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Happy Yom Kippur!

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What is Yom Kippur? The Bible refers to it as the Day of Atonement or becoming “at-one-in a moment” with God. An article on the website of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews reminds us, in more detail, why Yom Kippur was instituted by God. It states: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year and is the culmination of the High Holy Days. In 2024, the observance of Yom Kippur starts at sunset on October 11 and concludes on the evening of October 12. In Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur marks the final opportunity to repent before God before the Book of Life is sealed for another year. This day marks the culmination of the High Holy Days or Ten Days of Repentance, which began ten days earlier with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Yom Kippur offers Jews the final opportunity of the holy season to repent of their sins. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year or, as the Bible describes it, the “Sabbath of Sabbaths.” The Bible states, “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work—whether native-born or an alien living among you—because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a sabbath of rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance” (Leviticus 16:29–32).

The Yom Kippur Goats

“Then he is to take the two goats and present them before the LORD at the entrance to the tent of meeting. He is to cast lots for the two goats — one lot for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat.” — Leviticus 16:7–8 Today, Yom Kippur is marked with a day of fasting and worship in the synagogue. However, when the Temple stood, the people observed an elaborate service, culminating when a red thread representing the sins of Israel would miraculously turn white when they were forgiven. The service that once took place in the Temple was based on the commandments regarding two goats. Today, we only read about that service; however, it is imperative that we understand the meaning behind this ritual. Once we do, we can still benefit from the message. The Bible instructed the High Priest to select two goats and then cast lots to determine each one’s fate. By way of the lots, God would determine which goat would be consecrated to Him and which would become the scapegoat sent into the desert to die. The commandment required that the two goats be identical in appearance, size, and value. These goats would look like twins – the same on the outside – but their destinies would be completely different.

A Reminder of Jacob and Esau

The idea of twins that are opposite in nature is familiar in the Bible. Although twins, Jacob and Esau could not have been more different. Ultimately, as adults, they took very different paths in life, and Jacob became the father of God’s people while Esau became the father of Amalek – the nation designated by the Bible as God’s archenemy. The twin goats on Yom Kippur are meant to remind us of Esau and Jacob. The message of the twin goats is that while their appearance may fool men, there is no fooling God. He only determines their appropriate fate. “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). On Yom Kippur, we have an incredible opportunity for forgiveness. But in order for that to happen, we must admit our errors and resolve to be better. We can only do that if we are willing to uncover our greatest shortcomings and confront our hidden vices. We can fool others and even ourselves, but there is no deceiving God. Yom Kippur is a time to come clean. We need to take an honest look inside the places that only we can see. We have to determine where we have gone wrong and make amends. Only then can God cleanse us of our sins.

Through Jesus we are no longer under obligation to observe most of the Feasts and Festivals (Sukkot or Tabernacles will be celebrated during the Millennial Reign of Jesus). The Old Testament sacrifices were never enough to rid the people of the stain of sin and guilt from their hearts, nor did they have the power to change hearts. Hebrews 10:1-10 echoes this thought: For since the Law has merely a rude outline (foreshadowing) of the good things to come—instead of fully expressing those things—it can never by offering the same sacrifices continually year after year make perfect those who approach [its altars].2 For if it were otherwise, would [these sacrifices] not have stopped being offered? Since the worshipers had once for all been cleansed, they would no longer have any guilt or consciousness of sin.3 But [as it is] these sacrifices annually bring a fresh remembrance of sins [to be atoned for], 4 Because the blood of bulls and goats is powerless to take sins away.5 Hence, when He [Christ] entered into the world, He said, Sacrifices and offerings You have not desired, but instead You have made ready a body for Me [to offer];6 In burnt offerings and sin offerings You have taken no delight. 7 Then I said, Behold, here I am, coming to do Your will, O God—[to fulfill] what is written of Me in the volume of the Book.8 When He said just before, You have neither desired, nor have You taken delight in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings—all of which are offered according to the Law—9 He then went on to say, Behold, [here] I am, coming to do Your will. Thus He does away with and annuls the first (former) order [as a means of expiating sin] so that He might inaugurate and establish the second (latter) order.10 And in accordance with this will [of God], we have been made holy (consecrated and sanctified) through the offering made once for all of the body of Jesus Christ (the Anointed One). AMPC

What does this mean for you and I? Romans 3:23-25 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives. 24 [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, 25 Whom God put forward [before the eyes of all] as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood [the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation, to be received] through faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment. AMPC

