Rod McNair

[The text below represents an edited transcript of the television version of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Jesus Gave Instructions on How to Make Disciples

Jesus told His disciples, “You will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” That’s in Matthew 10:23. In other words, they had a mission. They were to preach the Gospel to the cities of Israel.

But where were those cities? Many assume He was talking about the cities of the Jews. And certainly, they did go to those cities in His day. But what about after His death and resurrection? Where did they go? The apostles took the Gospel message to the Israelites where they had been scattered after the Assyrian captivity of 721 BC. And ultimately, that same Gospel was taken to regions all over the known world, as Christ commanded.

Notice what He said, in Matthew 28, verses 18–20.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

So, the Gospel message was made available to Israelites and non-Israelites. But did you notice something? Jesus also said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Preaching the Gospel Is the Mission of the Church

Did the preaching of the Gospel message stop with the death of the apostles? Or would it be preached in the time just before Christ’s return?

On today’s program, let’s answer that question. And at the same time, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at how Tomorrow’s World is striving to fulfill that very mission. In particular, I want to focus on live, in-person special events we call Tomorrow’s World Presentations. And later in the program I’ll give you an opportunity to request the free study guide we’re offering today, Where Is God’s True Church?

So, join us today on Tomorrow’s World, as we discuss the commission Christ gave to His Church, and how you can be a part of it. I’ll be right back.

Preach the Gospel of the Kingdom Until Jesus Returns

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World, where we help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible.

When Jesus was on this earth, He didn’t choose His disciples just so they could believe in Him and gain salvation. He called them to do a Work. And He describes that Work, or commission, in Matthew 28:19.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations….”

This is not an unfamiliar passage to many professing Christians. But there is another instruction of Christ, which is less well-known.

It’s found in Matthew 10:5–6.

These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Who are the lost sheep of the house of Israel? Well, certainly it may have included some of the Jews living around Jerusalem at that time. But students of the Bible will remember that there were ten other tribes of Israel that were long gone by the time Jesus lived. They had inhabited the northern portion of Israel, and were conquered by the Assyrians in 721 AD. They were exiled and never returned. Jesus directed His apostles to take the Gospel message to them. Notice what else Jesus said, in Matthew 10:23.

“…For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

He was telling them that this effort of taking the Gospel to the cities of Israel—scattered beyond Judea—would go all the way to the time of the end. And even when Christ returns, God’s servants would have not finished going through all the cities of Israel. In other words, they would be trying, but Christ’s return would cut their efforts short.

So, that’s exactly what the apostles did. After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, over time they scattered, traveling to the cities of Israel, where they had settled after the Assyrian captivity.

This fascinating story was brought out by our late fellow presenter, Rod King, in his telecast, “Where Did the Apostles Go?”

The point is, it was the Church’s mission to take the Gospel to the world. But also, in particular, to take that message to the cities of scattered Israel.

Fast forward almost 2,000 years.

Jesus said He would be with His Church to do His Work all the way to the end of the age. Where can you find that same Work being done today?

Tomorrow’s World Exists to Take the Gospel to the World

Tomorrow’s World takes Christ’s command to take the Gospel to the world seriously. That’s why we’re here.

And so, you’ll find our program being accessed all over the world, whether on network and local TV, or on the Internet. Whether you live in Mexico or Panama; India or Hong Kong; Lesotho or Eswatini. You can find it.

But you’ll also find that message being preached in the cities of modern Israel. That is, the English-speaking countries of the world and the nations in northwest Europe. There is a special focus, from Christ, to take the message to those places, based on Christ’s command.

How is that message going out? If you are a regular viewer of this program, you might be familiar with the presenters Gerald Weston, Richard Ames, Wallace Smith and me. If you’ve been watching Tomorrow’s World for some time, you might even remember, Roderick C. Meredith. He powerfully preached this same message for decades and served as the Presiding Evangelist of the Living Church of God before his death in 2017.

Going back further, some might be familiar with our predecessor in this Work, Herbert W. Armstrong. He started broadcasting on radio back in 1933. And that small start has grown into a Work reaching countries and territories all over the world. That’s what we’re doing today.

Platforms Tomorrow’s World Uses to Preach the Gospel

But sometimes people ask what’s behind Tomorrow’s World? Is it just a television program? That’s a good question. Let’s answer that.

