Deeper Repentance Leads to Greater Celebration

As we follow God, it is important to observe God’s feasts. We observe biblical feasts every year according to our ability and prompting, including the Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost and Purim. This year, God has led us more deeply into the Day of Atonement, allowing co-workers as well as brothers and sisters to experience a significant renewal of life, so that we rejoice greater on the Feast of Tabernacles.

Last Thursday (October 10), all co-workers spent the whole day in sin confession and prayer and many were repenting in tears. The first among the co-workers to confess was worship leader Grace. Under the illumination of the Holy Spirit, she saw that as she served God, she fell into a situation where she felt bitter, distinguishing between good and evil, and fixating on the shortcomings of others. She found it difficult to worship and pray. In a quiet moment, she felt God calling her like He called Adam. She realized that she had been hiding. So she bravely stepped out to openly admit her low points. After confessing, she felt completely relieved and her previously strained relationship with some co-workers was resolved that very day. She openly offered her thanksgiving to God at once. She is a gifted child. As her relationships with God and with people are restored, I believe God will use her mightily.

Pastor Jason’s confession brought all people into even deeper confession. The work of God is amazing! Just before the Day of Atonement, Pastor Jason led a group of more than 40 people to Mount Sinai. A few of them nearly lost their lives as they strived to reach the top. Some members diligently went to gym and underwent intense climbing training prior to the trip. But they failed to reach the top, while those in average health and in lack of experience made it. It turns out that the same applies to the mountain of legality: no one can be justified by the law or their works; everything is by God’s grace. At last the entire group returned safely without any harm. While giving deep thanks to God, Jason deeply reflected before God, realizing that he had not held on to his identity and authority to take on responsibilities and lacked the sense of safety.

I thank God for putting Jason with me for 24 years, he means a lot to me. Through the confession God has led him to break free from his mindset of being the youngest in his family and to recognize that he is a great leader in 611, possessing authority and position. Such reflection will mature him.

Thank God that Jason took the lead to repent with his wife Pastor Anna in the three services on Friday and Saturday that immediately followed, and cell group leaders as well as brothers and sisters also came forward to confess. The whole Mercy Seat was filled with God’s compassion and grace of forgiveness. It is so precious that God has established the Day of Atonement to grant His grace of forgiveness, providing people with the opportunity to turn back and restore their relationship with Him.

Thank God that after confession, everyone felt relieved and was blessed with joy and freedom. Let’s celebrate the birth of Jesus in the Feast of Tabernacles this week greatly. He tabernacles among us forever and ever!■【2024.10.20】