PERSONAL APPLICATION: THE DAYS OF AWE

The Days of Awe have two very significant spiritual applications. The first is personal and the second is prophetic. Personally, these days are to remind us that Yom Kippur is fast approaching. It is on Yom Kippur when atonement will be made for the nation of Israel. On Yom Kippur, atonement will be made for the individual person.

It is a Jewish tradition that the Gates of Heaven are open during the season of Teshuvah to receive the prayers of those who repent unto the God of Israel prior to Yom Kippur. The final service of Yom Kippur is called “Neilah”. At the conclusion of the “Neilah” service, the rabbis teach that the gates of heaven are closed. When the gates of heaven are closed after the “Neilah” service, it is too late during the season of Teshuvah for the God of Israel to receive the cries of people to repent because the Day for Atonement, Yom Kippur has just past.