Jewish Month of Av, 5778

The ninth day of this fifth Jewish month of Av is the lowest point in Israel’s history. It is the day of the sin of the ten spies bringing back a bad report and the day of the destruction of both temples. If we are to be overcomers in this season we must see beyond the giants in the land to see it as “our land” because the Lord says it is! However, the destruction of the temples is a constant reminder that “righteousness makes a nation great, but sin degrades any people.” (Proverbs 14:34 Complete Jewish Bible)

Aaron’s death on the first day of Av gives us cause to remember that with authority comes great responsibility. Frustration and anger with God’s people can cause us to act out in sinful ways and wrongly portray the heart of the Lord toward His people as Moses and Aaron did at the waters of Meribah. Moses struck the rock, but Aaron was standing with him. Aaron’s priestly garments were passed to his son Eleazar on top of Mount Hor before Aaron died there. This is a good time for older generations to reflect and determine to cross over as faith filled counselors to those destined to take our place. We are wiser and stronger crossing together.

The tribe associated with Av is Simeon…meaning “to hear.” There is a need to be careful in the way we hear in this season. In the fifth month of Av, Hananiah, the prophet, was hearing one message from “heaven” while Jeremiah, the prophet, was hearing a different message. This is a good month to be trained in the way we hear. Hearing and faith are linked so use your dreams this month to help you discern the source of what you are hearing. The Holy Spirit “will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” (John 16:13 NASU)