You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days, when you have gathered from your threshing floor and from your winepress. And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. Everyone is commanded to rejoice, even when trials arise, such as difficulties with work, school, travel, or accommodations. These problems must be put into perspective, recognizing that they are temporary and cannot rob us of our eternal inheritance unless we allow them to dominate our thoughts. The Feast looks to the future, reminding us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly troubles. Rejoicing, as commanded by God, means to be glad, happy, and delighted, maintaining a sustained joy rather than fleeting euphoria. When problems occur, we are to take them to God through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, trusting that His peace will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. No matter the trials—whether a car breakdown, an unsatisfactory room, or other challenges—we are to rejoice at the Feast, looking unto Jesus, who endured great hostility for the joy set before Him. By putting problems in perspective and entrusting them to God, we can fulfill His command to rejoice.

At the Feast of Tabernacles, we are commanded to rejoice, as highlighted in Leviticus 23:40, within the context of living in temporary dwellings and recalling Israel's wilderness pilgrimage. This rejoicing is intertwined with God's faithfulness, which becomes evident through various elements of the Feast. One aspect is the harvest environment and tithing, where trusting in God's provision, even when setting aside significant portions of income, allows us to attend the Feast and witness His faithfulness in meeting our needs. This trust reinforces our reason to rejoice, as we recognize His blessings, both physical and spiritual, throughout the year. Another element is the temporary dwellings, which remind us of God's faithfulness during Israel's forty years in the wilderness, providing manna, water, protection, and enduring clothing. These dwellings also emphasize our status as pilgrims, underscoring that our focus should not be on the temporal but on a greater, future Promised Land. This reminder of His providence in guiding Israel, and us on our spiritual journey, gives further cause for rejoicing at the Feast, as we celebrate His unwavering faithfulness in leading us to a glorious destination.

The Feast of Tabernacles stands as the most anticipated event of the year for those who observe it, marking the peak of enjoyment on both physical and spiritual levels. God commands us to observe this feast for a full seven days, providing an abundance of spiritual food through numerous sermons and sermonettes. Physically, enjoyment is enhanced as faithful tithing allows for more spending during this extended week than at any other time, ensuring access to good food, special activities, and wholesome fellowship. The fundamental reason for observing the Feast, as stated in Deuteronomy 14:23, is to rejoice, which means to brighten up, lifting our spirits and providing great joy even after a troublesome year. This rejoicing, however, is tied to learning to fear God always, and is not merely for the sake of fun. Additionally, Leviticus 23:40 emphasizes the command to rejoice within the context of living in temporary dwellings, recalling the pilgrimage of the children of Israel through the wilderness.

The Feast of Tabernacles, as outlined in God's instructions, emphasizes the importance of rejoicing, which is the third element of this celebration. This rejoicing is not merely for personal enjoyment but should center on God's faithfulness and all that He has accomplished in the prior year. Our joy at the Feast must uplift more than our spirits; it must reflect a deep appreciation of His steadfastness. Ancient Israel, however, failed in this regard, as their festivities, though filled with sacrifices and joyful noise, lacked the proper focus on God's faithfulness, leading to His rejection of their worship. Their merriment was tainted by idolatry and hypocrisy, missing the true purpose of the Feast. Without a genuine fear of God, their rejoicing did not produce the intended transformation in their lives. Instead, they returned home unchanged, continuing in idolatry, injustice, and unrighteousness. True rejoicing at the Feast, rooted in recognition of God's faithfulness, should inspire a deeper fear of Him, fostering a commitment to turn from evil and live righteously. This year, if we rejoice at the Feast in gratitude for God's provision, protection, and guidance on our pilgrimage, we will indeed learn to fear Him always.

