Celebrating Truly Great Leadership
A commentary by Rex Sexton
United Church of God pastor, Olympia and Tacoma, WA
People all over the world are keenly interested in the outcome
of the U.S. presidential election, now less than month away. Interest
in the direction of America's leadership role in the world
under its next president is very high. No matter which candidate
wins, there will be joyful celebrations—and deep disappointments.
Another important celebration is taking place this month that goes
relatively unnoticed by most of the world. Its purpose is to celebrate
the administrative plans and commitments of an even more important future world
leader than the U.S. president.
The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ's return to earth from
heaven will be the most important event in the history of mankind.
It promise that He will come back to this earth in the same manner
in which He left (Acts 1:11). There will be, of course, some opposition
at first. But that will rapidly be put to rest.
When He comes, all human beings will stop what they are doing to
witness His stunningly powerful arrival on the world scene as its
permanent Ruler (Matthew 24:30). He will return to the exact spot
from which He left, the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem (Zechariah
14:4), then proceed to set up His government over the entire earth
(verse 9).
Many other scriptures describe this coming rule of Jesus Christ.
Cities devastated by warfare will be rebuilt (Amos 9:14). Deserts
will be transformed into lush orchards and farmland (Isaiah 35:1-2).
And people everywhere will live to a ripe old age in peace and prosperity
(Isaiah 65:19-23).
At that time all peoples will learn God's way of life from
the Holy Scriptures. The Bible describes it as a time when
the knowledge of God will cover the earth as water covers the seas
today (Isaiah 11:9).
Imagine what an incredible world that will be when everyone keeps
the Ten Commandments! Under the guidance of Christ's rule,
peace and prosperity will be enjoyed everywhere! Families will stay
together in love and happiness. There will be no more crime, no
hatred, no murder, no more of the intense suffering that is so common
today.
This is truly a time to look forward to with sincere anticipation
and joyful celebration. That is why for the seven day period of
October 14th through October 20th (on this year's Roman calendar)—many
devoted Christians from around the world have come together to celebrate
the Messiah' promised return for the purpose of administering
His righteous rule over all nations.
The biblical name of this celebration is The Feast
of Tabernacles. Its purpose is to celebrate the biblical
promises of that coming time when Jesus Christ will bring real
peace, prosperity, and happiness to all mankind. This festival's
peaceful theme and atmosphere stand in stark contrast to the immense
economic and political distress that is now dominating the headlines.
The wonderful, peaceful time that the Feast of Tabernacles represents
is commonly known as the Millennium because during that time Jesus
Christ is to be the Ruler of the world for one thousand years (Revelation
20:4). He will be assisted by the glorified saints as His administrative
officials, teachers and priests (Revelation 1:4-6, 2:26, 3:21, 5:10).
Congregations of the United Church of God have joined together
this week at numerous locations in the United States and Canada
and in over forty other nations around the globe to celebrate this
wonderful Feast of Tabernacles. Yet it is only one a total of the
seven annual celebrations that are sanctified in the Bible by God
as sacred, annual festivals. Together these seven festivals celebrate
the various aspects of God's plan of for the salvation of mankind.
God tells us that these seven celebrations are His feasts (Leviticus
23:2). They are not celebrations instituted by man—or limited
to any group of men or to any particular nation. God designed and
instituted them for the benefit of all mankind.
And each festival celebrates a specific role that Jesus Christ,
as our Savior, has played or will yet play in God's master
plan for our salvation. It is He—the Prince of Peace—to
whom we must look to bring truly great leadership and enduring peace
to this distressed world.
 I invite you to find out much more about God's wonderful,
biblically ordained celebrations and how they are to be observed
as our Creator intended. You may simply request, download or read
online for our free booklet: "God's Holy Day Plan, the Promise of Hope for All Mankind."
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