United Church of God

Letter From Dan Dowd - September 10, 2021

Letter From Dan Dowd

September 10, 2021

Sabbath Thought - Historic Times

There have been times in mankind's history when an event takes place that changes the course of history: Adam and Eve decided to take of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil; Noah chose to obey God and build the Ark; the confusion of the languages at the Tower of Babel; Abraham covenanting with God; Josiah's righteous reign; Esther's defense of the Jews before King Ahasuerus; and more.

Of course, we can even look at spiritual events that changed the course of events in the affairs of mankind (for example): Satan's rebellion in the pre-Adamic world; Jesus Christ's perfect sacrifice; and God's protection of His people during the time in the "wilderness".

Then there are physical events like major wars, the rise and fall of empires, and geopolitical events.  Here in America tomorrow is the memorial of such a history changing event - the 9/11 attacks on this country.  How Americans traveled changed, another federal agency was created, political mores shifted facilitating a change in the definition of what constitutes marriage, the acceptance of same-sex marriage (and other forced acceptance of LGBTQ agenda items), a protracted (and failed) "war on terror" - all because of an accelerated rejection of God and His law.

When one considers mankind's collective history (and especially the mounting problems of the current times), it can all be very depressing.

But - there are future events coming that will change the history of mankind for the better!  We just observed God's Feast of Trumpets - a memorial in advance of the coming return of Jesus Christ to rule over mankind in order to give everyone the opportunity to be in God's Kingdom.  Next Thursday, September 16th, we will again assemble before God for His Day of Atonement.  That Holy Day pictures the removal of Satan as ruler over the affairs of mankind, the promoter of sin, and the antithesis of God's way of life.  Shortly after the Day of Atonement we have a full week of worshipping God during the Feast of Tabernacles picturing the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ with the saints of God.  That week also pictures an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity without Satan meddling in the world.  Last, but certainly not least, we follow up after the Feast of Tabernacles with the Last Great Day (the Eighth Day).  That Holy Day pictures the time when all who have ever lived and died without knowing God's plan of salvation will be given physical life once again in order to have the opportunity to learn how to live, so that God can give them eternal life in His family!

We are on the cusp of these history changing events.  We have a part in all of them even now, through our obedience to God in His law, in being a living example of God's way of life, and in taking on His nature and character so we will be given eternal life at the return of Jesus Christ.

We live in truly historic times.  The events that will take place between now and the fulfillment of the fall Holy Days will not be pleasant times, but they are necessary for God to show mankind that they cannot rightly rule themselves.  May we be about our Father's business.  May we remember the hope He gives to us (and indirectly all of mankind) through His Holy Days.  May we always work with the Father to make our calling and election sure.

I wish you a profitable and value filled Sabbath,

Dan Dowd

10 September, 2021

P.S. This will be the last Sabbath Thought until October 1st.