Iyar - The Month of Revelation

Iyar, often called Ziv, was a month of transition for the children of Israel. They left Egypt and were making their way to Mt. Sinai during this month. Iyar is related to the Hebrew word for light. ("ohr") The Hebrew book called the Midrash (an ancient commentary on Hebrew Scripture) explains that this month was named for the manna that began to fall during this time. By bringing the manna, God introduced Himself as Jehovah Jireh, "The God who Provides."
 
This month is also known as one of healing. As the children of Israel came out of Egypt, they looked for water. They discovered that the waters at Marah were bitter and undrinkable. God used this situation to introduce them to Jehovah Rapha, "The God who Heals." Moses was instructed to place a piece of wood into the waters. In the King James Version of the Bible the wood is called a "tree." This is a picture of what was to come. The Son of God would be crucified on a tree for our healing. He entered the waters of death, overcame them, and rose to become our Living Water. Through His stripes and shed blood we are healed.
 
Not long after the Israelites left Egypt, they had to battle an enemy who would come against them time and time again. God taught them how to fight. When the Amalekites came to attack Israel, Moses climbed a hill and raised his hands in praise to the Lord with the help of Aaron and Hur. Israel won the battle against their enemy and learned that praise to the Lord brings victory. God revealed another aspect of His personality—Jehovah Nissi—"The Lord, my Banner of Victory."
 
Many years later, during the month of Iyar, Jesus was appearing to His disciples. Acts 1:3-5 tells us, "After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy spirit.'" After the Lord taught the Israelites about Himself, He continued to do so through His Son, Jesus. Today we learn more about the God we worship through the Holy Spirit.
 
There is always more to take in with the Lord! God knew what we would encounter on earth before we were formed in our mother's wombs. He planned to make Himself available for every need that we have. New situations arise in our lives regularly and give us opportunities to get to know Him more intimately. Praise God that we will have all eternity to know Him more.