Are you not awestruck at times at the things you see unfolding before your very eyes in our world? A global pandemic, economic upheaval, and lawlessness, are on a scale and speed that is unparalleled in history. We are surely living in days of awe.
On the traditional Jewish calendar, this week is known as the “Days of Awe.” It’s the 10-day period between Rosh HaShanah (Yom Teruah – Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement. This ten period of reflection, introspection and repentance begins with the blowing of the shofar as religious Jews, prepare their hearts before God the Judge.
Figuratively, as we live in the days of awe, it is very apparent that we are moving rapidly towards the next major event in God’s prophetic timeline. We need to be ready and prepared for the coming of Jesus as our world races towards days of judgment that are about to come upon the earth.
This Sunday, in our third message of our series, Time To Return, we will examine the days of awe that we are living in now and how we need to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Let’s join the Jewish people in the spirit of this season, by reflecting on our own lives. And particularly about the paths that we have chosen and where they have led and continue to lead us.
May we hear the words of the prophet Joel that are so applicable to this moment:
That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse …”
— Joel 2:12-14 (NLT)
If there was ever a time that people need to turn to the Lord, it is now. For those who once followed God, it is also time to repent and return to following Him. May the Lord get our personal and the collective attention. May we turn to Him with all our hearts and lives. It’s time to pray that God will send an unparalleled move of His Spirit upon our lives and our land. God's mercy is our only hope.
Every Blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor