Brethren, I have a question for you today: “What is the Feast of Tabernacles for you?” Most of us can provide an accurate definition, and we understand what the Feast signifies. However, if we’re not careful, there may be instances where we develop misconceptions about the Feast, hindering us from fully experiencing the blessings and joy it brings.

That’s why I want to share with you three ways we’ve misunderstood the Feast of Tabernacles.

1. The Feast of Tabernacles is Optional

We are the Assembly of Yahweh or the Church of God. We believe that the people of Yahweh should keep the Feast of Tabernacles. However, believing doesn’t automatically mean obeying.

Sadly, some of us might still think that keeping the Feast of Tabernacles is optional. It is something that we can only keep when it is convenient. It is something we can keep when all things will work out. If not, then maybe, we can attend next time.

However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the Feast of Tabernacles is not a matter of choice; it’s a divine command. If you genuinely believe in the Scriptures and their teachings, you’ll strive to observe the Feast regardless of the challenges that may arise. Your willingness to keep this feast should be so profound that you’d be ready to sacrifice everything for it.

But you might wonder, “Is that level of commitment really necessary?” Let’s turn to the example of Yahshua, our Savior, for guidance. Let’s read John 7:1-2:

Verse 1: After these things Jesus walked in Galilee for He did not want to walk in Judea…

What was the reason that Yahshua didn’t want to walk in Judea? “Because the Jews sought to kill Him.”

Verse 2: Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand.

The Feast of Tabernacles was fast approaching. Perhaps, just like us, we are just waiting a few weeks and the Feast would already be upon us.

Verse 3: His brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You are doing. For no one does anything in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.”

His brothers suggested that He should go to Judea to perform miracles in front of a larger audience, essentially saying, “Reveal Yourself to the world!” It seemed like a reasonable idea, except for one significant problem—Yahshua’s life was at risk. The Jews wanted Him dead, and attending the Feast in Judea would expose Him to danger.

If the Feast of Tabernacles is optional, Yahshua could have just said, “Oh, not this year, I can’t go to the Feast. They will kill me if they find me in Judea. Maybe, I’ll just join next year. After all, there will always be a Feast of Tabernacles.”

NO! He didn’t say that. Instead, what did Yahshua do? In John 7:10, we read:

10 But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

This passage underscores a fundamental truth: attending the Feast of Tabernacles is not optional. It’s not a matter of personal convenience or preference.

You can’t say, “Oh, I don’t have money to go to the Feast, I will not go.” “Oh, we have classes during the Feast. I can’t go.” “Oh, I don’t like the people going to the Feast, I will not go.” “Oh, I don’t feel so good, I will not go.” You can come up with a thousand excuses, brethren, but that doesn’t change the fact that keeping the Feast of Tabernacles is a command that God expects us to follow.

So, what’s holding you back from observing this sacred feast? What stands between you and following God’s command? I hope there’s none.

Let’s reiterate: the Feast of Tabernacles is not optional; it’s mandatory. It’s a testament to our faith and obedience, a time when we emulate Yahshua’s commitment and devotion to fulfilling God’s will.

2. The Feast of Tabernacles is All About Vacation

Imagine celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles in a place like Eden Nature Park, one of the finest tourist destinations in your city. Towering pine trees, a refreshing mountain breeze, and top-tier accommodations make it feel like a vacation, don’t they? Plus, no work or school obligations during this time – so it must be a vacation, right?

Well, not exactly. The Feast of Tabernacles is far more than a vacation; it’s a profound spiritual experience. It’s a time for us to delve deeper into understanding God’s way of life and to grasp His divine plan for our lives. That’s precisely why we have daily services throughout the Feast.

Furthermore, we don’t rejoice in isolation during this festival; we celebrate with our brethren. It’s not a time to think solely of ourselves, saying, “I’m on vacation, so I don’t need to assist or serve. I can just remain in my accommodation during services. I can stay up all night, play video games, browse Facebook endlessly, or indulge in movies and videos.”

Brethren, there’s a danger when you see the Feast of Tabernacles as a time of vacation because it is not. It is a time of rejoicing with the brethren, a time to learn more about God and a time to be closer to our Heavenly Father.

Brethren, there’s a significant danger in viewing the Feast of Tabernacles solely as a vacation because it is so much more than that. It’s a time for rejoicing with our fellow believers, an opportunity to deepen our knowledge of God, and a chance to draw closer to our Heavenly Father.

This leads us to the third and final point in our exploration of the Feast of Tabernacles.

3. The Feast of Tabernacles is All About Me

The third and final way we often get it wrong when it comes to the Feast of Tabernacles is by thinking that it’s all about ourselves. Reflecting on my own journey of keeping the Feast since 2003, I’ve witnessed a transformation in my perspective.

Initially, I pondered, “Should I go to the Feast?” Over time, it shifted to, “Where should I go to the Feast?” And now, as part of the Feast committee, the question has evolved into, “How am I preparing for the Feast?”

Behind the scenes of the successful Feasts we enjoy, there are unsung heroes who work tirelessly. The stage backdrop, the T-shirts, the giveaways, the activities, the messages, the choir music, and the special performances all require dedicated volunteers. What we see during the Feast is the end product, but it’s essential to recognize the tremendous effort invested to make it all happen.

The Feast is not just a time to be served; it’s an opportunity to serve one another. On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Similarly, in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles, we should ask, “Ask not what the Feast can do for you – ask what you can do for the Feast.”

We read in Philippians 2:4:

⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Don’t just show up in the feast. Do something even before the Feast and by doing so, you will have a more positive contribution to the success of the Feast.

Final words

In conclusion, there are three common misconceptions we must be aware of when it comes to the Feast:

1. The Feast of Tabernacles is optional
2. The Feast of Tabernacles is a vacation
3. The Feast of Tabernacles is all about me

Beware of these false beliefs, as they can obscure the true purpose of the Feast. Once we dispel these misconceptions, we can better appreciate the Feast’s significance and actively contribute to its success.

With that, I hope and pray that each one of us is preparing not just for our own sake but also for the benefit of our brethren. Let’s come together in the spirit of unity and service, and I look forward to seeing you all at the Feast of Tabernacles.

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