Sunday marks the beginning of the “High Holy Days” in Judaism, with Rosh Hashanah beginning at sunset. To many of us in Christendom, this might be little more than a piece of trivia that we can tuck away in our “general religious knowledge” folder, however, the event has specific significance to us as believers. Jesus’ life and ministry revolved around the biblical holidays, of which Rosh Hashanah is one.

Jesus came into the temple at the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, was crucified on Passover, rose from the dead on the Feast of First Fruits, and when he ascended, he made sure his followers understood that the next major event for them was the descent of the Holy Spirit, which God coordinated with the Jewish feast of Pentecost. Can you see the pattern? Every major event that had to do with our redemption was tied to a particular aspect of the Jewish feasts in the Spring. It doesn’t end there.

It is fairly clear, based on the writings of Paul, John, and the words of Jesus, that Christ’s second coming is in a similar fashion, tied to the Jewish holy days in the fall. For example, the beginning of Rosh Hashanah is marked by the blowing of the Shofar, or trumpet, and the most common element in the Bible where it talks about the Second coming is preceded by the blowing of a trumpet. (1 Thess 4:16-17, 1 Cor 15:52, Rev 4:1 ).

And the other most talked about element is how the nations of the earth will be raging against Israel. And it just so happens that right now, perhaps more than ever, Jerusalem, is a tinderbox that could be in for some troubling time. Consider how close the appearance of the Lord might be! While many of us go about our business, stop and take an inventory that the Day of the Lord may be drawing very near. Not trying to scare anyone, or persuade them that we are in the final stretch,.but consider soberly “what if”, for whatever reason, we should have to stand before God today?

If you are available Sunday, come and share in the Word of God with us– Faunce Memorial Church in Plymouth this Sunday . (EWF)