Today marks the beginning of Rosh Hashana, a significant time for Israel and the Jewish people. It literally means Head of the Year and is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Traditionally, it is marked by the blowing of the shofar, proclaiming God as King of the Universe. The sound of the shofar is also a call to repentance—to wake up and examine their lives, their commitment to God and to correct their ways.
Thus begins ten days of great introspection, soul-searching and self-examination that ends on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur’s central theme is repentance and is commonly observed by fasting, praying in the synagogue, and making amends with those whom one has wronged in the past year.
This Sunday, in our second message of the series, Time To Return we will be challenged by the prophet Jeremiah’s message to the nation of Israel and to all believers:
This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’”
— Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)
Let’s join the Jewish people in the spirit of this season, by reflecting on our lives. And particularly about the paths that we have chosen this past year and where they have led and are leading us.
We stand at a crossroads today. There are many paths that lie before us which are being promoted as the way to go. The daily decision to follow Christ has never been more urgent and important.
Which path will you choose? Your choice will determine your destiny. One path will lead to rest and peace, but all others to turmoil and destruction. It’s time to return to the only sure path. The pathway of God’s truth and God’s ways. Join us this Sunday!
Every Blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor