Reconciliation

Finding Significance by Relating with God through the Lord’s Appointed Times of Trumpets

TRUTH AND PURPOSE

Trumpets (also Rosh Hashanah; Head of the Year) was designed to serve as a “wake-up call” to bring God’s people into alignment with Him ten days before the solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It was to begin a period of reconciliation with God; specifically “Ten Days of Repentance” or “Days of Awe” which culminate in Yom Kippur.

The trumpet (ram’s horn, or shofar) was also used to alarm the people and prepare them for battle. It, therefore, serves to arouse us and call us to arise in spiritual awakening!

In addition, trumpets were used to proclaim the entry of a king. Therefore, we likewise boldly proclaim the LORD, Messiah Jesus King of the Universe, and honor His kingship and authority over all creation.

RELEVANCE

John the Baptist came immersing people in water to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Messiah Jesus fulfilled this love feast and came as King of Kings! In His resurrection, He conquered the power of evil and spiritual death by defeating the enemy of our souls, Satan, the devil and spiritual adversary. He opened the way to truly know and appreciate the reality of the love of God.

On the cross the LORD declared, “It is finished.” The finished work of Jesus permanently opened the door to GRACE and granted ACCESS to God’s greater capacity of life through the Holy Spirit! In Him we are reconciled to God for all our shortcomings.

We are reminded, however, that Satan hasn’t given up the battle and his role of temptation and affliction. Hence, Jesus taught believers to pray, “lead us not into temptation.”

Paul was diligent to remind the community of faith that we fight a very real spiritual battle, and to therefore, continue to “fight the good fight of the faith.” (1Timothy 6:12) We, therefore, continuously celebrate the inherent meaning of Trumpets as we allow the Holy Spirit to convict our hearts, confess revealed sins, and prepare our heart to wage spiritual warfare; fighting against temptations to sin, standing on God’s Word in faith, and receiving the LORD’s victory over the power of sin and death.

Paul also reminded believers that having being reconciled to God, the LORD has given us the “ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18). We apply this ministry daily in our union with the LORD, endeavoring to be continuously reconciled—in alignment—with God and man. In such a way, we maintain peace with God and our fellow man.

REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE

Our worship prepares the way for God to minister to our heart through His Word and Holy Spirit. In what ways do you prepare your heart to receive God’s truth and love?
    
Forgiving others sets us free from our own feelings of guilt and condemnation. Are there any people you need to forgive?
    
Sometimes it’s difficult to reconcile our differences with others. Somebody has to take the first step. Are there people you need to be reconciled with? Ask the LORD for courage, and you will receive it.

REFERENCES

Leviticus 23:23-25; Joel 2:1; Matthew 3:3, 5:24; Romans 5:10,
Matthew 5:24, 6:14-15, 2 Corinthians 5:13-21

© 2006-10 Arise in Glory Ministries.   All rights reserved worldwide.


Unless otherwise specified, all Scripture references are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scriptures marked JNT taken from the Jewish New Testament. Copyright © 1979 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. Scriptures marked NLT are taken from New Living Translation Holy Bible, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.