By Toni Ford
A few weeks ago, in a previous article, I shared how the Lord had impressed upon me at the beginning of this year to spend more time learning and recognizing God’s timetable – His cycles on the calendar, His festivals, and His orderly monthly plan according to the Hebrew calendar. The Gregorian calendar, which is the only calendar most of us are aware of, connects us to the earth realm, which only connects us to the world structure. However, as I continue to study the Hebrew calendar and God’s order of time, I am learning how important it is that we stay biblically connected to God’s universe. There are special things God wants to bring forth in our lives each month and understanding His order and time frame will only propel us forward into our destiny. As we study the Hebrew months we begin to understand how the Lord is ordering our steps throughout the year. Each month is designed to release a blessing into our lives. Still today, God’s concept of time is common knowledge among the Jewish people.
Currently we are in the second month of the Hebrew calendar, the month of Iyar, the month between Passover and Pentecost. So let’s take a look at what this month, Iyar is all about.
VAV – These are the Hebrew letters for Iyar which means “linking” or “connection.” Understanding your connection and how you are to connect deeper with God this month, can determine your course for this coming year.
Transition or Hinge Month – Nissan, the first month of the Jewish calendar, was when the Israelites were leaving Egypt and Sivan, the third month, was the month they arrived in Sinai and received the Torah. But Iyar is the month of transition, the time in which the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to Mount Sinai. This journey was much more than just a geographical change. This transition represented God’s people transitioning into a new level in their relationship with Him. In the New Testament, this is the month of transition from redemption at Passover to provision at Pentecost.
The Tribe of Issachar – 1 Chronicles 12:29, “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” Iyar is associated with the tribe of Issachar which was known for its anointing to understand the times and how to stay in step with God’s timing. This is also a month to understand the secrets of God. The Jews believe Iyar is a month God wants to reveal His secrets to His children. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that He has revealed to us so that we may obey all terms of these instructions.”
As God took the Israelites on their journey, He used several tests to show them the secrets of His Covenant. The very first test took place in the desert of Shur at the oasis of Marah. The Israelites had been traveling in the desert for three days and they were extremely thirsty. Exodus 15:23, 24 tells us, “When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. Then the people complained and turned against Moses, ‘What are we going to drink?’ they demanded.” Moses cried out to God, who turned the bitter water to fresh water. In verse 26, God reveals Himself as not only as the one who heals the water, but He is also our physical healer. It was at the oasis of Marah, where God reveals His first Covenant name, Jehovah Rapha, the One who Heals!! The great news – because this is one of His Covenant names, then He will never take that away from us and so from generation to generation, He will always be our Jehovah Rapha, our Healer!
It is during the month of Iyar, that God will give an extra blessing to those who set their hearts on seeking Him by revealing the secrets of His covenant. Ask God to reveal His secrets, His Covenant to you at a whole new level. This is the link or connection that allows us to walk in His blessing all year long. Thank Him for His timetable and trust Him, knowing that His timing is always for our best!
If you would like me to join you in prayer please e-mail me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!