Yom Teruah—Rosh Hashanah is the biblical day of sounding the shofar. Leviticus 23:24 calls it “a memorial of blowing” (zichron teruah).
For many Jewish people, the sound of the shofar also recalls the Akedah—the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22.
Abraham obeyed G-d and brought Isaac to Mount Moriah. But at the critical moment, G-d stopped him. Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket.
G-d Himself had provided the sacrifice.
Abraham called that place Adonai Yireh, “Adonai will provide.”
For followers of Yeshua, the Akedah carries an even deeper significance. It points us toward the faithfulness of G-d, who ultimately provided Yeshua, the Lamb who was slain.
The shofar therefore carries a message of remembrance:
Remember the G-d who provides.
Remember the G-d who keeps covenant.
Remember the G-d whose purposes of redemption reach both Israel and the nations.
This speaks to the heart of TJCII. Our unity is found as Jewish and Gentile followers of Yeshua stand together before the G-d of Israel, recognizing that our reconciliation is possible because He has provided redemption, forgiveness, and a way for the nations to draw near to Him.
L’shanah tovah u’metukah.
May you have a sweet and good new year.