The story of God always involves redemption and grace, and the biblical calendar reminds us of this wonderful truth each fall.
Elul is the 12th month on the Hebrew calendar and is distinguished as a time of teshuvah meaning “returning” or “repentance.” This month serves as spiritual preparation for the upcoming high holy days of Rosh Hashanah (Head of the Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and is a period ripe for new year resolutions and a turning away from sin in pursuit of fresh beginnings.
This period is not just a month but a season that spans 40 days, extending from the first of Elul through the beginning of the next month, Tishrei, to Yom Kippur. Why 40 days? Some say this duration mirrors the 40 weeks an infant is nurtured in the womb. Teshuvah signifies the death of old sinful ways and rebirth into a new creation described in 2 Corinthians 5:17. It represents an awakening from sin-induced slumber spurred by the Holy Spirit moving within the believers as they experience God’s salvation.
It also corresponds to the time Moses spent interceding on Mount Sinai when God forgave the sin of the golden calf. Moses had ascended the mountain to receive revelation from God. Upon his return, he found the people had grown restless and reverted to their former patterns of sin creating a golden calf for worship. After judging their sin, Moses returned to the mountain for forty days to intercede for the people, and God extended his forgiveness.
On the mountain, God revealed himself to Moses as “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands of generations, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” This covenant with the people is akin to a marriage covenant, and the worship of the calf represented unfaithfulness to that sacred bond. The profound declaration of his love and mercy in the wake of such betrayal is truly breathtaking.
Elul can also be understood as an acronym of the Hebrew phrase from Song of Solomon 6:3: “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” This song, often interpreted as an allegory of God’s love for his people, is traditionally read during the month of Elul emphasizing the desire for teshuvah is ultimately about restoring our relationship with a holy God characterized by mercy, grace, and lovingkindness.
This is further emphasized in the upcoming fall feast called Sukkot, that is, the Feast of Tabernacles. Once the solemn business of repentance and forgiveness has been experienced, the joyous festival of Sukkot celebrates the freedom from sin and restored relationship with our bridegroom. Sukkot can be seen as a rehearsal for the wedding celebration of the Lamb.
Repentance is a precious gift intended to restore us to our rightful place not a tool to subjugate us. God yearns for a bride who loves freely rather than a robotic follower obeying rules out of fear of punishment. May you embrace the gift of repentance this month anticipating the joy of your salvation once again.
One of the many blessings of following the biblical calendar is a multitude of opportunities the Lord provides for us to repent and return to Him as He demonstrates His lovingkindness. He is consistently wooing and drawing us into a deeper relationship. His banner over us is love.
Terri Starcher attends Church of the Messiah in Xenia, is on the worship team, and teaches in various formats.
