In the midst of celebrations of natural harvest, Jesus promised a spiritual harvest that would be like none that had come before. He told the disciples to wait for the promise of the Father that would cloth them with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) All other work was to be placed on hold until they were equipped with what God had for them.
This coming Sunday we will celebrate Shavuot – though most us refer to it as Pentecost coming from the Greek signifying that it is celebrated 50 days from the celebration of First Fruits. While many churches celebrated Pentecost on May 15 this year, Jewish people around the world will celebrate it on June 12. While I am delighted to celebrate it twice, I feel that untying the date from Passover and First Fruits was a mistake.
In the Old Testament, Shavuot celebrated the second great feast of the year and later commemorated the receiving of the Law from Mt. Sinai. The time from the First Fruits celebration was a week of weeks or 49 days plus the special Sabbath (Jubilee).
In the New Testament, Jesus was crucified during Passover, rose from the grave on First Fruits and sent the Promise of the Father – The Holy Spirit Baptism – on Pentecost.
While there are many areas of Pentecost that warrant further discussion, let’s take a quick look at some of the things the Holy Spirit does for us:
● He helps us to confess Jesus as Lord – 1 Corinthians 12:3
● He empowers us to serve God supernaturally – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
● He binds us (believers) together as the Body of Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
● He helps us pray – Romans 8:26
● He intercedes for us with the Father – Romans 8:27
● He guides us – Galatians 5:25
● He helps us live like Jesus and produces fruit in our lives – Galatians 5:22-23
○ Love
○ Joy
○ Peace
○ Patience
○ Kindness
○ Goodness
○ Faithfulness
○ Gentleness
○ Self-Control
Take some time to consider the Word of God today (Selah) in regards to the Holy Spirit, especially as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost.
Shalom!
Rodney