Jesus made atonement for our sins – making us one with God in a Moment! Jesus’ perfect sacrifice has reconciled all of us, who were enemies of God, to being rightly related to God. Jesus has made peace between God, the Father and all those who are willing to receive and trust God’s Gift of His Son. Paul reminds us that because of Jesus reconciling us to God you and I have been given a ministry and mandate to seek out others who need Jesus’ Atonement and be reconciled to God: 2 Corinthians 5:18 But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him]. AMPC

Today we are reminded to give thanks for all the wonderful blessings Jesus’ Atonement has secured for us; to be reconciled to God through repenting of thoughts and actions that are an offense to God; to be reconciled to others, making a fresh commitment to seek to bring others into harmony with God (it’s our ministry). Set aside time today to seek God and draw near to Him, and as a reminder realize this is the day we are to Come Up Here in order to enter His Throne Room to worship, and seek Him for what is to come for the new year.

Immanuel?

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Matthew 1:23 states: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). NIV

No it’s not Christmas but I wanted to draw your attention to this passage in order to connect the significance it had for the Jewish people and this sacred time of year. Three Jewish holy days or holidays occur in sequential order during this time of year: Rosh Hashanah (New Years), Yom Kippur (Atonement, or At-One-Ment), and Sukkot, or Tabernacles. Another way of stating the symbolic significance of these holy days is to say, God came down (to be with His people); the people prepared by cleansing their lives; and when God appeared the people were ready for Him to make His Home, or “tabernacle” among them. Two thousand years ago Jesus came to earth but did not remain among His people. Yet He promised He would return making His Home with us.

Why is this significant? Because, the Jewish holy day of Tabernacles reminds us that Jesus has promised He is coming back. God has a calendar, and because of it we know when He has scheduled His return. Annually, the Jewish Feast of Passover reminded the people to prepare for God’s Visitation as the Lamb of God. They spent extra time in preparation cleansing the leaven, or yeast from their households. This leaven symbolized the pride that rises in us all hindering our capacity to receive God’s visitation. Two thousand years ago Jesus ministered to thousands of people yet it appears that only 500 were saved (that’s the number of people He appeared to following His resurrection). That number should alarm you. If the people, and the world, missed Jesus’ visit the first time what lulls us to sleep into thinking we will be prepared for the final, and last time?

God in His infinite wisdom and mercy provided us with His Indwelling Son, His Spirit, His Word, and His prophetic timetable and calendar. Yet many church attenders do not read the Word, or know the Spirit, assuming that the Old Testament no longer has relevance for us. They have been lulled to sleep in believing that Jesus has done it all and we are exempt from any responsibility (responsibility implies an ability to respond). Many are contented to go to church and look at the back of someone’s head, selfishly waiting to die and go to Heaven, wanting the benefits but not the responsibilities. Yet Scripture repeatedly warns the followers of Jesus to prepare and be prepared for His Return. Revelation 19:7 states: Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. The Greek word for prepare means to make fit, prepare, get or make ready and metaphorically is derived from the oriental, or ancient Middle Eastern custom of sending on before kings on their journeys persons to level the roads and make them passable. John the Baptist performed this duty for Jesus preparing the minds of the people to give the Messiah a fit reception and secure his blessings.

The Ten Days of Awe, beginning today, is a time the Lord has given us mercy to prepare for His Return – coming to tabernacle with us for eternity. Now the question is, Is ten days enough to be ready for Jesus’ Return? Are you prepared to be judged for the works, and righteous deeds you have done for Him and His Kingdom? You may be tempted to say, But I am saved by grace not works – quoting from Ephesians 2:8-9. But if that is your stance you have overlooked verse ten – which follows stating: “you are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus – TO DO GOOD WORKS!” 1 Cor. 3:10-15 adds: 10 According to the grace (the special endowment for my task) of God bestowed on me, like a skillful architect and master builder I laid [the] foundation, and now another [man] is building upon it. But let each [man] be careful how he builds upon it, For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).12 But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, whether it be with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,13 The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.14 If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward.15 But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire. AMPC

The Apostle John reminds us, in the book that is the Revelation, or Unveiling of Who Jesus, of the following: Rev. 21:3 Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God. God’s mercy has provided us with a prompting to prepare, or get ready during this time. Are you ready?

Happy New Year!?

