The Daily Word of Righteousness

The Tender Agony

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23:34)

The love of God drew Christ into total union with Himself. As soon as the obedience of Christ had been perfected by suffering, the union was complete. The same compelling love that perfected the union of Christ and God is now in Christ and extended toward those whom God has called to Himself. The love of the Father for His elect is in Christ, and in those who are living in union with Christ, as a tender agony.

The booth of the Feast of Tabernacles symbolizes the ultimate desire of God for Israel His firstfruits, and then for all mankind.

There are three great symbols of Judaism: the Altar of blood sacrifice, the Lampstand, and the Booth.

The Altar of blood sacrifice is the place where God meets man. God requires a blood sacrifice in order to make an atonement for sin. Christ is the eternal sin-offering. Through His blood we have forgiveness and are reconciled to God.

The Scripture says of Christ:

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. (Isaiah 53:10)

The Lampstand represents the Holy Spirit, and also Christ who is filled with the Spirit of God. Christ is the Light of Israel and of the whole world.

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. (Isaiah 49:6)

The Altar of blood sacrifice makes it possible for a holy God to have fellowship with a sinful people. The Lampstand, the Holy Spirit, gives light to Israel while the chosen nation is in the darkness of the world spirit. When Christ comes He will be the Light of the world and Israel will reflect His Glory.

However, it is the Booth that represents the Divine purpose concerning Israel and the other nations of the earth.

The Booth portrays the desire of God to dwell with people. When we enter the booth to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles we are dwelling with God and God with us.

God's eternal purpose is to have a house, a living temple in which He can dwell with the nations whom He has created.

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)

To be continued.