Blowing the Trumpets: Awake to the Goodness of God!

Ron Sawka

Arise 5 Weekly Update

Sept. 03, 2013 / Elul 28, 5773

“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” (Lev. 23:24).

This Friday is Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the new Hebrew Year 5774. It is also the date of one of my favorite feasts, Blowing of Trumpets. As feasts go, it was very simple—just blow the shofar all day long. But, I love the symbolism. Whether or not we actually blow a shofar, we are declaring to ourselves—as well as to our families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and nations—that God is good and that it is time to wake up to His goodness. Here are thirteen declarations to make, or thirteen reasons to blow the shofar:

1. We celebrate the goodness of God. The more we properly celebrate and are thankful, the more the Lord can give us in the next season.
2. Prepare ourselves for the day of atonement. Jesus died to redeem us. We are declaring that we want each and every seed of unrighteousness or rebellion to be taken out of us.
3. We remember God’s grace to Abraham. He provided the ram at just the right time. We want the whole year to be covered by the blood of Jesus.
4. A day to remember the creation of the world (Job 38:7). The Lord wants us to rule and reign on the earth. Be sure to activate joy.
5. We remember that there is grace and abundant provision for the new year.
6. It’s a coronation day. We declare again (and again) that Jesus is Lord (Ps. 98:6).
7. It’s a time of God’s judging. Often, important economic events/shifts take place during this time. We remember that it is the Lord—and not chaos —who is over all the systems of the world.
8. Psalm 81 is devoted to this day. Be sure to read it.
9. Come forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus entered the wilderness on the first day of Elul (6th month) and emerged on the Day of Atonement (Tishrei 10). From then on, He walked in the power of the Holy Spirit. That is what He wants for each of us.
10. A time to remember the second coming. Yes, Jesus is indeed coming back (1 Thess. 4:16–17).
11. A time to have fun with your family.
12. A time of reconciliation. God brought reconciliation to Jacob and Esau (who then went their separate ways). He can do the same for you.
13. A time to put on spiritual armor. The Lord is gathering us for war to advance the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 14:8).

Finally, let’s remember how the Lord is already broadening our understanding of ministry. As we move among people (or even by ourselves) throughout the day, the Lord is with us. We can walk with Him, ask Him questions, and be alert to the things He shows us. We are never alone and we never know what He will bring to us.