THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. Ezra 3:4-6 As the returning exiles gathered in Jerusalem to begin building the temple, they had to ensure things were right between God and them. The altar was built in the middle of the ruins according to the word of God. Sacrifices and continual burnt offerings were made according to the word of God. Then all the people made booths, lean-tos, or pitched tents to live in for the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles according to the word of God.
Sacrificial worship is a priority in our relationship with God. Their fear of those around them could have been intimidating if the Lord's people had spoken only words of faith. When the remnant gathered as one, they took action, and the burnt offering began on the altar placed in the right spot, and the smoke of acceptance was even visible from a distance. Then the unity of purpose and action was evident to all. That made it clear to onlookers that these people trusted a God who would protect them from their enemies. The burnt offerings that rose to God from that place of ruin served as a testimony of faith, thanksgiving, worship, and praise.
The Judean exiles showed resolve to honor God despite opposition. After years of captivity, they learned that God does not protect those who ignore Him. The week spent outside in “tabernacles” exposed them to the elements and their enemies. Throughout that week, they stayed outside where their enemies could have taken advantage of them, but the smoke rising from the burnt offerings and sacrifices was a public witness to their faith in God and obedience to His word.
Leaders are important in guiding others to godly worship. They had learned how important it is to obey God from the heart, not merely to follow forms or habits that lack true value in our worship and service. The most important things should come first when we follow God’s order as revealed in His word. The things of God are our top priority. It is then that the freewill offerings to the Lord demonstrate the reality of our profession and the way we conduct our lives of service for Him.
Worship is more important than the place of worship (temple). Worship demonstrates our respect and reverence for God and serves as a testimony to everyone that we have faith in Him. Our praises and heartfelt expressions of gratitude from redeemed individuals show that worship is always a priority—it comes first. True obedience to God and fellowship with our Lord take precedence over any personal pursuits. Our goal is to seek first the kingdom of God. Spiritual matters outweigh worldly concerns. A building does not reflect the heart of God's people toward Him. We worship each day privately by giving thanks, praising, and worshiping God in our hearts through prayer, reading scripture, and perhaps singing a hymn.
Listening to God speak through His word is hearing Him communicate His will to us. In family life, we set aside times to read scripture with our children, listening for God’s message. We then pray and may sing a hymn of praise as a family, responding to God's grace. This practice sets a tone for the day and gives us a reason to express our gratitude in the evening. Gathering for worship— through remembrance, prayer, praise, hearing God's voice in His word, and sharing the Gospel—is a meaningful time of devotion. When we are united in our fellowship with God, there is unity of purpose and worship.
There is an order in the things of God that we find in the pattern written in the word of God. The spiritual life of God's people is seen in the offerings we bring to the altar. Christ is the altar; Christ is the sacrifice; Christ is the center of everything. Instead of fear of opposition, there is trust and confidence when we see "Jesus only." There is a desire in the hearts of true believers to express their faith in God and demonstrate their motive for living. We recognize Christ in our worship as the "sweet savor" for God, as in the burnt offering, in which everything was for God.
In Jerusalem, the priests kept the order of daily burnt offerings; the feasts of Jehovah; the monthly "new moon" offerings, and the freewill offerings in the way it was written, "in the law of Moses." Leadership responsibility today involves keeping the will and word of God before the people, now that we have "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" that has made us free from the "law of sin and death."