How to Simply Celebrate Rosh Hashanah as a Believer in Christ...

I am forever enthralled with the depth of meaning in the Hebrew language and in the Feasts of the Lord - especially how the appointed Feasts point to the Lord Jesus!

As Christians, we are not under the Law, of course. But the principles God reveals through the Law are important to understand and incorporate into our lives today.

I am (re)posting a highly edited older entry about the shofar blow during Rosh Hashaha - the Feast of Trumpets! There are so many ways to view the blowing of the Shofar - I want these words to reflect the desire for relationship that our Jesus has, and that relationship rests on the truth that He has provided all that is necessary for life and godliness - the foundation of salvation through Him...

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I am just captured by the depth and layers of symbolism in the Jewish Feasts of the Lord and how they apply to our Christian walk!  Read on to find out more about the shofar...

(image found on Google)

The Feast of Trumpets features 4 different blasts of the ram's horn trumpets; each actual blast and the spiritual meaning of the blast is described below.1

1. TEKIAH - Pronounced tuh-KEE-ah, the tekiah blast is one long note that acts as a kind of summons. Others have suggested that it is the sound of a king’s coronation. On Rosh Hashanah, we are traditionally called to reaffirm God’s sovereignty. A pure unbroken sound that calls man to search his heart, forsake his wrong ways, and seek forgiveness through repentance. The tekiah called the people to attention and to gather unto Moses. It is the calling note, calling your attention and holding you. It would be in general the summons to listen to God, to receive from Him the orders for the day.

2. SHEVARIM - Pronounced shih-vah-REEM, this word literally means “breaks” or “fractures.” The shevarim blast is three medium-length notes that have been compared to the sound of weeping. A wave-like sound of alarm calling upon man to stand by the banner of God. Teruah in Hebrew means not only a certain unique sound. It also connotes "to break", denoting breaking something and/or causing damage. It is the note for bustling, speedy activity, the signal for breaking up, for striking tents and breaking up camp.

3. TERUAH- Pronounced tih-ROO-ahh, the t’ruah blast is a series of very short, staccato sounds that have been compared to an urgent alarm, calling us to rouse from our spiritual slumber.  A broken, staccato, trembling sound. It typifies the sorrow that comes to man when he realizes his misconduct and desires to change his ways. It must be at least 8 notes, most make 9 blasts so as not to accidentally do too few.

4. TEKIAH GEDOLAH - The prolonged, longer version of the first Tekiah, unbroken sound typifying a final appeal to sincere repentance and atonement.

These four sounds form a set, called a Tekiyot of shofar blasts. In the sounding of the Shofar the Tekiah is 1 blast, the Shevarim is 3 wavering continuous blasts, and the Teruah is 9 staccato blasts, finishing with the longer final Tekiah.

See if you can pick out the different blasts in this video:

The meaning of the Shofar blowing is:

1. The Tekiah is sounded first to call man's heart to give attention and hear the following 'sound' of the Shofar message. 

2. It is then followed by the Shevarim which would then give His order to break off and away from every attachment that estranges us from God, and from our own purposes and present mode of life which is displeasing to God, and leave behind every worthless activity. The broken sound reminds us that we have a job of "breaking" to do as well - the breaking of our evil inclination.

3. The Teruah 'speaks' for the heart of man initiating the call to repentance and godly sorrow of heart.

4. The tekiah which then follows, calls one to a new standpoint, a new attitude, of faithfully following God's way of life. It is to rally us to come to a new place in Yahweh God.

The repetition of these sounds is for the purposed of penetrating deep into the recesses of man's being to bring a complete change of heart and complete reconciliation with our heavenly Father.

Here is a longer video of Shofar blowing that shows the variety and beauty that can be achieved using these 4 blasts:

My "quick notes" take away for the meaning of the Shofar blasts is as follows:

1. AWAKE:
The blast called "teru'ah," nine staccato blasts, is the "alarm" sound meant to wake us up! This idea was stated in the New Testament writing: "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Messiah will shine on you" (Eph. 5:13-14). This theme of "awakening from sleep" is used elsewhere in the Scriptures (e.g., John 11:11, Rom. 13:11, 1 Thess. 5:6, Dan. 12:1-2, Psalm 78:65, etc.).

