The First Day Of The Seventh Month

The message Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the seventh month on the Hebrew Calendar, is simply one of repentance. This fall feast is a type of the rapture of the Lord Jesus Christ for the church He purchased with His blood. It was a holy convocation, a memorial of blowing the trumpets. Nothing could better describe the time we are living in at the present time. Jesus is coming soon! We must be diligent and ready for the Lord's return knowing that all things have an end and the time clock for this generation is slowly, but surely ticking. It's getting late neighbor and it's imperative we make our calling and election sure.

 

 

By Chris McDonald

 

TEXT: Lev. 23:24 - "In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation."

 

        We are entering into the season known in Judaism as the "high holidays," of 'Fall feasts.' Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year on Israel's civil calendar, while the Passover, celebrated in early Spring (Nisan or Abid) usually marks the beginning of Israel's religious calendar. Both are vital parts of worship with Jewish people, especially those who know Messiah Yeshua. Tishri, the seventh month according to the Jewish calendar, is the month where the Jewish New Year falls. The first day is known literally as "the Head of the Year."

 

        Ancient messianic rabbi tradition teaches that it is on this day the Lord created the world in the first week of the month of Tishri. Therefore, the first day of the seventh month is considered the beginning of creation and beginning of the year; hence the present Jewish time reckoning. As it is generally known, the Jewish year is a lunar year, which is shorter than the solar year by ten days and 21 hours. The year is divided into 12 lunar months of 28 or 29 days each. To equalize the difference between the lunar and solar year, about every three years an extra month is added after the 12th month, or March. This 13-month year is usually a Jewish leap year.

 

        This feast is in type a beautiful picture of our salvation and the rapture, the glorious day when Christ will return and take believers - both the living and the dead - to live with Him forever.

 

1 Thes. 4:14-18
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

        This feast day is also a picture of growing in TRUST and maturity in our Christian walk. This was a one-day festival that had a single purpose - to arouse the people to trust God more and more, proclaiming the message of joy for the atonement or reconciliation. The Festival of Trumpets was a picture or symbol of salvation and of the rapture, the glorious day when Christ will return and take all believers to live with Him forever. The Israelites had TWO silver trumpets that were used to call the people together and to signal directions as they journeyed to the promised land. Trumpeters were apparently stationed at regular intervals to pass the signal through the entire camp. There were nearly four million Israelites encamped around the Tabernacle.

 

Leviticus 23:23-25
And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, [24] Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. [25] Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.

       As stated, the Feast of Trumpets took place on the seventh month, Tishri.  This made it a sabbatical MONTH, just like the seventh day was known as the SABBATH during the week. It was a day of rest. The seventh month was actually a month of great celebration and worship before the Lord. Both Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Tabernacles (Sukkot) also took place during this month. Trumpets was a sacred assembly that began with a LONG and LOUD trumpet blast all throughout the camp. When the people in the camp heard it, they knew it was a signal for the Festival to begin.

 

        Hence, the first day is considered a Sabbath, a day of rest and a memorial calling for the blowing of trumpets, with a holy convocation. In Nehemiah 8:1-12 we read that after Israel returned from the Babylonian captivity, they began to observe the New Year's Day solemnly. And when the Law was read to them after long neglect, they were so overwhelmed that they broke down, cried and repented until Ezra, their leader, had to comfort them and remind them that is was also a day of rejoicing and thanksgiving to the Lord and that they were to go home comforted and eat.

 

Neh. 8:8-12 - So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  [9] And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. [10] Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. [11] So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. [12] And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

        The people were to REST and approach God for atonement and reconciliation through the  BURNT OFFERING.

 

Leviticus 23:25
Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.

Numbers 29:1-6
And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. [2] And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the Lord; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish: [3] And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram, [4] And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: [5] And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you: [6] Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord.

        The burnt offering always typified the CROSS and the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord for our deliverance and salvation from the powers of darkness. This day was set aside so the people could focus on GOD, learning to TRUST and REST in HIM more and more, proclaiming the message of joy for the atonement provided by and through the burnt offering.

        Seven represents the number of GOD and the Sabbath indicates REST. The feast of trumpets is a type of Messiah's rest once we come to Him in faith. Oh glory to God. He IS our rest and refreshing. No matter what the enemy throws at us, we can REST in the finished work of Christ, knowing that we have a true anchor of the soul where the storms of life can never change it.
 

 

Matthew 11:28-29
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
 

Isaiah 28:11-12
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. [12] To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

        As we as believers march to our promised land, we must always anchor our faith in the cross of Christ, ever learning to REST in the finished work of Yeshua. We have been born again, delivered from the powers of darkness because of what HE has done, not of works, lets ANY man should boast:

 

Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Ephes. 2:2-5
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

1 Peter 2:2-3
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: [3] If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

2 Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Col. 2:13-16
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days:
 

        The feast of Trumpets pictures the rapture, which will be the great salvation of God's people from wrath when Christ returns. Christ will sound the trumpet; the dead in Christ will be raised, and then all who are alive and remain will be caught up together with Him in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air - to be with Him forever. We are to GROW in our trust and joy, ever maturing, learning to be more focused on HIM until that day comes. It's a not of matter of "getting" ready; it's a matter of maturing unto CHRIST!

 

Ephes. 3:7-12
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. [8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; [9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: [10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, [11] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: [12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
 

        This journey into the promised land of victory is not one of defeat and sadness, but of REST, joy and peace in the HOLY GHOST!


Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
 

Psalm 37:3
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shall be fed.

Psalm 31:19
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

Psalm 27:1
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

 

 

The Blowing Of The Ram's Horn and The Sacrifice of Christ

 

Leviticus 23:23-24
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [24] Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

 

        According to the rabbis, the blowing of the horns and trumpets ordained by the Lord and observed in the Temple in Jerusalem and throughout the land of Israel had a three-fold purpose:

  • Repentance

  • Sign of Covenant

  • To Confound and Confuse the Accuser, Satan

        First, the trumpet sound was a call to repentance. It was a call to the dead to arise and live again, to awaken from sin to regeneration through repentance. Second, it reminded the Lord that He was in covenant relationship with His people Israel and must deal gently with them, according to His gracious promises made to Abraham and the patriarchs of old.

 

        Third, it was to confound and to confuse Satan, who, according to Rabbinic tradition, had a special predilection of accusing Israel on New Year's Day, bringing before the Lord ALL their shortcomings and sins.

 

        The Ram's horn was used on this solemn occasion of New Year's Day  to bring to memory of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac at the Lord's command. This sacrifice was considered as if accomplished because of Abraham's absolute faith and willingness to do the Lord's bidding, but which God, in His mercy, refrained from exacting, substituting a ram in the place of Isaac.

 

        Jewish people make much of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac, referring to it again and again in their prayers, reminding God of Abraham and his faith, which made him willing to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac gloriously typified CHRIST and His great work on the cross. Christ was a willing sacrifice, offering Himself for the salvation of all men. Isaac was a beautiful type of Christ.

 

John 8:29
And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Genesis 22:6
And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

        There is only ONE sacrifice for sin neighbor. You can't be saved any other way. We're talking in terms of the Lord's coming for the church and the ONLY WAY to make the rapture of the church is to be washed in the blood of the Lamb. The horror of what Jesus endured brought us victory from demonic strongholds that come against our lives. The power we are capable of walking in is limited by the amount of faith we are willing to exercise. Many times it's not so much the quantity of faith, but where our faith rests. Many have placed their faith in their own works and own flesh which is futile. The nails used to impale Christ on the cross were large spikes. As they pierced His hands and feet they were intended to help affect OUR deliverance all down through the ages.

 

        God, in His mercy, knew that people would need great assistance in being set free and remaining free from the strongholds of the enemy. Nails symbolize the word of God, vows and unchangeable covenant promises.

 

Psalm 22:16
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

John 20:25-29
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.  [26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. [27] Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. [28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. [29] Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

        It is the CROSS where the powers of darkness were broken and our salvation paid for. It's where also we as believers must continue to rest our faith as well. The day of trumpets was a day and solmen time of repentance and preparation for the coming day of Atonement, which followed 10 days later. According to rabbinic tradition, the Lord opens three books on the first day of the seven th month:

 

  • Book of the Righteous

  • Book of the Wicked

  • Book of those who are neither wholly righteous nor utterly wicked

        The righteous are judged on New Year's Day and receive rewards such as life, welfare, prosperity, security from all manner of evil and harm, and peace. In the prayer book of the synagogue  for the day of New Year, the following prayer is recited:

 

In the book of life, blessing, peace and good sustenance may we be remembered and inscribed before thee, we and all they people, the house of Israel, for a happy life and peace. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who makes peace."

