The Fall Feasts are almost upon us and our anticipation for the time of Messiah's return begins to grow once again. Every year, as Rosh Hashanah / Yom Teruah approaches, there's a sense of urgency and excitement at the idea that -this- could finally be the year that Yeshua returns to the Mount of Olives to bring forth the New Jerusalem. Every year, people around the world look towards the heavens and wait to hear that great trumpet sound that will call all of the Righteous of the Lord into His presence.
But what do we do when that doesn't happen? How do we keep hope and faith alive in the face of such hideous circumstances throughout the Earth? How can we endure another year of wars, famines, sickness and pain? How do we keep believing throughout a future that we pray will soon be eliminated by Yeshua's return? How do we overcome the gradual depletion of our empathy and compassion for another year? What keeps a tiny ember of hope alive in us?
There's the obvious answer: we can't. Not on our own, at least.
Rabbi Paul says this:
Therefore, having been made righteous by trusting, we have shalom with God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah. Through Him we also have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand and boast in the hope of God’s glory. And not only that, but we also boast in suffering—knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Ruach ha-Kodesh who was given to us
- Romans 5:1-5
It's not a natural thing to have hope beyond hope that endures through trial and tribulation. It's through our faith in Yeshua that we are supernaturally gifted with grace, hope, perseverance, and character growth. When we dig deep into our faith, we can keep the flame of hope burning in our hearts.
A secondary, and not so obvious answer, is also very simple: the children.
It would be easy to say that bringing more children into this world is unnecessary, or even cruel, considering the state of things. But Scriptures says this:
Behold, children are a heritage of ADONAI —the fruit of the womb is a reward.
- Psalm 127:3
And
For like the days of a tree,
so will be the days of My people,
and My chosen ones will long enjoy
the work of their hands.
They will not labor in vain
nor bear children for calamity.
For they are the offspring of those blessed by ADONAI,
as well as descendants with them.
- Isaiah 65:22-24
God calls children a reward! And that they're not born into calamity just for the sake of it. Instead, through faith, our children will be blessed with long lives, prosperity, and joy. Likewise, the wonder found in the eyes of a child can stir ashes back into roaring flames. Having children gives us purpose. Children make us grow. They also demonstrate how much God loves us by giving us something to love with equal reckless abandon.
So, if you're struggling to invest in anything this season due to the disappointment of having to endure another year without Messiah's return, find a way to invest in the things God invests in: Children! Whether physical or spiritual children, you have resources and experiences to share that will bless someone.
Do you have a child of your own that you'd like to reconnect with? How about a niece or nephew? Are there grandchildren that you need to take a larger role with? Is there an orphan that you're considering sponsoring on the other side of the world? Have you considered fostering children in your area, or being emergency placement for children in distress? Or maybe, you're in the trenches of having a newborn baby and can't understand why anyone would do this, much less repeatedly. Or maybe you have a moody teenager who wants nothing to do with you? Well, take heart! When God Himself wanted to bring forth the Messiah, what did He do? He brought forth a child! So, clearly the development, growth, and wellbeing of children matter to Him. And it should matter to you, too.
If you can come to understand how deeply important children, and their future children, are to ADONAI, you can find reasons to endure. Reasons to hope. Reasons to keep faith-ing throughout the horrors of this world. So, dig into your Bible today and find out for yourself what God thinks of children. Hint: you're one of them!
And whether Messiah Yeshua returns this Yom Teruah or not, we know that our future is bright regardless because...
You are from God, children, and you have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
- 1 John 4:4