2. RETURN:
Because the shofar is curved in appearance, we are reminded that this is the preferred posture of God's people. We are not to arrogantly rely on our own wisdom or to think we can correct our spirit to align with our Father. Instead, we are to take the humble stance of the shofar; that is, to be curved or bowed in submission to what God would tell us.

3. SEEK:
Rosh HaShanah is a time to take an honest look into our hearts and spirits to make sure we are aligned with our Father's plan for us. The curve of the shofar tells us that the only way to find God's best is to bend our will to his will.

The sound of the shofar calls us to return to the LORD and seek His face. This blast of the shofar is "the joyful sound" spoken of in the Psalms ... and since finding God is our greatest joy, King David rightly wrote:

Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! 

(Psalms 89:15 [16] NKJV)

1. based on information from https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-shofar-blasts/ and https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Hebrew_Roots/Holy_Days/Trumpets/The_Blowing_of_the_Shofar#The_Sounds_of_the_Shofar

20 C + M + B 16 - Making Ephiphany A Personal Tradition

Do you observe Epiphany?

Coming from a liturgical church foundation in childhood, I miss some of the ways the church year marks time...today is Epiphany,  a day that we can learn more about and how to use it to be more aware of Jesus in our lives...it is the time when Christ is revealed to the world!

Epiphany is the day that liturgical churches observe the visit of the wise men to baby Jesus...their simple desire to worship the King is the precursor to serious outbursts in the hearts of those who should have been lovers of God, but weren't.  

The tradition’s origins are obscure, but the practice has its echoes in the story of the Israelite exiles in Egypt marking their doors with lamb’s blood so that the angel of the Lord will pass over their homes when it comes to kill the firstborn of Egypt. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are told to write God’s words on their hearts, their gates and the doorposts of their houses, and to talk about them when they are at home.

Epiphany celebrates the fact that Jesus came for all people as the Holy Family accepted the worship of Gentiles/foreigners.  Foreigners bowing before the new king shows that God offers the Messiah to the whole world, not to just one race or nation. 

Read Matthew 2:1-12 to get the full story!

(Another interesting fact - the 12 Days of Christmas is really the 12 days from Christmas Day to Epiphany...the song itself was a code which persecuted Christians used so that they could continue to worship and adore their King secretly. The song can be used to remember to pray for the persecuted church in today's time.)

In modern times, some people observe a tradition passed on since the second century.  It is called "Chalking the Door".  Over the main entrance into the home, a designated member of the family writes the first two numbers of the new year, then C + M + B, and finally the last two numbers of the new year.  The plus signs in between the letters represent the cross.  For this year, if you want to adopt this simple practice, you would write:

20 C + M + B 16

Finally, all gathered pray a prayer of blessing over each person living in the home and entering in during the year...

The letters C, M, and B are the first letters of each word in the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat—"Christ, bless this home". We want the blessing of Christ, the peace and joy and love of the God-Man— to fill our home, to fill our hearts, to be the very air we breathe as we go about our daily work.

The letters are also a call—because C, M, and B are the initials of the Wise Men whose names (according to tradition) were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. These men left all they knew and held dear to follow a star—because they believed that what they’d find would surpass all they were leaving behind.  The initials over the door remind us to be like the Magi—so we write their initials on our door to remind us, each time we come into our house, of our desire, our intention to follow the Light.

Here is what other have said about their "chalking the door" tradition:

When I see those letters (and I confess, I often pass beneath them, oblivious of their presence, their call), but when I remember to pay attention and I actually see them, I say a prayer: “Help me, Jesus, to see you.Help me to hear you. Help me to follow you.”

 By Dianne Deming

In this daily following, we become the magi, answering the call of the star in our small way—and so, by the grace of God, we become the answer to our prayer that Christ would bless our home and all who enter.

reclaiming epiphany

Around the world there are different ways to observe the tradition.  Many wear crowns, carry stars, and sing and pray as they move through their neighborhoods, chalking the doors.  In Germany celebrants sing Segen bringen, segen sein (Bring the blessing to be a blessing). 

How can you make this tradition your own?  Consider the wise men and their journey...take different aspects of their story and personalize it:

1.  Stars are used to navigate at night.  Is there a place of darkness, of not knowing, in your life that needs the light of Jesus to shine into it?  Is there already a direction that you have been pointed in, but the journey must be all by faith?

2. Take the journey, even amidst the unknowns. The star speaks to a need to trust that the end will be good and full of His presence!

