Just a couple of days ago we observed and celebrated the Day of Atonement. The historical events for our example, and future events yet to come, offer a blessing of deeper understanding as we see our Adversary put away as to influence mankind no more and enabling true reconciliation to be a reality!

There is a reason we observe each week the first Festival mentioned in Leviticus 23, (His Sabbath), and also every year His feasts and Holy Days. We need to stay focused on God, and be reminded of the fact that His plan won’t fail, or discontinue. God is faithful and we can thank Him for that!

So, God’s plan now continues.

After the Day of Atonement comes yet more of His plan, the Feast of Tabernacles and Eighth Day.

Many have already departed for or will soon be doing so to observe this upcoming festival. Many will connect from their homes who are unable to travel to keep the feast. But we will observe these days coming soon.

This next festival period lasts for eight days. (Leviticus 23:33-39) picturing the finalization in God’s master plan and bring humanity into His Divine family.

These upcoming eight days includes the final two of God’s annual festivals and instructs the celebration of the completion of a full year of harvests. These two festivals symbolize the last two great spiritual harvests of humans under the reign of Christ.

The Feast of Tabernacles (the first seven days) also called the Feast of Ingathering depict this great harvest period (Exodus 23:16) and the 1,000 year rule of Christ immediately following His return or coming back to the earth. (Revelation 20:4-6). We call this the Millennium.

Back in Isaiah we see this future period described as a time of peace where the Law of God will go forth from Jerusalem to all nations (Isaiah 2:2-4). It appears that the nature of many of the animals will be changed (Isaiah 11:6, 65:25) and this earth will be much more productive than it currently is.  Even over my lifetime, having grown up in Nebraska, I see how the land is not as productive as it could be due to man’s mismanagement and forcing of the land to produce more without rest. (Isaiah 35:1).

This earth will be full of the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9). That’ an incredible amount of knowledge is it not? What we discussed during the Day of Atonement will also be a reality as Satan’s horrible influence will be removed, and humanity be instructed freely in God’s way.

The environment then existing will be one to offer all people the opportunity to repent of their sins and have a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ. They’ll need to make a choice and most will make the right one.

I would be remiss if I did not mention by the way, the in the New Testament we see our Savior himself attended this vitally important festival as well. (John 7:2, 10, 14).

The Final step in God’s plan of salvation is represented by a feast day at the conclusion of the Feast of Tabernacles. (Leviticus 23:39). The Eighth Day (or the Last Great Day) pictures the judgment of all mankind as described in Revelation 20:11-13. All people that have ever lived and died, not understanding God’s plan will be resurrected to life and given the awesome opportunity to respond to the call from God. This also pictures the completion of the spiritual harvest of mankind.

It’s so comforting, because we see that God desires that “all men be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4) and that none should perish, but come to repentance as 2 Peter 3:9 explains.

The Ekklesia follows Christ’s example of observing these days. John and Peter encouraged the brethren to walk in the steps of Jesus (1 Peter 2:21) and follow His command to teach others to observe all things He had commanded them. (Matthew 28:19-20).

Christ is coming back! It is a promise. Satan will be put away. Christ and His Father’s plan will be completed. You and I have an intricate part in the plan. It’s a glorious future to anticipate. May God speed that time!

…as I close this letter, as I do every Friday evening…as we enter His Sabbath…reflect on this with me, will you?

And again, may God continue to richly bless you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily. Please do pray for us as well.