The resurrection of the Lord Jesus was characterized by the rejoining of His spiritual Personality with His flesh and bones, and then by the clothing of His flesh and bones with the most extraordinary capabilities. It is to the earlier resurrection, the out-resurrection of the royal priests that precedes the general resurrection of the dead, that the Apostle Paul was seeking to attain.

What could a man with the background of Christian experience and

ministry of the Apostle Paul have been striving to reach? Whatever it was, it remains as the goal of the Christian discipleship. Since the feast of Tabernacles typifies the fullness of salvation, we may say that Paul was seeking to attain the "Tabernacles" fulfillment.

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ. (Philippians 3:14)

Perhaps the most important idea contained in the thoughts we have presented on the last few pages is that there is a definite, attainable "mark" toward which the Christian is to be pressing. We are to be awaiting with joyful expectancy the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ from Heaven. But at the same time we must be pressing toward that mark, as Paul teaches. The mark is the fullness of the indwelling of Christ in us. He Himself Is the Resurrection and the Life.

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (Philippians 3:15)

Isaiah, Chapter Twelve. In the seventh chapter of the Gospel of John we find these words:

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (John 7:37,38)

What connection does the statement about "rivers of living water" have with the feast of Tabernacles, for it was during the "great day" (the eighth day—Simchat Torah ) of Tabernacles that Jesus spoke these words?

Perhaps the connection is that the fulfillment of the feast of Tabernacles is the setting up of the Throne of God in the heart of the Christian. The Holy Spirit flows as a river from the Throne of God, from nowhere else (Ezekiel 47:1; Revelation 22:1). When God is enthroned in the heart of the saint, the River of Life will flow forth for the healing of the nations.

The concept of the inner River of Life is found in Isaiah, Chapter 12, a passage of Scripture that the Jews associate with the feast of Tabernacles.

"Behold, God is my salvation;"

Let us repeat the message of the feast of Tabernacles. The fullness of salvation is not another spiritual principle or secret to add to our collection. God Himself is our goal. God is our salvation. Every other goal is in danger of becoming idolatry.

"I will trust, and not be afraid:"

The word trust is significant here. The experience of Tabernacles is characterized by a restful trust in the Lord, an abiding in Christ, a fearless, secure repose on the Rock of Ages. This kind of calm resting in the strength of Christ is an important part of the daily life of victory in Jesus.

"For the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song;"

It is not that the Lord merely gives us strength or gives us a song. He Himself is the strength. He Himself is the song.

To be continued.