Life's Inanities and Ironies

Today, I want us to journey into a part of our spiritual heritage that, while distinct, offers profound insights into the very heart of our Christian faith. We’re going to explore the Jewish High Holy Days, particularly what are known as the “Days of Awe.” Now, some of you might be thinking, "Why are we looking at Jewish traditions? We are followers of Jesus, the Messiah!" And that's a vital question. Indeed, we are Christians, believing that Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets. However, as Paul so eloquently reminds us in Romans 11, we are "wild olive shoots grafted into the cultivated olive tree" of Israel. Our faith doesn't exist in a vacuum; it has deep, rich roots in God's ancient covenant with His people. By understanding these roots, we gain a fuller, more vibrant appreciation for the salvation we have in Christ. Rosh Hashanah: The Day of Judgment and Remembrance The Days of Awe, or Yamim Nora'im in Hebrew, are a ten-day period that begin...

  God's Prophetic Blueprint for the Ages The ancient Feasts of the Lord, also known as the Moedim—God’s divinely appointed times—are far more than a collection of historic Jewish holidays. They are a precise, prophetic blueprint revealing the chronological and redemptive plan of God for all mankind, from the first coming of the Messiah to His glorious return. In Leviticus 23, the Creator Himself outlines seven of these feasts, instructing His people to observe them as "My appointed times," indicating a personal, divine schedule for history. A study of the first four "spring feasts"—Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Pentecost—reveals a pattern of perfect and literal fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Messiah was crucified on Passover, a day that memorialized the lamb's blood that saved Israel, thus becoming the ultimate sacrificial Lamb of God. His burial and time in the tomb perfectly aligned with the Feast of Un...

As followers of Christ in a world rich with biblical history, it's valuable to explore the feasts and festivals outlined in Scripture. One such observance is Rosh Hashanah, also known as Yom Teruah or the Feast of Trumpets. While we as Christians are not bound to observe it under the New Covenant, understanding its origins, customs, and ongoing significance can deepen our faith and point us toward the fulfillment we find in Jesus. In this blog post, we'll delve into what Rosh Hashanah is, its biblical foundations, traditional practices, why it's still celebrated, and most importantly, the profound meanings it holds for believers today. The Biblical Origins of Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah, literally meaning "head of the year" in Hebrew, marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Its roots trace back to the Torah, where it's described not as a New Year celebration but as a solemn day of rest and trumpet blasts. In Leviticus 23:23-25, God instructs Moses: "S...