 

        The second book records the deeds, good and bad, of the intermediate group, those who are not sinfully wicked nor altogether righteous. They are given ten days of repentance which are called Yomim Noraim, which means the "days of awe." During this period, depending on the sincerity of their repentance, the Lord will judge them on the Day of Atonement, either for life or for destruction, riches or poverty, health or  hurt.

 

             The wicked and unrepentant can expect only condemnation and death. This traditional thinking of the rabbis presents us some food for thought but let me make it clear. THE CROSS and the message of the CROSS declares ALL mankind as sinful and wicked!

 

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 

            All are alike when it comes to salvation. ALL have sinned and are in need of a redeemer. You can't earn God's mercy by acts of repentance. REPENTANCE is a matter of the HEART. It is with the HEART man believes unto righteousness.

 

Romans 10:10-11
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [11] For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

        This righteousness can never be earned. If it were to be able to be earned, then Christ came and died in vain. That is why the horns were blown over the burnt offerings. It was a reminder of the great sacrifice of Isaac who was a picture of HE who was to come and become OUR great sacrifice.

 

        In ancient days, when the Temple existed, special sacrifices were offered consiting of two young bullocks, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without spot.

 

Numbers 28:11-15
And in the beginnings of your months ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the Lord; two young bullocks, and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot; [12] And three tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram; [13] And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord. [14] And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year. [15] And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the Lord shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
 

            At the offering of these sacrifices over a 100 priests officiated, and the trumpets and shofar were blown. These were again a type of the coming sacrifice of CHRIST. We who have been washed and redeemed by the BLOOD of our Lord should never forget we were bought with a great price.

 

Hebrews 10:4
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
 

Matthew 26:26
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; [28] For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.


The First Day Of The Seventh Month Was A Sign Of Covenant
 

Lev. 23:24 - "In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation." (Heb. 'rehearsal')

 

        The first day was also a day for Israel to recognize it was in covenant relationship with God through atonement and burnt offerings. God has ONE primary focus in the earth today - the salvation of souls so we can worship Him in covenant. God created man to live with Him, that God's great purpose is to reveal the riches of His grace to man throughout all eternity.

 

Ephes. 2:7
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
 

        The feasts and festivals of Israel were set aside to get this point across to the nation. Rosh Hashanah was one of those such events. Each holiday, as you already know, focused upon the salvation and redemption of man and the worship of God. Second, the holidays painted a prophetic picture of salvation, the salvation God would bring to man through Jesus including the Lord's life, ministry and two comings. God used these annual festivals to show a believer how we were to walk day by day through life in relationship with Him.

 

        It bears repeating here because so many take these feasts very likely in modern day circles. The festivals were SET by God; they were sacred assemblies or festivals, not secular gatherings. People were to come together in WORSHIP and joyful celebration. The Sabbath Day of rest: the first and most basic appointed day was closely connected with each one. The spring feasts - Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost, were feasts that pointed to Yeshua's first coming. The  fall feasts - Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Tabernacles (Sukkot), were also connected to each other in practice and prophetic fulfillment pointing to Messiah's SECOND coming to earth.

 

         These feasts were called "the feasts of the Lord," by the Lord Himself. (Lev. 23:1-2).

 

Leviticus 23:1-2
And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, [2] Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are My feasts.

        Part of the celebration for all feasts was the connection between the celebration itself and the Sabbath, the SEVENTH day.

 

Leviticus 23:3
Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.

        The Sabbath was the very first day appointed and set aside by God. The Sabbath day of rest is actually the most important day set aside, stretching all the way back to the beginning of creation. It was the day after Creation God created for Himself:

 

Genesis 2:3
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
 

        The seventh day is the day man is to focus solely upon the LORD. It is in type connected very closely with the seventh MONTH, which was considered a Sabbath MONTH - the month where Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur always took place. Both the day and the month were to be types of complete REST for the people to recognize the atonement and judgment of God upon their sins and reconciliation He had provided through blood sacrifice.

