Pure Glory

by Hazel Straub

A shofar (trumpet), the oldest biblical musical instrument, comes from a ram’s or other animal’s horn. The animal first has to die, before its horn can become a shofar. Secondly, the severed horn is boiled in salted water. Next, the maker removes the boiled horn from the water, gives it a practiced twist, for a unique sound.  Removal of the inside cartilage of the horn happens, before it’s placed to dry. Later, the tip, has cutting, drilling and sanding. When the shofar is complete, one’s mouth blows a blast of air through it, for awakening the people in their souls, spirits and hearts, to call to repentance, for important announcements, coronation of the king, worship, intercession and for warfare.

The shofar illustrates our lives, as Jesus is the greatest shofar. First, a horn is powerful, on a living ram for dominance and defense. To become a shofar or trumpet, one must die. We die to ourselves and take up our cross, daily. The next step is a season of being in boiling salted water. The Word of God washes and seasons us, making us supple and pliable. The Master gives us an expert twist, cleans us from the inside filth and then puts us on the shelf. We then go through a dry season, in the wilderness. Later, what we thought was our greatest strength, becomes cut, drilled and sanded. It is only then the Master, blows the Holy Spirit through us, as a shofar, bringing many into the Kingdom of God.

I Peter 5:10
“After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”