Rosh Chodesh is one of the biblical feasts of the Lord: “At the beginning of your months you shall present a burnt offering to the Lord…a grain offering…of a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord [and] drink offering.” (Numbers 28:11-14) Rosh Chodesh is Hebrew for “Head of the Month” or New Month. It is also known as the New Moon because the biblical calendar is lunar based.
Traditionally, a new month occurs when the first sliver of new moon becomes visible to the unaided human eye after dark. God wants us dedicating every month to Him with thanksgiving and praise. In ancient Israel, trumpets were blown and there was joyful gratitude for His faithfulness for both the past and upcoming 30 day cycle of time (Nu. 10:10, Ps. 81:3). The rabbis have long pointed out that the new moon is not really new, but re-newed. In meeting with God at this appointed time, intimacy with Him can be uniquely renewed from month to month.
Someday all nations will worship the Lord from one New Moon to the next (Is. 66:22-23). Perhaps that is why our New Moon celebration this month was organized and led by a Gentile believer living in our Ma’ale Adumim community.
As a kingdom of priests, we offered God a sacrifice of praise and worship. Shofars and silver trumpets were blown (that’s my daughter Tasha in the photo). God’s presence was amazing! I believe the celebration was actually an intercessory, prophetic act helping prepare the way of the Lord’s return.
God created the dimension of time as a gift unique to the earth realm. At certain appointed times or feasts, the Creator desires to meet with His people in a special way. He invites all New Covenant believers to engage with Him in Heaven’s rhythm and sanctify (redeem) the times.
Consider this: Not just in the past but in the future, after Messiah returns to rule the earth in glory from His Temple, you and I will uniquely encounter the Lord at the New Moon. “The gateway of the inner court … shall be shut … but … on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened …The people of the land shall worship at the entrance to this gateway before the Lord on … the New Moons” (Ezekiel 46:1-3). “It shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another … all flesh shall come to worship before Me, says the Lord” (Isaiah 66:23).
Why not prayerfully consider engaging with Him at this special feast now?