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Kings and Priests Under Christ #1
The government of God is on the shoulders of Jesus Christ into the ages of eternity
Fred R. Coulter—October 17, 2016
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Greetings, brethren! Welcome to the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles! Time sure marches on!
The Feast of Tabernacles pictures a fulfilling in God’s plan to restore the earth and to restore human beings. It involves everything that God has done. Let’s see something very important, because there are certain places in the Bible that show us and tell us what God is going to do and how God and His throne, the angels and all of them react.
This is important for us to understand, and this will help us to realize that human beings cannot, absolutely cannot govern themselves apart from God. God has made us to need:
His Truth
His Spirit
His love
His commandments
and all of the things that we know
What’s going to happen is God has called us to teach us and train us so that—as we will see through this Feast of Tabernacles—we are to be the teachers, the kings, the priests and the leaders to bring peace to the world and help fulfill the plan of God!
Let’s see about the Feast of Tabernacles and the command for keeping it. It’s very interesting, indeed, as all the Holy Days of God tell what His plan is when put together with the rest of the Bible and other Scriptures, so we can understand what God is doing, how He is doing it and the approximate timeframe in doing so.
One of the most important things that we need to learn in this physical life is that we are temporary! That’s why it’s the Feast of Tabernacles.
Lev. 23:33—this is today, the 15th day of the 7th month. This year it’s considerably later than last year. Why is that? This year is unique, it is a leap year with 13 months, plus it is also the last year in a 19-year time cycle! That makes this unique, and the plan of God fits around the Holy Days.
Leviticus 23:33: “And the LORD spoke to Moses saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, saying…’” Not only is it for Israel, but it’s also for the Church. We find in John 7 that Jesus and His disciples kept the Feast of Tabernacles.
“‘…“The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the LORD. On the first day shall be a Holy convocation. You shall do no servile work therein…. [that’s today, the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles] …Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD….”’” (vs 34-36).
You go back and read Num. 28 & 29 all the offerings that were to be brought daily, monthly, Sabbath and all of the Holy Days all the way through. Some people have thought that they ought to make their offering the way we do it today every single day. Well, that’s not necessary at all!
“…On the eighth day shall be a Holy convocation to you….” As we will see, the eighth day turns out to be the least mentioned in the Bible, but the most fantastic of all in God’s plan for the rest of all of mankind. Isn’t that something? That’s why we have the Last Great Day.
“…And you shall offer an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly. And you shall do no servile work therein. These are the Feasts of the LORD which you shall proclaim to be Holy convocations to offer an offering made by fire to the LORD, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, everything on its day; besides the Sabbaths of the LORD… [every Holy Day is a Sabbath] …and besides your gifts, and besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings which you give to the LORD” (vs 36-38).
We are to take up an offering. What is instructed in Deut. 16:16 tells us about what we are to do as individuals, as it applies to us today.
Deuteronomy 16:16: “Three times in a year shall all your males appear before the LORD your God in the place which He shall choose: in the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and in the Feast of Weeks, and in the Feast of Tabernacles. And they shall not appear before the LORD empty.” Every offering should be accounted for and planned, something that you bring to God to honor Him!
Verse 17: “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God, which He has given you.” So, we are to count our blessings! We are to look at the blessings that God has given us, beginning with
His Word
His Spirit
add to that:
understanding His plan
the Holy Sprit dwelling within us
our great future to be kings and priests to rule the world
That’s what the Feast of Tabernacles is all about!
If you don’t see that in the world today that this world needs the Kingdom of God then surely that one doesn’t understand very much. This is the blessing that God says that He will give to us. Think of everything that God has:
given you
promised you
intervened for you
when you come to bring an offering to God!
(pause for the offering)
Let’s see that the earth and everything that God has created on it is the central focal point of His plan in eternity for His family. That all of the creation of God is centered around that plan.
In Rev. 4 & 5 we find a vision given to John concerning the throne of God, God Himself and Jesus Christ. Jesus as the Lamb of God was the One, , the only One, to open the seals. But this is such a tremendous event when this takes place, what happens when He took the book. I want you to think about this, and we will also see that it happens at the resurrection, and when the Kingdom of God is established. Quite a fantastic thing!
