Jewish Month of Elul, 5778

We have entered the 6th Jewish month of Elul. This is a time our King is out inspecting the fields of His land. For us, it is a season of returning to the roots of our faith before the New Year that begins next month. Israel has both a civil and a religious calendar. The Earth has a physical birthday next month on Tishrei 1 (Rosh Hashanah) just as Israel has a spiritual birthday 6 months later on Nisan 1 (Passover). For those of us who have experienced the new birth in Messiah, we have both a natural birthday and a spiritual birthday.

Nehemiah and the remnant that had returned to Jerusalem completed the wall on the 25th of Elul but not without opposition. The Apostle Paul, in writing to the believers at Thessalonica, used the phrase, “Satan hindered us” (1 Thess. 2:18). If we are to be an apostolic people, then we are not to be “ignorant of his schemes” (2 Cor 2:11). It will actually be encouraging in this season to be reminded we have an enemy. His resistance is only proof we are on the Lord’s side.

Gad, the 7th son born to Jacob, is the tribe associated with this month of Elul. His name means “good fortune or fortunate.” This is a good month to remember how “fortunate” we are to have been added to the great company who believe in Messiah. In your dreams this month, look for ways to count your blessings and to move forward in unity. We certainly would not want the King to catch us complaining when He comes to inspect our field.