God's Glory Church

“And you will rejoice before the Lord, your God, seven days.” — Leviticus 23:40

We set up camp right under the stars, with nothing separating us from the boundless West African sky. A tent is not needed in the dry season. However, fire is crucial. “Never let the fire go out,” Dad warned, prodding the logs with a stick. Fire kept wild animals at bay. God’s creatures are beautiful, but you would never want a leopard or snake wandering around your camp.

Dad was a missionary in the northern part of Ghana and had a real talent for turning everything into a teaching moment. The camp was no exception.

God also used camping as a teaching moment for His people. Once a year, for a whole week, the Israelites had to live in tents, for the construction of which they took “palm branches and branches of many-leaved trees and poplars” (Lev. 23:40). The purpose was twofold. “Every native in Israel will sit in groups, so that your generations will know that I made the children of Israel sit in groups when I brought them out of the land of Egypt” (vv. 42-43). However, the event was also supposed to be festive. “And you will rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days” (v. 40).

God instituted a weeklong journey for the Israelites as a joyful way to remember His goodness. We easily forget the meaning behind our holidays. Our holidays can be a joyful reminder of the character of a loving God. He also created fun.

What is your favorite holiday and why? How does celebrating it remind you of God’s goodness?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the joy that You have invested in Your creation and in Your holidays.

Author: Tim Gustavson