Every year, the Armstrong Churches of God designate various festival sites for their members to gather and observe the Feast of Tabernacles outlined in the Law of Moses. During their celebrations, there will be a large number of sermons delivered about the Kingdom of God coming to this earth. Indeed, for most of them, this festival celebrates the Millennial rule of Christ and his saints - a time of peace, happiness, and abundance. But is this really what this festival pictures? Is this what the festival symbolizes? OR Was this meaning imposed on the festival to fit Herbert Armstrong's interpretation of God's plan?
In previous posts, I have written about the fact that Torah's instructions for this festival had the Israelites construct temporary shelters around the Tabernacle or Temple to celebrate this festival. In some of those posts, I have also pointed out that Jesus Christ came to this earth to temporarily tabernacle in the flesh. Moreover, we should also note that Scripture alludes to the fact that humans currently inhabit a temporary dwelling, which we must someday leave behind for a more permanent home. Now, obviously, these things fit very well with the notion of a "Festival of Temporary Dwellings."
Even so, the Gospel of John records that Jesus observed this festival once upon a time in Jerusalem, and that he delivered two messages during his celebration of it. Now, I may be out in left field with this, but don't you think we should all be just a little bit interested in what he had to say on that occasion? For instance, did he talk about the Millenium? Did he discuss government? In short, what did Jesus talk about during the festival? Let's take a look!
John 7:16 So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. 18 Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. 19 Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me.”
20 The crowd replied, “You’re demon possessed! Who’s trying to kill you?”
21 Jesus replied, “I did one miracle on the Sabbath, and you were amazed. 22 But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.) 23 For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with me for healing a man on the Sabbath? 24 Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”
Now, that's interesting! He talked about the pitfalls of legalism!
37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)
New Living Translation
This is what Christ chose to talk about during his only recorded observance of this festival. Again, maybe it's just me, but don't you think that this might have some application to the meaning of these days?
I couldn't help but notice there was nothing in there about Bob Thiel or Rod Meredith.
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