Revelation 5:8: “And when He took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having harps and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” So, they administer our prayers directly to God the Father and Jesus Christ. Think about that! That’s quite an amazing thing!
Verse 9: “And they sang a new song, saying…” Think about the song we’re going to be sing, concerning the new and song and the marriage of the Lamb, and coming down to take over the earth.
“…‘Worthy are You to take the book, and to open its seals because You were slain, and did redeem us to God by Your own blood, out of every tribe and language and people and nation.’” God has done that because He wants all the nations to be under His kingdom, authority and government. Remember: the government is on the shoulders of Jesus Christ, Who is the King!
We will what happens also when absolute authority is given to Jesus. Notice how everything in heaven around the throne of God, everything on the earth, and in the earth, under the earth and in the sea praises God for this moment.
Verse 11: “And I saw and I heard the voices of many angels around the throne, and the voices of the living creatures and the elders, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory and blessing.’ And every creature that is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and those that are on the sea, and all the things in them, I heard saying, ‘To Him Who sits on the throne… [God the Father] …and to the Lamb, be blessing, and honor, and glory, and sovereignty into the ages of eternity’” (vs 11-13).
See, brethren, God has called us to a marvelous and awesome eternal plan! His plan is so absolutely perfect that the whole creation praises God because of what He is doing.
Verse 14: “And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen.’ And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him Who lives into the ages of eternity.”
Let’s see what happens when the seventh trumpet is blown—we’ve already covered this for Pentecost—but the same thing occurs.
Revelation 11:15: “Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign into the ages of eternity.’” Tremendous! Yes, indeed! That includes us!
Notice again what the 24 elders do, v 16: “And the twenty-four elders, who sit before God on their thrones, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, ‘We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come; for You have taken to Yourself Your great power, and have reigned’” (vs 16-17).
That’s when the Kingdom of God begins; begins with the resurrection of the saints from the dead, and those who are alive and are changed. We’re all carried to the Sea of Glass on that last Pentecost. There the business of learning of what we are going to do will take place for the four months between Pentecost and Trumpets and then on into Tabernacles.
Verse 18: “For the nations were angry… [we’re going to have to really deal with some things] … and Your wrath has come, and the time for the dead to be judged, and to give reward to Your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to all those who fear Your name, the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth…. [so fantastic was this event that]: …And the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the Ark of His Covenant was seen in His temple; and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and an earthquake and great hail” (vs 18-19). Sounds an awful lot like Rev. 5.
Now we come to the marriage of the Lamb, and us coming back to the earth on Trumpets. Notice what a celebration that is here, what an event that this is. This is done in preparation for that final battle, the rest of Rev. 19, and then, as we saw for Atonement, the putting away of Satan and the demons. That has to be, then the setting up of the Kingdom of God.
Brethren, we are going to be the principle ones from Abel all the way to the last two witnesses, all the patriarchs, all of the prophets, the apostles and the saints. This is a tremendous event, and then the marriage supper of the Lamb takes place.
Revelation 19:1: “And after these things I heard the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven… [all the resurrected saints on the Sea of Glass] …saying, ‘Hallelujah!…. [Think of the celebration that is going to be] …The salvation and the glory and the honor and the power belong to the Lord our God.’”
Notice that every time there is a major fulfillment in the plan of God, there is this going on at the throne of God in heaven, and really in the whole creation.
Verse 2: “‘For true and righteous are His judgments… [and we’re going to carry them out] …for He has judged the great whore, who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and He has avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.’ And they said a second time, ‘Hallelujah!….’” (vs 2-3).
We are going to be so happy when all evil is destined to be put down and bring true peace, true righteousness, true love to this world. Think of that! That’s what we are called to do!
Verse 4: “…‘Amen. Hallelujah!’”
Verse 6: “…‘Hallelujah! For the Lord God Almighty has reigned. Let us be glad and shout with joy; and let us give glory to Him; for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready’” (vs 6-7).
Fantastic thing! Notice what it says here, v 9: “And he said to me, ‘Write… [God wanted this written down so that we would know] …Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’” Then we all come down with Christ to fight in that last battle!
