“And the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street before the Water Gate… and Ezra the priest brought the Torah before the congregation of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read (in the Bible) from morning until midday… and all the people listened…
And Nehemiah and Ezra said to all the people… “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn, nor weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the Torah. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink the sweet and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy to our Lord: neither be grieved; for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:1-10).
Today is the Feast of Trumpets. The Bible gives us many glimpses of how people celebrated. They “gathered together as one man” to hear God’s gracious promises of love, power, and future plans, and rejoiced in His salvation.
A shofar is from a slain ram. Jesus is the Lamb of God who "took away the sins of the world." Through His cross He invites all mankind to come to Him for eternal safety from the Judgment that will fall upon this malignant world… “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people unto Me” (John 12:32).
This is an invitation that requires a personal response of acceptance, through a prayer of repentance toward God, and faith in Christ's blood shed for you.
This day reminds us that not only does Jesus live, He’s returning with a shout and Trumpet voice to “gather together as one” all who love Him. May your heart rejoice anew today in His promises and power – for no matter what trials we face – in Jesus we've already overcome. The joy of the Lord is our strength and we're excited for His return!
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