A Heart of Wisdom

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So teach us to number our days

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Yom Kippur begins at sundown today, and ends at sundown tomorrow.

Of all the Feasts of the Lord, this feast, called the Day of Atonement in English, is the most sacred, and the most solemn. Jews believe it is on this day that the whole year's sins of the entire nation are atoned for, or covered, through a blood sacrifice.

Yom Kippur literally means "day of covering" or "day of ransom," the only day in the whole year that the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and have a face to face encounter with God.

In Leviticus 16 and Leviticus  23, we read the detailed instructions given by the Lord to Moses on how atonement was to be done. There were elaborate ceremonies to be carried out, including physical cleansing by water for the priests, putting on of special garments, the burning of incense, and collecting the blood of a young bull, a ram, and a goat, to be offered as sin offering and burnt offering, while another goat was to be sent out to the wilderness as a scapegoat.

All of this is a type, or a picture, of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. He was the High Priest, and He was also the two goats, the one which was killed and offered as the sin offering, and the other, called the scapegoat, which was sent to the wilderness carrying the sins of the people.

All prophetic passages in the Bible, including those referring to the Feasts of the Lord, are fulfilled at least three times: first, in the historical and cultural context; second, in a future event in the prophetic timeline of God; and third, in the present personal context of our individual lives.

In the case of the seven feasts, a serious study of them will help us understand that they are each a foreshadowing of events that pertain to Christ's first and second coming.

Jesus Himself made this clear when He said:

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. - Matthew 5:17-18

The Old Testament contains hidden pictures of God's redemptive plan, the chronology, content, and significance of major events that pertain to the first and second coming of Christ.

Dr. William Ayles has stated it well:

Genesis to Revelation is God-breathed revelation and Christ himself provided us with the framework to properly approach New Testament prophecy: “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44).

God has given us two witnesses: the Old and New Testaments.

If the Old Testament foretold what would come to pass in the future, then the Old Testament set God’s precedent: New Testament prophecy must be in agreement with the precedent set in Old Testament prophecy. The Old Testament is God’s standard—not only for behavior but also prophecy. Herein, we as Christ’s church need not be blown about with every wind of doctrine on the subject of prophecy. God already established the irrefutable standard in the Old Testament.

There is a divine harmony of divine revelation to be found in the Bible—and it is ours for the asking.

All throughout the New Testament, Christ and his apostles quoted Old Testament prophets to show us the fulfillment of prophecy or what shall be fulfilled. In essence, New Testament prophecy must be understood not only through the eyes of the apostles but the prophets as well. Prophecies about our present salvation and future salvation are found throughout the Old Testament. (TimeLine International)

I like the way Dr. Ayles put it: There is a divine harmony of divine revelation to be found in the Bible.

The New Testament has not replaced the Old Testament. The two make up one continuous story of redemption. The writings of Moses and the prophets give us a picture of what is to come, and if understood correctly, we will not be looking at the present events from a "trial and error" doctrinal mindset, but from a position of eager expectation, waiting for the fulfillment of what God is doing.

The first four feasts, namely, Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost, are spring feasts, and they were all fulfilled by Jesus Christ during His first coming.

We now await the fulfillment of the fall feasts, namely, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles, which Jesus Christ will surely do at His second coming.

God has made it clear that He intends for these feasts to be observed by His people as a lasting memorial for all generations. He never wants us to forget, or become complacent, and stop waiting for the return of Christ.

He wants us to wait with joyful hope, and eager expectation.

Thus we continue to celebrate the feasts, no longer in a ceremonial, cerebral, legalistic way, but as a heart response. A response of faith and devotion.

Going back to the Feast of Yom Kippur.

After the temple's destruction in 70 A.D., there is no longer a physical temple in Jerusalem, and there is no priesthood operating as in the Old Testament times, therefore this feast cannot be carried out to the letter today. Understandably, the elaborate ceremonies as specified in Leviticus 16 are no longer followed. Instead, human traditions of practicing good works and liturgical readings in the synagogue have replaced the Biblical practices.

