I've read that the ram's horn brings many different thoughts during this season.
Its shrill sound becons us to consider our ways and to turn back to God. The blast called "teru'ah," in the synagogue services , is the alarm sound meant to awaken! That is the theme of Rosh HaShanah. Wake up, evaluate our spiritual condition, and turn back to our Father through repentance. For this reason, many tend to think of Rosh HaShanah as a serious, somber, time.
However, looking to God is always a hopeful note. Psalm 89:15, 16 says, "Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance" We are blessed by hearing the joyful alarm! For believers the sound of the shofar is a mixture of seriousness and rejoicing. It is good to evaluate our lives, but as believers we do not just hope that our sins are forgiven. That is the very reason that Jesus came to us....that we would have confidence of the forgiveness of our sins by receiving His gift. We can know that we have everlasting life (1 John 5:13)
Let us turn from anything that would hinder our walk with HIM. Then when we hear the sound of the shofar it will be the joyful sound to our ears that it's meant to be.
The shofars curved appearance reminds us that this is the preferred posture of God's people. We are not to arrogantly rely on our own wisdom or to think we can correct our spirit to align with Gods. Instead, we are to take the humble stance fo the shofar; that is, to be curved or bowed in submission to what God would tell us.
When we rely on our own ways we create our own troubles (Prov 14:12). However, God says, "For I know the thougths that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer 29:11)
The curve of the shofar tells us that the only way to find God's best is to bend our will to HIS will.
May we enjoy a sweet New Year as we pay attention to the lesson of the shofar!
However, looking to God is always a hopeful note. Psalm 89:15, 16 says, "Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance" We are blessed by hearing the joyful alarm! For believers the sound of the shofar is a mixture of seriousness and rejoicing. It is good to evaluate our lives, but as believers we do not just hope that our sins are forgiven. That is the very reason that Jesus came to us....that we would have confidence of the forgiveness of our sins by receiving His gift. We can know that we have everlasting life (1 John 5:13)
Let us turn from anything that would hinder our walk with HIM. Then when we hear the sound of the shofar it will be the joyful sound to our ears that it's meant to be.
The shofars curved appearance reminds us that this is the preferred posture of God's people. We are not to arrogantly rely on our own wisdom or to think we can correct our spirit to align with Gods. Instead, we are to take the humble stance fo the shofar; that is, to be curved or bowed in submission to what God would tell us.
When we rely on our own ways we create our own troubles (Prov 14:12). However, God says, "For I know the thougths that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer 29:11)
The curve of the shofar tells us that the only way to find God's best is to bend our will to HIS will.
May we enjoy a sweet New Year as we pay attention to the lesson of the shofar!
