FALL IS IN THE AIR

Fall is in the air... at least in the northern hemisphere.

Every year, as fall comes I am reminded of so much. According to Jewish tradition, the anniversary of the six days of creation, including of Adam and Eve, is about this time of year. In contrast, it is interesting that the crucifixion happened in the spring, the time of new life. Our Lord had to die, just like a seed, so that we His offspring, could live.

In many places, the leaves are beginning to turn color and fall. Eventually things will get colder. And finally the cold will give way to spring, the wonderful time of new life.

Also according to Jewish tradition, this begins a new year. On the 1st day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (sundown, Sept. 29, 2019), begins the Hebrew year 5780. This day is known as Rosh Hashanah. The Hebrew calendar is considered to be from Creation unlike the Gregorian calendar most of us follow which is considered to be from the birth of Christ.

To the Jews, it begins a time of introspection. On the tenth day from the first day of Tishrei, is what is called Yom Kippur which is the anniversary of the Day of Atonement. On the tenth day, the high priest would go into the most Holy Place of the Temple, and make an annual sacrifice for the sins of the people. This is no longer possible for them, for they have no Temple, most Holy Place or Ark of the Covenant (where the blood of the sacrifice was applied). Just the same, Jews that are serious about their faith today, still consider it a time of forgiveness and introspection. Many forgive debts or crimes committed against themselves or loved ones during this time and many seek forgiveness from others. It is something to be revered.

Today, for Jews who believe in the true Messiah and Gentiles who follow Jesus Christ too, we have one High Priest who died for all our sins and makes intercession for us all. And we are His body, the body of Christ. We are living temples of the Holy Spirit. He has made a better way for us. Through Him, we have all the forgiveness we will ever need.

But we can pause and consider the old Hebrew ways and see the types and shadows of Jesus. Such as how the sacrifice being offered had to be without spot or blemish like Jesus, even though the one making the offering was far from perfect. We can stop and be reminded again, that as gruesome as it is, without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Thankfully we have a Savior, one who never sinned, who paid our penalties. If one will take the time to study the Jewish holy days and customs, there are many more parallels to be gleaned.

For now, we can enjoy this seasonal change, along with its cooler temperatures. We can even enjoy the winter that is coming, or for some of us, tolerate it, because we know that in time, spring and new life will come again.


E. Cockrell