A. Characteristics:
1. It was the last festival of the year (there were seven annuals).
2. It lasted eight days.
3. It was celebrated at the end of the harvest season.
4. The Israelites built huts or cabins and lived in them to remember the pilgrimage in the desert.
Note: In this way the nation was aware that it owed everything to God, it was a time to thank God for all his goodness (in the desert, the crops).
B. Israel was to rejoice in their God, Leviticus 23:40.
“And you shall take the fruitful branches of beautiful trees on the first day, branches of palm trees, branches of leafy trees, and willows from the streams, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.”
Note: The term rejoice here refers to intense contentment and joy expressed visibly and externally. Let us remember that the reason for our joy is God himself, that is why he says: “and you will rejoice before the Lord”.
II. IT IS NECESSARY TO REMEMBER THE BENEFITS OF THE LORD
A. Israel was to remember several things, Leviticus 23:41-43.
“And you shall make a festival to the Lord for seven days every year; it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations; in the seventh month you shall make it. You shall dwell in tabernacles seven days; all natives of Israel shall dwell in tabernacles, so that your descendants may know that I have made tabernacles. I inhabited the children of Israel when I brought them out of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
1. That they were foreigners and pilgrims in Egypt and in the desert.
2. That Jehovah had sustained and guided them through the wilderness.
3. That God gave them the grace and strength to endure the trials and tribulations of the desert.
4.That God had brought them to the land of plenty.
Note: It was therefore a moment of reflection on the benefits of the Lord, on the victories he had given them. They also remembered the supernatural provision in the desert (food, clothing and footwear, the cloud during the day, the fire at night, protection, victories, etc).
It is very important to remember again and again all the victories and blessings that God has given us in the past, this helps us to be grateful in the present and to maintain our faith towards the future, because the Lord will continue to help and protect us as he did yesterday. .
B. The last day of the festival celebrated the supernatural provision of water in the desert.
Note: This day (“The last day of the party” was called “the great Hosanna”), Jesus took advantage of it to teach about his work and reason for coming to earth, Jn. 7:37-39… (The priests drew water and poured it on the ground…). Only in Christ man can quench his thirst, only through the Holy Spirit man finds the life and strength necessary to persevere in the middle of this world or desert, while we walk towards his purpose…
III. TEACHINGS FOR US TODAY
A. As Christians we are to rejoice in the Lord.
B. We must always remember the goodness of the Lord.
C. Trust in God’s provision at all times (in the desert and in Canaan).
D. Always keep in mind that God helps us on our earthly pilgrimage.
E. Be aware that God guides us to the best land (blessing here, and keep in mind that our destination is heaven).
Conclusion: In this year, God has blessed us, he has helped us, he has sustained us, he has been patient with us, he has not lacked us, he has given us his strength to persevere, and in difficult times his presence has been there, and he continues to work. in us, because he has great plans with each one… let us thank God with joy, he has been good, let us adore God for his goodness.
God is faithful and worthy of being honored and praised, the fear of the Lord must abound in our hearts to recognize every day of our lives that God is the Lord, Creator and owner of all things. Given these truths, it is essential to maintain a grateful heart for all his mercies and blessings. Definitely all the glory belongs to God.
Thanksgiving sermon. –