Tomorrow’s World airs on local and network TV around the United States, across the North American continent, and all over the globe. We have a presence on YouTube, ROKU, and other platforms. Tomorrow’s World creates whiteboard videos and Viewpoint videos, addressing biblical topics and current social issues. And we do it in French, Spanish, Dutch, German and other languages. But one thing you may not be aware of is, we also organize live events. They’re called Tomorrow’s World Presentations. And one may be coming to a city near you.

At these live events we invite our subscribers to come and meet the television presenters and other speakers and ministers from the Living Church of God. The Living Church of God sponsors and produces Tomorrow’s World. Guests at these presentations also meet other supporters and co-workers of the Tomorrow’s World program, many of whom are members of the Living Church of God.

These live events are a real thrill to us, because they are a unique opportunity to get in contact with our viewers and readers. And it also gives them an opportunity to meet our presenters and others who are living the way of life we discuss on this program.

Maybe you’d like to know more about these live events. In a moment I’ll give you more details.

But first, let me offer you our free study guide, Where Is God’s True Church Today? In it, the late Roderick C. Meredith explains “God’s Church does the real Work of God.”

What is the Work of God? How can you know? Who can be a part of it? You don’t have to wonder. You need the answers to these questions. And there are answers. This study guide is absolutely free. We never ask for money, and we never will.

So call, click or write for your free copy. Order today.

These Efforts Teach the True Christian Lifestyle

Welcome back. In the last segment, we saw that Tomorrow’s World is not just a television program. It’s not just a media effort. Tomorrow’s World, sponsored by and produced by the Living Church of God, is about teaching a way of life.

A way of life of obeying God’s laws, accepting the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and being forgiven of sin. It’s a way of life of being empowered by the indwelling of God’s Spirit, through repentance and baptism and God’s grace and mercy.

It’s God’s way of life. And this program is backed and supported by the Living Church of God, made up of faithful members who have dedicated themselves to this same way of life. Through their generous support, Tomorrow’s World is publishing a warning and a witness to the world, in these end times.

Attend a Tomorrow’s World Live Event

One of the services we provide at Tomorrow’s World is live events. It gives our viewers and subscribers an opportunity to come and see a presentation on a given topic, and interact with presenters and supporters of Tomorrow’s World. We call them Tomorrow’s World Presentations. You may be surprised that we’ve held more than 1,100 of these events in the United States over the last 18 years. Outside of the US, we’ve conducted almost 700 additional events, in that same period. All told, more than 37,000 subscribers and guests have attended these presentations.

Now, why do we do this? And what are they all about? Live, in-person presentations have been part of this Work for decades. The Worldwide Church of God conducted live presentations decades ago, all over the United States and around the world. One of those events was in Kenya in 1975. It drew thousands of attendees to the Kenyatta Center in Nairobi. Recently, evangelist and regional director of the Living Church of God in the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa, Peter Nathan told of two men who attended that lecture way back in 1975. They are still dedicated, faithful followers of Jesus Christ to this day and members of the Living Church of God.

My wife and I spent time in the Philippines in the late 1990s. We would often hear ordinary taxi drivers speak of the times when live presentations were also done there as well, in the 1970s, at the Philippines Cultural Center, in downtown Manila.

The late Roderick C. Meredith also conducted in-person presentations many years ago, including a seven-week, five-nights-a-week program in London for subscribers to the Plain Truth magazine.

What to Expect at a Tomorrow’s World Presentation

In more recent times, in 2006, the Living Church of God began conducting these live events as well. Not filling huge arenas, but typically smaller gatherings of 30 or 40 interested subscribers at a time in a hotel meeting hall or conference center. But as I said, even in these small groups we’ve totaled more than 37,000 guests attending these events over the last 18 years.

In that time, we’ve covered such topics as:

• “What’s Ahead for America?”
• “The Gathering Storm”
• “Has Religion Failed You?”
• “After Armageddon”
• “The Mystery of the Holy Days”
• “Wake-up America”
• “Has God Abandoned Mankind?”
• And “Signs of Christ’s Return”

Outside of the United States, we’ve covered such topics as:

• “Canada in Prophecy”
• “Africa in Prophecy”
• And “What’s Ahead for Australia and the World?”

