The Bible reveals a future radically different from the world we know today. The Feast of Tabernacles, one of God’s annual festivals, pictures the coming Kingdom of God when Jesus Christ returns to rule the earth. This isn’t simply a hope for better government—it is God’s promise of a transformed world.
[Steve Myers] You've seen humanity try nearly every form of government imaginable. Kings, dictators, democracies, international organizations. They've all promised peace and prosperity. But what do you see? War, hunger, division, suffering all around you.
Why can't humanity solve its greatest problems?
The Bible reveals that you need more than another human solution. You need the righteous government of Jesus Christ.
One of God's annual festivals helps you understand what that government will accomplish. It's the Feast of Tabernacles. The Day of Atonement pictures Satan being removed so he can no longer deceive humanity. The Feast of Tabernacles shows you what happens next. Jesus Christ will return to rule the earth and the Kingdom of God will transform this world. This won't be another temporary political movement. It will be a complete change in government, in values, and in direction.
Isaiah 2:3 describes people saying, "Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. He will teach us His ways and we shall walk in His paths."
So, for the first time, you'll see the whole world being taught God's way of life.
Think about what that will mean for you and your family. Well, instead of nations preparing for war, Isaiah 2:4 says, "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore." You'll live in a world where children no longer grow up fearing war. Families - they won't grieve loved ones lost in battle. Nations will learn cooperation instead of conflict. In fact, even nature will reflect this peace. Isaiah 11:6 says, "The leopard shall lie down with the young goat. You'll see violence and fear give way to safety and harmony."
That's the world Jesus Christ will establish. But the Feast of Tabernacles, it's not only about what Christ will do in the future. It challenges you to consider where you place your hope today. Do you expect human government to solve humanity's deepest problems? Are you too comfortable in this world to look forward to God's Kingdom?
God commands His people to observe the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days, living in temporary dwellings and rejoicing before Him. Those temporary accommodations, they teach you an important lesson. Your present life isn't permanent. Hebrews 11 describes God's faithful people as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. So, like them, you've got to remember that this world isn't your final home. You're looking forward to something far better.
When you observe the Feast of Tabernacles, you're not merely remembering a future promise. You're rehearsing the coming Kingdom of God and learning to live by its values right now. The Feast gives you a glimpse of the world that's coming. A world of righteous government, abundant blessings, true worship, and and lasting peace. It renews your spiritual vision. It refocuses your hope. And it reminds you that God's promises are more certain than anything this world can offer. Humanity solutions, they'll continue to fail, but the coming government of Jesus Christ won't.
Place your confidence in the kingdom of God, rejoice in the future Christ will bring, and begin living by that kingdom's values right now.
The Feast of Tabernacles was a celebration of the large autumn harvest in the Holy Land. But it symbolizes so much more today. Explore the spiritual meaning in this physical event.
The Bible contains many prophecies about the future of the world. Get a detailed overview of that future, including what the Bible calls the “Millennium.”
Steve is the Operation Manager for Ministerial and Member Services of the United Church of God. He is also an instructor at Ambassador Bible College and served as a host on the Beyond Today television program. Together, he and his wife, Kathe, have served God and His people for over 30 years.
