by Brandy Webb

Those of us who kept the Feast of Tabernacles are returning or have returned this week. I love the Feast of Tabernacles. It is always sad, though, when it is over. It is such a blessing to be able to partake of God’s Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day. It is a joy to be around His people for eight days, to hear good inspiring messages, and make friends. It gives us a tiny glimpse of what we all hope for and yearn for, the Kingdom of God. I know that the Kingdom of God will be much more enjoyable, but I am grateful to be able to at least get a small glimpse of the Kingdom when I am at the Feast.

This Feast, though, a very sad tragedy happened in Oregon. It is really hard to be reminded of how evil our world can be when you are enjoying God’s annual Holy Days. Yet, we should not give up hope. It is these tragedies that make us really yearn and pray for God’s Kingdom to come—when all things will be set right and sin will no longer exist, when the god of this world will be removed and the real King of Kings and Lord of Lords will reign forever and ever. Yet, as we wait, we need to remember, we have a job to do. We need to be lights in this world right now. One thing we all need to do is pray for those who do not know God and Jesus. We need to pray for those who have not come to repentance. We need to pray for our enemies. We cannot fight hatred with more hate, but we can fight hatred with love (Prov 10:12). Love conquers a multitude of sins (1 Pet 4:8). God doesn’t wish for anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance and everlasting life (2 Pet 3:9; John 3:16-17). We also need to pray for each other, for us to have wisdom this coming year, strength to endure what we may face, and the ability to live lives that show Christ to others.

I know it can be sad when the Feast is over, but we have work to do while we are still living. We are in training right now, as someone said at the Feast. We are training to become God’s children. Let us strive to walk the narrow path. May the Fruit of the Spirit grow in us all. Share your talents and your gifts. Give God all the glory. And remember that one day, a “new heaven and a new earth” will come, and God will dwell with His people. There will be no more tears, no more sorrow, and no more death (Rev 21:1-4).