Welcome to Tammuz! This fourth month of the Hebrew year depicts a door, which swings wide into a favorite season of many, the season of summer! Summer, or kaitz in Hebrew, is often referred to as the “holiday of the eyes.” We will soon see how this expression truly depicts this month as we cross over its threshold.
Everywhere we look this month, we will see the Lord focusing on our vision. Why is the Lord so adamant about where we put our eyes? “The light of the body is the eye. Therefore, if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is unclear, your whole body will be full of darkness. Therefore, if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matt 6:22-23). He knows that our gaze will either lead to worship or idolatry.
It was here in Tammuz when Israel lost their patience and focus while waiting for Moses to return from Mt Sinai and subsequently made the infamous golden calf (Ex. 32). They sought immediate comfort and took their eyes off the Lord. When Moses returned, he could not believe his eyes. He smashed the first set of tablets and the golden calf. When idols are exposed and destroyed we can direct our eyes and heart to worship the one, true and living God. Quick fixes and idols in our lives enslave us.
So, what are we supposed to do with these eyes of ours that often get us into a lot of trouble? It actually starts in our hearts, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov 4:23). Our eyes take in things, deposit them into our heart and then everything flows out from there. When we seek His help to guard or hide our eyes in this hidden month of Tammuz, we actually guard our heart. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6:21)
The Lord calls us to fix our eyes on the unseen or hidden things. One definition of the word Tammuz is “hidden.” “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor 4:18). Jesus said … “Blessed are those who have not seen, and have yet believed.” (John 20:29).
How do we see hidden things? His Word tells us when we turn to the Lord, the “veil” is removed from our eyes (2 Cor 3:16). As we turn our eyes upon Jesus, He enables us to see things we could never see with our natural eyes and opens the eyes of the blind (Ps. 146:8). His perfect light exposes hidden things in our lives that we “just don’t see.” When He reveals, He heals. He is better than any eye doctor I know!
Looking to the heavens this month, we see the constellation Cancer. Cancer, or “Sartan” in Hebrew, means “filmstrip.” Thus, Tammuz is often referred to as “The Filmstrip Month.” Let us take time this month to stop and look at our life, frame by frame, holding up each section of our lives up to the light of His truth and allowing Him to show us where to make adjustments.
The Lord highlights our right hand and its index finger, which are actually connected with our vision. How so? When we point our finger at something, we are directing one’s attention and focus in that direction. The Jews have a beautiful wedding tradition underscoring this point. The bride wears her wedding band on her right index finger, which directs her gaze to her bridegroom. How much more does the bride of Christ need that reminder to fix her gaze on her heavenly bridegroom, Yeshua.
Tammuz also means “to connect.” This is a time in our lives where the Lord is bringing us from one large expanse into another. He does this by taking us through a narrow, protective place. May we worship while He brings us through the straits, keeping our hands up and our eyes on Him. A connection to consider this month is the biblical three-week “connecting” period called “between the straits” (July 22 – Aug. 11, 2019). “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matt 7:14).
So where is your gaze? Are you beholding Him or have you grown impatient and turned to a golden calf? Ask Him to reveal any idols you may have erected in your life. How can you practically guard your heart? May the eyes of your heart be enlightened by the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph. 1:17-18). Look closely at your connections this month and prayerfully consider your handshakes. Be aware of this divine connecting time “between the straits” and may your eyes ever be upon Him. (Ps. 25:15).
Christine Vales is an author and teacher of His Appointed Times: Hebrew /Gregorian Calendar & Journal and has been blessed with the privilege of uncovering the Lord’s prophetic calendar, teaching others how to connect with His ancient timepiece in real-time in their lives. Christine sends forth her creative monthly “Chalkboard Teachings” on YouTube and social media, and also goes forth teaching at live gatherings, large and small, all to draw hearts closer to the Ancient of Days Himself—truly, our times are in His hands (Ps. 90:12). For more, visit christinevales.com.
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