Today, we're exactly in the middle of the Jewish month of Elul. It's a quiet month. No official feasts or fasts.
So all eyes and hearts rest quietly while looking forward, to the first day of next month.
When the blast of the ram's horn will shatter the silence on Rosh Hashanah.
When those startling blasts will propel us into ten days of repentance leading up to the Day of Atonement.
And when we will close that most holy day on the calendar by praying to be written in God's Book of Life.
It is a powerful, weighty time.
So Elul, in its peaceful repose, sits in quiet contrast.
Rabbis teach that during this tranquil month, God is like an ancient king, who would walk through the fields on his way into the city, receiving anyone who would like to approach him before he re-entered the palace. They teach that this is a time when God makes Himself fully accessible, greeting any and all with kindness and compassion before returning to His throne, from which He will dispense judgment and mercy on the High Holy Days.
It's a beautiful parable, inspired by God's thirteen attributes of mercy toward us, which He shared with Moses in Exodus 34:6-7. And it is undergirded by the understanding that God Most High initiates a relationship with His people. Pursues His people. All of his people. Even us ordinary workers in the fields.
Then he passed in front of Moses, calling out, “The Lord, the Lord, a compassionate and merciful God, patient, always faithful and ready to forgive. He continues to show his love to thousands of generations, forgiving wrongdoing, disobedience, and sin. Exodus 34:6-7a GW*
As a Jewish believer in Jesus, I love this parable all the more, because it paints such a beautiful and perfect picture of the Messiah. Who left His throne and came to walk the fields of the earth with us. To welcome any and all who wished to approach Him, no matter what field they called home. To show the way of mercy.
For the believer, every month is the month of Elul. Because the King is still in the field. Greeting anyone and everyone with kindness and compassion through His Spirit. Drawing anyone and everyone to Himself while He may be found. Lingering in the fields, until that final day. Not wanting anyone to miss their moment to join Him. To enter the sanctuary eternal by His side.
“Your procession, God, has come into view, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.” Psalm 68:24 niv
The King is in the field. With welcoming arms and kind eyes. Whispering words of life.
