“The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

A day of rejoicing is just around the corner! The Feast of Trumpets reminds us of that awesome prophetic event, when Jesus Christ returns at the sound of a trumpet to begin the process of establishing His Kingdom on earth (Revelation 11:15). This annual Holy Day is greatly anticipated by us in the Church. It ushers in a festival season rich with meaning and experiences. Every year we can be refilled with hope as our focus is set towards the climax of God’s blueprint for mankind. But this day does not only point us towards the future, it also holds much meaning for our present walk with God as well.

During the period that the Bible was written, trumpets were often used to communicate a message. Throughout the Old Testament and books of prophecy we read of many times that trumpets were used to tell the nation of impending war, of coming joy, the onset of peace, a warning of destruction and much more. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, the trumpet of God symbolizes a tool used to communicate God’s message. Observance of the Feast of Trumpets should allow us to spend time thinking about the second coming of Christ. Where will we be spiritually on the day that He returns? Will we be at a place in our lives where we are willing and ready to respond to the call of the trumpet?

Certainly in this forthcoming moment, God will be sending a message to all of the earth, but we must not forget that God is communicating to us right now! It is a message of importance for all mankind. Choosing to listen, believe and respond allows us to take part in the special events listed in the end of the Book.

In the exciting yet fearful events to take place during the end times, it’s hard to imagine that the majority of people will not rejoice in the second coming of the Messiah (Revelation 16:9, 11, 14). Our joy in the return of our Savior should be tempered with the realization that there are many who still have yet to turn their hearts to God. Are we responding to the call of God’s trumpet in such a way that this message is able to be shared through us as well? Are we mimicking Christ by sounding our own trumpet and communicating the message of God to others?

As we anticipate the Feast of Trumpets, we should be reminded of God’s commission to His followers on earth (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8). We still have much work to do in this world, along with countless people to reach. Our wish should be for many to be standing with us at the return of Jesus Christ, just as this day that we are anticipating pictures. As we know, this is also the desire of our Heavenly Father (2 Timothy 2:4, 1 Peter 3:9).

Are we actively involved in the proclamation of the gospel to mankind? Are we letting God use us as a tool in His plan for mankind? Our behavior and words should all point back to Him. Our lifestyles should reflect the true Light! We should be looking for, and using, opportunities God gives us personally and as a Church to share the Word of God with others. Doing this helps us be faithful stewards who wait for the Master to return (Matthew 25:14-30). 

While we wait for the call of the trumpet in the future, we should ask ourselves what we are doing to be that trumpet call of God’s message right now. We have been called for a great purpose, to be firstfruits, or “leading examples” of God’s way of life. It’s our great calling to set a standard for others to see, to proclaim the way of God and to help the world follow it. Let us answer this message from above, and reflect the call of the trumpet in our own lives as the day of Jesus Christ’s return quickly approaches (Zephaniah 1:14)!