The Call of the Trumpet

“Celebrate the Festival of Trumpets each year on the first day of the appointed month in early autumn … call an official day for holy assembly … do no ordinary work. On that day … present a burnt offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” – Numbers 29:1-2 NLT

Today at sundown, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins. God made clear that this was a day to be celebrated and remembered each year. It was important to Him, a day when His people were to bring a special offering.

This was one of His appointed feasts (Leviticus 23:4-25). During his last days as their leader, Moses made sure that Joshua and the people understood the importance of this day.

This day was also known as “the Festival of Trumpets” because of the symbolic role played by trumpets. The day was filled with the sound of trumpets calling the people to shake off their spiritual drowsiness. A precise number of notes were sounded, and each note had a specific symbolic meaning.

Everything led up to the Day of Atonement, which took place 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. During this time, the people searched their lives, repented of their sins, and prepared themselves for that day.

All of us need a trumpet sounded in our lives. We could all use a new beginning. Too easily we adapt to the world’s standards and tolerate darkness and sin. We need God to shine His searchlight into our minds and hearts, and we need to repent of our sins.

Ask God to search your heart. Humble yourself before Him. Ask Him to cleanse you from sin, unclean thoughts, impure motives, and pride. Ask Him to help you be clean in His sight.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer asking God to search your heart, and repent of unconfessed sin.