3.  Be open to joy and wonder, even (especially?) in the dark times.  The wise men were full of joy when they saw the star (Matthew 2:10).  What treasures of joy and wonder might the Lord be trying to give you when you are journeying in the darkness?

4.  Give out of your gifts that you carry with you!  The wise men's gifts represented that they understood who Jesus was.  Each gift reflected different aspects of Jesus' ministry and personhood...the gold represented His deity, the myrrh represented His anointing as the Messiah, and frankincense represented His priestly intercession for all mankind.  How can you give out of your gifts and reflect Jesus to those you come across?

What other insights for your life can you gain from the visit of the Magi?


Resources for Further Insight
https://www.rca.org/resources/reclaiming-epiphany 
http://jodythomae.com/2015/01/06/create-a-day-your-daily-dose-of-creativity-edition-3/
http://deeperstory.com/becoming-the-magi/
Abbey of the Arts Newsletter

The Secret to a Blessed Year - 4 Blessings That Are Already Ours {Part 5, Final of the Jubilee Series}

There is a reason so many Christians today live in fear and confusion. It is because they don't understand the joyful sound of Jubilee! They know that Jesus died and rose again, they know His blood has power to save. But they have not yet understood the joyful sound of all that He has provided for us to live in freedom!

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound..."  

(Psalm 89:15) 

The joyful sound we hear today is the trumpet of God proclaiming our deliverance, through the blood of Jesus Christ.  Now, here are the other blessings of Jubilee: 

1.  "...they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance" (Psalm 89:15).  The Hebrew meaning here suggests, "They shall walk in cheerfulness, secure in God's promises, at ease in His presence." Simply put, we no longer have to walk in darkness or confusion - because we will behold the light of His face!

2.  "In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted"(Psalm 89:16).  We know our own righteousness is as filthy rags.  And so we are to take courage by rejoicing in his righteousness - which is ours by faith alone!

3.  "For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted"(Psalm 89:17).  We know that Christ alone is the source of all our strength.  And we don't have to live under the devil's thumb anymore.  All we have to do is look upon Satan's back, where we'll see the heel print of our Savior.  Jesus has crushed our enemy!

4.  "For the Lord is our defense... " (Psalm 89:18).  We are utterly helpless in our flesh.  And so we trust totally in the victory of Jesus'cross.  He defends us against every enemy?

 Dear saint, we are headed for one last, great Jubilee - 

signaled by the final trumpet blast:  

"...We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.  

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, 

at the last trump: 

for the trumpet shall sound, 

and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, 

and we shall be changed" 

 (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). 

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord". 

(1 Thessaloninans 4:16-17)

When those trumpets sound, the dead shall be raised.  There will be no more prisons, no more bondage, no more sin, no more sickness.  And in that moment, we will have eternal Jubilee.  hallelujah!  

Part 1 can be found here 
Part 2 here
Part 3 can be found here

Bonus - Jesus' Intercession 
 

Wilkerson, David. Times Square Church Pulpit Series. 13 October 1997. 
Used with permission - link to Times Square Church here  

The Secret to a Blessed Year - {bonus} - Knowing What Jesus is Doing RIGHT NOW for our Jubilee!

Christ ascended into glory not only as our Conquering King, but as our High Priest - making intercession for us...

Just as the high priest ascended the stairs to the holy place on the day of atonement, our high priest, Jesus, ascended into the heavenly tabernacle, "...a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands..."  (Hebrews 9:11).  John describes seeing Jesus in His priest robe "...a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" (Revelation 1:13).

Jesus ascended not merely to enjoy the glory He deserves - but to do a work on our behalf.  The apostle Paul writes:  "...When He ascended upon high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men"(Ephesians 4:8).  He is quoting from Psalm 68:  "Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive:  thou hast received gifts for men...Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation..." (Psalm 68:18-19).  The psalmist is saying, "Our savior has given us every gift and benefit we need to live in freedom!"

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus' work in heaven is all for us:  "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (Hebrews 9:24).  "...He ever liveth to make intercession for them [us]" (Hebrews 7:25).  Jesus Christ does all this for us!

Yet, what exactly does it mean, that 

"He lives to make intercession for us"?

 1. Jesus intercession is Him stepping into Satan's accusations against us and declares the victory of His cross.  He doesn't have to convince the Father not to believe Satan's words...and then Jesus turns to Satan and says "Didn't you hear the trumpet sound, devil?  You know you have claim over this child of Mine.  Keep you hands off my property!"  

