New years naturally embody a time of introspection. That, coupled with my love for cultural expression, brings us to the closing of Rosh Hashanah (or Feast of Trumpets). This Jewish New Year celebration welcomes the 5785th birthday of the universe in the Hebrew calendar and celebrates the day God created humanity in the garden and awaits His judgment and return. It translates as “Head of the Year” and is a holy celebration that honors God as the head of His body by declaring him King of the Universe. Followed by ten days of awe and repentance — this holiday is celebrated over a sweet meal in hopes that He will grant peace, prosperity, and blessing to his people. It’s marked by the blowing of the Shofar on both mornings of the holiday (except Shabbat) and this year is meaningful because Shabbat immediately follows the holiday.
The Jewish community, particularly in Israel, is accustomed to living in the tension of sorrow and celebration. Notably with the approach of the first anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attacks of 2023, and the tumultuous year of fighting since. While wars and rumors of war continue to rage, Jewish families around the world have gathered together to honor God for who He is and prayed to be sealed in His blessing.
I was touched to learn about the three types of blasts that accompany the blowing of the Shofar. It is described as a long sob-like blast (tekiah); a series of three short wails (shevarim); and at least nine piercing staccato bursts (teruah) that reflect a repentant cry sounded at a king’s coronation. In watching some short video clips of the recent Lausanne Congress, it seems there is a sense of increased urgency throughout the body of Christ to posture ourselves in prayer, repentance, unity, and expectation.
Trumpets are a call to action. As a trumpet-blowing mobilization ministry, it is the cry of our hearts to wake up the ‘sleeping giant’ by helping believers understand the importance of engaging in the missional purposes that God has for them. We too have a choice to make living in the constant barrage of tensions surrounding us. It’s easy to get caught up in our isolated bubble that we sometimes fail to acknowledge the sobs and wails of other nations, tribes, and tongues. There is nowhere on earth unaffected by the evils of sin, and as sons and daughters of the Most High, we must deliberately choose to make His Name known to the broken and lost around us even in the face of great opposition.
We are so incredibly blessed, and it is through the many opportunities afforded to us that we are mandated to be a blessing to others, especially those who do not have access to the gospel. By sounding the prophetic message of mobilization, we challenge believers to join us on a journey designed to disciple and mature each other as a growing community. It forces us to get out of our individualistic mindsets and prioritize the collective. Our mission goes beyond planning course events. We are part of a diverse global family, united by a passion for seeing ALL God’s people ignited to be on mission. A unified collective force that can only be sustained in prayer and guided by the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. One that honors and celebrates unique expression, but moves together with one goal in mind - glorifying Jesus.
So whether you celebrate Jewish New Year, American New Year, or another cultural tradition, take some time to connect with God and reflect on your spiritual journey and partnership with Him. The awe of the cross is that Jesus gave us access to the Father any time of the year. He sits at His right hand and intercedes on our behalf. He hears our prayers of faith, translates our moaning cries, and sends His Spirit as our Helper to accomplish His will as it reflects in heaven through willing and unwilling human vessels. Until the day of His glorious return when ALL will hear His final trumpet sound and the kingdom of our Lord reigns forever.
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