"It is instructive to... remember that Israel did not invent Yom Kippur. A set aside corporate day of atonement was instituted by God Himself. It was His idea. Just as all the other biblical feasts, Yom Kippur is an appointment with God, made by God. Yes, that appointment was explicitly made with Israel, but it was implicitly made with the rest of us, as the relationship between God and Israel forms the blueprint of how He intends to relate to all mankind." (Should Christians Fast on Yom Kippur?)

Thus, for those who understand the meaning of moed (literally, appointed time), these feasts are really an appointment with God. And, as the word miqra (assembly, or rehearsal) signifies, we assemble together on these feasts as a rehearsal, a preparation for the coming of Christ back to earth in the future to fulfill them

There is a coming day, at a future Yom Kippur, that the present-day Jews, many of whom do not still recognize Jesus as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament writings, will see the truth plainly, and they will turn to Christ as their Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah). They will understand the picture of the two goats in Leviticus 16 as referring to Jesus, and they will look on Him as the One they have pierced, and receive His death on the Cross as their atonement for their personal and corporate sins.

This passage in Zechariah speaks of the redemption of Israel, which will happen just before Jesus returns for a future fulfillment of the feast of Yom Kippur:

And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great.... -Zechariah 12:10-11

That future Yom Kippur is the Second Coming of Christ, what Bible writers have referred to as the Day of the Lord. 

Those who have not yet believed in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, both Gentile and Jew, will not be given another opportunity. That day is their last chance.

It is said that on Rosh HaShanah or Yom Teruah, the books are opened, followed by the ten days of awe, a chance to repent. Then Yom Kippur comes, and the books are closed. The judgment is final.

The fulfillment of this day will be seen when Jesus returns. The 'days of Awe' will reach their crescendo on that day. It marks the last chance for any to be saved for, on that day the gates of Heaven are again closed. For the nation of Israel it is the day of release from their enemies but also the day of mourning as they realise how they 'pierced' and killed their Messiah 2000 years ago. It is the day when the entire world will come 'face to face' with the living God and see Him with their own eyes. It is a day of liberty for the people of God. It is a day of judgement for the enemies of God. For the Lord Himself it is the day when this planet is returned to its rightful owner (HIm!) and His reign begins. It is the day of Atonement - the most solemn and holy day of all. (Jesus in the Day of Atonement)

(Note: To get clear understanding of the prophetic significance of Yom Kippur, go to this blog Understanding Scripture in Light of a Jewish Timeline by Randy Dockens.)

Now, I come to my personal Yom Kippur.

It is said to be a day of fasting, a day to afflict or deny oneself. Because I have received Jesus as my Savior, Lord, and King, I know that my sins have been atoned for by His death on the cross. My observance of this day is not to buy my salvation, or to earn a good standing with God. Honestly, I have not made any plans to go into fasting or attend a congregational observance of this feast.

I look at this day mostly with gratitude for what my Lord has done for me. I am grateful for the cross, for the blood of Jesus that has saved me from eternal death. For guidance, for direction, for protection, and provision.

But it's not just all about me.

In observance of Yom Kippur, I want to identify with the sins of my immediate family. I lift up each member - my sons, and my daughters, my grandchildren, pleading to God on their behalf. Praying for God to forgive them for any way they may not have trusted Him completely or given Him first place in their lives.

I identify with my nation the Philippines, repenting before God for the way we as a people have worshiped idols, embraced many false doctrines, and shed innocent blood. It is a difficult time for our nation. There are many fingers pointing to others in criticism, and self righteous judgment. I ask Abba Father to enable me to walk in the opposite spirit, in humility, offering fervent intercession for our president, that he be given wisdom in his words, thoughts, and decisions. I am praying for our judiciary, for true justice to reign in our land. I am praying for our legislature, that the laws they pass will not be self-serving, but for the good of all.

There is a war in our southern islands, I am praying for unity, and protection from demonic schemes. I am praying for our economy, for our entertainment industry, for the educational system, for the youth of our nation, for the countless fatherless and motherless children, as millions of our citizens scattered all over the world, employed as overseas workers.  There is so much to offer up to God. There is so much poverty around when we are aware that our nation is rich in mineral resources. We are not a poor nation.

