feast—people who are quiet and shy, some who have a hard time communicating. If we put warm, friendly, encouraging conversation on our to-do list for the Feast this year, we can contribute to someone's Festival just by striking up friendly conversation. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11).
This year at the Feast, tune in your listening heart, then tune in to someone else's. What better way to get to know God than by getting to know someone else God has called. After all, you and that new person you commune with can be in the Kingdom of God together forever. So why not take the opportunity while at the Feast of Tabernacles to get acquainted! UN
