Dear Brethren, Co-Workers and Friends:
In less than two weeks, my wife and I will be flying to Germany for the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, after having observed the Feast of Trumpets with the brethren in the United States. It is hard to believe that the autumn festival season of 2013 has arrived—since the 2012 autumn season and the 2013 spring season seem to have just passed. But this shows how FAST time goes by… and how SOON Jesus Christ will return.
Recently, my wife and I discussed the fact that days come and go and that we could just become victims of a never-ending repetitious cycle—if we are not careful. That is why God—in His ultimate wisdom—has given us His weekly Sabbath and His annual Holy Days to remind us of the truth that this physical temporary existence is not all there is. In fact, it’s only a short training ground to prepare us for a much better and valuable everlasting life to come.
As the weekly Sabbath reminds us of God’s creation and also foreshadows a Millennium of peace, prosperity and true liberty, the spring festivals of Passover, the Days of Unleavened Bread and Pentecost show us that God has chosen us to be freed from the slavery and captivity of this vicious living routine of misguided zeal and false priorities, and to be changed to become more like God is and wants us to be. The autumn festivals picture the completion of the plan of God for us and all of mankind. They symbolize our total change into immortal God beings, the abandonment of Satan’s rule and the establishment of God’s government on earth for all of mankind—offering them at that time what God is offering us today.
God predestined us from the foundation of the world—actually, before time began—to be called to salvation in this present day and age—not because of what we have done, but because of His grace. But our calling leads to and includes responsibility. God wants us to fulfill our commission of preaching the gospel of the kingdom and Family of God in all the world as a witness, so that the end of this present evil age can come and Christ can return to usher in the beautiful world tomorrow.
When we enter the autumn festival season, let us also reflect on the purpose of our calling and the task which is still ahead of us. The earlier the preaching of the true gospel message is being completed, the sooner Christ will return. And every member and prospective member of the spiritual body of Christ has his or her role to play in this process. Never underestimate your personal responsibility!
When we observe, especially, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, while attending one of God’s designated Feast sites, we will be a “spectacle” or “theater” or showcase for those who are looking in from the outside (1 Corinthians 4:9). Our every step will be closely observed. Let us make sure that we give glory to God and His people—and not dishonor and shame. Christ warned us that if we, by our conduct, become stumbling blocks for others and motivate or cause them to sin, it would be better for us to be drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6).
God called us to become teachers in the world tomorrow, but this requires that we allow Christ, through His Church, to teach us today. We are to become rulers in the Millennium and beyond… which means that we must first learn to be ruled. We must become what God is… and God is love (1 John 4:8). Love is the sincere outgoing concern for the welfare and benefit of others. Rather than harboring and manifesting grudges, envy and jealousy, we are to show and reflect joy and peace and humility, considering others “higher” or more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3). We are to look out not only for the fulfillment of our own needs and interests, but also for the needs of others (verse 4). When we manifest such godly attitudes at our feast sites, then observant people will ultimately recognize that the Father does His works through us, and they will glorify HIM (Matthew 5:16).
Dear brethren, co-workers and friends, let us deeply reflect on the tremendous meaning of the autumn Holy Days… and when we observe them with a true and sincere heart, let us glorify God in our body, mind and spirit. Let us all rejoice and be thankful for what God is doing in our lives. God will be so pleased when He sees brethren and friends being assembled together in peaceful unity (Psalm 133:1).
Your brother in Christ,
Norbert Link
PS As a special treat, we intend to distribute newly printed booklets at our Feast sites in Colorado and Germany. Regular subscribers will receive their copies after the Feast.
