Cheshvan - New Beginnings

The favor of God was upon Joseph when he was taken as a slave to Egypt.  Pharaoh recognized his wisdom and gave him the name Zephenath-Paneah. (Savior of the Age)  Joseph was placed in charge of the whole land of Egypt because he had a God-given plan for preparing for seven years of famine that would follow seven years of abundance. (Genesis 41)  He was also given the daughter of Potipher, the priest of On, as his wife.  Two sons were born to Joseph in the years of abundance:  Manasseh (one who causes to forget) and Ephraim (doubly fruitful).

Jacob/Israel, Joseph's father, brought the boys into his fold to receive an inheritance as one of the tribes.  Even though Manasseh was the first born, his brother received the blessing of the firstborn. (Genesis 48:19)  The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh camped together with Benjamin on the west side of the ark, and they marched together when Israel went out.  These tribes were the youngest and smallest.  They represented the next generation and were gaining experience to find their places of leadership.  One of their jobs was to defend the Holy Things when Israel was marching to war.  What a picture for us today!  We must teach the next generation to guard the holy things of God.

Manasseh is the tribe that is connected to the eighth month, Cheshvan.  We should be watching for new things in life during this month as eight is the number of new beginnings. Is it not interesting that Manasseh, the tribe of the next generation that represents new life and promise, plays a prominent part in the eighth month?

I read in the book A Time to Advance, by Chuck Pierce, that the Hebrew letter NUN is associated with Cheshvan and symbolizes the Messiah. There is no holiday during this month so the Jews believe it is "reserved" for the time of the Messiah to "inaugurate the third Temple."  The coming of the Messiah is a beautiful picture of a time of new beginnings.  Since this is the month of the Messiah, His fragrance is strong.  It is permeated with myrrh, the spice brought to Jesus at His birth and death, and connected with sacrifice.  Get ready for greater intimacy with the Holy Spirit.  Declare the words of God's truth over yourself.  God wants to give us new revelation and wisdom for our lives.

The month of Cheshvan is associated with the constellation Scorpio (the scorpion).  Remember that God has given us "authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy..." (Luke 10:19)  Let us use that authority as we take possession of the promises that God has for us.

In his book, Chuck Pierce paints a word picture about the month of Cheshvan.  Here is what he says about this month:  "It is a month reserved for the anointing in which God pulls you aside to draw a new anointing out of you.  This can be an easy month or a hard month because He must press the anointing out of you.  Cry out for the anointing to get pressed out of you...As you deal with the trials and difficulties through the anointing, you will be changed into Christ's image.  Revelation should be so abounding in you this month that you flow in a supernatural dimension.  If you are moving in revelation and the anointing, you will gain the upper hand on Satan..."

It is time for us to move in the revelation of the Holy Spirit.  Take in God's wisdom and declare His truth.  "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)