Rabbi’s Reflections – Saturday, September 28, 2019
Shabbat Shalom *|FNAME|*,
Anybody noticed I’ve been having trouble with specifying the day and date this week? Well, if you did, you were kind enough not to point it out to me. But what were you thinking? Kind thoughts for the feeble minded I hope. “Awww, poor Rabbi, he’s like the absent minded professor.” That’s a positive spin on a sad situation.
Elul is the sixth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is the month of preparation because all of the fall Feasts of the Lord are in the seventh month, Tishre. How appropriate that Elul is an acronym for the Hebrew phrase, Ani L’dodi V’Dodi Li meaning “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” This month of preparation is preparation for a rededication to God and His purposes.
Psalm 47:6 God is gone up amidst shouting (teruah), Adonai amidst the sound (the voice) of the shofar.
There are 3 notes to the shofar, tekiah (one long blast), shevarim (3 medium blasts) and teruah (9 short blasts). Another possible meaning that these sounds tell the life of the believer. Tekiah means “lay hold of God.” Shevarim means “be broken.” Teruah means “shout for joy.”
Does this sound like you? Lay hold of God and be broken so you can shout for joy. Many Scriptures come to mind.
Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or been perfected, but I press on if only I might take hold of that for which Messiah Yeshua took hold of me.
Matthew 21:44 Whoever falls on this stone will be shattered; but the one upon whom it falls, it will crush him.”
Psalm 118:15 Shouts of joy and victory are in the tents of the righteous: “Adonai’s right hand is mighty! 16 Adonai’s right hand is lifted high! Adonai’s right hand is mighty!”
Then, after Yom Kippur there is one last sound. It is Tekiah G’dolah (the great shout of joy). On Judgment Day those who know the Lord will give a great shout for joy. We give a shout that we have passed through judgment.
Let me make a closing comment. Sunday night begins the High Holidays. I’m expecting more than 20 shofars to be in attendance, so if you have one, please bring it to the service. We’ll start the service with a great blast.
Wear white if you have a something white. It’s traditional to wear white on the High Holidays.
Lastly, I’ve been praying (and I hope you have been as well) that the Lord will move with power in this season. Let’s place our expectations on the One Who is able. Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far beyond all that we ask or imagine, by means of His power that works in us, 21 to Him be the glory in the community of believers and in Messiah Yeshua throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.