2.  Christ's intercession for us means He makes sure we obtain and enjoy all the benefits provided by Jubilee.  Just as the Levites enforced the law that provided every man with his just blessings, Jesus today enforces the privileges of Jubilee for us.  He makes sure we know we are legally free!

Satan may try to circumvent the victory of the cross by telling us, "you're under my hold, and you know it.  You'll be bound by lust all your life!  You'll never get victory over your habits."

 

But the moment that happens, Jesus intervenes.  he sends His sheriff - the Holy Spirit - to enforce His decree of Jubilee, saying, "The trumpets have sounded, devil.  It's Jubilee time!  Release your claim on this free child.  You have no further rights to him!"

We may still struggle with sin - but we have been legally declared free from all bondage.  And we are to claim our freedom and our full inheritance, no matter how condemned we may feel.  

3.  Jesus intercedes in our own hearts, reconciling us with the Father.  He continually answers our doubts and fears, reminding us:  a) we are forgiven, b) we must remember God's goodness and mercy toward us, and c) we can trust in God's faithfulness to provide us with all the power and strength we need.

Because of Christ's intercession, we now can say, "I may have my battles with the flesh - but I know in my heart what Jesus did for me.  Sin can no longer hold me.  I've heard the joyful sound!"  



Part 1 can be found here 
Part 2 here
Part 3 can be found here

Wilkerson, David. Times Square Church Pulpit Series. 13 October 1997. 
Used with permission - link to Times Square Church here 

A King is Coming!

The following was sent in the monthly newsletter from Paul Wilbur ministries.

It is so good!  Encouraging!  I had to share!

"So what about the blood moon tetrad, the schmitah, the solar eclipse, the Jubilee, all happening in the month of September this year? The massive U.S. Military movements, the Iran deal, the Supreme Court decision on marriage, gay rights, abortion limits removed, Christians being slaughtered in the Middle East, policemen murdered in their cars and on the streets, wars and rumors of war, earthquakes, fire...what are we to think? Is this all a sign of coming judgement, do we build bunkers and store up food and water expecting the worse? I have a simple answer for you...

A KING IS COMING! 

"This has become my battle cry and the unseen reason for so much of the unusual events that are taking place, and will continue until the day we hear the Angel of the Lord and the shofar of Heaven sound. 

Be prayerful, 

watch and pray, 

look up, 

do what you are told (by the King), 

keep your lamp full of fresh oil, 

trim the wick, 

let your light shine, 

be salty, 

be instant in and out of season, 

stay in the Word of God, 

remain in Him...

Yeshua warned that a time would come when the love of MOST would grow cold (Matt.24). These things must all take place, and then the end will come. Remember, He chose you, you didn't choose Him.  

And He chose you for such a time as this, 

which says to me He knew you could handle it, 

and you would remain faithful to the end. 

So let's honor our Father and finish strong, finish well, be somebody's hero, and receive the reward that is laid up for you."

words by Paul Wilbur, emphasis mine

You can sign up to receive his newsletters here:  https://www.wilburministries.com/

The Secret to a Blessed Year - {part 3 of 3} - Declare YOUR Jubilee Prayer + Journal Prompt

Jesus IS the Believer's Jubilee

The prophet Isaiah declares the Messiah's role as the bringer of Jubilee:

   "...He hath sent me...to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord..."

Isaiah 61:1-2

 

Your declaration!

 These are the words that Jesus used to announce the beginning of His public ministry: 

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. 

He has sent me to proclaim - 

freedom for the prisoners and 

recovery of sight for the blind, 

to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Luke 4:18-19

As Christians, we recognize this passage as a proclamation of Christ's victory over death and sin, yet Isaiah is using the language of Jubilee here!  

David Wilkersen, the founder of Times Square Church in New York City, also says that the entry in Isaiah also refers to Christ's ascension into glory!  Using this and other passages, Pastor Wilkersen paints a splendid image in words - 

 a.  The heavenly Father prepared for Jesus a glorious entrance into heaven.  Indeed, as Christ made His ascension, He was escorted by a host of angels and multitudes of chariots:  The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels:  the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.  Thous hast ascended on high...Psalm 68:17-18

b.  Our finite minds can't begin to conceive of this glorious event.  As Christ approached the eternal city of God, riding on His white horse, He was escorted by this huge procession.  And as He entered the gates, the trumpets of God began to sound:  God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet...Psalm 47:5.

