We just kept the Feast of Tabernacles with its symbolism of the 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ, a time of physical abundance for everyone on earth. What book of the Bible do the Jews read as a tradition during the feast? The book of Ecclesiastes. It reminds us of an important lesson from King Solomon's experience.

In terms of personal wealth, King Solomon was the Bill Gates of his day. King Solomon was so wealthy he lived in a continual "Feast of Tabernacles" atmosphere, because he was able to fulfill his heart's desires. Read what he says about himself in Ecclesiastes 2, verse 10: "Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor."

Solomon built great gardens and houses, he had many servants and, of course, his many wives. He could have basically anything he wanted. But did it satisfy him? No, he realized that he would leave it all to the next generation. He said: "Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind" (verse 17).

Solomon’s experience is the viewpoint of a man trying to enjoy this temporal, physical life without looking to God and His plan. If there isn’t a God with a plan for mankind, our lives have no meaning.

Even during the Millennium with all the abundance people will experience, there would be eventually be dissatisfaction for everyone without the knowledge of God and His plan.

After having had all his experiences, Solomon’s advice was as follows: "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1). We should remember God not only in our youth, but whatever age we are! Solomon’s experience is a lesson for us as we look forward to the wonderful world tomorrow.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!