8 May 2010
Psalm 75, 76; Lev. 23:23-44; 2 Thess. 3:1-18; Matt. 7:13-21

The Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, is meant to recall the time in the wilderness, when they had no permanent homes of their own. It is interesting that the festivals always call the people not simply to remember the events of history in word alone but also by physical means. They are to build booths and live as their ancestors lived in the wilderness. Learning theory today will say that we remember best when we use multi-sensory means to teach. It seems God knew that all along. Today, observant Jews build booths in which to live during this festival, denying themselves the comforts of modern life in order to identify with their ancestors and immerse themselves in the story of God’s action on their behalf, remembering also that for forty years they lived this way, because of disobedience and lack of faith.

The narrow gate is commended for entering the kingdom. In John 10 Jesus says He is the gate or doorway to the sheepfold. The narrow way is the way of the cross, the way of death to self and life in Him. The Israelites had to enter the Land on God’s terms and in God’s way, their failure to follow led to the wilderness years. We must find our way through the narrow gate that is Jesus. Jesus says, once again, that it is not our words of confession alone that allow us to enter the kingdom, it is those who confess with their lips and obey with their lives who are received into the kingdom. We have too often taken someone’s confession of faith, their “conversion” and never told them that obedience matters. We need to remind them that baptism is simply the beginning of the life of faith and that what you do from here forward matters with respect to your salvation.

Paul continues to rebuke those who are unwilling to work, calling them busybodies. Apparently, they were waiting for the coming of Christ but not hearing His words on how to watch and wait. Jesus gave several parables on waiting, such as the parable of the ten virgins, some of whose lamps went out for lack of oil because they hadn’t prepared to wait so long and the parable of the talents given to a king’s servants as he went away for a time and on his return, expected to receive an investment return on the talents. Paul says that he gave them an example of how to wait well, working to make his own living while also preaching the Gospel whenever the opportunity arose. We are called to stay busy in our lives and not become busybodies who spend our time stirring the pot. Jesus has left us with more than enough to do as we await His return.

We give thanks to you, O God;
we give thanks, for your name is near.
We recount your wondrous deeds.
I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.