This is the very purpose of our calling and what God wants us to do. He has such a fantastic plan that it is going to be so marvelous. Like Jesus said, ‘the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist.’ Think of that!
Rev. 20—this is after Satan is put away, because you have to get rid of Satan the devil. There can never be any true righteousness without him being gone.
Revelation 20:4: “And I saw thrones; and they that sat upon them, and judgment was given to them; and I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the Word of God, and those who did not worship the beast, or his image, and did not receive the mark in their foreheads or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” Amazing!
Verse 6: “Blessed and Holy is the one who has part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power. But they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” And on into eternity from there!
Let’s see another view of how the Kingdom of God comes to take over the earth, and we’re going to be there with Christ. How that Jesus will be King over all the earth. This is quite an event:
the return of Christ coming to Jerusalem
the resurrection of the saints
the fulfilling of the plan of God
the setting up of the Kingdom of God
It’s going to so marvelous and great! There is nothing, nothing, nothing in this world compared to it. We’ll be part of this:
Zechariah 14:1: “Behold, the Day of the LORD comes, and your spoil shall be divided in your midst, ‘For I will gather all nations to battle against Jerusalem…’” (vs 1-2). We know what that is about, we covered that on the Day of Trumpets.
Verse 3: “And the LORD shall go out and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle. And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives…” (vs 3-4). That’s where Jesus ascended into heaven to be with the Father at the right hand of God.
So fantastic is this event, so powerful is this; think of this compared to when God came down on Mt. Sinai. This is even greater.
“…the Mount of Olives shall split in two, from the east and to the west, and make a very great valley. And half of the mountain shall move toward the north, and half of it toward the south” (v 4). It’s going to re-construct the whole face of the earth beginning right there in Jerusalem. Quite a marvelous thing!
Then it says, v 5: “…And the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with You.” There we are coming back to the earth; quite a thing!
What’s going to be the first message that goes out to all the world?
After all the wars, all the killing, all the destruction, all of the upheaval, everything destroyed and damaged?
The psyche and emotion and heart of every man and woman who survives is going to be really traumatic!
We will see that one of our first jobs is helping them to understand that now it’s all over, now it has come to an end. ‘We have been sent by God to bring you this message, that God has returned to the earth.’
Psa. 97 is going to be our message; we’re going to be able to help people, to serve them, to bring them to understanding about God. This carries right on with what we have covered in the Scriptures before:
Psalm 97:1: “The LORD reigns…” That’s the message! The government of God is here! The government of the saints of God, who are the kings and priests, are going to rule all nations. We’ll have love, strength, Truth, but full authority and power. God is going to have to deal with human beings, and we’ll see how that is. But that will be through us.
“…let the earth rejoice… [Rev. 4; 5, 11; 19] …let the multitude of islands be glad. Clouds and darkness are all around Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (vs 2-3).
That’s what we are going to bring to the world! No more troubles, wars, killing, looting, lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, drugs; all of that will be gone!
Here’s how He comes, v 3: “A fire goes before Him and burns up His enemies round about.” That’s what took place when we came down from the Sea of Glass.
Verse 4: “His lightnings light up the world; the earth saw and trembled. The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the people see His glory” (vs 4-6). That’s going to be quite a thing! Yes, indeed!
Then all of those who have been sinners, v 7: “All those who serve graven images are ashamed who boast themselves in idols; bow down to Him, all you gods. Zion heard and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of Your judgments, O LORD, for You, LORD, are most high above all the earth; You are exalted high above all gods” (vs 7-9).
That’s probably referring to us, because we’ll be the sons and daughters of God. It also applies to the idols that are going to be destroyed. They’re all going to be obliterated. There won’t be anymore idols.
Verse 10: “You who love the LORD, hate evil!… [this is what we are to do to get there] …He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones, and praise His Holy name” (vs 10-12).
That’s what we are going to be teaching and doing. Think about what we’re going to be able to do.
Psalm 98:9: “Before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth; with righteousness He shall judge the world and the people with equity.”
Psalm 99:1: “The LORD reigns; let the people tremble. He sits between the cherubim; let the earth quake. The LORD is great in Zion, and He is high above all the people. Let them praise Your name as great and awesome; Holy is He. The strength of the King also loves justice; You established uprightness; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool, for He is Holy. Moses and Aaron were among His priests, and Samuel” (vs 1-5)—and all of us will be there, too.
