This week Israel will celebrate Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year, also known as the Feast of Trumpets. This is the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar—with the religious year beginning at Passover in the month of Nissan and the civil year starting in month of Tishrei. This is not only a time of commemorating what the Lord has done in the past year, looking back over all the difficult trials and enormous victories, but also a new beginning, looking ahead to what the Lord has prepared for us in the near future. Trumpets will sound far and wide as a prayer for the Lord’s mercy and grace, and people will offer apple slices dipped in honey as a wish for a sweet blessings to come.
When the Jews returned to Jerusalem after a long and difficult captivity, they had a special memorial service to commemorate the Lord keeping them through the trials of their exile and the blessing of their return to the land as the Lord promised. We can read some excerpts of this beautiful convocation in Nehemiah 8.
“When the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities. Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square…and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel…And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people…and Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, ‘Amen! Amen!’ while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground…And Nehemiah…Ezra…and the Levites who taught the people said…’This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.'”
You might say, “That’s nice, but that was a long time ago and for a small remnant of Israel.” But here comes the beauty… I want to show you another service with surprising similarities to this one that is yet to convene in Revelation 7:9-17 (excerpts),
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number…standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes…crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God…and to the Lamb!’ All the angels…and the elders…fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying ‘Amen!… Amen!’…These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb…They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst…for the Lamb…will shepherd them and lead them to the fountains of the waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
How’s that for a gorgeous and rich connection?!? This future gathering will not be for just a small remnant of Israelites, but YOU will be included in that group! Are your robes washed white in the blood of the Lamb today? Get your heart ready, for your redemption is drawing nigh! One day soon (and VERY soon I believe),
“The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
Be comforted and encouraged in your walk with the Lord today. The Lord loves you dearly and wants desperately for you to be with Him at that great convocation service in Heaven. Be vigilant and watching for His soon appearing. And tell as many others as you can to be ready. This will be a glorious and rapturous moment for all of God’s chosen sons and daughters.