Brethren, what is your goal in the Feast? Why are you here? What drives you to attend this year’s Feast of Tabernacles? A goal is something you aim to achieve—something that motivates and guides your actions toward a desired result.
So let me ask again: What is your goal in the Feast? There’s always a risk of losing sight of the true purpose. Over time, as we keep the Feast year after year, it’s easy to drift away from the core reason without even realizing it. Sometimes, we focus on the wrong goals or forget why we are here altogether.
Wrong Types of Goals
Why are you here? Are you drawn by the venue? Perhaps you’re excited about the setting: “Oh, I want to enjoy Eden Nature Park. It’s so peaceful, with trees, animals, and all the fun activities like skywalking, hiking, and horse riding.”
Or maybe your focus is on the social activities. Do you look forward to Youth and Singles Day, Family Day, or the Fruit Festival? Perhaps it’s the food that excites you—feasting on roast beef, fried chicken, spaghetti, and other dishes you don’t often get at home.
Are you here to make new friends or simply take a vacation? The Feast, after all, provides an escape from the daily grind. But if these things—food, fellowship, friends, or the venue—are your primary goals, let me tell you plainly: you’ve missed the mark.
If your purpose in attending is purely physical or social, then you are missing the true meaning of the Feast. It would be better to stay home than to set a poor example and risk causing others to stumble.
The Right Goal: Fearing God
So, what should your goal be? Let’s turn to Deuteronomy 14:23:
“And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide… that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.”
The ultimate purpose of the Feast is clear: to learn to fear Yahweh our God always.
This reverence for God isn’t about being afraid; it’s about recognizing His power, majesty, and sovereignty. It’s about honoring Him with awe and respect. Without this perspective, it’s impossible to grasp the true purpose of the Feast.
Fearing God and Obeying His Commandments
Fearing God means obeying His commandments. That’s why we’re here—because Yahweh commanded us to keep the Feast. We are here to grow spiritually, and that starts with focusing on His Word.
This is why attending every service is so important. Imagine for a moment if Yahweh or Yahshua Himself stood at the pulpit to deliver a message. Would you skip a service to oversleep, relax in your room, or go hiking? Of course not! If you have even an ounce of reverence for God, you’ll prioritize being present for every service unless you have a genuine reason to miss.
Let’s show Yahweh that we understand the real reason we’re here.
Fearing God and Serving One Another
Fearing God also means serving others. If your goal is merely to relax and enjoy, you’ll miss the opportunity to contribute to the success of the Feast. Think about it: what would happen if no one volunteered to set up the hall, manage the PA system, or serve food? The Feast wouldn’t be the same without the selfless efforts of those who serve.
You, too, can make a difference. Look for ways to serve. Whether it’s arranging chairs, assisting with flowers, ushering, or simply being a source of encouragement, your contribution matters.
And remember, service isn’t just about taking on tasks. You can serve by lessening the burden on others—keeping your space tidy, following instructions, and being respectful and cooperative. By showing the fruit of the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and gentleness—you not only enrich your own experience but also enhance the Feast for everyone around you.
Fearing God and Fellowship
Lastly, fearing God involves drawing closer to Him. The Feast is a special opportunity to strengthen your relationship with Yahweh. Make it a priority to start and end your day with prayer. Speak to God through prayer, and let Him speak to you through Bible study and reflection.
Remember, fellowship with God comes first. Before connecting with others, ensure you’ve spent time connecting with your Heavenly Father. Only then can you truly appreciate and share meaningful fellowship with your brethren.
What Is Your Goal?
So, brethren, let me ask once more: What is your goal in the Feast?
I hope and pray that your goal aligns with God’s desire for us—to learn to fear Yahweh always. When we make Him the center of our celebration, everything else will fall into place, and the byproduct will be true rejoicing and fulfillment.
Let’s strive to keep this goal in mind throughout the Feast and beyond. May this time of celebration bring us closer to God and to one another as we honor Him in all that we do.
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