Verse 8: “You answered them, O LORD our God; You are a forgiving God to them, though You took vengeance for their deeds. Praise the LORD our God and worship at His Holy mountain, for the LORD our God is Holy” (vs 8-9). This is what we are going to be teaching, and this is what we are going to administering.
God has His part that He has to do. We’ll see that in just a minute.
Psalm 100:1: “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.” This recalls what we read in Rev. 5: all the earth, everything in the earth.
I don’t know how all of these different animals are going to do it, those that are in the sea and all the birds and everything that there is. But it’s going to happen!
Verse 2: “Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God. He has made us, and we are His; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture” (vs 2-3).
That’s talking about all of those in the first resurrection. Understand that everyone who comes into the Kingdom of God during the Millennium and during the Great White Throne Judgment will not be a part of the intimate Family of God as those who are in the first resurrection. Think on that!
that’s why it’s so important
that’s why we need to value everything that God has given us
So that we can prepare and be ready. We have the opportunities that people in the past have not had.
When we come before God—and that’s going to be quite a thing—v 4: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; give thanks unto Him and bless His name, for the LORD is good; His steadfast love is everlasting; and His faithfulness endures to all generations” (vs 4-5). Quite a thing!
When we come before God it going to be quite a tabernacle there.
Isa. 4 gives us a glimpse of what it’s going to be like in Jerusalem. Remember how we saw that there’s going to be a great valley; it’s going to be absolutely something! Then there’s going to be a great canopy over Jerusalem. There isn’t going to be a physical temple that will be built. Whatever different ones that Ezek. 40 onward is the Millennial temple, it’s not; that’s the second temple.
Isa. 4 is all we know; God doesn’t tell us anymore. Sometimes He gives us just enough information so that we see that, yes, this is going to be amazing; this is going to be quite a thing when we go to Jerusalem.
Isaiah 4:5: “And the LORD will create over every dwelling place of Mount Zion… [where the throne of God will be] …and over her assemblies…”
How many will be there serving Him? 144,000, some from the great innumerable multitude! They will be serving right there at the throne of God. It is going be an active powerful place. It’s not going to be some little building; it’s going to cover the whole area.
“…a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be a canopy. And there shall be a tabernacle… [God is going to live in a tabernacle] ….for shade by day from the heat, and for refuge, and for shelter from storm and rain” (vs 5-6).
It’s going to be quite a place there. When we come up before God to Jerusalem, that’s going to be something, yes, indeed! Let’s keep that in mind.
Let’s see what God has to do for the people. Something has to happen to change their hearts and minds and their attitudes. We have to really understand Isa. 2 because this is going to be the parameters around in which we serve the world.
Isaiah 2:2: “And it shall come to pass, in the last days the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow into it.”
In other words everything concerning the worship of God, the government and the individual lives of every human being. Everything is going to flow out of Jerusalem to all of us who are kings and priests, and we will administer it. It’s not going to be directly controlled right there in Jerusalem where everything goes there. No! It flows out and flows in!
Verse 3: “And many people shall go and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. And He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem.”
That’s how it’s going to go: it’s going to come from God then down to the us, to the people and the people coming back. It’s really going to be a great and a marvelous system.
Verse 4: “And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people…” Not all are going to submit willingly. Some are going to fight and war. That’s another topic that I’ve covered in past Feasts of Tabernacles about Gog and Magog and how they submit. But it takes seven years to get the whole world under control. God is not going to make it happen immediately.
He’s going to give them the chance to repent
He’s going to give them the chance to come to Him
If not, then He’ll have to rebuke them!
“…and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (v 4). Isn’t that what we teach our children from crib to the grave.
Pray tell, when has there not been war? It’s in the nature of men and Satan! They have to learn no more war, no more killing, no more war-games for children. Not going to learn it anymore!
Let’s see how God is going to bring this about. Let’s see what needs to take place, and it begins first of all with the tribes of Israel. Then those nations that come up to Jerusalem and say, ‘We are here and we are the representatives of our nation and we want you to sent your kings and your priests to come with us back to our nation and teach us your way, teach us your laws and help us.’ The first thing that they’re going to be told to do is get rid of every weapon, every sword, every spear, every gun, etc.
