It has been a good week after coming back from observing the annual Feast of Tabernacles with over 700 brethren in Florida. This celebration has been a part of my life since I was born and continues to be for me and my family. In many respects it is the highlight of the year. One thing that has changed a little over the years is how I feel after. I used to be very down when it was over. In recent years I still feel a little sad but have learned to use what I have gained there to keep me going through the year ahead. There always seems to be something that helps you with the things that come your way in the time between the observations. I often find that those things I have learned help me with trials I experience in my life. Also, there are those things I have gained to help me be more joyous as well.

One thing I was reminded of is the prophetic timeline is the series of events that take place in the future. These days symbolize the end of the world we know but the restoration of Godly rule in its place. The greatest experience we look forward to is dwelling with God Himself. This is found in Revelation 21:  

The New Heaven and the New Earth

21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

 Even though many of us feel a little sad after it’s over, the prophetic events carry the promise of restoration and an end to sadness and God’s biggest enemy, death. It will be a great day when those things are gone. These promises give those people who are His something to look forward to that will never be found in this world. Though it is a little sad to come back from such a highlight of the year, the promises of what is to come always keep us looking ahead.

In Christ,

Stephan M. Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship