-Biblical New Year -A Time For Introspection and Change

Rosh Hashanah—Yom Kippur

A New Year began today- 5784. The Biblical New Year–Rosh Hashanah began at sundown Friday 9/15/23 and the celebration will continue until sundown on Sunday 9/17. It ushers in the high holy days of the Jewish calendar. You ask, what significance does this have for Christians?  The Jewish calendar is Biblical and God instituted it in the first place and still seems to honor it in many ways.

The Biblical name for Rosh Hashanah is ‘Yom Ha-Zakkaron’ meaning: “The Day of Remembrance.” It is the beginning of 10 days of Awe in the Biblical (Jewish) calendar when the people of God are suppose to look at their lives and inspect the way that they lived during the just completed Biblical year. The 10 days end with Yom Kippur.  In 2023, Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sunday September 24th and ends the following evening on Monday September 25th.

On ‘Yom Kippur’-also called “The Day of Atonement” -Jewish folk traditionally repent and ask for God’s forgiveness and look forward to making changes for the better in the new year. 

Many Christians find that the Holy Spirit seems to call them to look at their lives and make changes during this time of year. Especially those in ministry. Most of us have thought that it is because of the change of seasons with the kids going back to school, and the changes that fall brings to church activities and ministries. 

Changes in ministry for me always seem to take place in the Fall. I use to think that it had to do with my birthday coming in October.  Lately, I have come to realize that the Lord always seems to call me to make changes during this time of year, and that it is really connected with the Biblical New Year. A number of major modern prophets have commented that during this time, they believe that ministries ‘pass under the rod’ (Ezekiel 20: 37-38) and are evaluated. If you are involved in ministry, it is a good time to get on your knees and listen to what the Holy Spirit says about you and the coming new Biblical year.

While everyday of the year is a good time for Christians to look at their lives, repent, and make changes.  The Biblical New Year is an especially good season for it.