Recap: Too often we try to understand the Bible from our Western-mindset. We have a poor understanding of Jewish customs and feasts. Yet, they are significantly linked to Jesus and His return.
What does The Feast of Trumpets, The Ten Days of Awe, The Day of Atonement, and repentance have to do with each other? The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) is the Jewish New Year. There are 10 days between The Feast of Trumpets and The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Those 10 days are known as The Days of Awe. These days are used to prepare one’s self through self-examination for a time of repentance and cleansing the heart.
Matthew 5:17-18 Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
The Days of Awe (Repentance)
The Ten Days of Repentance are seen as an opportunity for change. The requirements for repentance include a change of heart, a feeling of regret, and a determination to change. Also, a desire to repair the effects of one’s offences, forgive others, and make amends. What is Biblical repentance?
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. Repentance = Greek = “Meta-noia” means a change of mind, reversal of one’s decision, to think differently.
It is time we change the way we look at things. See things from God’s perspective – His Word. Time to repent for all misdeeds, especially ones we’ve excused ourselves for. It requires that we look outside ourselves and see the needs of others. To reap the benefits of forgiveness, we must forgive.
Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus said, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (trespasses = Greek = a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (willful) transgression — fall, fault, offence, sin.
Mark 11:25 Jesus also said, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”
Repentance offers us the opportunity to connect to our Creator on a greater level. We just have to seize the opportunity.
Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus’ own words, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Example of following directions to Walmart.)
The hurts, pains, and offenses of this world make us forget who we really are. But our spirit-man doesn’t forget. And the further we distance ourselves from our true identity and purpose, the more our spirit-man yearns to return.
Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
You may say, ‘Yeah but you don’t know what they did to me! They don’t deserve my forgiveness.’ Forgiveness is for your sake more than it is for theirs.
Matthew 18:21-35 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 25 But as one servant was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
If you are being tormented by hurtful memories of the past, repent, change your mind. Decide to let it go and be freed from the bondage and weight of bitterness. Remember who you are: blood-bought, redeemed, and created in His image.
