“In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord” (Leviticus 23:24-25).
Every year, as summer gives way to autumn, the Jewish people mark Rosh Hashanah—“the Head of the Year.” This festival signals more than just a change of seasons on the calendar; it begins a sacred time known as the “Ten Days of Awe,” culminating in Yom Kippur, “the Day of Atonement.”
Rosh Hashanah traces its roots to the biblical “Feast of Trumpets,” a day when the shofar, a ram’s horn, is sounded to call God’s people to attention. In ancient Israel, the arrival of this feast was a moment requiring deep watchfulness.
Since it fell on the new moon, when only the faintest sliver of light would appear, priests and witnesses had to remain vigilant to confirm its arrival. To avoid missing this holy appointment, rabbis eventually added a second day—underscoring just how vital it was to stay awake, alert, and ready.
This theme of readiness is echoed throughout the New Testament as a picture of the believer’s posture toward Christ’s return:
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42).
Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober (1 Thessalonians 5:6).
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).
The Feast of Trumpets was not merely about marking time; it was about awakening the heart. The piercing blast of the shofar cut through routine and distraction, calling every soul to return to God with repentance and renewed devotion.
Today, even if we don’t observe Rosh Hashanah in the traditional sense, the message still speaks to us: Be watchful. Be prepared. Be eager for the coming of the King. Our lives can easily drift into complacency, but the trumpet of Scripture sounds a clear call—wake up, stay ready, live expectantly.
The Lord Jesus was offered once to bear our sin. And He has promised to appear again (Hebrews 9:28)—not in humility this time, but in power and glory to gather His people forever.
May we not be found asleep or distracted. May we live each day with hearts tuned to the sound of His coming.
PRAYER
Father, awaken my spirit to Your voice. Help me to lay aside complacency and live in anticipation of Your Son’s return. Keep me watchful, hopeful, and ready. Amen.
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