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Obviously many of you reading this are not Jewish but believe that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). When 2 Timothy 3:16-17 was written there wasn’t a New Testament. The “Scripture” Paul referred to was the Old Testament, or the Old Covenant. The Old Covenant revealed God’s calendar of events in the Person of Jesus (consider Passover and Pentecost). And it is through this Old Covenant that God reveals future events (Feast of Tabernacles – when God will tabernacle with His people) revealing God’s calendar of major events. At sundown tonight a new year begins – according to God’s calendar (not simply Judaism). Presently, God’s year is numbered at 5784, yet today marks a new year, 5785. Happy New Year!

What significance does this have for you and I? According to Scripture, this is the time of year God came down to meet with Moses and the children of Israel. God essentially peeled back the Heavens causing His Throne to manifest on Mount Sinai (also called Mt. Horeb). This Manifestation was accompanied by a loud trumpet blast (called a shofar or rams horn). Exodus 19:16-19 The third morning there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.17 Then Moses brought the people from the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.18 Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, for the Lord descended upon it in fire; its smoke ascended like that of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 As the trumpet blast grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with a voice. AMPC

Based on this Scripture modern Jewish people believe God draws near at the beginning of a new year. This is why many practice what is known as the Ten Days of Awe, which culminates in the major fast day of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. Why is this significant to us? Rev. 4:1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice which I had heard addressing me like [the calling of] a war trumpet said, Come up here, and I will show you what must take place in the future. 2 At once I came under the [Holy] Spirit’s power, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with One seated on the throne! AMPC

Notice in verse one of the AMPC translation states: And the first voice which I had heard addressing me like [the calling of] a war trumpet…” The Apostle John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day when Jesus appears to Him. Jesus draws near to John to call to Him like a war trumpet or shofar. Just like Moses in Exodus 19 John was invited to “Come up Here” where he saw a door standing open. Jesus is the Door of Revelation 4:1. We know this from John 10 where Jesus taught that He was the Shepherd and the Door for the Sheep.

Whenever I fast, or seek the Lord purposefully through worship, thanksgiving and prayer; when ever I come near a prophet or an apostle – I become aware of one thing: when Jesus, the Light draws near He exposes the darkness in me. Things surface and the darkness in me is exposed. What I want you to be aware of, in this high and holy season, is that Jesus has opened the Door to Who He is. As He draws nearer to us His Light exposes the darkness in and around us. Many believe the Return of Jesus is imminent and it is. But know that as He draws nearer His Light kicks up the darkness making it easier to see and recognize. Presently you and I are hurtling toward His Light and whether you are conscious and aware of it or not – His Light is exposing darkness in and around us. Darkness is as dust before His Feet but its at His feet we find our salvation draws near calling us to repentance and transformation.

I say all of this to make you aware of God’s Processes and Ways so you will be conscious and aware of the Light which exposes the darkness in you. Consciously choose to repent quickly and not to blame others for your actions, or attitudes. When His Light kicks up the darkness in you agree with Him quickly, confessing it, and forsaking it. Pray for His Grace to operate in the opposite spirit and to be set free from the dust of darkness.

In John 8 Jesus stooped to write in the dust and as Jesus stooped down – He delivered and saved the woman caught in the act of adultery. Brad McClendon reminds us “Jesus got His identity through the trial and attack of the religious pharisees.” It was in “stooping” to save that He was the Light of the World in that given situation. Php. 2:9 reminds us Jesus emptied Himself – stooping so low – to bring salvation to us, not simply a woman caught in the act of adultery. If Jesus had to stoop low in the dust of religious accusation to be the Light of Salvation you too will have to stoop and join Him in the dust of the darkness that is still in us and surrounds us. During this high and holy season seek to join Jesus in stooping in the dust of darkness that you might be delivered from your darkness into His Light.

Rosh Hashana – Feast of Trumpets and What It Means for Christians

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Happy New Year! (From the Jewish Year 5783 to 5784) – From God, the Father.

Rosh Hashana, in Hebrew means head or beginning of the year, and marks the start of God’s new year as outlined in the Old Testament. Also known as the Feast of Trumpets, it is one of the seven appointed festivals prescribed by the Lord to Moses in Leviticus 23 and ushers in God’s process of renewal for the Jewish people.

The ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) – which is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar – are the 10 Days of Awe, or the 10 Days of Repentance. During this period the Jewish people were expected to thoroughly examine their hearts and their standing before God; to repent and to give and seek forgiveness in preparation for receiving God’s forgiveness on Yom Kippur. According to Jewish tradition, the sincerity of one’s repentance and turning to God during these 10 days was instrumental in tipping the Lord’s judgment scale in their favor for the coming year. So, for Jews, God’s forgiveness on Yom Kippur was considered a temporary achievement. In order to keep your place in the Book of Life the process had to be repeated year-after-year.

While the importance of Rosh Hashana, the 10 Days of Awe, and the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament is God’s means of providing a process for his people to achieve and receive forgiveness and right standing can’t be understated, how should Christians view this today? Since we live under the New Covenant does this feature of Mosaic Law apply to us at all?

As a technical matter, no it doesn’t, because as Christians we no longer live under the Law. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Gal 3:13) God, through Christ, provided a once-for-all way to forgiveness and reconciliation, “…He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us…” (Col 2:14). In fact, Paul specifically reminds us in Colossians 2:16: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” In other words, our concern is no longer festivals and rituals to improve our fallen condition. Our sole focus is faith in the work of Jesus.

Hebrews 10:1-10 summarizes our much-transformed and improved circumstance nicely: For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’ First, He said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then He said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

So, since these festival days don’t serve the same purpose for Christians that they once did for the Jews, then how should we commemorate these days? By recognizing how God literally fulfilled his Jeremiah 31:34 promise to us: “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” What can be more worthy of celebration than that?

What our God, through Christ, has done in providing a perfect and permanent means for our reconciliation should overwhelm us and fill us with unending gratitude.

For today, let’s meditate on God’s incredible goodness, let’s thank Him and acknowledge the absolute supremacy of Christ as our Savior and High Priest, and ask Him to help us be more like Him. Let’s challenge ourselves and our church family to seek a deeper relationship and a more active, empowered, Spirit-filled walk. Let’s pray against the spirit of complacency and for a new (kainos – recently made, fresh, recent, unused, unworn) spiritual awakening and revival. Amen!?

A brother in Christ

Ten Days of Awe Begins Tomorrow

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Revelation 20:12 I [also] saw the dead, great and small; they stood before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is [the Book] of Life. And the dead were judged (sentenced) by what they had done [their whole way of feeling and acting, their aims and endeavors] in accordance with what was recorded in the books. AMPC

Imagine the day when you will stand before Jesus and every word – thought, every action – taken, and every core motive that is the driving force behind every action – will be brought out in the open to be reviewed. Standing there will be Jesus and His holy angels. You will watch – as the One Who Loves you – clearly seeing how your sins hurt Him and the angels entrusted with your care. Wouldn’t you want the opportunity to erase that record of offenses before that great and terrible day?

Tomorrow begins what is known as the Ten Days of Awe. It is a time your loving Savior has provided to seek forgiveness, and restoration of all relationships. It is a time to make preparation in anticipation of the arrival of Jesus – when He will tabernacle among us. Could it be this experience was what they were trying to alleviate?

Lamentations 3:40 Let us test and examine our ways, and let us return to the Lord! AMPC

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. AMPC

Scripture records that when we seek forgiveness He will forgive and wash us clean:

1 John 1:9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. AMPC

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. AMPC

Jesus’ Blood cleanses us from all sin. Yet, like any relationship in which you have hurt or offended another, you seek forgiveness to bring restoration to the friendship and relationship.

The Ten Days of Awe give you an opportunity to take account of your ways, seek forgiveness, and restoration to prepare for your soon and coming King. Take time, beginning tomorrow morning – Sunday, September 25 – to draw nearer to Jesus. Take this time to seek Him with whole-hearted obedience, worship, and prayer.

3 Times A Year

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Three times a year shall all your males appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. They shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed (Dt. 16:16 AMPC)

Tomorrow night we are going to celebrate Pentecost which is a holiday, or holy day celebrated by Jews and Christians every year. The Church holiday bases their date of Sunday, May 31 on the Gregorian calendar, whereas the Jewish date of Friday-Saturday, May 29-30 is based on God’s calendar. I say God’s calendar because if we believe the Word of the Lord to be true – from “Kiver to Kiver” (Cover to Cover) – then we also believe that God gave these feasts and festivals to His people for a purpose. Now when I say, His people, I am referring both to Jew, and those who have been ingrafted into the Fig Tree that Israel is through the righteousness of Abraham. We have become the circumcised of the heart and God’s Law has been written upon our hearts. The question is, How does all of this apply to the modern day saint in the 21st century?

