God's Kingdom 2: The Millennium Kickoff
Everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:16)
Previously . . . On the Mount of Olives, Jesus separated the sheep from the goats. 9024 people were saved from all mankind to repopulate the earth.
Preparing for the Feast of Tabernacles
As the dust settled over the Kidron Valley, Katie surveyed the devastation stretching out before her. The once mighty armies of the Antichrist lay vanquished, their weapons and supplies scattered among the corpses that carpeted the blood-soaked earth. Smoke curled lazily from the rubble of Jerusalem’s shattered buildings.
Katie turned to see Jesus standing tall amidst the ruin. He addressed the multitude of survivors and glorified saints surrounding him, his voice warm and inviting. “In five days is the Feast of Tabernacles. But as you can see, Jerusalem is now defiled with blood. So, instead of celebrating the feast here, we’ll celebrate the feast at the Ein Gedi oasis. It’s a three-day walk from here.”
A murmur rippled through the survivors. Three-day’s journey on foot with no food, water, or supplies? After more than three years of tribulation, many of them were weak, sick, and injured. It seemed like an impossible task.
But Jesus smiled reassuringly, his eyes twinkling. “Don’t worry. We’ve now entered a new age, and all your former maladies will begin healing today. Your region’s glorified saints will minister to you, and my angels are now gathering plenty of food, water, and supplies for your journey from the enemy’s supply train.”
Pointing at his feet, he said, “They’ll deliver your supplies here. Load whatever you need for three days on the horses and abandoned wagons. After you arrive at Ein Gedi, all your needs will be satisfied in abundance.”
Immediately, a continuous procession of angels brought food, water, tents, bedding, cookware, and other supplies, piling them neatly below where Jesus stood. Saints brought enemy wagons, pulled by their own heavenly horses, which survivors and saints quickly loaded.
The survivors and saints sprang into action. Katie helped an elderly Klinatok man onto her white stallion, the horse neighing softly as if to reassure its new rider. She watched in amazement as Ethan helped a pregnant young Junaqan woman onto his own mount with supernatural ease. All around, the glorified saints moved among the throng, their immortal strength supporting the frail.
With adequate supplies loaded, Southeast Alaska’s 88 glorified saints led their region’s 58 mortal survivors away from Jerusalem’s carnage toward Bethlehem, only two hours away, where they’d set up camp as the sun set ending the 10th day of the seventh month—the Day of Atonement.
As the procession wound its way out of the Kidron valley, 70 of Southeast Alaska’s 88 saints momentarily shimmered, then vanished from sight. In her spirit Katie heard the Lord call them to travel ahead to Ein Gedi to prepare the site. In her mind’s eye she imagined them gathering piles of palm branches and willows to construct the survivors’ sukkahs, setting up cooking and sanitation facilities for 9024 survivors, and setting out mountains of food on endless tables. I still see Ethan, Andy, Sophia’s parents, the Kusteels, and eleven others here with me and our sheep.
For three days, 10,000 saints and 9,024 survivors walked to the Ein Gedi oasis. Each day they covered a third of the total distance. From Bethlehem to Tekoa was 10 miles, from Tekoa to Ka’Abne 9.3 miles, and from Ka’Abne to Ein Gedi was 11 miles.
As they hiked through the Judean wilderness the survivors marveled at the desert in bloom. Previously barren wadis now flowed with crystal-clear, babbling streams.
An hour before sunset on the third day, the weary throng rejoiced as they drew near the shimmering waters of the Eastern Sea.
The survivors raced downhill, leaping fully-clothed into the cool water. Formerly known as the Dead Sea, the survivors found it to be fresh, crystal clear, and delicious.
Laughter and shouts of delight filled the air as they splashed and swam, the weariness of the journey washed away in the gentle waves. Children paddled happily alongside their parents, while the elderly floated peacefully, their faces alight with joy.
The saints’ radiant faces mirrored their joy. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they ate their final rations and slept in their tents and tarps.
The next morning, the 14th day of the seventh month, glorified saints set up tables and served a breakfast of dates, granola, fresh goat milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, cooked-to-order eggs or omelets, and a variety of olives and cheeses.
