The Feast of Trumpets

 

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a day of solemn rest, a memorial proclaimed with blast of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall not do any ordinary work, and you shall present a food offering to the LORD.” (Leviticus 23:23–25 ESV).

 

I hope you have enjoyed Ezra and Nehemiah. Today I will begin to examine some of the passages that determine our theology surrounding the end of time and the final coming of Jesus. It may seem a bit strange to begin with our reading today which is from Leviticus. That is certainly not one of the “go-to” writings for most people; however, this passage describes the establishment of the Feast of Trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets, known as Rosh Hashanah, holds deep significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It’s a time of remembrance and prophetic expectation.

 

As believers in Jesus, we know there is more to this feast than recalling ancient events. The Feast of Trumpets points prophetically to the return of Jesus. Matthew writes: “He [Jesus] will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather His elect” (Matthew 24:31).  The trumpet sound that once echoed from Sinai will resound again, this time announcing the coming of the Messiah. This becomes a time when we not only remember what God did for Israel, but we also look forward to what He will do for all believers. The Apostle Paul wrote, “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). The Feast of Trumpets was designed to reawaken God’s people to the beauty of his presence among them.

 

The Feast of Trumpets occurred toward the end of the agricultural year. For months the people labored under a hot sun to grow food—tilling, planting, pruning, and finally harvesting. But through long days, heavy demands, and the uncertainties of their daily work, it could be easy to lose sight of the God who had come to live among his people. The Feast of Trumpets marked the beginning of the religious year. On this first day of a new year, trumpets blasted throughout the community of God’s people, announcing the nearness of God. The unmistakable sound of the ram’s horn called Israel to revival and renewal.

 

One day we too will hear the unmistakable sound of a trumpet, announcing that Jesus is returning to make his kingdom complete! Amid the busyness of our work, our schooling, or the worries and cares of this world, we can lose sight of the certainty of Jesus’ return. But we are called to be ready for that day! Let us live each day eagerly awaiting and preparing for the clear, triumphant note of the Lord’s trumpet call.

 

As we look at some of the passages that deal with the Second Coming, my hope and prayer is that you will be strengthened in these difficult days by the knowledge that the trumpet will sound for the last time and Jesus will come to make all things right. I am convinced we are closer to that moment than many would acknowledge. Take comfort in knowing He will return!