The Sun, Moon, and Stars
Today, I felt small.
I looked up into the sky and watched the solar eclipse. I was astounded on multiple levels.
I was astounded that humans can discern enough to not only know when these celestial occasions will take place, but can chart the sun, moon, and stars going back millennia! How?!?
I was astounded that from the very beginning, God, in Genesis 1, set the sun, moon, and stars in their place for appointed times, the moadim. God felt very big today, and I felt very small.
I was astounded at a world who watched this event cheered the event on, and when the 3 minutes and 49 seconds of totality finally arrived, the crowds cheered not only creation, but the Creator - knowingly or not.
While many spent time today looking at the solar eclipse, tonight we observe a much different celestial activity, a new moon.
And still, I’m astounded.
Before I get on with my point, read this Psalm of David, who also was astounded with his God as he looked to the skies…
Psalm 8 - How Majestic Is Your Name
To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith.
A Psalm of David.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name across the earth! Above the heavens, Your glory is displayed. From infants and babies, You have ordained strength to silence Your adversaries, to quell the foe and the avenger.
When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have established, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, or the son of man that You care for him?
Yet You have made him a little lower than the divine beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have entrusted him with dominion over Your creations; You have placed all things beneath his feet, all sheep and oxen, even the wild beasts of the field, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea, navigating the paths of the oceans.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name across the earth!
While the global community rings in the new year on January 1st, the Jewish tradition celebrates Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets. Yet, the Bible marks the beginning of the year with the first day of the first month, aligning with Passover in spring. This commencement is signaled by the new moon, marking a new month.
"The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 'This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year.'"
Our God is a God of renewal, ushering in new seasons and fresh beginnings. Rather than a single yearly celebration, He invites us to welcome each new moon, every month, as a new beginning. This tradition, known as “Rosh Chodesh” or “head of the month,” derives from the word “chodesh,” rooted in “newness” or “chadash.”
The Biblical Commandment
Numbers 10:10 commands:
“During your times of joy, your appointed feasts, and at the start of your months, you shall sound the trumpets over your offerings. They shall serve as a reminder before your God: I am the Lord your God.”
Further, Numbers 28:11-15 mandates numerous offerings:
“At the beginning of each month, present a burnt offering to the Lord.”
The sounding of trumpets, the array of offerings, and the declaration of a holiday in Israel - a respite from daily toil.
Historically, the observance of New Moon festivals has varied, at times neglected, at others joyously revived, and sometimes performed in a manner that saddened God. Yet, the divine desire for His people to acknowledge each month’s commencement is noteworthy, symbolized by the moon's slender crescent, heralding a new cycle and month.
The Evolution of the Jewish Calendar
The Jewish calendar, distinct from the Gregorian, is based on lunar rather than solar cycles, though it incorporates adjustments to align with the seasons. Its days span from evening to evening, rooted in Genesis’ “and there was evening and there was morning, the first day,” marking time’s beginning with nightfall.
You might recognize the names of Jewish months, like Nisan. Yet, in the Bible, months were identified simply by sequence. Similarly, days were referred to by their order, leading to Shabbat. Interestingly, the week and month names we use have pagan origins (e.g., Sun-day, Moon-day).
The names of Jewish months trace back to the Babylonian exile:
Nisan
Iyyar
Sivan
Tammuz
Av
Elul
Tishri
Cheshvan
Kislev
Tevet
Shevat
Adar
Resetting Time
As outlined to Moses during the Exodus, this calendar marks a reset in timekeeping. Before this, time was measured by events like Noah’s life (“in the days of Noah…”). This shift to a divine calendar was distinct from other cultures, which often based time on monarchs’ reigns.
The advent of the Messiah further reset the calendar, with modern dating signifying the years since His arrival. While the Jewish year aims to reflect the years since creation, the global adoption of the Gregorian calendar subtly acknowledges Jesus, causing discomfort for some.
In Israel, terms like “before the counting” and “after the counting” are used, with “CE” (Current Era) and “BCE” (Before the Current Era) gaining global acceptance. This linguistic dance around Jesus’ pivotal role in history avoids confronting His undeniable impact.
Yet, a day will come when all will acknowledge His lordship. Until then, we continue to dedicate our lives to Him, celebrating each day, week, month, and year as sacred markers of our journey through time.
About The Jewish Road
At the heart of The Jewish Road lies a passion ignited by a father-son duo, Ron and Matt Davis. Our journey began with a simple yet profound desire: to bridge the gap in understanding that has kept two faith communities apart for too long. We're here to help Christians connect with the roots of their faith and for Jews to explore the life and teachings of Jesus with an open heart.
Imagine a world where every believer, be it Jewish or Christian, not only knows their faith but truly understands its origins and interconnectedness. We strive to restore the Jewish essence of the Gospel, offering insights that deepen knowledge, bolster faith, and propel the growth of the Kingdom. The narrative of faith, we believe, is a two-act play where both acts are essential for a comprehensive grasp of the story. By uniting these acts, we're presenting a more holistic and enriching perspective.
Life is too short to wander without knowing the full essence of your beliefs. Whether you're attending a synagogue or a church, there's so much more to discover. The Jewish Road is here to guide, enlighten, and, most importantly, bring both halves of the story together. Join us on this journey; together