This was the joyful sound - the trumpets blaring, announcing the believer's year of Jubilee!  And the sound proclaimed to all humankind, "I have made provision for you - to walk you out of prison, be restored to your family and have everything you need for a fulfilled life.  You are free to live without fear of any enemy.  Enter now into my joy! 

 c.  Paul writes of Christ's ascension: Having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it...Colossians 2:15.  Staggering behind our Lord's triumphant procession was the prince of darkness himself, bound in chains!  And behind the defeated devil - underneath the wheels of the heavenly hosts - were all the powers of darkness, bound and vanquished.  They were being put to an open shame before all those who had died in faith before the cross.

And Jesus entered the gates carrying in his hand a scepter of righteousness - His "rod of iron" with which He rules all nations.  Then, after His triumphant entrance, He took His rightful place on the throne, in full possession of all power, authority and dominion.

What a glorious picture!

Satan is not in control.  

Communism is not in control.

Atheism is not in control.

Terrorism is not in control.

Neither Democrats nor Republicans are in control.

The enemies of Christ exist only by His permission.

And right now they only continue to fill up their cups of iniquity.  

Jesus is in control of all things - and one day, when He is ready, He will

"...dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel..." (Psalm 2:9)

 

Beloved, our understanding of Christ's victory over Satan and the dominion of sin cannot be a vague, confused theology.  We must know and understand the joyful sound!  Satan is totally defeated; he cannot hold us prisoner.  And Christ has freed us by His blood from every bondage.  Now He sits on His throne with all power and authority - offering us peace, joy and freedom!

Journal Prompt:

Write the Jubilee declaration in your journal, on an index card to tape in a strategic location...encourage a friend with it! 

Pray:

Thank You, Jesus, that You have brought me the Good News 

and I have received that Good News!

 Because of You, my broken heart is healing;

I rejoice that I have been set free from bondage;

 and my mind is no longer oppressed;

I thank you that where I was once blind

that now I have spiritual sight.

I declare that the Lord's favor rests on me.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Part 1 can be found here 
Part 2 here

Wilkerson, David. Times Square Church Pulpit Series. 13 October 1997. 
Used with permission - link to Times Square Church here

The Secret to a Blessed Year - {part 2 of 3}

"Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; 

on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land...

~  Leviticus 25:9 

Continuing from yesterday, after a "sabbath of sabbaths", the fiftieth year would be a year of Jubilee.  When the precise time arrived, there would be a sounding of trumpets (the word "jubilee" means "toe clamoring of trumpets.") 

What was this precise time?  At the very hour as the high priest entered the holy place to sprinkle the sacrificial blood - trumpets began to blare all across the land.  The trumpets were heard in every city, hamlet, village, mountain and valley.  Every Israelite knew the meaning of the sound...

What was the meaning of the trumpet sound?

Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.  

~  Leviticus 25:10

 

The sound of the trumpets announced:

blessings

freedom

liberty

deliverance

 The sound of the trumpets canceled all debts and restored all goods to the original owners.  It freed every servant from every form of captivity and bondage!  It was a new start in life for all people!

Under Jewish law, no man owned any land.  Even though he may have inherited his property, and it remained in his family as long as the family survived, God owned everything.  Every Israelite was to recognize that God possessed the hills, the valleys, the cattle, the wealth of this world - and that His people were only the lifetime leaseholders.  They were to hold onto their possessions lightly.

Yet, if a person fell into debt - whether through mismanagement, disobedience, sloth or some kind of disaster - there was no provision for bankruptcy.  Let's say a farmer owed someone a large sum of money.  He might have to sell his own children and servants to pay off the debt.  Them, if the farmer fell further behind, he would have to hand over his land, forfeiting all profits from the harvest.  And in an extreme case, the farmer might even have to sell himself to another farmer, just to provide a living.

But when the Jubilee came - in the fiftieth year, after a sabbath of sabbaths - every debt was wiped out!  All leases and possessions reverted back to the original leaseholder.  And that meant the farmer would get his land and his family back!

You can imagine the rejoicing that took place in Israel and Judah when the trumpets sounded!  Families were reunited.  Homes were restored.  It was a time of liberty, freedom, deliverance!  

No planting or harvesting was done during the year of Jubilee.  Instead, it was a time of rejoicing and rest - praising God for His grace, provision and freedom!