Above all, I believe in the prophetic destiny of the Philippines. I pray that nothing will stand in the way of its fulfillment.

I identify with Israel, that tiny nation surrounded by other nations who look at her as their enemy, and whose number one aim is to annihilate it from the face of the earth. The Jews are very much on center stage these days, and they need our prayers and our support. Most of the people of Israel still do not trust in Jesus Christ as their Redeemer, and for that reason, they are very much into a legalistic observance of the laws of Moses. Yet, Father God has been watching over them. Israel is the apple of God's eye. He has said that he who blessed Israel will be blessed, and whoever curses Israel will be cursed... and in the fulfillment of God's promise to bless Abraham, all the families, all the nations of the earth, will be blessed.

This is what Yom Kippur means to me. I look at my relationships, and ask God to show me how these are meant to teach me vital lessons in humility, and servanthood. Paul says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves..."(Philippians 2:3).


In many ways, I am grateful for the fall feasts that have fallen on this month of September -  Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They have given me a renewed zeal to return to God in a more intentional way.

Since Rosh HaShanah ushered in the year 5778, I have attempted to read the book of Proverbs daily, one or two chapters a day. My personal desire is to walk in wisdom this year.

Today is the ninth day of 5778, and I hear the voice of Wisdom calling:

Wisdom is the principal thing;

Therefore get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding.

Exalt her, and she will promote you;

She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

She will place on your head an ornament of grace;

A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

Proverbs 4:7-9

Listen, for I will speak of excellent things,

And from the opening of my lips will come right things;

For my mouth will speak truth...

- Proverbs 8:6-7

Daily wisdom is needed to sort out which of the many demands facing me each day is the priority God has assigned for me. I desire wisdom in my daily walk with Him, in my relationships, in my decisions, even in my emotional response to my circumstances.

What a beautiful month this has been! It's been a month of realizations. Of renewed trust. Of looking forward to what God has in store for me.

I name this month, A Heart of Wisdom. Letting go of my own understanding, and holding on instead, to God's hand.

He alone knows the path that is best for me.

My Yom Teruah 5778

Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing 
when he returns.
- Matthew 24:46

It's September 20, 2017. Tonight, at sundown, the year 5778 in the Hebrew calendar, begins. This significant event is observed for two days, Tishri 1 and Tishri 2, in a joyous celebration called Rosh HaShanah.

But this event is actually referred to as Yom Teruah in the Bible. It falls on the first day of the seventh month, or Tishri 1. Its name comes from Numbers 29:1, which recounts, “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing of trumpets to you.”

It is also referred to as Zikhron Teruah (“a memorial of trumpets”) in Leviticus 23:24-25, “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall be a solemn rest to you, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to YHWH.”

It marks the beginning of the three Fall Feasts in the Hebrew calendar, Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles).

The past years, I have reconnected to the Hebrew roots of my Christian faith, and have found deep meaning in observing the feasts of the Lord.

The Bible enumerates these feasts in Leviticus 23 where God clearly explains to Moses that they are His feasts, and are to be observed as holy convocations, a memorial to be proclaimed throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

The Hebrew word for feast is moed, which literally means "appointed time, place, or meeting."

Really, an appointment with God.

It was like finding missing pieces to a puzzle when I first understood what it meant. Moed is a set time in God's calendar on which He expects His people to meet with Him throughout all their generations.

It's not just an Old Testament thing, as many people believe. These feasts are to be observed for all generations.

Another thing that struck me is the Hebrew word miqra for "convocation."

Miqra means a "solemn assembly," but it also connotes "rehearsal." (See miqra in the Strong's Lexicon of Hebrew words.)

That has completely changed the way I look at these feasts. I have come to understand that when we observe these special days by gathering together, we are in fact rehearsing for the actual days when the feasts will be fulfilled, in accordance with God's prophetic timeline.

So, today, as Yom Teruah begins at sundown, which also marks the beginning of the Hebrew New Year Rosh HaShanah, I take time to meditate on its significance in my own personal spiritual journey.

I ask myself,  "What is the message of Abba Father for me as I rehearse, or prepare for, the actual day of the fulfillment of this feast?"

