The Feast of Trumpets
 The Significance of 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.
The trumpet (ram’s horn, or shofar) was also used to alarm the people and prepare them for battle. It is therefore a day to arise in spiritual awakening.
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.
John the Immerser—or Baptist—came immersing people in water to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Messiah, therefore, fulfilled this feast by coming 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.
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 JNT) 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 Messiah’s victory over the power of sin and death.
Life Application Questions
Our worship prepares the way for Messiah to minister to our heart through God’s Word and Holy Spirit. How do you prepare your heart to receive God’s truth and love? In what ways do you prepare your heart and mind for spiritual battles?
Scripture References
Leviticus 23:23-25; Joel 2:1; Matthew 3:3
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 27-29; 178-179
Sons and Servants: p. 23-26; 33-37; 45-47; 71-75; 145-148
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
Messiah's Fulfillment of The Feast of Trumpets
Summary
In celebrating the Feast of Trumpets (celebrated as Rosh Hashana; Head of the Year), the ram’s horn was blown to call the people to alarm, and raise the level of one’s consciousness to self-examination, in preparation for the coming Day of Atonement. Trumpets were also sounded to call the people to battle.
On one notable occasion, the Angel of the LORD instructed Joshua to have the priests sound the trumpets seven times—which would call the army of the Lord to fight the spiritual battle which would result in the walls of Jericho falling.
Messiah was crucified, taking our sin upon Himself. He was buried and resurrected from the dead—arising with the keys of hell and death—to serve as our High Priest and triumphant King of Glory—who always goes before us and leads us into His victory! “But thanks be to God, who in the Messiah constantly leads us in a triumphal procession and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of what it means to know him!” (2 Corinthians 2:14 JNT)
We celebrate His glorious triumph with genuine heartfelt praise and worship expressed from a truly grateful heart. We also celebrate His victory when we walk in the grace of His liberty, having been delivered from the power of sin and death. We affirm over and over His triumph as we believe in our heart and are fully convinced of His eternal victory.
“No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, 39 neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 JNT)
Furthermore, we celebrate His triumph as we walk as free children of God exhibiting the fruits and gifts of the Spirit in serving one another in love and in His name.
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:13-18 NKJV)
Life Application Questions
In what ways do you actively celebrate the LORD’s triumph? Are there additional ways you believe you can celebrate His triumph?
Scripture References
Romans 8:31-39; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 1 John 5:1-5; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 27-29; 57-58; 85-110; 174-187
Sons and Servants: p. 30-31; 55-57; 84-85
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
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
The Covenant Values of The Feast of Trumpets
Summary
The primary purpose of the Feast of Trumpets was to call the people to prepare to do battle against the enemy of the soul—sin—on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.
Messiah has become the eternal “horn of salvation.” He overcame the devil first when tempted in the wilderness; and finally through His death on the cross and resurrection, conquered all authority over evil, sin, and death. “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:13-16 NKJV)
Paul, like David, experienced the full spectrum of pain and joy. He knew suffering and shame, yet also knew the sweet taste of victory. He knew that experiencing victory and defeat worked to build character. For, he knew that in Messiah—either way—he lived in victory! “I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who gives me power.” (Philippians. 4:12-13 JNT)
Embrace his exhortation regarding our triumph in Messiah. “No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, 39 neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 JNT)
Life Application Questions
In what areas of your life have you appropriated Messiah’s victory in a real way? Generally speaking, do you feel that you are living a victorious life, or is life overcoming you? In what additional ways do you need to receive His victory? Have you asked God what it will take for you to gain victory in the areas you need victory?
Scripture References
Romans 8:18-39; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 9:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 1 John 5:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 2:18-21; 3:13-17; Colossians 2:13-16; Exodus 17:8-16; Psalm 16; 98; 108; 129
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 27-29; 58; 95-110
Sons and Servants: p. 106-108; 145-147; 149-150; 160-161
Real Life in Messiah: I AM the Resurrection and the Life
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.
The trumpet (ram’s horn, or shofar) was also used to alarm the people and prepare them for battle. It is therefore a day to arise in spiritual awakening.
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.
Messiah came as KING to BE the final sacrifice for sin. Those placing faith in Him are reconciled with God. He has accomplished more through His sacrificial blood than a single day of confession could ever possibly do! He defeated the enemy of our soul and won the battle over the power of sin and death. By the power and authority of His resurrection, all those who put their faith in Him are justified before God and delivered from His judgment into eternal life.
To illustrate this point, Messiah raised a man, Lazarus, who had been in a tomb for four days. He did this, “for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may receive glory through it.” (John 11:4 JNT) He, therefore, declared:
“I AM the Resurrection and the Life! Whoever puts his trust in me will live, even if he dies; and everyone living and trusting in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26 JNT)
Placing our trust in Messiah, we become united with Him by faith, and our soul is justified before God to live for eternity.
Truly, He has prepared a way and a place for those who place their faith in Messiah. In Messiah, we see El Chaiyai—The God of my life (Psalm 42:8) and El Yeshuati—The God of my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
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