The liberty proclaimed at Jubilee was not just an idea founded on faith alone.  It was the law of the land.  

All the debtor had to do to have the law enforced was to stand on it.  One of the duties of the Levites was to enforce God's code; they assured justice was given.  If a debt holder or slave master tried to hold on to the property or persons that had been sold to them, the debtor merely had to declare there was no more legal right over such property or person.  The trumpets of Jubilee had announced the time of release had come!

They could declare:

Nothing in my past can be held against me!

I've been unshackled, delivered!

No one can rob me of my deliverance!

Yet the person in bondage had to act in order to take possession of his freedom or his lost porperty.  He could dance and shout in the synagogue all he wanted, crying: "I'm free!  Everything has been restored!" But until he stepped out and claimed his rights, he couldn't enjoy any of it.

Do you see the significance and relationship to our life in Christ?

Most Christians have not claimed the Jubilee Jesus Christ has given them!  Many think that merely showing up at church or singing praise songs is that "joyful sound" of Jubilee.  But it is much, much more! 

God calls us to appropriate the freedom, peace and glory He has provided for us through the forgiveness of sins.  We are to step out and claim it!

What promises is God prompting you to appropriate 

today, this week, and this year?

Part 1 can be found here 
Part 3 can be found here

Wilkerson, David. Times Square Church Pulpit Series. 13 October 1997. 
Used with permission - link to Times Square Church here 

 

The Secret to a Blessed Year - {part 1 of 3} + a journal prompt

"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: 

they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance..."

~ Psalm 89:15

One of my favorite preaches, who has passed on to heaven, interpreted this little verse with the following:

"There is a certain, joyful sound that is of such powerful significance, it is the very foundation of victorious living.  And if you know and understand this sound, you will be changed from glory to glory.

All who know the meaning of the joyful sound become self-assured, fearless.  They walk through life with an ever-increasing sense of security.  They are able to overcome depression, even when being sifted by Satan.  Their hearts area steadfast and at rest - because the Holy Spirit has revealed to them the meaning behind the joyful sound!"1

There is a powerful revelation based on the year of Jubilee!

A little background:

The history of the year long festival of "Jubilee" is found in Leviticus 25.  It begins with the year of rest for the land itself that came every 7th year - similar to the day of rest for mankind which came every 7 days.  

It takes a LOT of faith to obey this...no agricultural work was to be done, no intake of crops for food, no grain harvest for livestock, agricultural laborers would have no work!  Think of what must have been going through the Israelites' hearts and minds!  I am sure it would be similar to what we would think if God asked us to do the same in today's world!  Yet the Lord did not leave them with no plan...He promised that He would "command My blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years" (Leviticus 25:20-25).

What is God trying to teach us?

God is setting a principle for His set apart nation - that their provision is always from Him, when they are working as unto Him, AND when they are not working... 

Here is a short list of scriptural examples:

1.  Israel in the wilderness for 40 years - there were no supermarkets and they didn't plant crops!  God rained down manna from heaven and birds fell by the bushel full so that they could have meat.  He caused water to flow from rocks.  And He kept their shoes and clothing from wearing out for the entire 40 years!

2.  Water was turned to wine.

3.  Money was found in a fish's mouth in order to pay required taxes.

4.  5 thousand people were fed with 5 small loaves of bread and two fish.

5.  Psalm 107 lists many such provisions...  

Journal prompt:

{You might consider pausing and making your own list, looking back through your life and seeing, with 20/20 hindsight, how He has quietly provided for you, even in the times that looked darkest...}

Answer this question:  How did He provide an abundance of ____(what you needed)       that you continue to "draw from" today?

BUT THIS WASN'T ALL! 

After a cycle of 7 times of this 7 year rest, a sabbath of sabbaths (49 years), there came a very special rest in the 50th year.  There would be the normal 7th year rest, and immediately following, another year of "rest" and much more!  49 years represented an entire generation in Old Testament times - during these 49 years 3 generations would have learned the faithfulness of the Lord, through the sharing of stories and through direct experience.  Yet, only the oldest would have possibly seen 1 Jubilee year!

The anticipation had to be incredible...