So, He begins with Israel, Jeremiah 31:1: “‘At that time,’ says the LORD, ‘I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.’” All 12 tribes! That’s going to be quite a marvelous and wonderful thing to behold, and God is going to do it!
(go to the next track)
Jeremiah 31:1: “‘At that time,’ says the LORD, ‘I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.’ Thus says the LORD, ‘The people who were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I will go to give him rest’” (vs 1-2). That’s what the Millennium pictures:
Rest!
Peace!
Love!
Joy!
Truth!
Righteousness!
Goodness!
Health!
All of the things that people crave and want.
Verse 3: “The LORD has appeared to me from afar, saying, ‘Yea, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with loving kindness I have drawn you.” Quite a message to Israel!
Verse 4: “Again, I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin of Israel. You shall again put on your drums, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice. You shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things. For there shall be a day that the watchmen on Mount Ephraim shall cry, ‘Arise and let us go up to Zion to the LORD our God!’ For thus says the LORD, ‘Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations. Cry out, give praise and say, “O LORD, save Your people, the remnant of Israel”’” (vs 4-7).
It shows what they’re going to do, v 9: “They shall come with weeping, and with prayers I will lead them…. [through us] …I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way; they shall not stumble in it, for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn.’”
Then what is He going to do? Let’s see how this is going to work.
How long has the world wanted peace?
How many wars have been fought to bring peace?
Yet, none of them can do it because they leave God out!
God is going to come and they will come to God. We are going to serve them and help them. Notice what He’s going to do:
Verse 11: “For the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of the one stronger than he. ‘Therefore, they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and the herd. And their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not pine away anymore at all’” (vs 11-12).
Think of what kind of society that we are going to be a part of in bringing it to the whole world beginning here with Israel.
Ezek. 36 is quite a chapter and brings a lot of good things to mind about the Millennium. But it also shows something very important that one of the things that is necessary first is that the curse from Adam and Eve has to be lifted from people. What is that curse? The severity of the law of sin and death! That has to be chained, and God shows that He has to do it.
When Israel comes back, He has a message for them, because He sent them off into captivity because of their sins. Now they have learned their lesson.
Ezekiel 36:22: “‘Therefore, say to the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My Holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.’” God is going to carry out His Word and His Truth. He is going to bring it.
Verse 23: “And I will sanctify My great name, which was profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. And the nations shall know that I am the LORD,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘when I shall be sanctified in you before their very eyes.’” So, Israel is going to be saved first.
Verse 24: “For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all countries, and will gather you into your own land.” God is going to straighten out the distribution of Israel, and the distribution of all people, because He’s given certain lands to certain people, and they will be there.
Here’s what God needs to do to change the nature of men and women so that we’re not hostile by nature against God:
Verse 25: “And I will sprinkle clean waters upon you, and you shall be clean. I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from your idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh” (vs 25-26)—back to what it was before Adam and Eve sinned.
That has to be not only for Israel, but for all people. We’re going to be a part in bringing that about.
Verse 27—conversion: “And I will put My Spirit within you… [an opportunity for conversion] …and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My ordinances and do them. And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers. And you shall be My people, and I will be your God” (vs 27-28).
that’s the reason for the Feast of Tabernacles
that’s the reason why we are here
We have to now be trained so that we can be the kings and the priests, and we can help bring this about. God says that He will do it, but He’s going to work through us to carry it out.
Verse 29: “I will also save you from all your uncleannesses, and I will call for the grain, and will increase it, and will lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruits of the tree and the increase of the field, so that you shall never again receive the curse of famine among the nations” (vs 29-30). Quite a tremendous thing!
This reminds me of the parable of the prodigal son who took his inheritance and went to a land and ended up there in famine. Finally, he came to his senses and said, ‘I’m going back to my father.’ His father accepted him back—didn’t he? Well, this is what’s going to happen on a massive scale with the children of Israel.
Verse 31—repentance; there must be repentance: “And you shall remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.” That’s going to be really quite a change, yes, indeed! God is going to grant that repentance! That means He’s also going to grant them also salvation.
