The Purpose of the Feast of Booths | Nehemiah 8:13-18

There were three major pilgrimage festivals in Judaism: The Feast of Booths, Passover, and Pentecost. This festival was observed in the fall, which occurred right when they read this Scripture. It's interesting how God does things sometimes. And just so you know, there are not a lot of "coincidences" in the Bible, only providential occurrences of God's sovereignty. So what is the Feast of Booths (a.k.a., The Feast of Tabernacles)? This festival commemorated the forty years that the Israelites wandered in the desert after leaving Egypt and before entering the Promised Land. During their journey, they lived in temporary tents or booths, which were simple huts made of branches, leaves, and other natural materials. Annually, all Jewish families would travel to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast and construct booths as families all over the city grounds. This event served as a vivid and living reminder of four essential values: Thanksgiving: it was a time to give thanks to God. Community: it was a time to live with family and the community of Israel in booths. Provision: it was a time to celebrate the harvest season on the land provided by God. Dependency: living in booths reminded them of their dependence on God, like in the times of wandering. This Old Testament event is one of the reasons I am a firm believer in spiritual retreats. Because, to some degree, that is what this is—a massive national spiritual retreat. The Feast of Booths served as an annual reminder of values that can easily get lost, which they had been lost for at least 70 years. And a few men who heard, studied, and responded to the Scripture, as we talked about yesterday, take their discovery in Scripture to a whole new level. They initiate a lost festival that sovereignly started on the day they read about it. As we start a new year, I want to implore you to do this at some point in this calendar year. You need at least one weekend each year for a spiritual reset. I have done this for years, and it always affects me and my relationships with God, my family, and my ministry. And you need this time too. If you haven't done something like this before, start with a retreat someone else is hosting. I speak at men's retreats all over the country, so I know they are out there. Your church or another church hosts one. But, then, as you feel more spiritual confidence, try hosting one with your family that includes some of the spiritual elements here. And remember, this is not an annual trip to Disney World where your kids get indoctrinated by Woke Disney; it's a time for spiritual renewal, with a spiritual emphasis. And even though the thought of doing this might seem a little overwhelming, this is what spiritual leaders do. They respond to the call of Scripture even if, at first, it feels like you are leading them on a trip to Wally World. #FeastOfBooths, #SpiritualRetreat, #FaithRenewal, #BibleStudy, #GodsWord, #ReflectAndRenew, #ChristianLife, #Thanksgiving, #CommunityFaith, #SpiritualLeadership, #BiblicalInspiration, #FaithJourney, #SeekingGod, #ScriptureReflection, #NewYearSpirituality ASK THIS: How do you think the Feast of Booths, with its emphasis on thanksgiving, community, provision, and dependency, can be applied to our lives today? Have you ever experienced a spiritual retreat or a time of spiritual renewal? If so, how did it impact your relationship with God, your family, and your ministry? If not, would you consider trying it this year? The men in Nehemiah's time took immediate action when they discovered the commandment about the Feast of Booths in the Scriptures. What steps can you take to respond more actively to God's Word in your own life? Are there any lost traditions or practices in your faith that you feel called to revive or initiate in your community or family? What might be the first step in doing so, and how can you overcome any initial hesitation or uncertainty? DO THIS: Plan an annual spiritual retreat. PRAY THIS: Lord, as I reflect on the Feast of Booths and the importance of spiritual retreats, I pray for your guidance and strength to embrace the values of thanksgiving, community, provision, and dependency in my life. Help me respond actively to your Word and lead me to initiate spiritual renewal, both for myself and those around me, in this new year. Amen. PLAY THIS: Lord Send Revival. Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/ Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd Check out more ALL IN products like the one Vince is wearing at: https://beresolute.org/product-category/all-in-hats/ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Vince socially: FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/millervince INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/vinceleemiller LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincemiller TWITTER: https://twitter.com/vinceleemiller