“You are to have a day of sabbath rest, a sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts.”

— Leviticus 23:24

Do you ever feel distant from God? Sometimes busyness can crowd out so much of our lives that we forget to spend time with God in prayer or worship. The Feast of Trumpets was designed to reawaken God’s people to the beauty of his presence among them.The Feast of Trumpets occurred toward the end of the agricultural year. For months the people labored under a hot sun to grow food—tilling, planting, pruning, and finally harvesting. But through long days, heavy demands, and the uncertainties of their daily work, it could be easy to lose sight of the God who had come to live among his people. The Feast of Trumpets marked the beginning of the religious year. On this first day of a new year, trumpets blasted throughout the community of God’s people, announcing the nearness of God. The unmistakable sound of the ram’s horn called Israel to revival and renewal.One day we too will hear the unmistakable sound of a trumpet, announcing that Jesus is returning to make his kingdom complete! Amid the busyness of our work, our schooling, or the worries and cares of this world, we can lose sight of the certainty of Jesus’ return.But we are called to be ready for that day! Let us live each day eagerly awaiting and preparing for the clear, triumphant note of the Lord’s trumpet call.

Lord Jesus, we are easily distracted, and we can even become apathetic about your return. Wake us again today to the glory and greatness of your presence, while we await that day when you will return. Amen.