Devotional thoughts on Leviticus 23:33-43

By Daryl Reed

Some of my fondest childhood memories are camping trips with my family. To me, the preparation was as much fun as trip itself. Everything leading up to the excursion was memorable, including picking the destination, buying and packing new gear, and making sure our fishing equipment, sleeping bags, and tents were ready to go. It was a blast I’ll never forget.

Time for a Road Trip

The Feast of the Tabernacles was one of three road trips (holy vacations) God commanded his people to take each year to worship, commemorate, and celebrate (Deuteronomy 16:16). It was also the last festival on their holy day calendar—so it made this festival time extra special. God commanded his people to make temporary shelters (booths) to live in for eight days as they joyfully remembered the God who protected them from their enemies and provided for them during their travels. The Lord protecting and providing for his people—isn’t that still true about our God? Take the time to reflect how God has protected and provided for you. 

Do You Need to Get Away?

Sometimes we need to take extra time to remember and celebrate our relationship with God. The Lord, our shepherd, knows we sheep need these special times. David demonstrates this point as he penned perhaps the greatest Psalm: 

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

he leads me beside quiet waters, 

he refreshes my soul. 

He guides me along the right paths 

for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk 

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil, 

for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, 

they comfort me” (Psalm 23:1-4). 

It’s clear—we serve a God who wants us to take vacations so that we can remember him. He forces us to lie down. He commands us to take a break. And he does this so that we can be refreshed. The action point of this lesson is not too difficult: go plan a vacation of celebration!

Daryl Reed serves as lead minister of DC Regional Christian Church in the Washington, D.C. area. Previously he served more than 25 years in full-time ministry in churches in the Midwest and California.