Afterward, saints and Jewish survivors instructed people in the building of sukkahs—the temporary shelters that memorialized the ancient Jews’ wandering in the wilderness.
That evening, as the first stars appeared overhead, Jesus illumined the camp, appearing in their midst, his radiant presence causing every knee to bow in adoration. He spread his nail-scarred hands wide, his voice filled with warmth and love. “Welcome home, friends and brethren. When the sun rises, we’ll begin the Feast of Tabernacles in our new Kingdom. Let’s celebrate with joy and give thanks, because the old world is gone, and our God and Father is making everything new!”
A chorus of excited praise rose from saints and survivors alike, their voices mingling in a symphony of joyous worship that must’ve echoed to the very ends of the earth. And as Katie lifted her face to the night sky, she knew the greatest adventure of all was only just beginning.
Sukkot Teachings
Ethanim 15, The First Day of Sukkot (pronounced su-kote)
Just after sunrise, the piercing blast of a shofar shattered the morning stillness, summoning 9024 survivors and 144,000 saints to assemble along the seashore. Katie and Ethan emerged from their sukkah, blinking sleep from their eyes as they joined the throng streaming towards the water’s edge.
Across the Eastern Sea, the first rays of the sun painted the horizon in hues of gold and crimson. A hush fell over the crowd when a figure appeared on the surface of the water. It was Jesus, his white robe billowing in the gentle breeze, his face radiant with joy.
“Welcome, my beloved, to the Feast of Tabernacles,” his voice carried effortlessly to the multitude.
Names of the Feast of Tabernacles
“This festival goes by many names—Sukkot, Booths, the Season of Our Joy, and the Feast of Ingathering. It’s a celebration of harvest, and of fellowship—God is making his dwelling—his tabernacle—with man.”
Ethanim is the Seventh Month
“Every year for the next 1000 years, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, men from every nation will gather and celebrate this feast.”
“For those new to the Hebrew calendar, the sun and moon regulate it. The seventh month always starts in late September, with the new moon, around the time of the autumnal equinox.”
“The name of the seventh month in Hebrew is Ethanim, (אֵתָנִים) which comes from the root word “eitan” (איתן) which means permanent, constant, enduring, and strong. In ancient times eitan was connected to perennial streams that still flowed at the end of the dry season in this seventh month.”
The Capstone
Jesus said, “This Feast of Tabernacles is the seventh of the Father’s seven appointed times, including four spring and three autumn events. I fulfilled Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Pentecost in my first advent, about 2000 years ago. In the last two weeks I fulfilled the days of Trumpets and Atonement. During the next 1000 years we’ll fulfill Tabernacles together.”
The 8th day of Tabernacles is the capstone, or pinnacle of God’s plan of redemption, as revealed by his seven appointed times.
More than 2100 years ago, Jewish rabbis developed a water pouring ceremony on the 8th day, ‘the last and greatest day of the feast,’ which I’ll discuss in more detail when we arrive at the 8th day of this feast.”
Sukkahs
He gestured to the sea of sukkahs stretching out behind them. “You’ve all constructed temporary shelters to dwell in during the next eight days. These shelters, or sukkahs, are where this Festival gets its name. In the Hebrew language, Sukkot is the plural form of Sukkah.
“You’ll dwell in these temporary shelters, just as Moses and the Israelites did during their wilderness wanderings. But this time, it is not a reminder of hardship and travel, but a symbol of your earthly tent, your mortal body, and the hope of an eternal dwelling place such as our glorified brethren here have attained.”
As Jesus spoke, Katie felt a swell of emotion rising in her chest. The sukkahs that had seemed so flimsy and insubstantial now took on new meaning. They were a tangible reminder of the trials and victories that brought her and her glorified brethren to this blessed moment.
The Sukkot Schedule
“Today is a Sabbath day,” Jesus continued, “which means it’s a day of rest and worship. It’s the first of eight days of celebration, with the first and eighth days being Sabbath days. On each day, we’ll gather for fellowship, learning, worship, and feasting. For it is written, ‘You shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.’”
Apparently, Jesus saw the confused looks on many of the survivors’ faces. Was it seven days or eight?
He added, “You’ll understand about the eighth day when we get to it.”
