Second Chances and New Beginnings
I came across this wall hanging in an airport while traveling this summer. The words struck an immediate chord in me. It gave me smile.
New beginnings and second chances. How many times have I approached the throne room with these very words on my lips? Perhaps weekly, even daily, as I struggle with my human nature.
God drew my thoughts back to this wall hanging this week. Around this time every year, I feel the hope of new beginnings and second chances. It is around this time every year several things happen.
My daughter starts a new year of school. I prepare to lead another Bible study which begins in a few weeks. I am motivated, again, to tackle an exercise program (pray for me *grin*).
I feel an excitement about what God has planned for me in the coming season. It is also interesting to me that Rosh Hashanah occurs at this time of the year. It is God’s New Year. I did some poking around and asked a few questions about this Jewish Holiday and I thought I would share a few thoughts.
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“Rosh Hashanah” takes place this year at sundown on September 13, 2007. It is the year 5768 and the year of Jubilee according to many Jews.
The Jews have two calendars, one is called the Civil calendar and it follows more of the modern cultural identities. The other calendar is called the “Sacred Calendar” and follows more of the Holy festivals set up by God. In Leviticus chapter 23 it tells of the holy days set apart by God to forever be recognized and celebrated.
In the Sacred Calendar, the first day of the seventh month was set apart by God in Leviticus chapter 23 vs. 22-24 as the “Feast of Trumpets.
The blowing of the Shofar (Trumpet) is celebrated yearly by Messianic Jews. Today, the blowing of the Shofar (the ram’s horn) announces the day. This ancient instrument, still in continuous use, is among the oldest musical instruments in the world. Ever since the ram’s horn was caught in the thicket which was provided by God as a substitute sacrifice for Abraham’s son Isaac, its’ sound has been special to Him (Genesis 22). It is a unique instrument. The first time one hears the piercing shrill of its trumpet-like blast, you instantly freeze in awe of it’s unique and beautiful sound. Its’ chilling call is the ancient reminder of the power and compassion of our creator.
The Lord likes the sounds of trumpets. In the Bible, the sounding of trumpets or Shofar’s always announced a dramatic spiritual event. For example: Joshua used them to conquer Jericho (Joshua 6). Ane what about the miracle of miracles: “. . . the trumpet will sound and the dead will rise . . .” 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. I can’t wait to hear that trumpet blast!
Jubilee: God designated the year of Jubilee as a year of forgiveness and freedom. Captives are released, land and property are restored to the rightful owner.
For the Christ-follower, every day of every year celebrates Jubilee. Christ is the fulfillment of the intent of the Year of Jubilee, and we have the awesome privilege to proclaim this truth to the world. From people halfway around the globe, to the neighbors down the street, the world is poised and waiting to find freedom and forgiveness…
Grace. A second chance. A new beginning.
I hope you enjoyed the mini-history lesson. If you are not a history buff like me, thanks for hanging in there.
Lord, I thank you for revealing Your character through the Old Testament writings. Your majesty, grace, and love for your people is displayed over and again. I can’t wait to hear that last trumpet blast when the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. Then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” Glory to You Lord, In Jesus name, Amen. (1 Corinthians 15)
Beautiful my friend, beautiful.
Thank you, I just began reading Celebrate the Feasts by Martha Zimmerman last night, and just this morning my daughter asked me what holidays are in September and I replied Rosh Hashanah. How neat to come here to this site for the first time and see this article. THANK YOU
This was wonderful and I LOVE History. God Bless!
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for the mini history lesson. So much better than in high school. I hated history–all the focus on dates, rather than deeds. Now that I’m learning my way through the Bible (tiny bit by tiny bit), I love history. Really, we’re just the same. And…focusing on those similarities make me realize that God is living in me as He lived in the people long ago.
xxxooogretchen
Hi Lynn,
I’m not a history bluff but I love your mini-lesson. Also, I love the topic, Second Chances and New Beginnings. It’s great to know that we serve a God who by his grace is always willing to give a second chance and allow new beginnings.
Hi Lynn! I’m so thankful for those second chances. I’d be hopeless without them. Looking forward with you…
Lynn,thanks for this mini-lesson. The second chance and a new beginning, thank the Lord for these. There always is hope in him.
Wonderful.. after I sent my first comment, I find the next security word is HOPE, so again thank the HOPE in him.
Wow! Thank you for sharing that. I hate to admit it, but I do not know much about the Jewish holidays and would love to learn more. That was a great starter course.
I love love love the sign. I need that one to hang in my house. Praise God for his patience.
Sophia
As a fellow history buff, I really enjoyed this post, Lynn! Thank you for sharing!
This was wonderful. Thank you Lynn.
wow… what an “amen” to see this as we’re getting ready for the Rosh Hashanah here at the inn…
Hugs and shalom
gp in montana
Late to this discussion, but I loved this! Bible history is my all-time favorite subject.
I’ve been doing Beth Moore’s study in Daniel with my daughter–our last chance before she moves to HI to be close to her fiance next week. Our readings and discussions about eschatology have led me into Revelation as never before, and I’ve also looked up the references to Christ’s return all over the New Testament. The “last trumpet” (shofar) blown at the fall Feast of Trumpets seems to indicate a pre-tribulation rapture. More study to do on this! {{{Hugs}}}
I so agree with you – I can’t wait for the last trumpet blast 🙂
I love history – always have. I am glad that you shared this with us. I have heard a ram’s horn at our church. We have a guest speaker once a year at my church from the “Apple of My Eye” ministry (Jewish Messianic Ministry). Several years ago someone brought a ram’s horn 🙂
Blessings to you and yours…
Lynn,
Great expository. I never knew about the sound of the shofar. My pastor was just teaching about how Jesus so graciously incorporated God’s power in the Feast of the Booths (John 9). I’ve never been a history buff.. but Jewish history excites me.
Love ya and give hugs to you as if you were my next door neighbor,
Vanessa