What we find so exciting about these events is that it gives us, as presenters, an opportunity to get around and personally talk to our viewers and subscribers. We usually have a 50-minute to one hour presentation, followed by a break and refreshments, where we can chat with our guests. Afterwards, we typically have a question-and-answer session to answer Bible questions. And then we stick around and continue to chat and answer questions on a one-on-one basis. Frankly, it’s helpful and instructive for us to learn what’s on the minds of those who are watching Tomorrow’s World.

After the event, we usually have a follow-up presentation, given by the local Living Church of God pastor in the area. Sometimes he’ll conduct a series of Bible studies. Some who are interested inquire about attending a Living Church of God Sabbath service as guests. There’s no pressure. It’s not an altar call. It’s simply a chance for you, as a viewer and subscriber to Tomorrow’s World, to learn more about the Work being done by Tomorrow’s World and the Church behind it. And it’s a chance for you to meet others. You’ll meet real people, who are facing the same challenges you are, and have the same concerns you have, as you navigate this increasingly chaotic and dangerous world.

Tomorrow’s World Presentations Are Free Events

By the way, in case you are wondering, these events are absolutely free. Like everything else we do at Tomorrow’s World, there is no charge. Some ask, how can we do that? Why don’t we ask for money? It’s simple. As Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 10:8,

“Freely you have received, freely give.”

And that’s our guiding principle here at Tomorrow’s World. We simply don’t ask for money. Of course, there are expenses. The cost of hall rental, sending out invitations, and providing refreshments, to name a few. But those expenses are shouldered by the generous tithes and offerings of the members of the Living Church of God and co-workers of Tomorrow’s World. They supply the financial support and, frankly, the on-site logistical support in setting up the event as well.

If you’d like to attend a Tomorrow’s World Presentation, I’ll be right back to show you how.

In the meantime, let me offer you our free study guide, Where Is God’s True Church Today? In it, Roderick Meredith explains,

“One of the ‘signs’ Jesus gave of His coming, and of the end of this age, was this: ‘And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come’ (Matthew 24:14)” (p. 25).

What is that Gospel of the Kingdom? How can you recognize it? And how can you get involved? Find out for yourself. Request Where Is God’s True Church Today?

Order by mail, by phone, or online. Order today.

How to Become Part of the Work of God

Welcome back. In the last segment, we saw that Tomorrow’s World is much more than just a television program. It is an effort by the Living Church of God to take the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to the world. Many of you rely on this program, Tomorrow’s World, to gain an understanding of what’s happening in your world. Some even write to us from time to time to ask questions about the Bible. Many of you let us know you are encouraged to know there is “someone out there,” boldly speaking the truth, straight from the Bible. My question is, are you just a spectator or do you want to be a participant?

Find a Tomorrow’s World Event Near You

Tomorrow’s World Presentations are an opportunity for you to find out more about this Work and how you can be a part of it.

To find out when a presentation is coming to your city, check out our website. That’s where we list upcoming events. All you have to do is go to tomorrowsworld.org, and click on the tab, “Presentations.” There you will find a list of upcoming presentations. Simply fill out the form and check the box of the city where you want to attend a presentation. An online invitation will be sent to you.

If you are a Tomorrow’s World magazine subscriber, an invitation will automatically be sent to you, when we have a presentation in your city. So, watch the website, and watch your mail, to find out when we’re coming to town.

Suggest Locations for a Tomorrow’s World Presentation

And if we don’t have one listed for where you live, write us a note. Give us a suggestion of where you’d like us to conduct one. Just go to the main website page of tomorrowsworld.org, click on the “Comments” tab at the top, and fill out the form to send us a comment. We’d love to hear from you. And while you’re at it, tell us why you want to have presentation in your area. Tell us if there are burning questions you’d like us to address.

You know, it’s exciting to be in front of this camera, knowing that what we record here in our Tomorrow’s World studio will reach out to thousands of viewers all over the world. But there is something equally or maybe even more exciting about doing these live, local events. Even if only a few dozen guests show up, that’s ok. Because those who do are there because they are hungry for the truth. They are searching for substance and meaning, and want to know what the Bible really says about our world today. And they want to know is there anyone else like me?

Support Tomorrow’s World in Taking the Gospel to the World

Jesus said His disciples would not go through all the cities of Israel before His return. Here at Tomorrow’s World, we’re doing our best to hit them all. As well, we are going to cities all over the world. But there’s so much more work to do. Tomorrow’s World Presentations are an opportunity for you to meet us, check us out, and decide, “Is this something I want to be a part of?”

