Sukkot 2025

While reviewing the Sukkot daily portion, I paused to reflect on Ezek 38:18-39:16 for this Shabbat. I am not a prophecy teacher, though I have studied it for years and I can’t help but consider how steadfast the word of God is. Ezekiel was written long ago and God foretold of an invasion by Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and tubal. This country would invade Israel and God would save his people with a mighty hand. Scripture declares in chapter 39:10, “…they will seize the spoil of those who despoiled them, and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD.” God turned the advance of the enemy into a victory for Israel and the things they robbed from God’s people, all would be taken back. I am reminded of what was written about King David in 1 Sam 30:18-19 where it is recorded that “David recovered ALL” from the Amlekites.

It is inspiring to see this play out in scripture and think about our lives. Every time the enemy robs us, ambushes us, steals from us, his victory is only temporary. He may be able to take some things for a little while but it is clear that he can’t keep anything. God will speak and proclaim victory and at that point the enemy’s house will be plundered (Matt 12:29). Some of what we lose along the way is not spiritual. We also lose intangibles that are important to our faith. We can lose self-respect, hope, purpose, dignity, confidence, and if we are not careful trade our godly attributes for guilt, shame, fear, anger, and depression.

When God proclaims victory, he also vindicates our faith. There is a restoration that comes when we place our hope in the word of God. Our present may not look like victory. Our situation may appear that things are moving adverse to us. Sometimes God will allow things to be so. The purpose is that we learn to put our faith in him and not base our faith in the condition of our circumstances, feelings, money, or even support from others. The walk of faith can be isolating by design and we need to have the strength to see that the promise of God does not depend on our plight. It is not limited by our limitations and it will often invalidate our wise ideals.

The sukkah bridges our past and our future. It is a reminder that God was, is, and will be faithful to his covenant mercies. The little that we sacrifice here, will be restored many times over in by-and-by (that is a reference to heaven or the Messianic Age for all of you younger folks). In all that God has decreed and spoken in your life, even in the end, He will be found faithful. Our worship is not in vain. Our efforts for the Kingdom will not be forgotten, and our faith will endure.

Rav Calev

Apostolic Messianic International-Gulf Coast