Recently I was convicted by the revelation that in two out of the three feasts something significant happened. (I could make an argument for all three but I will spare you the details. Suffice it to say that an argument could be made that Jesus was actually born during the Feast of Tabernacles based on several prophecies regarding Jesus being Immanuel – “the God Who Tabernacles or Dwells with His people“) We know that Jesus was crucified during Passover, and the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Day of Pentecost. It is my opinion that Jesus will return during the Feast of Tabernacles. Again this would take a great deal of time to explain but I’ll leave you with a little tidbit of information to consider: Why did the Jews lay down palm branches when Jesus was entering Jerusalem? (Palm branches were specifically used during the Feast of Tabernacles). My answer would be, that the Jews associated the Palm Branches with Tabernacles, or Sukkot, and with the coming of the Messiah. My conviction expanded into the realization that if God told His people that they had to gather on these three significant holidays, and on two of the three holidays Jesus appeared, then it would behoove us believers to also gather on the three holidays for Inspection (Passover, and Ridding ourselves of the yeast, or leaven of sin); for Dedication and Consecration (Pentecost was an offering of the very best of their first fruits from harvest); and lastly, for Preparation (Tabernacles was preceded by Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in which the people sought to draw near to God, repent of sin, and prepare for God drawing near to them). Thus, by the Grace of God, and His Spirit our church will celebrate these three readying ourselves for Christ’s Return.

If we are practicing all three then we too will be prepared when the Trumpet Blasts sound from the Heavens and the saints are gathered to meet Him in the air. May the Spirit of Revelation set us free from the powerful delusion that has come upon the mainstream church that does not love the Truth, or know (ginosko) Him. Lord willing I will see you tomorrow night for our Pentecost meal.

Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Ten Days of Awe – An Introduction

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The Purpose of Seeking God Continually: A Deceitful Heart

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?

Since our heart, or soul, is deceitful above all things it most definitely can deceive us into believing that we are believing and trusting in Jesus – when in reality we are really trusting in ourselves. Also it has the potential to deceive us into believing that we are worshipping, serving, and obeying Jesus – when in reality we are simply serving ourselves. For this reason we seek God.

John Piper, in an article entitled, Seeking God states: Seeking the Lord means seeking his presence. “Presence” is a common translation of the Hebrew word “face.” Literally, we are to seek his “face.” But this is the Hebraic way of having access to God. To be before his face is to be in his presence.

But aren’t his children always in his presence? Yes and no. Yes in two senses: First, in the sense that God is omnipresent and therefore always near everything and everyone. He holds everything in being. His power is ever-present in sustaining and governing all things.

And second, yes, he is always present with his children in the sense of his covenant commitment to always stand by us and work for us and turn everything for our good. “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). But there is a sense in which God’s presence is not with us always. For this reason, the Bible repeatedly calls us to “seek the Lord . . . seek his presence continually” (Psalm 105:4). God’s manifest, conscious, trusted presence is not our constant experience. There are seasons when we become neglectful of God and give him no thought and do not put trust in him and we find him “unmanifested” — that is, unperceived as great and beautiful and valuable by the eyes of our hearts. His face — the brightness of his personal character — is hidden behind the curtain of our carnal desires. This condition is always ready to overtake us. That is why we are told to “seek his presence continually.”

Examples abound in Scripture of characters throughout the Bible who, though well intentioned, were missing God through their daily religious activities. Even the followers of Jesus had a tendency to wander away from pursuing Him rightly. At the beginning of the Book of Revelation John is described as worshipping the Lord in the Spirit, yet his focus is redirected as Jesus surprises him from behind. Mary Magdalene is startled when she hears her Savior’s Voice coming not from the empty tomb but from the garden behind her. Two of Jesus’ followers, walking on the road to Emmaus, find themselves consumed by the death of Jesus. That is until they are surprised from behind by the Voice which warms their hearts to the fact that He has Risen, His body broken for them. Throughout the Bible we are encouraged and called to seek the Lord to find Him. It’s interesting to note that the Spirit is compared to a river. If you seek to follow a river from its banks you will note it’s twists and turns, its rises and falls. At times you may even lose sight of the river because of the thick brush, or rising hills or mountains. The problem of seeing is remedied as the seeker moves from an observer to a participant. That initial jump lands them in experiencing the waters up close and personal as the waters carry carry them wherever it wishes. 

