Shekinah Glory

The celebration began at sundown on October 12 and will continue through tomorrow. Sukkot is the Hebrew name for the Feast of Tabernacles, a Jewish harvest festival established by God in Leviticus 23. In Biblical times each family would erect a small, temporary structure in the midst of their crops in the field; there they would take their meals and sleep for the seven days of the festival. The booth (or “tabernacle”) was meant to be reminder of God’s sheltering provision and care for His people during the desert wanderings.  It also pictured the tabernacle that served as the physical location of the Shekinah Glory of God in the midst of his people. Today in Jewish communities across the world, booths are still erected in celebration of Sukkot.

Early on in the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was chosen by God to be conduit of God’s glory, a truth-revealing light to the surrounding nations. God established a relationship and covenant with them. He promised to dwell with them and bless them, as long as they lived in obedience and honored Him as their God.  His glory was displayed as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. This was His Shekinah Glory, the visible manifestation of God’s presence among the people.  Israel was to reflect the light of His glory to the nations living in darkness.

Sadly, Israel failed in their assignment. Rather than demonstrating allegiance to the true God with their obedience to Him, their heads were easily turned and they began to worship the false gods of their neighbors. God sent judgment in the form of the Babylonian army, which carried off the nation into captivity and destroyed the Temple. God’s glory no longer dwelled in the land.

Yet God had not abandoned His promises to Israel. At the right time, He sent another manifestation of His glory to the people. John wrote this about the coming of Christ: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt [literally “tabernacled”] among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” While the nation of Israel had failed in its mission, the True Israel (Jesus Christ) would not. He was the fulfillment of all they had failed to do. Jesus saw this mission clearly: “I am the Light of the World; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” In His obedience, to the point of death on a cross, God’s glory was brilliantly displayed for all to see (Philippians 2:5-11, Acts 26:23).

Now the responsibility to be a light to the nations has been given to us, the Church. Ephesians 2:22 tells us that the church is “being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” We are a living tabernacle, and the Shekinah Glory now inhabits us.

How do we display His glory? “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8). When we live lives of obedience, as Israel failed to do, we display the glory of God. It is why Jesus told His disciples, “You are the light of the world. . . let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16).

Of course, our good works and obedience are only a result of the relationship which has already been established. When we came to Christ in faith, our adoption as sons and daughters of Christ was made complete. Our obedience is an outward expression of that relationship, just as Israel’s obedience was to be an expression of the already established covenant. Yet while the relationship is eternally secure, we should remain steadfast toward the purpose for which we have been called: to be a light to the nations.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments,” Jesus told His disciples (John 14:15). In the times we do this, the glory of God shines brightly for those around us to see.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16