Hoshana Rabbah, the seventh day of the
Feast of Tabernacles, is known as the Last Days of Judgment. It has a ritual
that involves beating a bunch of willows (one of the four important species of
plants during Feast of Tabernacles). On this the decisive Day of Judgment the
final seal is put on the Book of Life and Death, but not until after the
synagogue service. There is still time for harsh judgment to be changed until
that service is over, so it is a very solemn time. The Jewish people have
recently been through Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year; Yom Kippur; and the
Day of Atonement, so they should have a clean repentant heart. This Hoshana
Rabbah gives them yet another opportunity to set right their relationship with
God and with others. This is so in keeping with God’s desire that everyone
would repent…and not perish. God is so good and so generous to mankind.
But do not let this one fact escape your
notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a
thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some
count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but
for all to come to repentance. 2
Peter 3:8-9 NASB
Not
perish.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but
have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB
One more fact about Hoshana Rabbah is that
this is a time of prayer for hope of a speedy coming of the Messiah. My Messiah
has come…and His name is Jesus Christ. My hope is for His speedy return—to
gather up His church, His believers. Those believers can be Jewish, too.
Are you ready for Hoshana Rabbah? It is still a couple of days away…but it is
time to prepare.
Prayer
~ Heavenly Father…we wait patiently for You to send for Your church to join You
in Heaven. What a glorious day that will be! May it bring You an abundance of
glory and joy. We rejoice just knowing of Your wonderful plan and feel
privileged to be part of You family.
Daily
Bible Reading: Matthew 12; Mark 3; Luke 6
©
2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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