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Like the river the experience of seeking God though these feasts and festivals requires some introduction to understand the two holy days that are utilized for seeking. The first feast, Rosh Hashanah, literally means the “head of the year”, being the Jewish New Year. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah, literally means “day of shouting or blasting”. It is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days specified by Leviticus 23:23–32. The two days of Rosh Hashanah (September 29 at sundown to sundown September 30) usher in the Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah), also known as the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim), which culminate in the major fast day of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Days of Awe represent the climax of a longer process. Starting at the beginning of the previous month, called Elul, the shofar is traditionally sounded at the conclusion of the morning service. A ram’s horn that makes a trumpet-like sound, the shofar is intended as a wake-up call to prepare for the Tishrei holidays. One week before Rosh Hashanah, special petitionary prayers called Selichot are added to the ritual. Rosh Hashanah itself is also known as Yom Hadin or the Day of Judgment, on which God opens the Books of Life and Death, which are then sealed on Yom Kippur.

Rosh hashanah is accompanied by Yom Kippur which is “the tenth day of [the] seventh month”[3] (Tishrei) and is regarded as the “Sabbath of Sabbaths”.  According to Jewish tradition, God inscribes each person’s fate for the coming year into a book, the Book of Life, on Rosh Hashanah, and waits until Yom Kippur to “seal” the verdict. During the Days of Awe, a Jew tries to amend their behavior and seek forgiveness for wrongs done against God (bein adam leMakom) and against other human beings (bein adam lechavero). The evening and day of Yom Kippur are set aside for public and private petitions and confessions of guilt (Vidui). At the end of Yom Kippur, one hopes that they have been forgiven by God. The Yom Kippur prayer service includes several unique aspects. One is the actual number of prayer services. Unlike a regular day, which has three prayer services (Ma’ariv, the evening prayer; Shacharit, the morning prayer; and Mincha, the afternoon prayer), or a Shabbat or Yom Tov, which have four prayer services (Ma’ariv; Shacharit; Mussaf, the additional prayer; and Mincha), Yom Kippur has five prayer services (Ma’ariv; Shacharit; Musaf; Mincha; and Ne’ilah, the closing prayer). The prayer services also include private and public confessions of sins (Vidui) and a unique prayer dedicated to the special Yom Kippur avodah (service) of the Kohen Gadol (high priest) in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. 

Obstacles To Avoid

Choosing to jump into the river will introduce you quickly to the immediate need of navigation. For in the river you will be introduced to obstacles like buolders, fallen trees, and debris that will seek to snag, impede, or completely halt your progress. With that analogy in mind there are several obstacles to be aware as you navigate the waters of seeking God. For example when the two disciples on the Emmaus Road reached their destination it appeared as if Jesus would not continue with them. It wasn’t until they urged Him to remain that they experienced the realization of Who this stranger really was. The same principle occurs between Moses and God at the burning bush. Scripture records: And Moses said, I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him …out of the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses! And he said, Here am I. Exodus 3:3-4

Another profound Biblical example of this principle of turning aside to pursue, seek, and see God is found in the narrative of Elijahs’ prophetic mantle being handed down to Elisha. Scripture records: 

When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were going from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, Tarry here, I pray you, for the Lord has sent me to Bethel. But Elisha replied, As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel. The prophets’ sons who were at Bethel came to Elisha and said, Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today? He said, Yes, I know it; hold your peace. Elijah said to him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray you, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho. But he said, As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho. The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said, Do you know that the Lord will take your master away from you today? And he answered, Yes, I know it; hold your peace. Elijah said to him, Tarry here, I pray you, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan. But he said, As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. And the two of them went on. Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood [to watch] afar off; and the two of them stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up and struck the waters, and they divided this way and that, so that the two of them went over on dry ground. And when they had gone over, Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me. He said, You have asked a hard thing. However, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you—but if not, it shall not be so. As they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire parted the two of them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, My father, my father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen! And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.

And he took the mantle that fell from Elijah and struck the waters and said, Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah? And when he had struck the waters, they parted this way and that, and Elisha went over. 2 Kings 2:1-14

Three times Elijah tests Elisha to see if he would turn back and three times Elisha passed the test. But did you notice the final exam? Elijah had told Elisha if he could keep his eyes on Elijah and not be distracted by any other thing he would receive a double portion of the Spirit that rested upon Elijah. Elisha’s final test involved the flaming chariot of angels. Had Elisha fixed his gaze on this fiery wonder he would have missed the greater prize. Beholding the sight would have been a good thing, but not the best. 

