Times of Refreshing!

Greetings in the matchless name of our Messiah, Yeshua (Jesus) Christ!  We are compelled to extend the good tidings of this season to you in His name.  We just began a new year (according to the Hebrew calendar) exactly a week ago!  We began the year 5769 with the sounding of the trumpet.  (Rosh Hashanah!). This Thursday, October 9th 2008 is Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)!

Yom Kippur is perhaps the most holy day in the Jewish calendar. This is the day to receive the mercy and favor of God after a total fast with repentance from sins committed against God and other people.  Yom Kippur is a day to seriously prepare for the blessings of the New Jewish Year. Lev. 16:29-34 One might wonder; why the alignment with Jewish culture?  The truth is that God chose to reveal Himself first to the Hebrews and He (God) gave them the Law as instituted in the Old Covenant to guide His chosen people.  However, the Law has been superseded in Christ.  We no longer need the shedding of the blood of bulls and goats on a seasonal basis because Jesus, the Lamb of God has shed His blood once and for ALL as atonement for our sin. Our Lord as Testator, became the Mediator of a better covenant!  Praise God! Rom. 5:6-11, Heb. 9:1-28. 

Although we understand that Christ has fulfilled ALL the requirements of the Law, we also know that the seasons of God do not change!   God is leading us with clear direction toward the importance of understanding the times and seasons He has decreed.  For those who doubt, just take a look at the blessings of the Lord on Jewish people all over the world.  In actuality, we are the seed of Abraham and heirs of the promise through faith in Christ Jesus. Our time has come! 

So many have suffered great loss this year and have sowed to the Lord with many tears.  Please recognize this season change and expect to reap with Joy!  Psalm 126. Position yourself spiritually through humility and selflessness and receive the "Times of Refreshing" that comes from the presence of the Lord!