So I am pondering this concept, and forcing it to sink deep into my heart, mind, and spirit. We have dual citizenship. If we let it, it can have a powerful effect, and diminish so many fears in our lives. Recognizing that we are currently in a temporary dwelling has the potential to make our daily tensions in this world dissolve. Ephesians 2:6 says, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” We have residency, a home, not only here on this sandy soil, but beyond heaven’s celestial gates as well. (Selah)
As I ponder this, I found this article by a Jew in Israel, Slovie Jungreis-Wolf. The Hebrew culture has an incredible way of living, breathing, and appreciating this journey of life. For them, it is not about the destination, but about the journey. I find this a beautiful way to view our days here on earth and would encourage you to take a moment (a deep breath) and learn from their culture. The following are some exerts from the article “A Sukkah of Peace”…
“Bearing this faith we are now ready to enter the sukkah, dwelling under God’s protection. The Torah tells us that for one week we are to leave our permanent homes and live in a temporary residence. We eat in the sukkah, we talk in the sukkah, we read in the sukkah, and some people even sleep in the sukkah. As comfortable as we may feel inside its walls, we never really forget that this sukkah-dwelling is only temporary. Now we get it! Our world here is only a temporary residence.
Nothing lasts forever. We are simply visitors, just passing through.
Material security is left behind as we contemplate our spiritual security. The sukkah replaces our homes and we are struck with the thought that ‘all this’ is transient.
And all those things that we thought were so important? Those things we craved and thought we just can’t live without? The giant flat screen TV, the leather sofa for our den, the must-have sweater and shoes? Guess what? They are not important anymore.
Sitting in the sukkah under the stars, we realize that possessions and stuff do not bring peace. That life in this world is transient and we will never find serenity in that which is fleeting. We can understand that it’s living with purpose that will bring us a sense of lasting peace.
According to Jewish law, our sukkah must have at least three walls. It is as if God is wrapping his arm around you, welcoming you with His embrace. Come, step out of your home and all the anxiety that lies within. Never stop believing. Never give up hope. You are here for a reason. Think about your legacy, the purpose of your moments here on earth.
As we enter the sukkah, we offer a most beautiful prayer: “May it be your will, my God and God of my forefather’s, that You cause Your Presence to reside amongst us; that You spread over us the sukkah of Your peace…'”
Yes and amen to that prayer, Lord. May your kingdom come and your will be done in Israel and the nations. It is your presence that we desire. It’s worth outweighs anything this world has to offer!
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