One of the great blessings that God grants us annually is the command to observe His holy days, which provide for our needs in ways we may not fully comprehend. These occasions, especially the Feast of Tabernacles, offer a unique opportunity to spend a whole week together in one place, fostering fellowship and encouragement among God's people. At the Feast of Tabernacles, we sing hymns, pray, and hear His Word expounded in a setting that draws us closer to each other and to Him. It is a time to share experiences and stories that inspire and uplift, demonstrating the liberty from fear that comes from absolute love and trust in our great Creator God. During a recent Feast of Tabernacles, we shared profound moments with a couple who recounted their struggle with their baby's life-threatening heart condition. They wrestled with fear and doubt, yet ultimately placed their trust in God, believing that all things work together for good to those who love Him. Once they extinguished their fear and fully trusted in His love, God healed their child, reinforcing their faith and providing an inspiring testament to fearless trust in Him. At another Feast of Tabernacles in St. Petersburg, Florida, we were moved by the courage of Barry Yoder, a remarkable soloist with a powerful voice, despite his severe physical limitations. Bound to a wheelchair and reliant on oxygen, Barry overcame his fear of failure and embarrassment to glorify God through his singing. He attributed his performances entirely to the strength given by his Father, expressing that every day he lived was a gift to fulfill a purpose set by Him. His fearless dedication to praising God, even in the face of personal struggle, served as a powerful encouragement to all who witnessed it. The Feast of Tabernacles provides more opportunity than any other time of the year to rejoice together as a body, lifting each other up and working together. It calls for love and the shedding of defensive barriers that prevent closeness with others. By sharing our trials and triumphs during this time, we grow together, casting out fear through perfect love and striving toward the unity of faith and the fullness of Christ.

We are commanded to rejoice in the keeping of God's Feast of Tabernacles, understanding that rejoicing is not limited to times of happiness or exuberance. God Himself rejoices in both blessing and cursing, finding satisfaction in doing what is right, even when it involves painful judgments. This broader definition of rejoicing applies to our observance of the Feast, where we must brighten up in anticipation of His purposes for commanding this occasion. The Feast of Tabernacles does not occur in isolation; it is connected to our conduct and attitudes throughout the year. We bring to the Feast the same behaviors and mindsets we have cultivated prior to it, which can impact our experience. God expects us to approach the Feast with a focus on spiritual growth, not merely as a vacation or time for personal enjoyment. Rejoicing at the Feast involves sharing the spiritual fruits we have reaped during the year, reflecting the outgoing concern and sacrifice that God embodies. Historically, the Israelites were likely to bring portions of their harvest to the Feast, symbolizing prosperity given by God to be shared with Him and others. Similarly, we are to bring and share the profits of our year's work, both physical and spiritual, with one another at the Feast. This sharing fosters rejoicing, as it aligns with God's command to give of ourselves for the benefit of others. God commands us to rejoice, indicating that this attitude is subject to our will and must be deliberately chosen, even amidst problems or trials that may arise during the Feast. These challenges are expected, as the Feast is not meant to be trouble-free. We are to use the tools God provides to produce a spiritual crop of good fruit, sharing it within the community of like-minded people gathered at the Feast. Rejoicing and sacrifice are linked in the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. God required more sacrifices during this Feast than all other feasts combined, symbolizing the essence of love through giving at a cost to oneself for others' benefit. We are called to make spiritual sacrifices, giving of ourselves in service, kindness, and compassion, which enhances our rejoicing as we imitate God's outgoing concern. In summary, at the Feast of Tabernacles, we are to worship God by acting like Him, serving, sharing, and sacrificing. We must resolve to actively demonstrate our love for Him by giving of our time and spiritual fruits, ensuring that our rejoicing stems from fulfilling His purpose for this significant occasion.

The Feast of Tabernacles calls us to rejoice in the blessings and harvest that God has provided throughout the year. It is a time of gratitude and appreciation, where we are commanded to be joyful, understanding that God will bless us abundantly. This rejoicing stems from our awareness of what He has given us, and we express this gratitude through offerings during the Feast. As we gather, we celebrate not only the physical harvest but also the personal blessings He has bestowed upon each of us, recognizing them as gifts from His hand.

