Since I was up super early, this morning, I found myself reading and studying about the High Holy Days found within the Jewish tradition.  This is a time of preparation, a time of intense reflection, and a time to search one’s soul.  At the end of this time (the month-long days of preparation), the Jewish nation culminates the process with the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) that begins on September 17^th.  Following this time of celebration comes Yom Kippur on September 24, the Day of Atonement (the holiest day in Judaism).  After this time of repentance, the next Holy Day begins on September 29^th, a festival, the Festival of Booths, a joyous time celebrating harvest.

Then arrives Shemini Atzeret on October 6^th, a day marking the end of reflection and celebration as the person begins to transition back to the day-to-day routine of life.  Finally, on October 7^th at sundown comes Simchat Torah, an observance that rejoices in the first five books of the Bible (the Torah).  This time underscores how the Word of the Lord is central.

• Ritualistic.
• Formulaic.
• Purposeful.
• Prepared.
• Expected.
• Followed. &

Traditionally Practiced year-after-year-after-year–after . . .

As I read the details of the High Holy Days and the preparation leading up to the observances of them, I began to ask myself:  Is the Christian lazy?

Are we truly “lazy” in our obedience?

• Do we study, memorize, observe, follow, serve, and worship the LORD of the UNIVERSE, our HOLY FATHER in a “lackadaisical” way?

If so, if we are not purposeful, how can we become (not ritualistic) but more focused in the ‘Tenets’ of our faith.

• Do we seek God’s face & REPENT of our sins—Daily?

—OR—

Do we, like Jonah, find ourselves running away, again & again, only to remember the LORD and hurriedly whisper our requests in prayer, only when we are in despair?

• Are we stepping into the Holy Temple of God as we should?
• Do we seek God’s presence in REPENTANCE for our daily sins?
• Are we seeking God’s promised, direct communication-line of PRAYER?
• When we see those in need, do we have a spirit of CHARITY?

REPENTANCE—PRAYER—CHARITY.

Each of these “tenants” lead one in preparation for the observance of the Highest Holy Days.  When reading and studying, truly, the question formed—Are Christians purposeful within their faith walk with the Lord Jesus Christ?—OR—Are they (the Christ-followers) more lackadaisical—in their walk of faith with their Savior?

NOW, IN TRUTH—

Ritualistically following a scripted, formulaic way of doing things each year can only cause one to become, well more “ritualistic.”

&

ALSO IN TRUTH—

Following rituals year-after-year cannot lead one into heaven because it is 100% truth, a person DOES NOT, NOR CANNOT come into SPIRITUAL BIRTH at the moment of one’s PHYSICAL BIRTH.

SALVATION IS A GIFT of ALMIGHTY GOD!

&

FINALLY, ALSO TRUE—

An individual will NEVER enter Heaven & will NEVER step into God’s presence APART from the BLOOD of JESUS!

For, Jesus Himself explains quite clearly in the apostle John’s writing:

—OR—

• Are we focused MORE upon the PURPOSEFUL PURSUIT of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST?  !!!

Maybe right now is the time to shut ourselves into our inner chamber of prayer, seek God’s face as He reveals the areas of our lives where we need His pure repentance.  As we do, we are afforded the opportunity to intercessory pray for those who are lost, who do not know Him as their Savior, & we are gifted with God’s presence as we are led to remember those who surround us, struggling in need.  The LORD HIMSELF will give us liberty as His Holy Spirit leads our steps through this single day we have been given to live.  “Thank You, LORD.”