Sound of the Trumpet

One of my favorite classes in middle school was Band. I was excited to be not just in band class
but to be able to play the clarinet. I went home and told my mom how excited I was about me having this chance. I remember going over the cost of the mouthpiece and the instrument itself. My mom made every attempt within her means to ensure I was able to participate and have all the necessary equipment. But it was just one thing that disable me to be efficient in playing the clarinet; My mom could not afford to purchase my own instrument. At first, I was not able to check out an instrument and bring it home to practice. But if memory serves me correctly, she gave a deposit for me to check one out of the band room. I was so excited I can bring home my instrument on the bus. If you had a band instrument especially on the bus, you were among the “cool” groups. At least it seemed so from the eyes of a ten-year-old.

I adored my band instructor, he seemed rough around the edges as most orchestra conductor, he meant business at all times. Mr. C. played no games with no one; not even the high schoolers. As we begin to learn the various music, chords, staff, clefs and formation of notes. We then learn how about breathing technique when blowing through the mouthpiece and vibration of the tongue against the reed. I never understood why we had to wet the reed first. But the taste of bamboo was a requirement. I did complete that year learning how to play the clarinet. As the next school year began, I was in band again but this time I wanted to learn how to play the saxophone. A new year, a new instrument and new position; as I changed from the clarinet to the saxophone I went up a level in the orchestrated sitting arrangement.
There are several woodwind instruments i. e. flutes, clarinets, saxophones and the brass instruments include the trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba. Although the shofar is considered a woodwind instrument that makes a “trumpet like sound”.

Trumpets in biblical times were made of metal or bone and formed into an instrument at least two (2) feet long. They had a high sound that could be regulated to some degree, but they were used more for signaling than for making music. Shofar, which are rams’ horns, were signaling instrument used to assemble the army (Judges 3:27, 1 Samuel 13:3) or sound an alarm (Job 39:24-25, Jeremiah 6:1, Amos 3:6). The trumpet is the most referenced instrument in the Bible.

The purpose of this devotional study’s title, Sound of the Trumpet is to assist the readers with knowing who we are in Christ Jesus and whose we are, the children of the Living God, Yahweh.
During these perilous times we could easily prepare ourselves for any sound of a trumpet. It is my prayer and belief that after reading this devotional you will develop a deeper relationship with God and you will know the true Sound of the Trumpet. Jesus Christ is on his way back; prepare yourselves, people of God.
WEEK 1: WHO IS HE?
1.1 Our Loving Father
God is omnipresent; He is all. God is omnipotent that makes him unlimited in power; able to do anything but fail. God is not a man and does not lie. He is almighty, preeminent and supreme. God is omniscient; he knows everything there is to know. He knows the past and future. There is nothing God is unaware of, in Jeremiah 1:5(a) (NKJV) states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…”. God is also omnipresent; He is everywhere at the same time.
What a wonderful thing to know that He is everywhere, knowing all things even before we were even formed in our mother’s womb and has the power to cast all our worries and fears away. To truly know Him you will need to develop a relationship with Him. In this intimate relationship you will learn His name is above all names; we can call him by His name:
• Jehovah Jireh: The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:13-14)
• Jehovah Rapha: The Lord that heals (Exodus 15:26)
• Jehovah Nissi: The Lord Our Banner (Exodus 17:8-15)
• Jehovah Shalom: The Lord our Peace (Judges 6:24)
• Jehovah Ra-ah: The Lord my Shepard (Psalms 23:1)
Jehovah God has many other names that cover every aspect of our lives that we can call him.
1.2 His Goodness
1.2a Mercy: (Mark 10:46-52) (NKJV)
One of my favorite stories of the Bible, is the story of Bartimaeus. Jesus and His disciples went to Jericho and a great multitude along with a blind man named Bartimaeus, sat by the road begging. Bartimaeus heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” They tried to quiet him down and keep him away from Jesus. But Bartimaeus was only physically blind; his faith in Jesus gave him the ability to increase in his plea to Him, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Although many tried to prevent Bartimaeus from being seen and heard by Jesus. Jesus commanded him to be called and the disciples told Bartimaeus to “be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” Bartimaeus immediately dropped his garment, rose and went to Jesus. Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Blind Bartimaeus stated “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Immediately Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
Anytime you encounter Jesus you will have an everlasting experience. Your life will never be the same; be like Bartimaeus be persistent in your plea, in your praise and in His presence.