Day of Atonement
As we step into the year 2025, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment, both personally and collectively. Reflecting on the past year, many of us might resonate with the sentiment of having worn “milk bone underwear” in a dog-eat-dog world, as humorously put by Norm from the classic show Cheers. The challenges of 2024, marked by global tensions, personal trials, and natural disasters, have indeed tested our resilience and faith.
Yet, as we transition into this new year, we are reminded of the profound truth found in Hebrews 12:26-28. The world may shake, but we are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken. This is a call to let go of what is temporary and hold fast to what is eternal—the unshakable kingdom of God.
A Year of Grace and New Beginnings
The Hebrew calendar marks this year as 5785, a year symbolizing grace and new beginnings. The number five represents grace, and with two fives in 5785, we are invited to experience a double portion of grace. The number seven signifies perfection, and eight represents new beginnings. This combination suggests a season where God is perfecting certain aspects of our lives and ushering us into new beginnings filled with His grace.
This year is an invitation to restoration, freedom, and breakthrough. However, these promises require our active participation. We must step into them by faith, allowing God to lead us through the valleys rather than around them. It is through these trials that our character is refined, revealing the “Davids” among us who are anointed to lead in new seasons.
Resetting and Renewing Our Hearts
As we embark on this journey, it’s crucial to reset and renew our hearts. The Day of Atonement, a time of reflection and repentance, offers us a chance to lay down our burdens and embrace the simplicity of faith. Just as the Israelites turned bitter waters into sweet through God’s intervention, we too can experience transformation by surrendering our bitterness and embracing the sweetness of God’s grace.
This year, let’s focus on simplicity, as modeled by the early church in Acts 2. Through prayer, fellowship, and breaking bread together, we can cultivate a community rooted in love and grace. It’s a call to return to the basics, to let go of the complexities and distractions that hinder our spiritual growth.
Walking in Forgiveness and Unity
Forgiveness is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. As we forgive others and ourselves, we release the burdens that weigh us down. This act of grace not only frees us but also fosters unity within our community. By renouncing bitterness and embracing forgiveness, we create space for God’s healing and renewal.
Conclusion: A Year of Hope and Expectation
As we move forward, let’s embrace this year with hope and expectation. We may not know what the future holds, but we can be confident in the One who holds the future. By letting go of what can be shaken and holding onto the unshakable, we position ourselves to be a non-anxious presence in a chaotic world.
May 2025 be a year where we experience the fullness of God’s grace, where new beginnings are birthed, and where we walk in the freedom and joy of His presence. Let us be a people who are unshakable, rooted in the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.