 

        The Sabbath, be it a day or the month, is a day of physical restoration, a day when the human body is allowed to restore itself. Man's mind and body need to relax and rest; to be free from the duties, responsibilities, pressures and tensions of day to day work. For this purpose, God set aside these times for our good, not our bondage. The Sabbath day and month were types of the spiritual rest God promises to those who believe in CHRIST and the finished work at Calvary. It is a symbol of redemption of God's deliverance from the heaven burdens and trials of this life.

 

Hebrews 4:9-11
There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. [10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. [11] Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Exodus 20:8
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Exodus 20:11
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.

        Rosh Hashanah, on the first day of the Sabbath MONTH,  was a time of HOLY CONVOCATION. It was a day when God's people were to come together and assemble for worship and thanksgiving for their deliverance out of Egyptian bondage. Egypt is a symbol of the world. It's a type of the bondage and enslavement of sin we have been brought out of by CHRIST.

 

Hebrews 2:14-15
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; [15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

2 Cor. 1:10
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

Deut. 5:15
And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day.
 

        THIS IS THE MESSAGE OF THE NEW COVENANT. God just doesn't save us "in" our sins, He saves us FROM our sins.

 

Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

        Many believers today try to live under the New Covenant with an old covenant heart. The old covenant spoke with veiled meaning; the new covenant speaks with plain (outspoken, clear, and bold) meaning. The new covenant gives such a glorious hope that the minister of God can proclaim it clearly and boldly. Of course, the reason he can proclaim it so clearly and boldly is because the new covenant is given by the Spirit in a clear and unveiled message.

1 Cor. 2:12-13

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which Holy Ghost teaches; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

        The old covenant was not like the new covenant. Without ever knowing it, each time Israel celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the feast on the first day of the Sabbath month, they were in type celebrating something so grand that was to come it beggars description. We are living in that era today! While, the old covenant was set up by God full of veiled meanings, such as in the feasts, we have a better covenant today, based upon better promises, and built upon a better PERSON - CHRIST.


        The veiled meaning of the coming covenant relationship God wanted with man was best illustrated by Moses. When the people saw the glory of God shining in the face of Moses, Moses had to put a veil upon his face. Why? Because the people withdrew from the glory of God, and because the people were not to see the fading away of the glory from Moses’ face. Note the exact words of Paul: Moses veiled his face so that they “could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished.”


        Paul was saying that what Moses did was an illustration of how man sees the old covenant or law. Man looks at the law and sees that he is to obey it if he wishes to please God. Therefore, man works and works to keep the law, believing all the time that he is earning the favor and acceptance of God. Man is blinded to the real meaning of the law. The glory and meaning of the law are veiled from his sight; he is unable...

 

  • to see the real meaning of the law.

  • to see that the law was given to reveal the nature of God’s glory and perfection.

  • to see that man comes short of the glory and perfection of God.

  • to see that man cannot keep the law, not perfectly.

  • to see that the law was given to show man his desperate need for a Savior.

 

2 Cor. 3:14
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

2 Cor. 4:4
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Ephes. 4:18
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

2 Tim. 3:7
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Micah 4:2
And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.


        Even today when the Old Testament is read, those who still follow the law as means of salvation are blinded to the truth. The veil still remains covering the true glory of God. National Israel sits in darkness today as a result of this. That is why Threemacs Ministries even exists today - so we can be a light to the Jewish people to show them the veil has been taken away in CHRIST! Glory to God. The veil has been removed. We can come BOLDLY to the throne of grace today through the shed blood of the Lamb of God. They still do not understand the true purpose of the law: to point men to their need for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is Christ and Christ alone who has removed the veil to the glory of God. Men can face and see the glory of God only in Jesus Christ.

 

John 10:30
I and my Father are one.

John 10:36-38
Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? [37] If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. [38] But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:9-10
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? [10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

        The veil of the old covenant is removed only when a person turns to the Lord. When a person truly turns to Jesus Christ, he is shown how Jesus Christ is the glory of God and the end, purpose, and fulfillment of the law. The veil is removed from the law, and he understands the marvelous glory of God.

Gal. 3:24-25 - Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

2 Cor. 3:16-18
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. [17] Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. [18] But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
 

         The new covenant brings liberty through the Lord Jesus Christ. Note that the Lord is identified as the Spirit: “the Lord is that Spirit.” This does not mean that the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the same Person. They are two different Persons, but they are one in their Godhead and Deity. Jesus Christ is One with the Spirit in the same way He is one with God the Father: one in mind, spirit, being, nature, and essence. Therefore, they are one in will, purpose, and work.

“He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you” (John 16:14-15).

        Note how the Father, Christ, and the Holy Sprit are all involved in showing and revealing salvation to man. This is what is meant by saying the Lord is that Spirit. The Lord Himself was actually the One who secured salvation and liberty for man, but it is the Spirit who is actively involved in revealing the truth of salvation and liberty to man. “Where the Sprit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” n Christ there is liberty and freedom: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [freedom].”
 

  • Christ frees the believer from the dominion of sin.

    “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
     

  • Christ frees the believer from the law.

    Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God” (Romans 7:4)

     

    But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter” (Romans 7:6).
     

    But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law” (Galatians 5:18).

     

  • Christ frees the believer from the bondage of fear.

    For ye have not received the spirit of bondage agan to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father”

     

  • Christ frees the believer from the power of Satan, which is the fear of death.

    Heb. 2:14-15 - “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15).

     

  • Christ frees the believer from the bondage of corruption.

    Romans 8:21-23 - Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God....and not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:21, 23).

        In beholding Christ, believers are transformed into His image. The phrase “we all” means believers, those who have turned to Christ...

  • who have had the veil removed from their face

  • who stand face to face with the glory of the Lord

 

        When a believer receives Jesus Christ as his Savior, he is given the privilege to stand face to face with Christ. This simply means that he is given the privilege to know and understand Christ. Note several points.


a. The phrase “open face” means that the believer is given the privilege of standing face to face with Christ, the privilege of knowing Christ personally and learning all about Him. There is no veil over the face or eyes of the believer, nothing to keep him from knowing the Lord.
b. The object of the believer is to behold the glory of the Lord. This means to behold the Godhead and deity of the Lord, the splendor, brilliance, and excellence of His person and Being. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who became Man. His “glory” refers to the glorious fact that He as the Son of God did become Man. When a person grasps this fact, he understands the “glory of the Lord,” the incomprehensible fact that the Lord paid the supreme and ultimate price, the unbelievable price, for the salvation of man.

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth

        The believer, however, never grasps the full glory of the Lord. No man, who is only finite and flesh, could ever understand the Lord, who is infinite Spirit. The believer only sees and understands the glory of the Lord as in a glass or a mirror. That is, he only sees a reflection of the Lord, not the full image. Presently, the believer is able to see the Lord only through the Word and the Holy Spirit; in the future, he shall stand face to face with the Lord throughout all eternity. Then he will know the Lord even as the Lord now knows him.

1 Cor. 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known

        The believer is changed or transformed into the image of Christ from glory to glory. This probably means two things.

  • When the believer beholds (grasps, understands, studies, lays hold of) the glory of the Lord, the same glory is created in him.

  • When the believer beholds the glory of the Lord, the believer progresses and grows from one stage of glory to a higher stage.

        And that my friend is the message of the first day of the seventh month. Rosh Hashanah was pointing Israel to the day when they as a nation would be transformed into kings and priests by the blood of Christ. They did not receive it when He came the first time, but He is going to come a SECOND time with the sound of a TRUMP! It is not a coincidence that Rosh Hashanah is a festival also known as the Feast of Trumpets. The two trumpets were SILVER, which means "redemption." Israel will be redeemed as a nation one day and one day soon! But before the nation receives Christ as a whole, millions of individual Jewish believers are already coming to the realization of who Yeshua is. He is revealing Himself to the greatest number of Jewish people right now than at any other time in human history. We must grasp this fact deeply. The Gentile church's role in all of this is simply one thing - INTERCESSION and identification with God's chosen people. We are to intercede daily for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of the lost sheep of the House of Israel. We are to also identify ourselves in love and service to the chosen seed of Abraham as being one with them in Yeshua Messiah. We are 'one new man' in HIM! Glory to God. That does not mean we Gentiles have to become Jews and have to wear a prayer shawl to be saved. God forbid. It does mean that whenever we honor the feasts of the Lord in our homes and lives we too are celebrating God's covenant with  us that came as a result of the Jewish people. That is the powerful message behind this beautiful feast day.

