 The Spiritual Reality Behind The Feast of Trumpets
Summary
The Feast of Trumpets serves as a shadow pointing forward to Messiah’s triumph over the power of the law of sin and death. Messiah humbled Himself, and was obedient unto death. He sent the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, open us to God’s righteousness, and administer God’s judgment—releasing His mercy!
In surrendering to death on the cross, Messiah overcame the sinful tendency to uphold self-righteousness. He then recovered the spiritual authority that Adam had lost to Satan in giving in to the lie of the serpent and disobeying God. He, therefore, declared in Revelation 1:18-19, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”
Peter was also humbled. Extremely self-confident and often quick to talk, He thought he could never deny his friend and Savior. How quickly he did, though, just as Messiah had predicted. However, he allowed the Holy Spirit to convict his heart. He was then given the grace of redemption, and the opportunity to three times declare his true love for the Lord.
After Messiah asked him three times, “do you love me,” Peter replied, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." (John 21:17 NKJV)
Peter learned that Messiah really knew his heart. He surrendered to the conviction by the Holy Spirit. He allowed the Holy Spirit to fill the gap in His heart. That empowered a real change in temperament and attitude. He could, therefore, be entrusted with a large measure of authority and anointing of the Holy Spirit!
Life Application Questions
Have you noticed situations arising in your life where you have faced having to defend, justify, or prove yourself? In those situations, have you asked God for the strength to make it; or have you kicked in your heels, and fought to win on your own strength? Have you simply blamed the devil, taking no responsibility for your own actions? Have you noticed the Holy Spirit leading you to consider some issues, and settle whether or not you might be right or wrong about something? Have you pondered repenting for anything? Has the Holy Spirit been trying to convict you of any weaknesses or areas of sin?
Scripture References
1 Samuel 13:1-15; Psalm 51; Daniel 4; Matthew 16:24-27; Mark 8:35-38; Philippians 4:12
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 21-25; 73-76
Sons and Servants: p. 73-76; 110-140
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