This is quite a thing, God’s plan with the Feast of Tabernacles and what He’s going to do to the world and for the world and the people through us. It’s an amazing thing, hidden within all the pages of the Bible! Quite astounding—isn’t it?
Verse 32: “‘I do not do this for your sake,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘be it known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel.’ Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘In the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the waste places shall be rebuilt. And the wasteland shall be tilled, instead of being desolate before all who pass by’” (vs 32-34).
Verse 36: “‘And the nations that are left all around you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places and planted that which was desolate. I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it.’ Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘I will yet be sought by the house of Israel to act for them. I will increase them with men like a flock. As a Holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men. And they shall know that I am the LORD’” (vs 36-38).
Tremendous things are going to happen! It’s amazing when you go through and analyze all the verses and see how much is in the Bible. Think of the tragedy of those who reject the Bible, those who say that the Old Testament has been fulfilled. Well, has any of this been fulfilled? No! Remember what Jesus said: everything, the Law and the Prophets, are going to be there ‘until everything has been fulfilled.’ When He said that, not everything to be fulfilled had yet been revealed. There was none of the New Testament written, nothing known about New Jerusalem and the new heavens and the new earth.
Let’s see how Israel is going to react; let’s see how they will do. Then we will see what we need to do to become the kings and priests that’s God wants us to be. Everything we read here of what God says He’s going to do, He is going to use all the resurrected saints to do it. That’s why we need to learn to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and being. That why we need to understand the commandments of God. Let them be in our heart and mind, because we’re going to be the teachers of these people. That’s going to be quite a new experience, as well.
Listen, the whole future of God’s plan lays before us and it’s a fantastic and wonderful thing. Don’t worry about the difficulties going on the in the world. They aren’t going to be solved by men; you can’t put your trust in any man! God is going to take care of it, and you have been called to be a part of it.
Isaiah 12:1: “And in that day you shall say, ‘I will give thanks to You O LORD; though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You do comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation’” (vs 1-2). That’s the way we need to approach God, as well.
Verse 3: “And with joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation.” Think of that! Tie that in with John 4 where Jesus was talking to the woman at the well, the woman from Samaria, and He said, ‘I have living water to give you.’ She thought that had to do with the well that was there. NO! “And with joy you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation.” That is a fantastic verse; think of how awesome that will be.
Verse 4: “And in that day you shall say, ‘Praise the LORD! Call upon His name; declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the LORD; for He has done gloriously; this is known in all the earth’” (vs 4-5).
This is talking about the Millennium and the salvation of people. I love that! “…draw water out of the wells of salvation.” How fantastic is that! It is absolutely amazing how much there is in the Bible about the Millennium and the Kingdom of God on earth. It is staggering!
Isaiah 14:1: “For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel and set them in their own land; and the stranger shall be joined with them, and they shall cling to the house of Jacob. And the people shall take them and bring them to their place; and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids. And they will take them captive whose captives they were, and rule over their oppressors. And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give you rest…” (vs 1-3).
This is part of what we are going to do, rest; that means relief, calm down, get your emotions squared around:
“…from your sorrow, and from your fear, and from the hard bondage, which was imposed on you. You shall take up this song against the king of Babylon… [Satan the devil] …and say, ‘How the oppressor has ceased! How his fury has ceased! The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers who struck people in wrath, with unceasing blows, ruling the nations in anger, with an unrelenting persecution. All the earth is at rest and is quiet; they break out into singing” (vs 3-7). That is the Lord reigning!
Let’s see how we get there. First of all, look at one of the basic requirements that was given to the king. If we’re going to reign as kings and priests, we need to know the Word of God, we need to understand the Word of God; we find in Heb. 8 & 10 that God is going to write them in our heart and mind. How do we get them written there? It takes work! It takes study!
Deuteronomy 17:14: “When you come to the land, which the LORD your God gives you, and shall possess it and shall live in it and shall say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me.’” Of course, in the Millennium that’s going to be done away.
God is going to set the kings
God is going to set the priests
God is going to establish everything that there is
through His Spirit
through His Word
through His Family
through us
to bring it to all the nations!