 

The First Day Of The Seventh Month Is A Celebration of Blowing Trumpets - To Confuse The Devil!


 Lev. 23:24 - "In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation."

 

        As we close this journal, let's take a quick look at a third and most important facet of the first day of the seventh month. As we have elaborated on already, Trumpets were blown on this day as a reminder of repentance and covenant between Israel and God. But thirdy, it was they were also sounded, according to Jewish tradition, confuse Satan, who, according to Rabbinic tradition, had a special predilection of accusing Israel on New Year's Day, bringing before the Lord ALL their shortcomings and sins.

 

Rev. 12:10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Job 1:4-9  -  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. [7] And the Lord said unto Satan, Whence comes thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. [8] And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? [9] Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

        Satan is the great accuser of mankind before God. At this very moment, he is in heaven accusing each one of us of our past AND present shortcomings and failings. The day is coming soon friend, when we are glorified that Satan will be barred from heaven. He will no longer be able to accuse believers before God. Scripture teaches that Satan takes the sins of believers and throws them up into God’s face. He points out every failure of a believer. Why? Because he knows the only way to hurt God is to hurt His prize creation - man. to hurt and cut God. God gave His Son to die for the sins of men. Therefore, every time a believer sins, the devil reminds God...

  • that the death of His Son was wasted and useless; it was not worth the price if believers are going to trample the blood of Christ underfoot.

  • that the believers’ love for Christ and God is hypocritical and shameful.

  • that the believer could care less about God and Christ: he does not care enough to obey God. If he did, the believer would not sin

  • that the believer is not worth all the pain and hurt; that God should go ahead and wipe out the human race.
     

        Satan will be thrown out of heaven. He will never again be able to appear before God and cut God by the sins and failures of believers.

 

Zech. 3:1
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

Job 1:6
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.
 

        The sounds of the trumpets on Rosh Hashanah remind us of the weapons used to gain the victory over Satan. Remember these are the very weapons that Michael and the angels will use in the battle with Satan (Rev. 12:7-9). Michael and the angels will protect Israel and the believers in the end time, and a remnant of Israel and of Gentiles will be saved. How?


a. By the blood of the Lamb, of the Lord Jesus Christ (see note, pt.2—§Rev. 5:6-7).
b. By the word of their testimony, that is, by proclaiming the Word of God and by continuing to confess the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

 

Rev. 12:7-9
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, [8] And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. [9] And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
 

 

        Those weapons are our shield today against Satan's accusation and slander:

 

Acts 4:20
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

2 Tim. 1:8
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

        By being loyal to Christ even to death; yes, many will die, millions in fact. But they shall live eternally. They shall never taste death. Quicker than the blink of an eye God shall transfer them to heaven into His very presence. But remember why: because they were loyal; they stood fast in Christ and refused to deny Him.
 

  • “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25).
     

  • “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
     

  • “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27).
     

  • “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting” (Luke 18:29-30).
     

  • “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).
     

  • “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever” (2 Tim. 4:18).

        The only way we can ever conquer Satan is to use these same three weapons.
 

1) We must be covered by the blood of the Lamb and we must claim the blood of the Lamb.
2) We must have a strong testimony for Christ, strongly proclaim the Word of God and continue to confess the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
3) We must be loyal to Christ even to death (Matthew 10:22).

 

Matthew 10:22
And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.
 

        The Ram's horn was used on this solemn occasion of New Year's Day  to bring to memory of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac at the Lord's command. This sacrifice was considered as if accomplished because of Abraham's absolute faith and willingness to do the Lord's bidding, but which God, in His mercy, refrained from exacting, substituting a ram in the place of Isaac.  Jewish people make much of Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac, referring to it again and again in their prayers, reminding God of Abraham and his faith, which made him willing to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac gloriously typified CHRIST and His great work on the cross. Christ was a willing sacrifice, offering Himself for the salvation of all men. Isaac was a beautiful type of Christ.

