Sunday 16 September 2012

Today we celebrate Rosh Hashana, which is the Biblical New Year.  God, in His wisdom, instituted one time in the year for us to “turn the page” on the past and step into the future.  That time is today.  Rosh Hashana is also called “the Feast of Trumpets.”  The term “Shana Tova” means “Happy New Year” in Hebrew.  Custom has it that we should celebrate this day by eating apples dipped in honey.  Perfect for the Daniel Fast.  For more information on the Feasts of the Lord read our article on the subject.

Ephesians 5:14-20 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. »

The fascinating thing about this text is that the words “Wake up” are only implied.  A more accurate rendition of the text would read like this: “You! Sleeper! Rise from the dead and the Anointed One will shine on you.”  And I would personally translate the next verse in the following manner: “And don’t do anything stupid today!”

For you it might be a bad habit, a thought pattern, an attitude, that always causes you to trip up in your walk with the Lord.  Verse 16 says that we should make the most of every opportunity.  This is the second week of the fast; and I can’t think of a better opportunity to seek the face of God!

Verse 17 tells us to not be ignorant but understand what the will of God is.  Verse 18 tells us exactly what His will is for our lives.  And His will is that we be filled, continually, with His Holy Spirit.

Psalms 36:8 says that the children of mankind feast on the abundance of His house.  The word for “feast” literally means to drink until intoxicated.  So drink, children of God.  Drink of His presence today; drink of His house!

Today is Sunday, so go to a place where other children of God gather, and feast on the abundance of His house.  Be so filled with Him that the attraction of this world loses its power over your soul.