The Feast
Jesus concluded, his eyes shining with anticipation. “Seven days of rest, of joy, and of great feasting. And on that note...”
He raised his arm, pointing to tables groaning under the weight of a magnificent spread. Platters piled high with broiled fish, ripe fruits and vegetables, golden loaves of bread, wheels of cheese, and flagons of wine.
Glorified saints, their bodies shimmering in the early light, moved among the tables, setting out place settings and pouring drinks.
Katie remembered Jesus’ words, The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Katie caught Ethan’s eye, a grin spreading across her face as she recognized the significance of the moment.
“Just as we dwelt in corruptible bodies, now it’s the survivors who await their own glorification. And in the meantime . . .”
“In the meantime,” Ethan finished, lacing his fingers through hers, “we feast.”
As the congregation surged forward, laughter and chatter filling the air, Katie felt a deep sense of contentment settle over her. The trials and sorrows of the past were gone, replaced by a bone-deep certainty that this was only the beginning.
For the next seven days, they’d enjoy the presence of their Savior, celebrating and feasting in the abundance of his kingdom. And when Sukkot was over, they’d emerge renewed, ready to begin the work of restoration that stretched out before them like a glorious sunrise.
As they waited their turn in line, with the 9024 survivors being fed first, Katie squeezed Ethan’s hand, her heart too full for words.
Ethanim 16, Overview of the Messiah’s Kingdom
As the sun rose over the tranquil Eastern Sea, the shofar sounded, summoning 9024 tribulation survivors and 144,000 glorified saints to their breakfast feast.
An hour later, a second shofar signaled everyone to assemble along the seashore.
Katie and Ethan found a place among the crowd, eager to hear the Messiah’s words.
Jesus said, “Today I’m going to teach you about the kingdom of God. My Father in heaven has established his eternal kingdom,” Jesus declared, his voice resonating with authority, “and our kingdom will never be destroyed. It has already shattered all earthly kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”
He gestured to the gathered multitude. “Today in this kingdom there are two types of people: the glorified saints, who are immortal and incorruptible, and mortal survivors, who have the opportunity to obtain immortality during the next thousand years.”
Jesus smiled at the 144,000 resurrected saints. “You are my overcomers, my kingdom of priests. By following your example, and abiding in me, these mortals can attain immortality.”
A Transition to Life
Turning to the mortal survivors, he continued, “The next thousand years is a transition between a world where men lived eighty years and a world where you can live more than 800 years.”
Katie saw skepticism on many of the survivors’ faces.
Jesus explained, “As you abide in me, my Spirit will share my resurrection life with your mortal body. You’ll receive healing and vitality. My resurrection life in you will give you health and reverse the entropic effects of aging. As a result, lifespans for my disciples will greatly extend, like the ancient patriarchs, many of whom lived more than 900 years. Some of you, and many of your descendants, will enter conditional immortality, like Adam and Eve had before they sinned. You’ll prosper in vibrant life for the entire millennium. Then, at the Great White Throne Judgment, you’ll be glorified forever, like these,” Jesus gestured toward the 144,000, “without passing through death.”
Katie and Ethan exchanged a glance, marveling at this incredible promise. Katie saw five of her group’s 58 survivors nodding. They get it.
Jesus continued, “Even though the glorified saints now outnumber you 16-to-1, your numbers will grow exponentially,” Jesus explained. “Starting with 9,024 survivors gathered here today, your descendants will be far greater than 144,000 within a century.
This is because, unlike you, glorified saints don’t physically procreate, so their number is fixed. But, in a world without war, with extended lifespans, and a decreasing death rate, your population could reach more than five trillion in the next 1000 years—enough to begin populating the universe.”
“If that sounds fantastic, remember this prophetic promise, ‘Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.’”
“And so, what I said to Adam, and then to Noah and the patriarchs, I now say to you. Be fruitful and multiply! Fill the earth and subdue it.”
“That’s enough teaching for today. I encourage you to meditate and assimilate these things into your life.”
Jesus raised his hands and pronounced a blessing on them all, then he vanished from their sight.
The crowd dispersed. Some returned to their sukkahs, while others remained on the beach, sitting in small circles to discuss what they learned with their glorified mentors.
Later that day the shofar called them to dinner, followed by evening fellowship around campfires.
Ethanim 17, The Reversal of Curses from Adam’s Sin
As the third day dawned, most of the 9024 survivors and 144,000 saints were already in line for breakfast when the first shofar sounded.
Katie observed the survivors. Something must be different in the food, or the air. A few days ago the survivors looked weak, sick, and injured. But now they all look rested, healthy, and energetic.
After the second shofar Jesus continued his teaching, focusing on the transformation that would occur during the millennial reign.
“All the curses that plagued humanity since Adam’s sin are being reversed,” he declared.
“Serpents, lions, and wolves will now be vegetarian. None will pose a threat to a lamb or a child.
The pain of childbearing will be greatly diminished.
No longer will women be subject to the rule of their husbands.
The earth will no longer resist your efforts. The fertile earth will abundantly yield good crops, with no thorns.
Your work will be a source of joy and fulfillment—not toil.”
Katie felt a thrill of hope at the thought of a world freed from the struggles and pains that defined human existence for so long.
Ethanim 18, Life and Death in the Kingdom
Following the second shofar on the fourth day of Sukkot, Jesus addressed the topic of life and death in his kingdom.
“Today I’ll explain more about life and death in my kingdom. Those who abide in me, walking in my Spirit, will enjoy a greatly increased lifespan. Some will live throughout this 1000-year period.”
“So, long life will be the result of fellowship with me and obedience to my ways.”
His expression grew somber. “But, for those who choose to walk in unbelief or unrighteousness, they will experience sickness, social separation, and poverty. If they don’t repent, death will overtake them.”
Jesus emphasized the importance of following God’s path. “In this kingdom, there’s no need for hospitals or doctors. Godly disciples will not get sick, and if they’re injured, I will heal them. If an ungodly person is sick or injured, their cure is available after they repent.”
“It is written, ‘The last enemy to be destroyed is death.’” By the end of this millennium, all unbelievers and rebels will die, leaving only those who’ve entered into conditional immortality—like Adam in the Garden of Eden. These brethren will all have chosen to walk in constant communion with me. As a result, our Father will glorify them with eternal life. And so, death itself will be defeated.”
Ethanim 19, Peace in the Kingdom
As the feast continued, Jesus painted a picture of the peace that would characterize his kingdom.
Between Nations
“Since glorified overcomers will rule every nation, language, and tribe, there won’t be any wars or inter-tribal violence. It is written, ‘They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor train anymore for war.’”
Between Animals
“Even wild animals will live in harmony with one another, with no violence.”
Peace Reigns Over All
He smiled, his eyes shining with the promise of a transformed world. “My peace will reign over the earth, and you will live in safety, enjoying the fruit of your labor without fear.”
Katie felt a deep sense of longing for this world of perfect peace, a world where the chaos and conflict of the past would be nothing more than a distant memory.
Ethanim 20, Millennial Economy, Prosperity, and Community Life
On the sixth day of Sukkot, Jesus outlined the economic system and community life that would define the millennial kingdom.
Land Allotments
“Each family will receive a generous land allotment, a homestead sufficient to provide for your needs into the future. You’ll build houses, raise generations of children, tend gardens, tend livestock, and enjoy the abundance of a fruitful earth.”
“If you don’t know how to homestead, don’t worry. My saints will teach you.”
Prosperity
“Our Father will provide ideal conditions for your crops and livestock. Rain will fall in its season, and the land will yield its produce. Your vats will brim with new wine and oil, and your hearts will be filled with joy.”
“People will trade labor or homestead produce for needful supplies they can’t produce themselves. They’ll also use gold, silver, or other valuables as mediums of exchange.”
No Taxes
“There will be no taxes in this kingdom. Instead, everyone will freely give from their abundance. Your storehouses will overflow so much that you’ll have to search for places to give your excess.”
Community
“Every region and community will have an administrative and learning center, led by glorified sons of God who’ll connect each region to the kingdom’s global capital in Jerusalem.”
“Each family will belong to a local community that provides a trading center, local eldership, a secular and religious education center, a travelers’ hospitality center, and a place for communal worship.”