In John 4, Jesus gave powerful insight into His Father’s Work. He had been speaking with a Samaritan woman while His disciples went into the city to get food. When they came back, they brought Jesus food as well, and they offered it to Him.

But notice His reply, in John 4:32, 34, and 35.

But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”… “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest” (John 4:32-35).

Jesus was no doubt referring to the Samaritans who at that very moment were coming out to meet Him, as a result of the testimony of the women He had talked to. Jesus was not against eating lunch. But He was trying to show His disciples that at that moment, the absolute highest priority was for Him to teach and help those who were seeking the truth. Lunch could wait. Notice, going further, in verses 37–38:

“For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

Get Involved in This Work

Jesus was saying you are not the first ones to be involved in this Work. Others have gone before, and you are building on the foundation they laid. I can see this applies in my life.

My parents heard this same message preached back in the 1950s and 60s, and it changed their life. Through them, my siblings and I were blessed to learn the truths expounded on this program. And now we have the chance to put our shoulder to the wheel in this Work.

In Matthew chapter 20, Jesus gave an analogy about the Kingdom of Heaven. He described the Work of God as a landowner hiring workers into His vineyard. He then described how some were hired in the morning, others at noon, in the afternoon, and the evening.

Finally, notice what He said in verse 6:

“And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive’” (Matthew 20:6-7).

When is the last minute? When is the 11th hour? If we think of it in prophetic terms, it’s those who would be doing Christ’s Work just before the end of the age. Could that be you?

Again, today we are offering an insightful and thought-provoking study guide, Where Is God’s True Church Today? As Roderick Meredith explains:

“Somewhere on earth, just before Jesus’ Second Coming, His true servants will be preaching with increasing power the message of the coming world-ruling Kingdom of God!” (p. 25).

Do you want to know more about that Work? This is not just about surface-level Christianity or “playing church.” This is about getting to know our Savior and participating in the greatest activity on the face of the earth. You need this study guide. It will open your eyes to what the Church Christ built is doing in the world today. And how you can be part of it.

So click, call or write today.

The Gospel Includes a Warning Message

In today’s program, we’ve been discussing our in-person, live Tomorrow’s World Presentations.

I want to leave you with one more thought. It’s found in Ezekiel chapter 33. It’s a challenge we take very seriously in this Work. Ezekiel was given a warning message to take to the house of Israel, of impending calamity. The only problem is, that nation had already been destroyed before Ezekiel received his commission. Figure that one out.

The only possible way this can make sense is that Ezekiel’s message was to be given to his fellow Israelites in a fulfillment in the last days. In other words, Ezekiel’s message was not for his day. It’s really meant for our day. Ezekiel 33, verses 1–7:

Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head….

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ “So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me” (Ezekiel 33:1-7).

Now, why is this important? The Church today should be fulfilling this Ezekiel warning. And yet, what are many churches doing? Getting involved politically? Pushing forward the woke agenda? Watering down God’s laws?

Ezekiel’s Warning Is for the End-Times

This warning is for us today. And if God has opened your eyes to His truth, what are you doing with what you know? Can you really sit idly by as a bystander, when the most important activity on earth is getting involved in and supporting the Work of the living God?

Jesus Christ is coming soon. He’s going to set up His government. He’s going to bring peace to a troubled world. He is offering a precious few the chance to be part of that team publishing this vital truth to a troubled world.

What an opportunity. Come to one of our Tomorrow’s World Presentations, if you want to hear more. It’s coming to a city near you.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Do You Keep the Feast of Tabernacles?

Ask anyone what Christmas is, and you’ll get an answer.

Everybody knows about Christmas. The same applies to Easter, the popular spring-time holiday. Even the U.S. President hosts an Easter egg roll each year on the White House lawn. What about the dark and sinister observance of Halloween? That holiday is world-renowned as well, even though it celebrates evil and demon spirits.

But ask the average person on the street about the Feast of Tabernacles and you’ll get some confused looks. Most, unless they are Jewish, won’t even have a clue what you’re talking about.

And yet, the Feast of Tabernacles is not just observed by Jews. A growing number of Christians keep this annual autumn festival every year. Why do THEY keep these feast days?

Maybe it’s time we peeled back the shroud of deception covering the Feast of Tabernacles. Let’s uncover the truth about this important holy day season described in the Bible.

What is the Feast of Tabernacles all about? And why should you care? I’m going to answer those questions in a few moments. Be sure to get ready to request your free study guide offered today, The Holy Days: God’s Master Plan.