Part 2 here
Part 3 here

1.   Wilkerson, David. Times Square Church Pulpit Series. 13 October 1997. 
Used with permission - link to Times Square Church here 

                      

Ten Days of Turning Back - the Days of Awe

The "Days of Awe" are also known as the "Ten Days of Repentance".  These are the days between Rosh Hashanah (the Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).  They are set aside as a time for self examination, to right wrongs against others and to turn back to God in areas that we have gone in our own ways.

I have included a VERY brief summary of the Fall Feasts in order to set these "Days of Awe" in their context, hoping it will help guide you as you listen to the Lord for how you might apply the principles to your own spiritual life.

The Feast of Trumpets is recognized for its sin offerings and the awakening blasts of the shofars.  It is a time for rest and sacrifice.  The blowing of the shofar (trumpet) is a central feature and calls the worshippers to turn to God. This Feast is also known as "the Day of Remembrance" (Leviticus 23:24).  The blast of the shofar is to jolt us from our slumber and to remember who we really are by remembering that the LORD is our King! 

What the "Days of Awe" can mean for believers

 

Though the next ten days, the "Days of Awe" are not identified in the Old Testament as special days, the activities of introspection and repentance would certainly be appropriate as the people looked towards the second great feast of the season, the Day of Atonement (also known as the Day of Judgement.)  This is the one day out of every year that the High Priest entered into the Holy of Holies and offered the sin sacrifice before the mercy seat and represents the atoning work of the cross that Jesus has accomplished for us.   Every part of each Feast is embedded with layers of meaning - and even the number of days between each one can have significance...for instance, ten happens to be the number that represents testing, responsibility, government and restoration.  The five days between the Day of Atonement and The Feast of Tabernacles is associated with the idea of grace, atonement and life.

The progression of the fall feasts also tells a story. Rosh Hashanah, on the 1st of Tishri, focuses on sin and repentance, and is followed by the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur on the 10th of Tishri, and then Sukkot or the Feast of Booths on the 15th of the month, which focuses on God's providential care of his people.  

We must acknowledge our sin, repent and 

receive God's atonement for sin before we can 

experience God's providential care over our lives.

It is said that there are three types of "turning" associated with the Fall Feasts: 1) a turning inward for self examination; 2) a turning toward God in repentance; and 3) a turning towards others in charity.

Why would I entertain the idea of using these days as a springboard to "Turn Back to the Lord"?

The answer is quite simple...because every day we have many opportunities to turn around (repent) and return to Him! Notice that the definition of "repentance" is to have a change of mind, yet the command is not completed until the returning to the Lord happens... (Mark 6:12, Acts 3:19).


Now, with this seasonal focus to using these days to "turn back to God", we can use each day to explore ways to experience His rest and turn away from seeking this rest and His approval in our own strength.

Let's begin today by finding that special spot in your home that will be your "sanctuary" with the Lord.

What should this space be?  Where should it be?  

Begin by simply, slowly and intentionally, walking through your home. 

Ask the Lord to show you where He would like to meet with you. 

Is there any place that is drawing you?  

Do you need to rearrange it; 
                   add some things to it?

It may be a place you are already using. 

Or it may be a space you would never thought of before.

When you have found your spot, mark it in some specific way.  Make it attractive and appealing.  This doesn't need to take any money.  Move things that you like or even cherish into the spot.  Make a little "still life" arrangement.  

Ask yourself what you might need, physically speaking, in order to set time aside to "rest in Him".  (A timer?)  A fine teacup that you reserve for special occasions?  A soft throw to signal you mind "this is a restful space".

When you have this space set up and set aside...celebrate a job well done!  

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Bibliography

Rosh Hashana 0902
Fall Holidays, Days of Awe
Rosh Hashanah

The High Holy Days in Israel - a brief overview...

The High Holy Days in Israel - here is a brief overview...

Rosh HaShanah (Feast of Trumpets or Yom Teruah) starts at sundown tonight. Rosh HaShanah a time of remembering. A time to remember what God has done for us. A time to remember the creation. And with that, a time to remember that we are the created and God is the Creator (Isaiah 64:8). It is a time of giving and receiving forgiveness.

Rosh HaShanah begins the 10 Days of Awe, the ten-day period of repentance. This is a time of making sure that we are right with God and with man. And it culminates with Yom Kippur - The Day of Atonement.

The Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is the most solemn day of the year. This is a day of fasting and prayer, seeking God's forgiveness. God’s ways are so amazing that He takes us from this most solemn day with fasting and prayer and leads us straight into Sukkot filled with joy and thankfulness! He wants us to spend time in fasting and prayer but He also wants our lives to be filled with joy in His presence!!

