Thanksgiving in a Jewish way, G-d'sWay,that ls!
We are instructed in Leviticus 23:39-43 ,to celebrate thanksgiving in a Jewish way. Sukkot is here and we are once again reminded of G-d's kindness towards His people, whether you're a Jew or gentile. This week on the fifteenth of Tishri (Wed., September 22, 2010, this year for us) all around the world many believers will be dwelling in "sukkots" (booths) for seven days celebrating G-d's redemptive plan, the rescue of Israel from the bondage of Egypt and remembering the harshness of the desert where G-d's people lived for 40 years.
Some of the major ingredients of this celebration are: the "sukkah" -the booth or tent, the "lulav" - palm fronds bound together with myrtle and willow branches, and the "etrog" - lemon-like fruit, which are used as part of the worship during this holy day as stated in Leviticus 23:40. The "lulav" symbolizes and celebrates our entry into the land of promise. It is a season of rejoicing and ingathering, the culmination of our year and of our labors and a reminder of G-d's ability to keep His promise to take us into the Holy Land. The Sukkah is the opposite; it is a simple hut, the dwelling of the desert, a remembrance of the lifeless desert where we wandered. While the lulav signals abundance, the sukkah evokes simplicity and transition. The lulav is the emblem of the Promised Land, the sukkah is a reminder of the wilderness. The etrog on the other hand has a sweet, distinctive fragrance. It serves as a reminder of G-d' sweet presence among His people.
As we celebrate our finished redemption, we should be reminded in this week of what and where we were before being redeemed by Yeshua Ha Mashiach. It's still a powerful reminder for us to give thanks in all things, after all, that's what is expected from us anyway. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) So in this sukkot season, let's join our Jewish brethren and celebrate thanksgiving the Jewish way, G-d's way. Happy thanksgiving! Happy Sukkot, that is!
In His service, your fellow servant, Pr. Paul Santos