Verse 15: “You shall surely set a king over you, whom the LORD your God shall choose….”
Are we chosen? Yes!
Are we going to be over them? Yes!
Are we going to teach them? Yes!
Are we going to bring rule and love of God? Yes!
Everything about it, and salvation!
Verse 16: “Only he shall not multiply horses to himself….
Verse 17: “Nor shall he multiply wives to himself…”
Verse 18: “And it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom…” We’re preparing to sit on that throne.
Didn’t we read thrones (Rev. 20) and they that sat on them? Yes, indeed!
“…he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book from that which is in the custody of the priests the Levites” (v 18). We’ve got more than just the Law today. We’re going to need the Law, because the laws that are here are going to be the laws of the whole world; so, we need to know them, as well.
Verse 19: “And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life…” Even though we’re going to be kings and priests, we have to be as Jesus was. How was Jesus? He was a servant! That’s what we’re going to be, servants, though we are exalted by God. We’re not going to exalt ourselves.
“…he shall read it all the days of his life…” this is what we need to be doing now in preparing to be kings and priests.
“…so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them so that… [here is the reason]: …his heart may not be lifted up above his brethren, and that he does not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left, to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel” (vs 10-20).
that’s why we’re here
that’s why we need to learn righteous judgment
that’s why we need to learn the things concerning God’s way
In order to help people we’ve got to have:
the love of God
the knowledge of God
the faith of God
always the Truth of God
All of those things so we can help and teach. This is how we qualify. Now let’s see something else that is going to be as we teach them. We’re going to be teachers. This is going to be a tremendous thing. In teaching them we are going to have an advantage that we do not have today. We will see what that is in just a minute.
Isaiah 30:19: “For, O people, who dwell in Zion at Jerusalem… [this will be to the whole world, because out of Zion and Jerusalem goes the Law] …you shall weep no more; He will be very gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When He hears it, He will answer you. And though the LORD gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet, your teachers shall not be removed into a corner anymore, but your eyes shall see your teachers” (vs 19-20). That’s us! They will see us!
Verse 21: “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.”
Very interesting. What is this that we will know? We will be able to know what people are thinking! God is a heart-knowing God. He knows the hearts.
There are not going to be anymore of devising of evil plans and schemes, and people getting away with sin. It won’t happen! They will be given a chance to repent if they start. How all of that is going to work out we’ll have to see a little later.
Psalm 44:20: “If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god, shall not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart” (vs 20-21). Think on that! God knows the secrets of the heart; you can’t keep anything from God! Let’s see how this is going to work.
You’re going to have to understand why being converted and loving God, and being true and faithful to His Word, His righteousness and His ways now is so important. We are going to be given the ability to know what’s in the hearts and minds of people. So, if they start going to the right hand or the left hand, we can say, ‘No, no, no, that’s not the way to do it.’
Notice that when we come before God—and think of us today:
Can we hide anything from God? No!
Can we have any secrets that other people don’t know about, yet, God doesn’t know about?
He who created mind, doesn’t He know the mind?
He who created the tongue, doesn’t He know the language?
He who created the ear to hear, does He not hear?
The eye, do they not see? Yes, they do!
Now, we are going to be administering the Word of God. Are there going to be a lot of things that are going to be supplemented to uphold the Word of God? Have everything in society related to the Word of God? Yes, indeed! No more death; no more destruction. Those things won’t be tolerated.
We’ll talk about what will happen to those who do try some of those things, but here is how it’s going to be.
Hebrews 4:12: “For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” Because the Word of God is:
spiritual
active
always in force
“…piercing even to the dividing asunder of both soul and spirit, and of both the joints and the marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart” (v 12).
Now then, if we are going to rule and reign with Christ, we are going to have that ability… Maybe not to the extent that God Himself has, but we’re going to have to have it so we can tell that that ‘this is the way to go.’ That they’re not going to have anything that they’re going to be able to hide; there will be no secrets from God.
Verse 13: “And there is not a created thing that is not manifest in His sight; but all things are naked and laid bare before the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account.”
