No, this has nothing to do with road rage or becoming impatient while behind the wheel of a car. In fact, it has nothing to do with automobiles at all.
I’m thinking about biblical references to horns being utilized at key times.
Specifically, I’m thinking about the instrument known as the shofar – made from the horn of a ram.
Of the numerous times this is mentioned in Scripture, consider just a few examples of when and why these horns were used:
(1) In times of danger – as a warning: Amos 3:6 “Is a trumpet (shofar) blown in a city, and the people are not afraid?”
—When the people heard the shofar, they knew danger was close by and that they should take the proper measures. Maybe they should take cover. Maybe they should take up arms and prepare to fight. The shofar alerted them to the fact that a threat was near and it was time to act!
—For us today – the shofar is sounding! The threats are real and they are nearby. Let us be reminded that life is short and death is real (James 4:14; Ps. 90:12). It is time to act. It is time to ask for forgiveness. It is time to offer forgiveness. It is time to submit to Jesus.
(2) In times of joy – as a celebration: 2 Samuel 6:15 “So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn (shofar).”
—The ark of the covenant had been taken from Israel but was finally being returned. The people were thankful that God had not forgotten them or left them alone.
—For us today – the shofar is sounding! We have much to celebrate! We have much for which to be thankful! Sometimes we need painful reminders that this is true. The old adage, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone,” remains applicable. While many of our routines have been altered, hopefully you have been able to emphasize that which is truly important. Our eyes have been opened to how many rich and wonderful blessings we do enjoy!
(3) In times of change – as an indication that something significant has taken place: Leviticus 25:9 “Then you shall sound the loud trumpet (shofar) on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet (shofar) throughout all your land.”
—This signified change for the Israelites. It could be a change in leadership, or even just a change in hearts. When blown on the Day of Atonement, it signaled the end of an exhausting but rewarding spiritual workout. Hearts have been renewed and rededicated to the Lord. When blown on the day of a king’s coronation (cf. 1 Kings 1:39), it signaled the fact that there was a new man sitting on the throne in the place of power and authority.
—For us today – the shofar is sounding! Let us not be the same! Let us be forever changed! We should be shaken out of our spiritual sleepwalking and devoted to the Lord of life and light! We are going through an exhausting and trying time, let us make it known that it has caused us to be more in love with and more dedicated to Jesus than ever before. He is the king who reigns in our hearts – let us sound the horns!
(4) In times of war – as a signal to advance: Judges 7:19 “So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets (shofar) and smashed the jars that were in their hands.”
—When Gideon’s army of 300 heard the sound of the shofar, it was time to attack! When Joshua’s army heard the shofar (Joshua 6:16), they knew Jericho was theirs and it was time to advance! This was often the case of Israel and her armies.
—For us today – the shofar is sounding! The time for complacency is over. The time to advance is now. We face an invisible enemy…but the Lord has assured us of His victory. Let us be energized by the sound of the shofar. Even today is a day to advance the kingdom of God!