“Travelers’ hospitality centers will provide food and lodging for travelers and those unable to raise their own food. For example, traveling tradesmen and specialists, such as craftsmen, sailors, and teachers won’t always be able to raise their own food, or sleep in their own house every night.”
Katie marveled at the wisdom and fairness of God’s ways, eager to experience the blessings of this new economy.
Ethanim 21, Local Governance by Saints
On the seventh day of the feast, Jesus described the governance structure in the millennial kingdom.
Regional and Community Leaders
“Glorified saints will serve as leaders, teachers, and judges in your communities,” he explained. “They will establish regional centers for administration and education, connecting each area to the kingdom’s capital in Jerusalem.”
Judges
“The saints will rule by my Spirit, ensuring all are cared for and justice is upheld. If anyone is wicked or slothful, they’ll rule with a rod of iron. To all others, they’ll rule in righteousness, gentleness, and mercy.”
Conclusion
Jesus looked out over the gathered multitude, his eyes filled with love and compassion. “This is the world my Father always intended for mankind—a world of abundance, peace, and unbroken fellowship with him. As you walk in obedience and love, you will experience the fullness of his blessing.”
As the seventh day ended, Katie and Ethan joined the resurrected saints and mortal survivors in a chorus of joyful praise. The millennium awaited them, a canvas upon which the beauty of God’s kingdom would be painted in ever-increasing splendor.
The Eighth Day
The next morning, after the second shofar, Jesus addressed the multitude of saints and survivors, “As you’ll remember, the seventh month was called Ethanim, from the word eitan. In ancient times, eitan referred to the strong streams that still flowed at the end of the dry season, in the seventh month.”
“And so, during the final feast of the seventh month, the promise of these perennial streams will now be fulfilled. What perennial streams am I referring to? Two thousand years ago I stood in Herod’s temple on the 8th day of this feast, and I made a proclamation. It is written,”
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37-38)
“Last week, from the Mount of Olives, you witnessed living water flowing out of the temple mount, through the divided Mount of Olives, which flowed down into the Dead Sea. These living waters made the Dead Sea live, so that now the Dead Sea is fresh and teeming with life. Similarly, a river of living water is destined to flow out of everyone who believes in me and walks in my Spirit.”
Speaking to the survivors, Jesus challenged them. “Will you come unto me and drink? Will you have rivers of living water flow out of your innermost being?”
Pointing at a group of glorified brethren, he said, “Today, in these saints of the first resurrection, you see this promise already fulfilled. When disciples of your generation overcome death during the next thousand years, they will be glorified forever in the second resurrection, and then the age of the 8th Day will commence.”
A chorus of praise ascended from saints and survivors alike, their hands raised to heaven, their voices mingling in spontaneous, loud worship that echoed off the mountains into heaven.
After the First Sukkot
The next day, as usual, the shofar sounded for breakfast, followed by the second shofar an hour later.
Everyone assembled on the shoreline, where Jesus addressed them, “You’ve now attended our first annual Feast of Tabernacles, initiating my millennial kingdom. Soon, you’ll be supernaturally transported back to your home regions, where your region’s saints will assign each family the boundaries of their land allotment. Then they’ll help you build homes and communities.”
“They are my ordained priests and leaders, so by honoring and obeying them you honor and obey me. They will teach and judge by my Spirit, and I will enforce their decisions. If you ever disagree with a decision, you may appeal it through prayer directly to me.”
“They are not to be worshiped. Neither are they intermediaries between you and me, but they are friends alongside you, who want you to succeed in attaining immortality. Your primary relationship is always directly with me, through my Holy Spirit.”
“Finally, starting next year, all your men must attend the annual Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Your women and children are also welcome, but their attendance is optional. If any man is able, but chooses not to attend, I will not bless that man’s property the following year.”
Jesus’ eyes surveyed the multitude, then he nodded.
Satisfied, he shouted like a lion’s roar, “NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM!”
Immediately, Katie found herself in Ketchikan with 87 glorified saints and 58 local survivors. The air was chilly, and the sun was just peeking over the eastern mountains, painting the sky with gold and orange streaks.
Ethan took her hand and said, “We’re home.”
Coming next week . . . Family land allotments assigned by lot. Community and family rebuilding begins.
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