Many prophetic voices from around the world have sensed that we are in a significant time of breakthrough during the month of October and the remainder of this year. At the same time, in studying the Jewish calendar and the feasts and events that were instituted by God for the Jewish people I have been struck by the significance of this particular time on God's calendar. Of course New Testament scripture states: "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it unto the Lord; and he who does not, to the Lord he does not observe it..." Rom 14:5, 6 So here are some significant insights I am convinced are shadows of a spiritual reality we are in right now.
The 1st-2nd of October marked the beginning of the Jewish new year called Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah literally means "head of the year" and has two distinct names 1.) The Day of Remembrance and, 2.) The Day of The Blast (of the Shofar). It is a time of awakening, remembrance of the past years deeds (good or bad) and a time for fresh beginnings. The Shofar blast is a type, as well, of prophetic proclamation from God. - And wow, what a prophetic statement God made Wednesday night as the entire meeting broke into prophecy after prophecy as the Body came forth under an unusual prophetic unction for a solid hour. Many of the children aged from 6 to 17 had the most powerful words as God spoke to us many things about the significance of the transition we are in; an invitation to enter in; and that those who fully repent and fully surrender will go on into the next wave of God's purposes in these end times.
It is also significant that the blowing of the Shofar on the night of Rosh Hashanah begins what are called the "10 Days of Awe" looking toward the holiest day of the year on the Jewish calendar - Yom Kippur: "The Day of Atonement". It was the one day a year in which the holiest man in the world, the high priest of that year, would enter into the holiest place in the world - the Holy of Holies - to place blood on the mercy seat before God's presence to make atonement for our sins. Of course we see in this a powerful type and picture of Jesus our eternal High Priest who presented His own blood for an eternal atonement for our sins providing forgiveness through His cross. The "Ten Days of Awe" were meant to be a time of focus upon the Lord, repentance of sins and preparation for God's blessing and favor based on how earnestly and sincerely we repent. The reality is, the only sins we are forgiven for are the ones we repent of. <hummm>.
It was also considered to be a time in which God accessed us with view toward blessing or discipline, promotion or demotion, prosperity or leanness; much like the shepherd passing each individual sheep under his rod at the end of the summer season for personal examination and sorting. Yom Kippur falls on Friday the 10th this year and we will be having a prayer watch that night here at Cornerstone Church. Immediately after that, preparations were begun for a 7 day party that begins five days later called the Feast of Tabernacles or the "Feast of the In-gathering". Are we headed for an in-gathering? Many believe this is the time. God is desiring to recover the backsliders and bring the lost into His kingdom of grace. It is a time of joy and celebration as we behold God's mercy, grace & provision.
This particular year, 5758 on the Jewish calendar, also marks the beginning of a special 50th year event called Jubilee, also called in scripture "The Acceptable Year of the Lord" - when all debts are forgiven and captives are released. Jesus gave substance to this when he declared about Himself at his arrival in Luke 4:18,19; `The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, Because He did anoint me; To proclaim good news to the poor, Sent me to heal the broken of heart, To proclaim to captives deliverance, And to blind receiving of sight, To send away the bruised with deliverance, To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.' - a Jubilee to all who come to Him!
These are the things He will do for us if we believe. Yes Lord, I believe! Be it unto us Lord, according to your word!
>From My Perspective. Pastor Jim Wies