So, what is the Feast of Tabernacles? We’ll answer that today on Tomorrow’s World. I’ll be right back.

God’s Seven Annual Holy Days in the Bible

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World, where we help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible. Most people today keep the traditional holidays of Christmas, Easter, and Halloween. Even if people are not religious, they may see these as times to gather with friends and family. But if you asked them, “What is the Feast of Tabernacles?”, they would probably be confused. If they’ve heard of it at all, they might think, “That’s one of those old Jewish holy days that Christ did away on the cross.” But is it?

New Testament Christians Kept God’s Festivals

The truth is the Bible reveals holy days that God instituted for His people. And yes, they are found in the Old Testament. But it may come as a surprise that they are found in the New Testament as well. And the New Testament Christians understood and observed these days. Let’s go through a brief overview of the biblical holy days.

1. Passover

First comes the Christian Passover. It occurs in the springtime, usually in early April. Passover reminds us that Jesus fulfilled the role of the Lamb of God slain for our sins. That’s why the Passover is important to Christians.

As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:7,

“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.”

In other words, the Christian Passover is the crucial first step in the plan of God, in bringing redemption to sinning mankind.

2. The Days of Unleavened Bread

The second of the annual feasts is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For New Testament Christians, these days teach us that we must change and grow. Christ’s sacrifice sets us free, but we can’t continue in sin. We have to resist sin and learn a new way of life, with God’s help. As Paul also says in 1 Corinthians 5:8,

“Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

3. Pentecost (a.k.a. the Feast of Firstfruits)

The third holy day in God’s calendar is the Feasts of Firstfruits. In New Testament times it was called Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth.” It was called Pentecost because the exact date of this holy day was calculated by counting fifty days from the starting point of the sabbath in the Feast of Unleavened Bread season. Pentecost occurred in mid-to-late May. In the Holy Land, this was the time of the beginning of the wheat harvest. For Christians in the New Testament, Pentecost was the day in 31 AD when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early Church, and that’s found in Acts 2:1.

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1–2).

What we learn from this feast day is that God is not calling everyone today, only a small group of firstfruits, the early harvest. The rest will have their chance later.

4. The Feast of Trumpets

The next holy day, or feast day, is called the Feast of Trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets usually occurs in mid- to late September in the Roman calendar, and prophetically represents the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. He will come to earth a second time. Only this time He will come in power and glory. Find out more about it on our tomorrowsworld.org website. Just look up the telecast, “What is the Feast of Trumpets.”

After the Feast of Trumpets comes the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement occurs in the Fall as well. It represents the source of sin, the devil, being taken away and mankind becoming “at one” with God.

5. Atonement

The Day of Atonement was still held in high esteem by New Testament Christians, as we find in Acts 27. In this passage, Luke detailed the journeys of Paul and his traveling companions as they sailed on the Mediterranean Sea. We’ll read it in the New International Version:

We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement (Acts 27:8–9, NIV).

How are we to understand this? Well, as already mentioned, the Day of Atonement took place usually in late September or even early October. And that time of year is a stormy season to be sailing on the Mediterranean. But the writer, Luke, used the Day of Atonement as a marker of time that his audience, even Gentile Christians, would be familiar with. Why would they care about the Day of Atonement, unless they were actually keeping it years after the Church was founded in 31 AD?

6. The Feast of Tabernacles

The next biblical feast day is the one we’re discussing today, the Feast of Tabernacles. In short, the Feast of Tabernacles is a seven-day period after the Day of Atonement, foreshadowing 1,000 years of peace, prosperity, and abundance on earth. This is still in the future, but it’s coming soon. Jesus Christ will personally reign on the earth. All humanity—those who survive the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord—will enjoy the benefits and blessings of living under the rule of Jesus Christ. We’ll touch on this holy day season in our next segment.

7. The Last Great Day

That brings us to the last feast day of God’s biblical Holy Days. This is called the Last Great Day. It follows on the heels of the Feast of Tabernacles and represents the time of the general resurrection. This is the time when the great masses of unsaved billions who never had a genuine opportunity for salvation will be raised to life and offered that chance. This day is for them. It’s after the 1,000-year millennium. Their understanding will be opened, God’s Spirit will be made available to them, and they’ll be offered eternal life.

