Sarah's Tent

Every year at this time YHWH commands that we leave the comfort of our homes and live in temporary dwellings for 7 days. Some may ask, why are you doing this?  The immediate answer that comes to mind is, so that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.'" Vayiqra (Leviticus) 23:43


We are also commanded to rejoice during this time. You shall keep the feast of tents seven days, after that you have gathered in from your threshing floor and from your winepress: and you shall rejoice in your feast, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your man-servant, and your maid-servant, and the Levite, and the foreigner, and the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your gates. Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:13-14.

Remember and rejoice! These seven days symbolizes our being in the kingdom with Messiah. The Feasts are rehearsals and we are rehearsing to be in His presence. Sukkot will be the first feast that we celebrate in the Kingdom after Messiah returns, and there will be much joy! (Zecharyah ~ Zechariah 14:16-18)

As our ancestors wandered the wilderness with the Tabernacle in their presence, so we also wander the wilderness with the Tabernacle of El Elyon (God, Most high) within us. (1 Corinthians 3:16). We have not arrived at our destination, but still traverse the wilderness. Just as he watched over our ancestors He watches over us as we learn to obey Him.

Some time in the near future we may find ourselves not just spiritually in the wilderness but physically also. The enemy will try to destroy us, but haven't we been shown that YHWH protects the children of Yaakov?
 
A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it will not come near you. Tehillim (Psalm) 91:7

The experience of doing away with modern conveniences, moving out of our comfortable homes, and living with those who are like-minded prepares us for this eventuality. We must learn to obey the commands of YHWH, to seek Him in all things, wait upon Him, and to live in harmony with the brothers and sisters within our camp, lest we be cast out of it.

Moving outside at this time and joining with others we show ourselves to be different. We are His set apart people! Let us rejoice before Him this Sukkot, praising him for how He kept our ancestors in the wilderness, how He sustains us in exile (the wilderness), how He will keep us in the days to come, and how we will rejoice when He returns for us.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. For creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. Romans 8:18-19

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The Spiritual Camp

The camp of the children of Israel exists today. Groups of Torah obedient Messianic congregations are popping up all over the world, some large, some small. Some meet in church buildings, synagogues, others in homes. Those who have the same understanding are coming together and forming camps (congregations). We are returning to YHWH with all our hearts and souls, striving to obey Him. (Devarim ~ Deuteronomy 30:1-2) In doing so we have also become foreign to the world. They don't understand us and their ways are no longer our ways.

When you are striving to become obedient to God, you are not only outcast from friends, but  in some cases family as well. You have now moved from living in the world to living in the camp of the righteous. Our God is not one who operates haphazardly. Each tribe camped together after the pattern of the ancient nomads (see http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/33_nomadic.html ) although they were all recognized as children of Yaakov and one people. Three tribes camped on each side: north, south, east, or west under the standard of the lead tribe for that group. (See  Numbers 2 and also http://www.bible-history.com/tabernacle/TAB4The_Encampment.htm for a diagram of Israel's camp in the wilderness.) All things were done as YHWH designed - properly and in order. We who are in the camp should follow their example. Men led each household/tent, family group, and tribe; there were also officers and elders. Not everyone was a leader but all worked together for the survival of the camp, of which a large part was following the teachings and instructions of YHWH.

As women in the camp of Israel, our first responsibility should be to the smooth operation of our homes. The rearing of our children and their instruction, particularly in matters of the Torah is of great importance. Sadly some women today think homemaking and raising their children in the fear and admonition of YHWH something that is best left to others. They aspire to what the world calls success leaving the home and care of the children to someone else. Who makes the home? The mother! She sets the tone for everything that happens. If a woman doesn't keep a neat organized home, her children will believe this is the norm. If study and honoring YHWH takes second place to other activities, then it will be second place in your children's lives as well. When the time comes to make important decisions, they may very well go in the opposite direction.


A simple phrase recorded in Scripture many times tells us that mothers have great influence over their children's lives, and this is a determining factor in whether they will obey YHWH. That phrase is "and their mother was", and it follows the name of every king of Judah and Israel and whether they did good or evil in the site of YHWH. It is recorded in 1 & 2 Melechim (Kings) and 1 & 2 Chronicles for all to see, and I believe a statement as to the character of the mother. They are preserved there for all time along side the names of their sons.


Of course there are several examples from Scripture how YHWH has used women outside the home. Two that immediately spring to mind are Deborah, the judge and prophetess, ( Shophtim ~ Judges 4-5) and Huldah the prophetess. (Melechim Bet ~ 2 Kings 22: 14-20). However, I believe that the same instruction that Shaul gave to Timothy regarding a leader in the camp applies to women as well.


One who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; (but if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?) 1 Timothy 3:4-5


A women whose home is in physical and spiritual disarray needs to take care of her home first. Her husband's trust is in her, and her children are a gift from Elohim. Let us make sure that our homes are in order, so that when we give guidance to other women we are not looked at as someone who does not practice what they preach. There are times when example speaks louder than words. Then, if it is His will, YHWH will call us to speak in His name.


When we are Torah obedient keepers of the home we serve the camp in more ways than we realize. We raise up children who will continue in the camp and serve the Holy One. We also enable our husbands to perform the tasks that YHWH has given to them free from worry.

It is not too late to start! Prayerfully consider where you need to make improvement, and remember you can do all things though Messiah who is your strength. If your children have been lax, they may rebel against any change you are making, but do not give ground and your family will be blessed.

May you be blessed mightily during the upcoming moedim.