Simchat Torah Through Christian Eyes: Celebrating with God's Living Word

Last night, I invited my granddaughters over for a dance party. We played some fun worship music and danced while holding our Bibles. We ended our time together with a lively discussion about the end times from the Bible.  We thought it was so special that Jesus called us “His bride.”  We can’t wait to eat at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.  (well – that’s another story….back to topic!) 

Why did we do this?  It might sound a bit strange.  We did it because we love celebrating Jewish holidays, and Simchat Torah sounded like fun. The day after Sukkot, Feast of Tabernacles, our Jewish friends celebrate Simchat Torah with joyful dancing.  Simchat Torah means “Rejoicing in Torah.” They do this because they are starting a new cycle of the yearly Torah readings with Genesis. The day before, on the last day of Sukkot, they read the final portion of the Torah in Deuteronomy.

    The Jewish community usually practices this in the synagogue, with the scrolls being the main focus.  This year, because of quarantine, many are celebrating at home or doing it virtually.  

Why do we cherish the precious Word of God?   Here is a short list:  

 1) It’s God’s blueprint for successful and joyful living.  After all, God created the universe and us, so it makes sense to look into His instruction manual. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3

2) He introduces Himself, His Son, and His Spirit to us, making the almighty God very personal.  Exodus 20:2-3

b. Jesus: Seven times, Jesus answers “I Am” when people question his identity. (Book of John)  

c. Holy Spirit: “Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.” John 14:26

3)  He provides us with His redemption plan. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 

4)  He tells us how it all began and how it will end. “In the beginning, God…” Genesis 1:1a and “I make all things new.” “No more death, sorrow, crying, or pain."  Revelations 21:4b and 5a

5) He wrote it! “All Scripture is breathed out by God…” 2 Timothy 3:16

6) It is living. “For the Word of God is alive and powerful…” Hebrews 4:12a

One of the songs we danced to was “Dance with Me” by Paul Wilbur.  

Won’t you join us in joyous celebrating and dancing of the Holy Scripture, the Bible?  

Several years ago, this one was already loving the Word and wanting to preach it!