 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to The Feast of Trumpets
Summary
The primary purpose of the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah; Head of the Year) is to call us to prepare our hearts for the coming solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It begins a period of reconciliation with God; specifically “Ten Days of Repentance” or “Days of Awe” which culminate in Yom Kippur.
Trumpets were also blown to acknowledge the presence of a king; and as a military practice, to send an alarm to the troops to prepare for battle. Our Messiah-King certainly deserves the honor of our high praises! “With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King.” (Psalm 98:6 NKJV)
In Daniel 10:10-21, Scripture reveals an element of spiritual warfare. An angel was sent to Daniel as an answer to his prayer. He told Daniel about a war in the heavenly places that was being waged, and how it related to earthly events.
Messiah took this reality to a new level. In Luke 10 we see how the 70 disciples who had been sent out came back with this report, “Lord,” they said, “with your power, even the demons submit to us!” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Remember, I have given you authority; so you can trample down snakes and scorpions, indeed, all the Enemy’s forces; and you will remain completely unharmed. 20 Nevertheless, don’t be glad that the spirits submit to you; be glad that your names have been recorded in heaven.” (Acts 10:18-20 JNT)
Paul taught the disciples more about waging spiritual warfare. He proclaimed, “For although we do live in the world, we do not wage war in a worldly way; 4 because the weapons we use to wage war are not worldly. On the contrary, they have God’s power for demolishing strongholds. We demolish arguments 5 and every arrogance that raises itself up against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey the Messiah.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5 JNT)
What are spiritual strongholds? They are spiritual fortresses founded on lies. They give place to demonic opposition of God’s truth and kingdom purposes. We, therefore, confess lies we have believed, renounce them, and pull our minds and thoughts into compliance with God’s truth, obeying His Word in faith.
Peter spoke more about the issue of demonic opposition, and provided this exhortation. “Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand against him, firm in your trust, knowing that your brothers throughout the world are going through the same kinds of suffering.” (1 Peter 5:8-9 JNT)
James added more on the subject. “Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Clean your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded people!” (James 4:8 JNT)
Messiah defeated Satan and the authority of the powers of darkness on Calvary’s Cross. Satan, and his host of demons, however, are sore losers! They regain limited power as people agree with and subscribe to lies against the knowledge of God’s truth by maintaining prideful attitudes, pursuing lustful desires, and exalting vain images—the worship of idols.
Revelation 12:11-12 addresses the issue and final outcome. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time."
Life Application Questions
How have you positioned yourself to wage spiritual warfare? Do you wear your “armor” daily in humility and faith? See Ephesians 6:10-18. Do you have prayer and accountability partners to support you in fighting spiritual battles?
Scripture References
Daniel 10:10-21; Luke 10; Matthew 16:17-19; 2 Corinthians 10:2-6; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7-8; Ephesians 6:10-18
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 95-110
Sons and Servants: p. 65-70
|
