In ministry comes a heavy mission and responsibility. We, as disciples of Christ, cannot be naïve. As ministers of Christ, we will all face some form of persecution as the end of this age draws near.

In fulfilling our commission, we are certain to encounter rejection and division. Yet, Jesus will give us the strength, wisdom, and even the words we may need to speak whenever we are faced with any form of opposition to the gospel, if we trust Him. That is the key. We must trust everything Jesus has said to us in the Holy Scriptures concerning what He has promised to do when we experience persecution.

In this season, it is essential that we are not cynical concerning our ministry, for such a mentality will not help us endure the things that will come. For Christ has sent us out as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16).

Jesus understood that His disciples would have a hard road before them—that they would suffer as He did. Hence, He said, “A student is not greater than his teacher. A servant is not above his master” (Matthew 10:24-25). Therefore, the student will share in his teacher’s fate.

A student of Christ should not only expect persecution but be prepared for it. They should be able to bear through it and continue their Kingdom work in the midst of persecution.

In our society, wicked men are likened to wolves. Their goal is to conquer, devour, and destroy (John 10:10). God's people are easy prey among them because they are like sheep among wolves. Although the trials they will face will be frightening, they can rest assured that Christ will be with them to comfort, protect, and help His disciples bear whatever comes their way.

​Part of helping them to be prepared is Christ telling His disciples what they should expect to experience.
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Although Christ’s disciples will suffer, there is hope. Jesus said, "He who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). Therefore, we should not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Matthew 10:26, 28).

Despite the persecution, there is hope in Christ. We must be mindful that our persecution serves a Kingdom purpose. Verse 18 of Matthew chapter 10 states that it is a testimony (evidence) to the persecutor and the Gentile nations, bearing witness to the truth and its glorious effect. Who would have guessed that our suffering could represent the beauty of the good news? Our suffering is for the greatest name on earth. We suffer for His name’s sake.

Despite this suffering, our hope rests in Him. Enduring such tumultuous times will guarantee us the privilege of being saved by the only one who can rescue us (Matthew 10:22b, 28).
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We must remember that we, as God’s creation, are worth more than sparrows. The Lord God provides for, protects, and takes care of all of them. We are worth more than these (Matthew 10:29). The hairs of our head are numbered—every strand. He knows exactly how many strands rest on our head.

Sukkot, also called the Harvest Festival and the Festival of Booths, is around the corner—October 16 through 23. We are looking forward to our annual family gathering, where we celebrate the gathering of the harvest and commemorate the miraculous protection God provided, not only for the children of Israel when they left Egypt, but also for the protection He provides for us as the Body of Christ in our preparation for exiting this world.

The Torah (the five books of Moses in the Bible), which contains the entire body of Jewish law, practice, and tradition, refers to Sukkot as Chag HaAsif or the Festival of Ingathering or Harvest Festival. It is sometimes called Chag HaSukkot – Festival of Booths.

Tradition holds that Israel grew its crops in the winter, and they were ready to harvest by late spring. During Chag HaAsif, it is a time when Israel expresses their appreciation for the bounty they have harvested.

Chag HaSukkot also refers to the temporary dwellings that God used to shelter the Israelites on their way out of Egypt.
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The first two days:
- Sundown on October 16 until nightfall on October 18 are Yom Tov (festive days).

The intermediate days:
- Nightfall on October 18 until sundown on October 23 are quasi-holy days called Chol Hamoed, which includes the festivals of Passover and Sukkot.
During this time, the Israelites dwelt in a Sukkah—a hut or booth roofed with vegetation, in which the autumn festival of Sukkot is observed.

Although our family will not observe these holy days exactly in the same manner as the Israelites, we will incorporate some aspects of it. For instance, we will provide our own version of the Sukkah, which will be an outdoor tent.

The final two days:
- Sundown on October 23 until nightfall on October 25 are separate celebrations: Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
 
We look forward to everyone being present, so mark it on your calendar! If you have any questions about the event schedule, kids' activities, or meals being served, contact Kne’Elle. For questions about the festival or related scripture, contact Felicia.
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See everyone there!