He tends his flock like a shepherd:
    He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
    he gently leads those that have young. — Isaiah 40:11

Today marks the second day of Rosh Hashanah and the beginning of the High Holy Days – the holiest time of the year for the Jewish people. Since no work can be done during the observance of Rosh Hashanah, these devotions were prepared in advance for you. To learn more about the Jewish perspective on atonement and its connection to atonement in the Christian faith, download our complimentary Bible study.

One of the most basic human desires is to be known. We long for others to recognize us, to listen to us, and to accept us for who we are — flaws and faults included. Yet, how many of us can say we have truly and completely experienced that?

The Unetanneh Tofek, one of the most stirring and beautiful compositions in the traditional Rosh Hashanah liturgy, is a celebration and acknowledgement of the One who not only fully knows us, but who also desires to have a relationship with us and draw us to Himself.

This prayer, which tradition says was written by a rabbi from Mayence (Mainz) in the 11^th century, portrays God as a shepherd over His flock, counting and examining each sheep one by one as it passes under His rod. And while this time of judgement is approached by all — including the angels — with fear and trembling, the prayer affirms the central theme of the High Holy Days — “You do not desire the guilty one’s death, but that he turn from his way and live.”

And while the shepherd examines and judges each of his flock, the imagery also suggests a shepherd who deals with his flock gently and tenderly because he knows his flock. As the prayer continues, “Verily you are their Creator and you know their inner drives; they are but flesh and blood.” The psalm writer affirms this thought: “From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do” (Psalm 33:13–15).

Our Shepherd knows us. He created us, and He understands our frailties and our inclination toward sinfulness. Yet despite this, as we have seen expressed throughout the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, God accepts us and loves us. He is eager to extend His mercy and forgiveness to us as we turn toward Him and repent.

The invitation is open to you today. Come, your Shepherd is waiting and watching.

Explore how the Jewish concept of atonement is manifested during Yom Kippur and its connection to atonement in the Christian faith with our complimentary Bible study, Atonement: At One With God.