As we arrive at a new year, 2009, it is always interesting to see how different people approach a new year. I have noticed that the news is filled with “year in review” video articles. We look back at the good news, bad news, regretful news, and even some funny news. It is all very entertaining.
Some of us feel a need to examine the past before we are ready to take on the future. We cannot change the mistakes of the past. But, we can learn from the past. We cannot live on the victories of the past. But, we can use the past as a guide for new goals for a better future.
God gave His people an interesting way to begin a new year. On the Jewish calendar the New Year begins in the fall, (Rosh Hashanah), and is followed ten days later by the Day of Atonement, (Yom Kippur). These ten days are called the Days of Repentance. These were days when they remember sins and ask forgiveness of anyone they have wronged the previous year. Then on the last day, the Day of Atonement, all is forgiven. In the days of the Temple the High priest would enter the Holy of Holies, the only time he would enter during the year, and sprinkle blood on the mercy seat for forgiveness of all sins, remembered and forgotten. Everyone began the New Year with a clean slate with God, and with each other.
What an awesome thought? We can start the New Year fresh with a whole new perspective, a new plan, and with nothing from the past holding us back. The world may have other ideas. God encourages new starts and gives us a way to make it happen.
Paul put it this way: “…forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Happy New Year
Bro. Robin Cowin
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