So, that’s a brief overview of the seven annual Holy Days as outlined in your Bible. They’re not the Holy Days of the Jews. They’re not just special days for Israelites only. And they’re not only taught in the Old Testament. These are New Testament holy days that have powerful meaning for Christians today.

The Feast of Tabernacles Reminds Us This Life Is Temporary

But what about our original question, just what is the Feast of Tabernacles?

First, let’s examine the word, “tabernacle.”

The word “tabernacle” just means “tent.” The book of Exodus mentions that Moses built a “tabernacle” or “tent” in the wilderness to be the place of worship of the true God. As a tent, it was only a temporary dwelling. It was not the permanent house—or temple—later built by Solomon in Jerusalem.

To understand the significance of “tents” or “tabernacles,” we have to go back to the nation of Israel as they came out of Egypt. After suffering under the oppressive rule of Egyptian taskmasters, God set them free, around 1446 BC. They left Egypt and headed for the Promised Land. But along the way, they dwelt in tents, as they journeyed through the desolate wilderness.

Compare this with our life today. We are living a temporary, human existence. We are only strangers and pilgrims on earth, as Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:11. We seek a better future existence in God’s Kingdom, just like the children of Israel were seeking the Promised Land.

In fact, the Apostle Peter used the analogy of tents in describing his own life. Notice in 2 Peter 1:12,

“For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me” (2 Peter 1:12–14).

Peter compared his physical body to a tent—good for a temporary shelter against the rain, wind, and storms of life, but eventually it wears out. God wants us to learn and understand that our life is just a short journey, and then there is something better coming.

Why is this important? Well, we all have trials and struggles in this life. We all have pain. But there is a better world coming. And frankly, when God’s Kingdom comes, Christ is going to reign not up in heaven, but right here on this troubled earth. This is where the healing and comforting needs to take place. This is where the violence, warfare and hatred have to end. And this is where moral confusion will give way to a genuine understanding of the right way to live.

In other words, don’t be discouraged when you see bad things happen. The Feast of Tabernacles teaches us that this physical life is temporary. And it teaches us that there will come a time when Christ will reign on this earth to bring peace and prosperity to everyone.

There are many prophecies that detail this.

The Feast of Tabernacles Pictures the Millennium and Rule of the Kingdom of God 

Let’s read in Isaiah 2:2,

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills.”

When you read of mountains in the Bible, it’s speaking symbolically of governments. So, this prophecy says that in the future, God’s government will be set up on earth to rule over all other governments. That’s not happened yet. It’s still to come. Going back to Isaiah 2,

“Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in his paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:3–4).

Do you see this happening today? Of course not. Today, in every corner of this globe, our brothers and sisters cry out for a better world. In Europe and Africa; Asia and the Middle East; South America, North America, the Caribbean. We see corruption, war, poverty, and violence on a massive scale. It’s heartbreaking.

This world is coming to an end. Jesus Christ will personally stop the hatred and anger and bloodshed.

Notice in Isaiah 11:1:

“There shall come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse….”

Jesse was the father of David. The Messiah is spoken of as the son of David. So, this is referring to Jesus Christ.

“And a branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:1–2).

This is how Jesus Christ will govern when He returns. With equity, with justice and a spiritual insight that is hard for us to fathom in this world.

Going on in verse 3,

“…He shall not judge by the sight of his eyes, nor decide by the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins, and faithfulness the belt of his waist” (Isaiah 11:3–5).

Notice this summary statement in verse 9:

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”

Now ask yourself this: Is the earth today full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea? Any sane and rational person would have to say, “No way.” This world is not being governed by this Book. But that will dramatically change. Everyone will learn God’s way, and Jesus Christ will personally be on this earth to make sure that happens.

The point is, the Feast of Tabernacles—revealed in the Bible—which takes place in the fall each year, is a seven-day period that symbolizes the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, and that is good news. And that millennial period is just around the corner.

True Saints Will Reign With Christ as Kings and Priests

Peace and abundance will replace the violence and oppression of today.

So, let’s take it one step further. What does this have to do with you? Should Christians keep the Feast of Tabernacles? To answer that, let’s look at what God said to the ancient Israelites about this Feast of Tabernacles. We find it in Deuteronomy 14:23:

“… You shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make his name abide… that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always…. Go to the place which the LORD your God chooses. And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household” (Deuteronomy 14:23, 25–26).

