May your name be inscribed in the Book of Life

L'Shanah Tova - the Jewish High Holy Days are upon us, begining with Rosh Shanah (the 'head' of the year). The "Ten days of Awe", starting with Rosh HaShanah and ending with Yom Kippur ten days later, are known as the days of repentance. According to Jewish tradition, our conduct during these ten days decrees what our spiritual life will look like in the coming year. These ten days are of vital importance to reconnect with HaShem, to return to Him, to cry out for forgiveness and determine once again, to live a life of holiness. Each year I get weighed down by my own inadequacy, the cares of this world, my lack of spiritual progress, my poor record of Bible study and prayer. But each Rosh HaShanah I am encouraged that I can start again. That I can use these ten days to get closer to HaShem, to determine once again to make each Shabbat a time of holiness and to draw closer to my heavenly Father and elder brother, Yeshua. Like Passover, Rosh HaShanah is a time of renewal and rededication. According to Jewish Tradition, it is not only the birthday of the world, but also the birthday of Messiah - yes, Yeshua was born on Rosh HaShanah (and most decidedly not on Christmas Day).

In Jewish homes throughout the world, Rosh HaShanah is celebrated with apples and honey. It is an ancient tradition whereby Jews dip apple slices into honey, symbolising the wish for a sweet new year. On many Rosh HaShanah greeting cards, you will see comments like "may you have a sweet new year", with apples and honey usually somewhere to be found on the card.

However, we should not forget that the main theme of Rosh HaShanah is repentance and the blowing of the shofar (with its penetrating sound) is designed to stir us into action, to leave behind the cares of this world and return once again to the source of all life, goodness and hope. If you have ever visited a synagogue service on this day, you will no doubt remember the terrifying sound of the shofar (rams horn). It should therefore not surprise us that according to the book of the Apocalypse (Revelation), Yeshua will be crowned King Messiah and Sovereign Lord over ALL on this day (Rev. 11:15): "the 7th angel sounded his shofar and there were loud voices in heaven saying, the kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Messiah and He will rule for ever and ever.

May this be soon and within our lifetime. Chag Sameach to each and everyone of you. May you experience the excitement and renewal of a personal relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Yeshua HaMashiach - the King of Israel and Saviour of ALL. And may you have a sweet New Year :-)