Sukkot, The Feast of Tabernacles. The Sukkot/booths (tabernacles) that are built remind us of God's provision during the 40 years in the wilderness following the Exodus from Egypt. During the 40 years in the wilderness miraculous clouds of glory hovered over the children of Israel, shielding them from danger and discomfort in the desert. Since that time we remember God’s kindness and we reaffirm our trust in HIm and His provision by living in a sukkah for the duration of Sukkot. This lasts for 7 days and nights. We are reminded that we are sojourners and pilgrims on the earth. Heaven is our home. We are in temporary structures just as the booths are temporary. The sukkah must have a roof of branches that can be seen through… so that the stars in the sky can be seen and to remind us that it is a temporary structure. Most Israelis eat in their sukkah and many even sleep there (children love to sleep in the sukkah. Most restaurants build a sukkah so people can eat in them. This is traditionally a time of celebration and hospitality. A time of joyfully remembering God’s protection and His provision and being grateful that He still protects and He still provides!! Sukkot is a holiday of great joy and rejoicing - it is even called ‘The Time of our Joy’! So let us rejoice and tell God how much we love Him and appreciate His protection and provision!!

This post was originally found on "Lovers of Israel" facebook page. 
(Click to be taken to the original posting)

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I am sure you can find the analogies of these feasts with our life in Christ!
 

New Beginnings, New Hopes, New Starts, New Chances!

Today, September 13th, 2015 (at sundown), the Jewish New Year begins.  Called Rosh Hashanah, it is a time of new beginnings, new hopes, new starts, new chances!  Every one looks forward to the chance to wipe the slate clean and start afresh.  The celebrations are happy and infectious!

As believers in Jesus Christ, we get to experience this "new beginning" at the moment of our salvation:

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 

The old things have passed away; behold, the new has come into being.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Berean Literal Bible

And every day after is a new beginning!

 

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 English Standard Version 

Sometimes the familiar becomes mundane, and we no longer recognize the prize at our fingertips.  This is why it is good to visit the reality of the greatness deserving such celebration as a way to energize ourselves!  So lets refresh our precious promises with the celebratory ways of Rosh Hashanah!

 

 May your new beginnings open the doors to the richest blessings!

Enjoy this delightful musical parody by the fun and talented Israeli group, the “Fountainheads.” The song includes all the symbols of Rosh Hashana like blowing the shofar and dipping an apple in honey for a sweet new year! Lyrics below the video:

Tekia, shevarim, terua x2  (sounds of the shofar)
A new year rising
A new beginning
Lift your heard up, turn yourself ‘round, the world is spinning
Feel the magic of a new day
Open your heart to a fresh start, send your fears away
You’ve made mistakes- you feel it
You’ve got what it takes – believe it
Any wrong can be made right
Just forgive you need not fight
Shana tova u Metuka – its Rosh Hashana (Good and sweet year)
Shana tova, u’metuka
Dip your apple in the honey, on Rosh Hashana
It’s Rosh Hashana

So many new hopes
Waiting to find you
Open your eyes
The dreams you prize are all around you
The smiles are hiding
No use in guessing
Make up your mind, go out and find
That simple blessing
This is your time – you feel it
How sweet it is – believe it
Any wrong can be made right
Just forgive you need not fight
Shana Tova u Metuka – its Rosh Hashana

Aneinu – shana tova

Shana tova, u’metuka
Dip your apple in the honey on Rosh Hashana
Shana tova, u’metuka
Hear the sounds of jubilation – its Rosh hashana

Yehi Ratzon shenihiyeh – rosh- lo zanav (May it be Your Will that we will be like the head and not the tail)
Filling life for those around us with joy and love
Avinu malkeinu chaneinu veanaeinu (Our Father, Our King, Have mercy on us and answer us)
Hear our prayer Oh Lord
Inscribe us in the book of life

Chaneinu vaeinenu, shana tova

Shana tova, u’metuka
Dip your apple in the honey – on Rosh Hashana
Hear the sounds of jubilation – its Rosh hashana

Give us life Lord
And sustain us
Oh deliver us
To salvation

It is New Year
On Rosh Hashana
Make your loved ones smile
It’s Rosh Hashana
Open your hearts to one another its Rosh hashana
It’s Rosh Hashana

Lyrics found on Your Jewish Speech