This is describing the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles takes place in the autumn. And in ancient Israel, in an agricultural society, people were intimately connected to the land. When the time of the summer growing season was over, they celebrated the bountiful harvest in thankfulness to God.

It’s ironic that some mistakenly portray the feasts of God as a harsh burden. For those who think that, maybe they haven’t ever actually read what these feasts were like. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate a bountiful harvest with abundant food and festivities? And that, for seven whole days. It sounds like a wonderful time. If that’s a burden, count me in.

What’s more, the Feast of Tabernacles wasn’t all just about having fun. It was a celebration with the backdrop of honoring God and thanking Him for His wonderful way of life. And it was about committing to learn to honor Him and hold Him in awe, for His majesty and power; His love and His mercy. The Feast of Tabernacles was also a foreshadowing of the coming reign of Jesus Christ on earth.

So, what does this have to do with Christians today?

Christians Should Keep the Feast of Tabernacles Now

The book of Revelation provides a fascinating glimpse into the 1,000-year time period after Christ returns.

Notice what it says in Revelation 20:4,

“And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”

This is one of the most straightforward passages in the Bible about the future millennium. It will be 1,000 years of Christ reigning on earth. But as we just read, the glorified saints will reign with Him.

Why don’t you hear about this from most churches? After all, this was the belief of the early Christians.

The eminent English scholar and historian, Edward Gibbon wrote The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire in 1789. In it, he discussed how the early church looked at the doctrine of the millennial reign of Christ:

“The ancient and popular doctrine of the Millennium was intimately connected with the second coming of Christ. As the works of the creation had been finished in six days, their duration in their present state, according to a tradition which was attributed to the prophet Elijah, was fixed to six thousand years. By the same analogy it was inferred, that this long period of labor and contention, which was now almost elapsed, would be succeeded by a joyful Sabbath of a thousand years; and that Christ, with the triumphant band of the saints and the elect who had escaped death, or who had been miraculously revived, would reign upon earth till the time appointed for the last and general resurrection” (The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, 1862, p. 176).

This is exactly what we’ve been reading in the Scriptures. The prophecies of Isaiah and Micah and Revelation speak of a coming millennial reign of the Messiah. But again, why don’t most churches talk about this?

Let’s let Mr. Gibbon himself explain:

“It appears to have been the reigning sentiment of the orthodox believers; and it seems so well adapted to the desires and apprehensions of mankind, that it must have contributed in a very considerable degree to the progress of the Christian faith. But when the edifice of the church was almost completed, the temporary support was laid aside. The doctrine of Christ’s reign upon earth was at first treated as a profound allegory, was considered by degrees as a doubtful and useless opinion, and was at length rejected as the absurd invention of heresy and fanaticism (ibid.).

In other words, early Christians believed in the coming millennial reign of Christ. And it was a fundamental part of their belief. It gave them hope for the future.

But somewhere along the way, people were told the Kingdom was in their hearts. They were told the Kingdom is the church itself. And over time, the truth of Christ’s millennial reign was lost to many. But not all. Today, there are still Christians who keep these days. There are still Christians who value what the original Church taught and are eagerly looking forward to the triumphant return of Christ and His reign on earth.

After all, Jesus Christ Himself kept it. That’s explained in John 7:10. If we are following in the footsteps of Christ, should not we walk as He walked?

All Nations Will Learn to Worship God at His Feasts

Not only that, when Jesus returns to this earth, people all around the world will be keeping the feast days. That’s found in Zechariah 14:16:

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.”

This prophecy follows on the heels of the Great Tribulation, and the Day of the LORD. And it says that all of those who fought against Jesus Christ Himself will be observing this Feast. Just think of it. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Shintoists, agnostics, atheists, and yes, all who call themselves Christians—all will be keeping these days.

But what happens if some nations resist? Well, let’s read on in Zechariah 14:17.

“And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles” (Zechariah 14:17–18).

God knows that His laws are so important, that He cannot only invite the nations of the world to keep the Feast. He must make them, for their own good. And when they finally keep these days, they’ll begin to experience the deep satisfaction of living God’s way and the blessings from walking in His paths.

So, what is the Feast of Tabernacles? It’s an annual holy day season that God instituted so you and I could understand just how profoundly rewarding His way of life is. And so we can see there is great hope for the future. It’s not just a theoretical issue. It’s about obeying God, observing His days, and experiencing the way of life He intends for all mankind.

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