That’s how it’s going to be with us in teaching the people. That’s going to be an amazing thing! Is that going to stop a lot of crime? Yes, indeed! Is that going to stop a lot of lying? Yes, indeed! When we enter into the Kingdom of God and we are carrying out the government of God, the rule of God, the Truth of God and the worship of God, it is going to be a spectacular thing.
These things may be hard for us to grasp, because we don’t live in such a world today. No, we don’t! with the people who are in charge and Satan the devil ruling the world, isn’t it a good thing that it doesn’t work that way now? Yes, indeed! So, we will have that ability, as well; we will know.
Psa. 47 is really and amazing and tremendous Psalm; let’s think of it now that if we come before God as spirit beings around the throne of God.
Psalm 47:1: “Clap your hands, all you people; shout to God with the voice of triumph.” Didn’t we read that back Rev. 19—hallelujah?
Verse 2: “For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” That’s what the Millennium pictures. And King over all the universe, as well.
Verse 3: “He shall subdue the people under us…” Those born into the Kingdom of God through the first resurrection.
“…and nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom He loved. Selah. God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a horn. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises” (vs 3-6).
What’s it going to be like to sing praises to God?
What’s it going to be like to all of those of you, who in this lifetime can only make a joyful noise?
Now you’ll be able to sing on tune!
That’s going to be really a fantastic thing. Just picture in your mind if you can what it will be like when we come before God. What are services going to be like when we come before Jesus Christ sitting on His throne?
Verse 5: “God has gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a horn. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises for God is King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding” (vs 5-7). No more pentecostal gibberish!
Verse 8: “God reigns over the nations; God sits upon the throne of His Holiness. The rulers of the peoples are gathered together…” (vs 8-9). That is us!
this is why we’re here
this is why we keep the Feast of Tabernacles
this is why we keep the Sabbath
this is why we keep the Holy Days
this is why we do the things that we do
We have a great calling! Fantastic and marvelous! Eternal life to live forever, and to help God bring people:
to Him
to salvation
to Truth
to righteousness
That is an amazing thing!
“…the people of the God of Abraham for the shields of the earth are God’s; He is greatly exalted” (v 9).
Listen! When we fully understand it and we fully grasp it and we realize it more and more to the very depths of our being, to the very core of our heart, mind and soul, and our very existence, of the great calling that God has given to us. That’s why we have the book: From a Speck of Dust to a Son of God: Why Were You Born?
What fantastic purpose!
What a tremendous and awesome plan!
That we would be the children of God and help Him rule this world and bring millions and millions into the Kingdom of God. Listen!
Look! The heavens are out there and there are trillions of stars and trillions of galaxies out there. God’s plan has to be so great and so marvelous that He can’t even reveal the fullness of it, or the magnitude of it, until we come to the completion of the Last Great Day and then down comes New Jerusalem and the new heavens and the new earth. What is that going to be like? What a fantastic thing that is going to be!
Psalm 50:1: “The mighty God, God, the LORD, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its going down. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God has shined forth. Our God shall come, and He shall not keep silent; a fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous all around Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, so that He may judge His people: ‘Gather My saints unto Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.’” (vs 1-5). That’s us, brethren!
Verse 6: “And the heavens shall declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge. Selah.”
Have a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles!
Scriptural References:
Leviticus 23:33-38
Deuteronomy 16:16-17
Revelation 5:8-9, 11-14
Revelation 11:15-19
Revelation 19:1-4, 6-7, 9
Revelation 20:4, 6
Zechariah 14:1-5
Psalm 97:1-12
Psalm 98:9
Psalm 99:1-5, 8-9
Psalm 100:1-5
Isaiah 4:5-6
Isaiah 2:2-4
Jeremiah 31:1-7, 9, 11-12
Ezekiel 36:22-34, 36-38
Isaiah 12:1-5
Isaiah 14:1-7
Deuteronomy 17:14-20
Isaiah 30:19-21
Psalm 44:20-21
Hebrews 4:12-13
Psalm 47:1-9
Psalm 50:1-6
Scriptures referenced, not quoted:
Numbers 28; 29
Revelation 4
Ezekiel 40
John 4
Hebrews 8; 10
Also referenced: Book: From a Speck of Dust to a Son of God: Why Were You Born? by Fred R. Coulter
