Sobering, yet exciting.
That’s how I would describe the days in which we’re living. Sobering, because the world is an increasingly volatile and dangerous place.
Exciting, because we’re seeing ancient biblical prophecies being fulfilled right before our eyes — which means the shofar or trumpet announcing the return of Yeshua (Jesus) for His people may not be far off.
The fact is, my level of excitement and anticipation always rises a bit as we approach the festival of Rosh Hashanah — the Feast of Trumpets (originally called Yom Teruah, see Leviticus 23:23-25). But this year, more than ever.
As you probably know, this annual event ultimately came to be called Rosh Hashanah because the blowing of the shofar figures prominently in the biblical observance.
On Rosh Hashanah — or “head of the year” — the blowing of the shofar prophetically points us to the trumpet blast that will signify the end of this age.
Faithful observance of this feast is preceded by a 30-day season of repentance known as Elul, during which the shofar is blown each morning to remind the people to repent.
Using modern vernacular, some orthodox Jews have referred to that New Year’s shofar blast as a “wake up call.”
I believe we are living in the time of Elul. And I believe it is indeed a time to be wide awake!
The trumpet is about to sound, signifying our Messiah’s return. Those who are living for Him long for this day and will see it as a wonderful time of joy and triumph.
But those who are not right with God will experience dread and destruction.
The prophet Zephaniah urges, "Seek Adonai, all you humble of the land who have executed His judgement. Seek righteousness, seek meekness! Perhaps you will be hidden on the day of Adonai's wrath (2:3)."
The Old Testament prophet is talking about the same event to which Paul refers in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the Lord Himself shall come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the blast of God's shofar, and the dead in Messiah shall rise first. Then we who are alive and left behind, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air — and so we shall always be with the Lord (TLV).
That will be a very good day for those of us who know and follow Yeshua. But it will be the beginning of some unspeakably bad days for those who don’t.
The apostle Paul may have had Rosh Hashanah’s “wake up call” in mind when he wrote: This is why it says, “Wake up, O sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Messiah will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14 TLV).
Are your ears attuned for the trumpet blast? Mine are.
Even so, some will still be caught by surprise when the trumpet blasts — including many of the Jewish People. For some, it will be a surprise filled with terror and regret. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, I can’t help but be reminded of these verses from Joel:
Ah, the day! The day of Adonai is near! As havoc from Shaddai it will come . . . Blow the shofar in Zion! Sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all living in the land tremble — for the day of Adonai is coming — surely it is near! (Joel 1:15, 2:1 TLV).
The days are short, and I’m seeing receptive Jewish hearts everywhere I go.
That’s why here at Jewish Voice, we’re doing everything we can to bring the Good News of Messiah Yeshua to as many Jewish People as possible while time remains.
As I write, we’re making our final preparations to conduct our most exciting Hear O’ Israel! Festival of Music & Dance to date — in troubled, strife-torn Ukraine.
In just a few days, thousands of Jewish hearts will be touched by this outreach, and countless others will hear the Good News of Yeshua as it streams live to the world over the Internet.
We’re also preparing a very special medical outreach to the Bete Israel community among the scattered tribes of Israel in Ethiopia in October.
There is a Messianic revival taking place among these people, and we are determined to support and nourish it every way we can while also addressing their most urgent physical needs.
These outreaches are just two of dozens I could describe that are all aimed at one thing . . . making sure as many precious Jewish People as possible are prepared for that ultimate shofar blast.
Will you help while it’s still possible to make a difference?
Check out our 2016 schedule of medical mission trips on the Medical Outreaches page of our website. These life-giving clinics are not possible without people like you, praying, donating, and volunteering. Why not come with us on one of our upcoming outreaches? We need non-medical volunteers, too. Pray, plan, and come along! There’s a vital role waiting for you on any of our JVMI medical missions!
