I was in the spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. Revelation 1:10 NRSV

In Hebrew, the word translated as trumpet was a ram’s horn called a shofar and God chose the shofar to be used for many important occasions. The shofar was blown at the beginning and ending of religious festivals, called the people together for meetings and its blast was also used as a signal for armies to advance in battle. When God blows a trumpet in our lives, we should not be afraid because it is HIs sign that we are His people and that He has a message we need to hear.

At the time of the writing of the book of Revelation, the apostle John had been exiled to an island used for prisoners called Patmos. On that island, John was as far from home as he had ever been in his life. But even in his isolation, instead of surrendering to despair, John chose to worship. Though very few of us will ever experience circumstances, like John did, all of us have our own times of difficulty, isolation and even despair. But Gd, even at those worst of times, is still with us and wants us to hear his voice. We never know what unusual ways He may choose to speak, so we need to be always ready listening. Then when we least expect it God just may come to us today and blow a trumpet and bring us news from Heaven.

Prayer: Father recently I have been battling fears and feelings of isolation. Thank you for remembering where I am and blowing a trumpet so I can hear your voice in my life today!