The year 5778 in the Hebrew calendar holds a depth of meaning, too deep to be put into words. The number 70, which is the decade we are in, is ayin in the Hebrew alphabet, and has the picture of a seeing eye. This is the decade to see like we have never seen before.  It is also a silent letter, which speaks to me of the truth that there are things God is revealing that may not be spoken of, just pondered and treasured in my heart.

For meditation. For rumination. For absorption.

The number 8 is represented by chet in the Hebrew alphabet.

The picture we get from the character chet is that of a doorway in a wall or fence. It is a passageway, a crossing over from one place to another.

John 10:9 uses the idea of chet as a doorway so clearly:

I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved.
He will come in and go out and find pasture.

Other versions use "door" instead of "gate" - but the Greek word thura for "door" can also mean "entrance." Gate is not an inaccurate translation.

For me, it points to an inner movement...

from a place of complacency, to a place of engagement and involvement;
from a place of passivity, to a place of action;
from a place of discouragement, to a place of renewal and hope;
from a place of wrong priorities, to a place of divine assignments.

There are just so many areas within my heart that need a forward movement, and an upward thrust.

And today is the best time to make a renewed commitment to the Triune God as my Father, my Lord, and King... my Redeemer, my Savior, and Friend... my Comforter, my Teacher, my Guiding Light.

My Living Hope.

Chet also means a fence. Lance Wallnau mentions a few key words relating to this: heart, private, separate.

Been pondering on these words this morning. Chet speaks of a passageway that could lead to a private enclosure, an inner room, a secret garden.

A tent of meeting with God my Father. A place of communion and intimacy where deep calls to deep.

Chet speaks to me of a crossing over, from bondage to freedom, from doubt to certainty, from the superficial to the deep.

Precious time is so easily wasted on things that do not matter. I have been guilty of this time and time again.

God laments: ... for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. - Jeremiah 2:13

Yet Father never gives up. Repeatedly He issues an invitation to return to Him, to draw near to Him.

I come to God in repentance and brokenness.

(Note: You may want to listen to the song below before reading the rest of the post.)

Chet is the number 8 in the Hebrew alphabet, a number that stands for new beginnings. Jesus Christ rose on a Sunday morning, technically the first day of the week... but counting beyond the seventh day, Resurrection Sunday is sometimes prophetically referred to as "the eighth day."

Chet therefore indicates resurrection life, and new birth.

A new season to celebrate the newness of life.

It is significant that Rosh HaShanah commemorates the creation of the world.

Indeed I am grateful for this season, a reminder that God is waiting for me this Yom Teruah, to keep my appointment with Him... watching and waiting for the final fulfillment of this day when the trumpet will be blown and Jesus will return for His own.

When exactly will that be?

I take to heart the precious words of Jesus in Matthew 24:32-39, and I quote,

32 Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 36 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

Jesus gives us the signs that the time is near. He doesn't want us to be in the dark about these important things. Rather, he wants us to understand the times and the seasons. By watching, and waiting for His return, and being alert, we are ready at any given moment.

I do not want to live like the people in Noah's day, who did not know what time it was! Rather, I want to operate on God's timetable, so that these things do not catch me by surprise.

Note: The Spring feasts have been fulfilled: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Weeks (Pentecost). We are still awaiting the fulfillment of the Fall feasts: Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles.

In truth, there are many indicators that the end is near. Earthquakes, destructive storms, wars and rumors of wars... these are just some of them.

Ryan LeStrange says that 5778 is "the year of glory storms." Even before the hurricanes struck the Carribean Islands and Florida, he wrote:

There are glory storms of fierce winds coming forth. These are winds of refreshing, winds of transition and winds of shift. 

When the winds of God's glory come, they are meant to help us find our proper place in Him, a place of faithfulness where we are doing the very thing He has created us for.

Sometimes the winds come forcefully, to expose false foundations, and to shake us from our complacency, in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.

This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. - Hebrews 12:27

The Lord's word is an encouragement to my heart: When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. - Luke 21:28

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come!


Also posted in my Holy Ground blog.