Another Temple tradition that had developed during the Feast of Tabernacles was the Candle Ceremony. God had not commanded it, but the tradition pointed to God as the source of light. On the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the priests constructed three seventy-five-foot-high candles in the court of the Women of the Temple. …
Letting Jesus flow from your heart reflects what He is doing in your heart. This is how God can use you to influence those around you. John 7:38Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.[1] Have you ever been in a …
If you thirst, come to Jesus. This has never been truer than in the world we live in. The words Jesus spoke nearly 2000 years ago in the Gospel of John still call out to thirsty sinners today. John 7:37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, …
The water libation tradition had developed during the Feast of Tabernacles. This fall Feast celebrated God’s presence and provision with His people in the Exodus. It was a pilgrimage festival, which meant, if possible, a devout Jew would travel to Jerusalem and the Temple to celebrate the Feast. Jesus was a controversial figure; some saw …
The Jewish leadership looked forward to a person who would save the nation, but they didn’t think the Messiah had to be God. But Jesus told them He is God as He declares, “I am the bread of life.” We may see the words “I am” as simple English, but God used them to name …
Struggling to see beyond the surface is a trap anyone can fall into when looking at people and situations through the lens of the world. Through a miracle, Jesus fed the 5000 with five barley loaves and two fish. The next day, Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Previously, Jesus had done other …
The thief’s purpose is to get, but Jesus’ purpose is to give. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.[1] Here life is the Greek word zoe. This means the absolute fullness of life, life real and genuine, a life active …
Finding fulfillment in Christ is often a process as the Lord refines us like gold in the fire. While in a concentration camp during World War II, Bestie Ten Boom, to her sister’s surprise, gave thanks for the fleas in their infested barracks. She then quoted Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:18Be thankful in all circumstances, for …
As people came to Jesus, they were looking for a sign. John 6: 30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? [1] But Jesus had just multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed thousands of people. That was a huge sign. If the …
After the feeding of the 5000, the people searched and found Jesus. They wanted Him to do works of God, but Jesus told them, “Your work is to believe.” John 6: 28 They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” 29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from …