Christian Living

Appreciation For The Feast of Trumpets

by Eyvonne Black
10/06/24
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In this post, I will use Christian and Hebrew names given to the Most High God and other biblical characters.

The Most High [El Elyōn] has commanded that we observe Seven Feasts as Holy Convocations (Leviticus 23:4). These are yearly High Holy Days.

These feasts have numerous meanings. Two significant meanings remind the Israelite Nation of the protection and provisions they were given throughout the 40 years in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:23-24) and the prophetic foreshadowing of events, Jesus the Messiah's return (Colossians 2:16-17).

The Feasts allow us to appreciate our Heavenly Father's love and faithfulness, His redemptive plan, and access to His promises and blessed provisions. Although these Feasts are observed primarily by the Jews, they are not a Jewish Tradition but instructions given to the Prophet Moses, also known as Moshe in Hebrew and Mūsā in Islam.

Since the Apostle Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:16-17), his significant influence through spiritual application has ensured that all people become One Israelite Nation (Ephesians 2:14). Therefore, these Feasts are now observed by all believers who recognise that we as Gentiles are being grafted-in to become Spiritual Israelites with the Nation of Israel (Romans 11:17-32) as 'One People.'

Some scriptures indicating that the early Christian congregations observed these festivals are Acts 2:1, Acts 18:21 and Acts 20:16. Pentecost was the second of the seven festivals, the first being the Passover.

The Feast of Trumpets [Yom Teruah] marks the first of the Three Appointed Times observed in Autumn. The Israelites were instructed in the seventh month on the first day to keep this Holy Convocation, also known as a High Holy Shabbat, because of its significance (Numbers 29:1-6). The Nation of Israel would go outside and blast the trumpet [shofar] and make a burnt offering to the Most High, Adonai.

The Trumpet blast had many other significant meanings, such as making an important announcement or event, signalling an alarm for war, gathering people, indicating a king's new arrival (2 Chronicles 23:13), the anointing of a King (1 Kings 1:38-39), and calling for repentance (Joel 2:1).

The Feast of Trumpets is a time of unity and fellowship. Today, it is observed for its connection to the prophetic foreshowing of the return of Jesus the Messiah (his Hebrew name, Ye'shua HaMashiach). Revelation 11:5 tells of the time that he will come to establish his Kingdom and reign forever on earth. Daniel's vision indicates a Kingdom that will last forever (Daniel 2:44).

Specific instructions are given for this day to be a complete Day of Rest, so we should not do any ordinary work. If a shofar is in our midst, we should blow it as the Nation of Israel did or lift our voices with praise, thanksgiving and prayer in expectancy of his redemption.

The Feast of Trumpets is a time to fellowship with others, share a meal, solemnly repent, pray for forgiveness, forgive others, and show love to our neighbours by sharing the Kingdom's message (Matthew 28:20). It's also an excellent time to prepare for the next Autumn festival, The Day of Atonement [Yom Kippur], nine days after the Feast of Trumpets.

Yom Teruah is a wake-up call for those who have allowed themselves to be influenced by the world and have become spiritually blind (Hebrews 6:4-6). It is a spiritual awakening for those unaware of the importance of these Feasts.

As Kingdom Citizens, we must be ready to respond to those who do not know why we follow these festivals and live by our Eternal Father's standards, values, and principles. Everyone has a right to know they have an Eternal existence. Still, there are conditions and warnings we must adhere to before we can benefit from the privilege of eternal life (Romans 6:23).

When we study God's Word, stay obedient, faithful and confident, we can rest assured of Ye'shua Ha Mashiach [Jesus Christ] words at (Matthew 11:29-30) NKJV: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

References:
Biblical chapters and verses: English Standard Version (ESV) and New King James Version (NKJV)
Cerullo, David, (2015) Seasons of Blessings: The Promises and Provisions of God's Appointed
Hebrew Israelite High Holy Days Calendar. https://www.soamibooks.com/post/hebrew-israelite-high-holy-days-calendar