God set in motion divinely appointed times for celebrating with His covenant people. These seven "set times of the Lord" unfold the redemption story with different moods and celebrations from Passover/Unleavened Bread, to Shavuot/Pentecost and onto the High Holy Days culminating in the joyous Feast of Tabernacles.
The "High Holy Days", begin with Feast of Trumpets (RoshHashanah), followed 10 days later by The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and end with the joyous Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) What a roller-coaster ride of emotions unfold over these days.
REFLECTION: The month leading into Rosh Hashanah is Elul, a time for reflection and preparation of the soul for the awesome days ahead. As we draw near to God in these days we have confidence to approach Him for the coming day of reckoning.
RECOGNITION: With the sound of the Shofar (ram's horn) Rosh Hashanah commemorates the birthday of mankind and signals the New Year. It is also the day to proclaim God's Kingship over the universe and over our lives. "Awake all you who slumber and know before Whom you stand!"
REPENTANCE: Rosh Hashanah is followed by Ten Days of Awe,when we examine our lives, take responsibility for wrong doing and resolve to walk in ways that honour the King and Kingdom we serve and love. We seek out anyone we have offended and ask forgiveness and prepare to come before God for judgement, hoping we will find favour in His eyes and be judged for a good year.
REMISSION: On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) we fast to humble ourselves, earnestly confessing our sins, individually and corporately. The final extended and triumphant blast of the shofar concluding Yom Kippur reminds us that the Lord did indeed make a way to remit our sins by providing the perfect sacrifice in Jesus - in him we have redemption, the remission of sins.
REJOICING: The sombre nature of Day of Atonement quickly gives way to rejoicing as families construct their Sukkot booths for the most joyous festival of the Jewish Year, the Feast of Tabernacles. These temporary booths remind us that our lives and dwelling place on earth are temporary, but we have confidence of a permanent dwelling place in the Kingdom of God where our rejoicing will know no bounds.
WHY SHOULD WE, AS CHRISTIANS, CELEBRATE THESE JEWISH FEASTS?
Just as Y'shua was crucified on Passover, rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits, and sent the Holy Spirit on Shavuot (Pentecost), it is widely anticipated that the 'Autumn Feasts' (Spring for us in the Southern hemisphere)unfold the end of God's redemption story, when the Trumpet of God will sound and the Lord returns to gather His own to Himself - (Mt 24:31, 1Thess 4:16, 1Cor 15:52) - the Great Day of the Lord.
We are called to 'be ready' and not be caught unawares like the 5 Foolish Bridesmaids. Honoring these God- Appointed Times helps us ensure our readiness as we resolve afresh to crown our LORD as King of Kings in our hearts and lives.