The Rock of Offense, Jesus, is that test for us. Throughout my ministry I have observed with sadness those who have flunked this test missing God’s best. It is my opinion that Jesus’ “hobby” during His earthly ministry was to offend minds in order to expose hearts. This ‘hobby” of Jesus has continued into the present. Because many in the church are controlled by their souls they will most often choose that which is sensible, logical, comfortable or reasonable. Yet a life in the Spirit, of truly knowing Jesus, is not accomplished through living according to what is comfortable, reasonable, or appealing to the soul. It is quite the opposite. Regarding these obstacles John Piper offers some final words of wisdom: 

And there are endless obstacles that we must get around in order to see him clearly, and so that we can be in the light of his presence. We must flee spiritually dulling activities. We must run from them and get around them. They are blocking our way. We know what makes us vitally sensitive to God’s appearances in the world and in the word. And we know what dulls us and blinds us and makes us not even want to seek him. These things we must move away from and go around if we would see God. That is what seeking God involves. And as we direct our minds and hearts Godward in all our experiences, we cry out to him. This too is what seeking him means. Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6) If you will seek God and plead with the Almighty for mercy . . . (Job 8:5) Seeking involves calling and pleading. “O Lord, open my eyes. O Lord, pull back the curtain of my own blindness. Lord, have mercy and reveal yourself. I long to see your face.”

Thuswe are ultimatelyresponding to the call of the Lord to seek Him and not simply observe a Jewish feast. I’ve taken the liberties of seeking to be creative in our approach of pursuing the Lord, and was reminded of the “3 for $10” Special at Chili’s Restaurant. In this pursuit I want to provide you with a “menu” of options to choose from that will assist you in breaking through to His Presence.

3 for 10 “Hot and Spicy” Yom Kippur Fasting Special

(What Price Are You Willing to Pay?) 

Start with a drink of the Holy Spirit, then choose an appetizer and an entree from our “3 For 10” Fasting Menu. Entrees include Fasting, Praying, Repenting, Worshipping, and time with the “Word” in the word & more. Appetizers include selected Humility, Holiness, Obedience and Setting the Mind and Heart to focus our attention on Jesus. So many choices – all for 10 days!

Choose Your Main Entrees

Choose your Fast: 

  • food – Full Fast, Daniel Fast, or Partial Fast.
  • sleep – keep a night watch of worship and prayer. The Jews had 3: Sundown to 10 PM; 10 PM to 2 AM; and 2 AM to Sunrise.
  • time – have focused prayer morning, noon, and night; one of these, two of these or all of these.
  • media – have a time to turn off all media devices using that time to seek God.

Choose your Repentance:

  • take the soul and spirit man evaluation – take the evaluation, score and evaluate yourself to see if you are more soulish than spiritual.
  • pray – through the soul and spirit man evaluation regarding where you need to change.
  • confess your sins specifically – note the areas in the evaluation where you have been living more for your soulish desires than for the Lord. Then confess those sins to the Lord.
  • repent – this is a plan of action in response to the areas you have sinned. What actions are you going to take to overcome your soul?

Choose Your Worship:

  • Sing songs of worship to the Lord at the beginning of the day. (A Great Resource for this is the internet, especially youtube. Simply google the name of the song and push play).
  • Thanksgiving practiced at the beginning of the day and throughout the day, especially for unmet needs, and in spite of frustrating or anxious situations. Practice this rigorously for the good and in spite of the bad.
  • Use the Psalms to praise and worship Him.
  • Read Romans 12:1-2 For Paul’s definition of worship asking yourself if you are offering to the Lord true worship, or simply singing a song?

NOTE: Not all Christian music is worship. Some songs are testimonials focusing on what Jesus has done, while other songs are prayers. A true worship song is personal and directed towards the Lord.

Choose Your Word

  • daily quiet or devotional time – this begins at the first part of the day before you start your regular activities. 
  • meditating in the word – have a specific book of the Bible that you are meditating on reading slowly, one verse or paragraph at a time, inviting the Spirit to lead and teach you. (Blue Letter Online Study Bible is a great resource for this).