 

        And neighbor, if you're feeling the sore hand of Satan's accusation today, take heart. Yeshua has paid the price with His blood for us to be free today from condemnation and guilt. You say, I have sinned and failed the Lord many times. That may be true and friend, sin is nothing to snicker at or laugh at. God hates sin and is not pleased with it. But His mercy is always open to those who with a pure and honest heart will approach Him seeking deliverance and cleansing. Jesus said He would NEVER cast anyone out who came to Him in such faith:

 

John 6:37
All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
 

        When you hear the sound of the trumpet this Rosh Hashanah season, take heart that your sins have been forgiven, you've been placed in covenant relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and that Satan's accusing voice has been drowned out by the sound of the ram's horn pointing to the sacrifice of Christ.

 

        As I close I want to share a brief story. About 10 years ago a man of God died and went to heaven and came back to earth. While standing before the throne of God, which was encased with such a bright light, the man could not even see God Himself, but heard His voice,  the enemy stood by him before God accusing this man of God of every single perverted act imaginable. All of the accusations Satan threw before God were lies. All of a sudden though the accusations Satan started uttering WERE true. Satan began to bring up failures the preacher HAD committed on earth. At this time great fear came on the man of God as voice came from the throne that said, "how do you respond to these charges?" The man thought and thought for a moment thinking that if he said, "I am not guilty of these things God," that he'd be sent to hell because he knew in his heart he WAS guilty of these things. He thought, "if I say 'I'm guilty," then I'm going to go to hell for that too." Looking around and seeing the enemy sneer at him with an anger and rage that he had never seen before, his heart sank to the floor.

 

        It was at this moment he fell to his knees and screamed, "I claim the BLOOD of CHRIST." When He did this a figure in the light around the throne turned to His right hand and remained silent. At that time, Jesus stepped out from the light, stood in front of the man of God, put His arms around the man and said, "Father, I have shed my BLOOD for His sins, He is NOT GUILTY OF THE THINGS SPOKEN OF IN THE COURT ROOM HERE TODAY." Jesus turned to the enemy and with a voice that sounded like thunder and 10,000 lions roared at him declaring His accusations null and void. The man was sent back to earth to share this message and is still preaching today.

 

        Friend, when we get to heaven, we all will go to heaven GUILTY of sin. NONE will stand before God without guilt. It is not a question of guilt, it's a question and matter of the BLOOD of the Lamb. It's a question and matter of whether our sins have been washed by the soul-cleansing blood of Yeshua's cross. Have you been to Jesus for cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you trusting fully in His grace this hour, Oh' be washed in the blood of the Lamb."

 

        That's the message of Rosh Hashanah. That's the message of the first day of the seventh month. We have been forgiven, washed, cleansed and purchased by blood. And when the trump sounds friend, and we're taken in the rapture, it won't be because we're Baptist, Methodist, Assembly of God, or Foursquare, it will be because of the NEW COVENANT of blood shed for the remission of sins by our heavenly Yeshua. Praise God. It's getting late neighbor. It's getting late. If you've never accepted Christ today, hear me - the accusing serpent will one day accuse YOU before the throne of God. At that time in history, what will you plead? There is only one plea accepted in heaven and it's the blood of Christ.

 

Heavenly Father, we know and sense the lateness of the hour and time we live in. These are such awesome times on Planet Earth today. I pray today for all who do not know You will be convicted today of their condition and come back before it's too late. We pray for the backslider who once knew You Lord and yet, their hearts have grown cold and indifferent. Bring them to a restoration and renewal of passion and intimacy with You in these last hours. Let us hear the sound of the trumpet and sense the urgency of the age we're in. We pray for the upcoming elections of 2004 and ask You to touch our President. I pray also You reveal Your glory to Sen. Kerry and open his heart and eyes to your purposes. He has a soul just like President Bush and I pray you reveal JESUS to him today. Bring revival to America Lord one last time before judgment falls. Bring revival to this land one last time before it's too late to have revival. Help us hear the truth of Your word and stay free from the bondages and shackles of sin. In your name I pray, Amen.

 

 

Hit Counter

 

 

Happy Rosh Hashanah, 2004