Dwelling in the Coming Kingdom
Dwelling in the Coming Kingdom ~ A Christian Sukkot for the End Times
A Christian version of Sukkot, reimagined through the lens of eschatological hope, biblical fulfillment, and spiritual practice. This version honors the Jewish roots of the Feast of Tabernacles while drawing deeply from Christian theology, especially its vision of the final dwelling of God with His people.
Introduction. A Feast of the Final Harvest
In a world often marked by uncertainty, fragility, and longing, the Christian heart turns to the promises of God. Not just those fulfilled in the past, but those still to come. In this light, the ancient Jewish festival of Sukkot (Feast of Booths) becomes a prophetic window into the great Christian hope: the coming of the Kingdom, the final harvest of souls, and the dwelling of God among His people forever.
For Christians, Sukkot is not only a remembrance of God’s past faithfulness in the wilderness—it becomes a preview of eschatological joy, a celebration of the New Creation when God will wipe away every tear and pitch His tent among humanity once and for all (Revelation 21:3).
This version of Sukkot is not about legalism or replacement. It is a spiritual appropriation, a bridge of continuitybetween the covenants, one that leads us forward with joy and reverent expectation.
1. Sukkot in the Bible = The Seed of a Greater Dwelling
The Feast of Booths is rooted in Leviticus 23:33–43 as a seven-day celebration at the end of the harvest. The Israelites were commanded to build temporary shelters (sukkot) to recall their time in the wilderness, living under God’s protection.
But even within the Hebrew Scriptures, Sukkot points beyond itself:
“Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.”
— Zechariah 14:16
This prophecy envisions a time when all nations will gather to celebrate Sukkot—a foretaste of the heavenly Jerusalem, the ingathering of the nations, and the universal reign of Christ.
2. Jesus and the Fulfillment of Sukkot
The Word “Tabernacled” Among Us
John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Greek word ἐσκήνωσεν (eskēnōsen) literally means “pitched His tent” or “tabernacled.”
In Jesus, God has come to dwell among us—not in a temporary booth, but in human flesh. His incarnation is the first act of the final Sukkot—the eternal indwelling of God in the world.
Living Water and Light
In John 7–8, during the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus cries out:
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink… Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
— John 7:37–38
And again:
“I am the light of the world.”
— John 8:12
These declarations, made during the water and light ceremonies of Sukkot, reveal Jesus as the source of the Spirit and the light of the New Creation. He fulfills the symbols of the feast and points forward to the great outpouring at the end of the age.
3. Sukkot and the Book of Revelation
The final pages of the Bible echo the themes of Sukkot powerfully:
“Behold, the tabernacle (skēnē) of God is with men, and He will dwell (skēnōsei) with them… and God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
— Revelation 21:3
The language here is unmistakable. The eternal destiny of the redeemed is not abstract or disembodied. It is God tabernacling with His people, just as He did in the wilderness—but now, in fullness and glory.
The New Jerusalem is the ultimate sukkah: open, radiant, filled with joy, and secure forever.
4. A Christian Sukkot Practice. Living the Future Now
What might it mean to celebrate a Christian Sukkot, not as an imitation, but as an anticipation of the Kingdom?
A. Build a Simple Shelter or Sacred Space
- Construct a small, temporary shelter outdoors using natural materials (even a tent or prayer space).
- Let it symbolize your pilgrimage identity and dependence on God.
- Decorate it with symbols of harvest (fruit, candles, greenery) and Kingdom hope (a cross, a globe, a crown).
B. Scripture Readings and Themes for Each Day
| Day | Theme | Scripture |
| Day 1 | God our Shelter | Psalm 91; Leviticus 23:33–43 |
| Day 2 | Pilgrims on a Journey | Hebrews 11:13–16; Deut. 8:2–6 |
| Day 3 | Jesus the Tabernacle | John 1:14; Exodus 40:34–38 |
| Day 4 | Living Water | John 7:37–39; Isaiah 12:1–6 |
| Day 5 | Light of the World | John 8:12; Isaiah 60:1–5 |
| Day 6 | Harvest of the Nations | Zechariah 14:16; Revelation 7:9 |
| Day 7 | Eternal Dwelling with God | Revelation 21:1–5; Psalm 84 |
C. Symbolic Actions
- Share meals under the open sky as acts of gratitude.
- Invite guests, symbolizing the saints and the global Church.
- Pray for the nations, the persecuted, and the return of Christ.
- Sing hymns of joy, drawing from psalms of harvest and hope (Psalms 126, 67, 84).
D. Eschatological Vigil (Optional)
On the eighth day, known in Judaism as Shemini Atzeret (“the assembly of lingering”), Christians can hold a prayer vigil, waiting upon the Lord and echoing the hope of the Parousia—the Second Coming.
“He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.”
— Nicene Creed
5. The Joy of What’s Coming
Sukkot teaches us to live between memory and hope.
- We remember God’s faithfulness in the wilderness.
- We dwell in the present by grace, not by might.
- And we long for the day when we shall see His face, and dwell with Him forever.
This is not escapism—it is preparation. Like the wise virgins in Jesus’ parable (Matthew 25), we keep watch, oil in our lamps, joy in our hearts, and our eyes on the horizon.
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
— Revelation 19:9
Conclusion? A Feast of Forever
Sukkot is more than a historical observance—it is a rehearsal for eternity. For Christians, it can become a powerful annual rhythm of recalibrating our hearts to the coming Kingdom.
Let us pitch our tents in humility, feast in joy, and wait with burning lamps for the One who comes to dwell with us—not just for a week, but forever.
“And so we will dwell with the Lord forever.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:17
