 The Practice of The Feast of Trumpets
Summary
In celebrating the Feast of Trumpets (celebrated as Rosh Hashanah; Head of the Year ) the ram’s horn (shofar) is blown to call us to alarm, arise in spiritual awakening, and raise the level of our consciousness to self-examination, in preparation for the coming Day of Atonement—Yom Kippur. It begins “Ten Days of Repentance” or “Days of Awe” which culminate in Yom Kippur.
In addition, trumpets were used to proclaim the entry of a king. Therefore, on this high-holiday, we also proclaim God King of the Universe, and honor His kingship and authority over all creation.
David kept a soft heart before God, and maintained a practice of self-examination to stay right with God. “Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.” (Psalm 26:2 NKJV)
For this same reason, Paul admonishes us to examine ourselves before participating in the Lord’s communion. “So let a person examine himself first, and then he may eat of the bread and drink from the cup; 29 for a person who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.”
(1 Corinthians 11:28-29 JNT)
Life Application Questions
How do you maintain the discipline of self-examination? Do you allow the Holy Spirit to convict your heart? Do you let the Holy Spirit change your inner attitudes, and comply by changing outward behaviors?
Scripture References
Psalm 51:7-10; Galatians 6:4; James 4:7-8
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 83; 88-89; 100-102; 121-122; 133-134
Sons and Servants: p. 156-159
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