JESUS IS COMING!

SEPTEMBER 2016

As I was saying. . .I love Autumn!!  Yes, I know, at the time of this writing, we continue in the season of summer.  But, Autumn’s a’comin’!!  I say that rather confidently.  And I smile at the thought of cooler temps, the one street in Phoenix with golden leaves on the trees, and pumpkins on display in grocery stores.  I can, however, PROCLAIM with utmost confidence and certainty that JESUS is coming!  And my heart is ablaze with HOPE and JOY! 

And, it is Elul!!??   REALLY?  What’s an “Elul?”  Elul is a month on the Jewish calendar which began on Sept. 4^th this year and will end on Oct. 2^nd when Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) begins and Jewish people observe what they label as the “10 Days of Awe” – between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  Well, you’re most likely thinking, “It’s all Greek to me.”  My response, “No, it’s Hebrew!”  But, bottom line: what’s the big deal?  Answer: within Judaism, the month of Elul is a time of repentance in preparation for the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  Yes, I said “within Judaism…a time of repentance.”  Does the Jewish person in your life know this?  Do they know what the Old Testament teaches concerning repentance?  Have they heard that God has already provided THE way to Himself and that THE way is the Jewish Messiah, Jesus? 

Ask them how they celebrate during their holidays and what it means to them personally.  Share with them what God says in the Hebrew Scriptures concerning repentance, forgiveness, and His provision for eternal salvation!  Ask them how they are forgiven of their sin without a blood sacrifice.  You can tell them that you haven’t witnessed any Jewish people bringing lambs or goats to synagogues on Yom Kippur/The Day of Atonement!   Remind them that God requires blood to forgive sin: For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul (Lev. 17:11).  God hasn’t massaged the way to come to Him.  He hasn’t devised another requirement nor has He softened the demand for blood to be shed!  God doesn’t change (Mal. 3:6)!  Tell them that Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for sin.  He paid the penalty for our sin.  It is finished – in HIM!  Elul – a time of preparation.  What a fantastic time we’ve been given to speak words of eternal life to those who very well might be focused upon life everlasting.  Within the lives of many, may “10 Days of Awe” be transformed into an “Eternity of Awe.”