Our Sages describe the Messianic Era as a time of wondrous abundance. The Talmud states, "In the future the Land of Israel will produce ready-made cakes and fine woolen garments," And, according to Maimonides,"The good will be in abundance and delicacies will be like dust."
At first glance, it would seem that all of this abundance will serve no purpose. After all, one of the main reasons for the Messianic Era is that G-dliness will be revealed in the world and there will be unbounded spirituality. In such a situation, won't all of our desires be for holiness and spirituality?? As Maimonides explains: "The occupation of the entire world will be only to know G-d." Who, then, will be interested in all of these mundane things that will be in the world?
Maimonides hints at this when he says, "Delicacies will be like dust." All of the wondrous, physical delicacies will be of the same value to us as dust. We will be occupied with much loftier things--like understanding G-d. If this is so, what are we going to need all of the abundance for?
According to Maimonides, all of the material blessings for keeping mitzvot that the Torah promises us --before the Messianic Era--are not simply a reward. Rather, our ultimate reward is something greater than physical gifts. Having everything we need simply takes away many of life's difficulties, making it easier to observe the mitzvot.
This helps us understand why there will be abundant material resources. Since we won't have to worry about mundane matters, we will be free to pursue G-dlinesss with the mindfulness of one unhampered by worldly cares.
Additionally, the abundance of materialism in the Messianic Era, will be a revelation of G-d's unlimited energy that will be expressed not only in the spiritual realms but on a mundane, material level, as well.
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