Written by, Rev. Larry Sassman, Assistant Pastor

This past week we entered the last month on the Hebrew calendar, Elul. The word Elul means search – the significance is to prepare, through earnest reflection, for the ten days of repentance starting with Rosh Ha Shanah (The Feast of Trumpets) and ending with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). During that time observant Jews ask God’s forgiveness for their sins and that He write their name in the Book of Life for another year. This tradition is believed to coincide with the story of the golden calf and Moses smashing the Ten Commandments, because of Israel’s sin, and the receiving of the 2nd set (Exodus 32; and 34:27-28).

During the month of Elul, God is considered to be more approachable (by rabbinic tradition). The letters that make up Elul also maintain significance; Alef-Lamed-Vav-Lamed, and is considered by some to be an acronym for Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li which translates to Song of Songs 6:3 “I am my Beloveds and my beloved is mine”.

When Jesus shouted “It is Finished” on the cross (John 19:30) the curtain that separated man from the Holy of Holies was ripped in two showing God was now approachable to all, at all times (Matthew 27:51). We, if we are “in Christ”, can be assured our names are in the aforementioned Book of Life, as we have been sealed, by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30). Yet Peter tells us we should prepare, not for salvation, but because of it. 1st Peter 1:13 declares “Therefore prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled, set your Hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

As we enter these days of searching, on the Jewish calendar, let us also search our hearts and allow the Spirit who seals us, to reveal any areas of our lives that still need to be given to His control. Remember that Christ gave all to become your Beloved! Are you His?

#Rosh Ha Shanah#Yom Kippur#Ten Commandments#Alef-Lamed-Vav-Lamed#Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li#Holy of Holies#Peter 1:13#Jesus Christ