The Feast of Tabernacles is a holy convocation, a time appointed by God, where His presence is among us. It is not merely a vacation or a church convention, but a sacred gathering called by God Himself to worship and learn in fellowship with Him and His people. Services during the Feast are paramount, serving as the chief purpose where God deepens our understanding of Him and His way of life through messages, songs, and prayers. Prioritizing these services is the first step to having a great Feast, ensuring it becomes a spiritual feast. The Feast of Tabernacles is also a time of sacrifice, where we are called to offer ourselves through service to God and the brethren. This includes giving our time, money, labor, and attention to meet the needs of others, whether through formal roles like speaking or ushering, or informal acts such as sharing meals or providing transportation. Sacrificing in service, both spontaneously and with planning, allows us to take leaps in character and fulfill the intent of the Feast as a period of giving. God commands us to rejoice at the Feast of Tabernacles, not in self-centered celebration, but in spontaneous, inspired jubilance for His blessings and goodness. This rejoicing, rooted in recognizing His hand in all things, should be balanced with self-control amidst the plenty He provides. We must avoid overindulgence in food and drink, ensuring we remain in control and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. Additionally, we are to help others rejoice by sharing our second tithe with those in need, such as the poor or widows, so they too can experience God's presence and joy. Taking care of our bodies during the Feast of Tabernacles is essential, as they are vessels for God's Spirit. Maintaining health through proper rest, nutrition, and suitable activities ensures we can fully participate in worship and fellowship. Avoiding excess or risky behaviors prevents health issues from hindering our Feast experience, allowing us to focus on spiritual growth. Finally, maintaining customary spiritual activities during the Feast of Tabernacles is crucial. Prayer, study, meditation, fellowship, hospitality, and service must not be sacrificed for other activities. The Feast is not a vacation from personal contact with God; rather, it is a time to increase these practices, recognizing that He is the central pillar of this sacred time, actively working to draw us closer to Him and to each other.

All of the feasts of the Lord are events we look forward to with great anticipation, for they are very enjoyable and can be spiritually rewarding. We especially enjoy the Feast of Tabernacles, though it carries an enjoyable dark side, easily perceived as a vacation. There is also trouble in preparing for and traveling to it, adding stress to the observance. Of all the feasts, Tabernacles can be particularly wearying, and sometimes people have become quite sick from the strain, experiencing a miserable time. Overall, most of the time, we immensely enjoy the Feast of Tabernacles, cherishing memories of activities, fine meals together, nice locations, and spending time with family. However, we must be cautious of this enjoyment, as it is possible to have similar positive experiences apart from the Feast. The danger is that though God wants us to rejoice in keeping His feasts, it is easy to assume that an enjoyable Feast means it was a good one. Judgments of this nature vary greatly, as several people can attend the same site, hear the same messages, participate in the same activities, and still evaluate the Feast differently due to personal preferences and perspectives. God expects the Feast of Tabernacles to be the spiritual high of the year, with more offerings required for it than all other feasts combined, indicating a greater spiritual demand. It should be both a spiritual and physical Feast, whose fruit is rejoicing in both aspects. If we go to the Feast purely for enjoyment, we may not have a spiritually fulfilling experience. However, if we go to worship the Lord and allow enjoyment to be the fruit of that focus, we will have a truly good Feast, regardless of variable feelings. The rejoicing is the fruit of the right approach, with emphasis clearly on the spiritual. God does not want mindless observance; seeking enjoyment for its sake is not what He has in mind for any of His feasts. The Feast of Tabernacles is a prime environment, almost like a Garden of Eden, where our relationship with God can be enhanced more than at any other time during the year. It offers the right fellowship, circumstances, and spiritual food every day, providing opportunity over eight days to talk about God, His Word, and communicate blessings with gratitude to one another. It is the high time of the year, every year. Let us resolve to attend this year's Feast of Tabernacles with the Spirit having priority in our minds, letting rejoicing be its fruit. Though elements of enjoyment may accompany it, we must not let them dominate. The Feast is not a vacation, a concert, a social event, or a substitute for other celebrations; it must be a springboard for significant positive change.