Being LED to god's healing waters to restore our souls
Happy Sukkot!
This year Sukkot started September 25 and will end the evening of October 2nd.
Chabad. Org says “The Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths, is a weeklong Jewish festival that blends an autumn harvest celebration with a remembrance of the fragile shelters used by the Israelites during their journey after leaving Egypt. Marked by meals in a temporary hut called a sukkah and rituals with the Four Species of plants, it reflects gratitude for the season’s bounty and reliance on divine care. Its origins lie in Torah commands describing both the Festival of Ingathering at the agricultural year’s end and the commemoration of Israelite dwellings in the wilderness.” This year Sukkot started September 25 and will end the evening of October 2nd.
During Sukkot, the mikvah’s significance lies in its role as a place of spiritual renewal and purification, aligning with the holiday’s themes of gratitude, humility, and connection to God. A mikvah is a ritual bath used for spiritual purification in Jewish law. While it is not part of the Sukkot commandments, it has many spiritual symbolisms. The mikvah can be symbolic of cleansing the physical and spiritual impurity of the past year. It is like baptism, to wash off the past and receive the new life in Christ.
John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. As Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and rest on Him. Although Jesus had no sin or guilt to cleanse, He chose to be baptized. Afterward, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness, where He fasted for 40 days and was tempted by the devil. He emerged in power and authority, performing signs and wonders. In Mark 1:9–11 Mark emphasizes the immediacy of the event: Jesus is baptized, the heavens tear open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the heavenly voice affirms, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
During the first part of Sukkot, I was blessed to participate in a mikvah with several other women. The Lord led us to a place known for its “healing waters and springs.” Although we were exhausted, we were determined to complete the mikvah. The temperature was in the 90s, but the water was frigid. As we entered the water to be baptized, we experienced an awakening and renewal that went beyond the physical effect of the icy water.
As prophetic intercessors, we declared awakening and revival over the body of Christ. We believed the Lord had chosen that moment to strengthen us for our next season and prayer assignment. Our weariness gave way to invigorating joy, and we left revitalized. We completed our assignment and then celebrated Sukkot in the powerful presence of God. That evening a beautiful orange harvest moon appeared, making the day complete.
I believe the Lord desires to refresh and renew us for the coming year. He is leading us to His healing waters to restore our souls and reaffirm our callings. As we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. This is a time to set our course for what lies ahead. Following the Holy Spirit in obedience, Jesus revealed His true identity as the Son of God. Through His sacrifice, we are His children and joint heirs, and He shows us how to walk with Him in fulfillment in every season.
In the book of Revelation, we look forward to a constant Sukkot celebration, when God will once again dwell on the earth with mankind:
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:3–4).
A new song arose as we worshiped that night. I pray the Lord releases His song over you and through you, renewing you in this season. The old has passed away, and He is making all things new. I declare a refreshing that restores your soul as you walk with Him into all He has prepared for you.
Happy Sukkot!
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