Maranatha! Pentecost and the Holy Spirit

Maranatha! Pentecost and the Holy Spirit

This Sunday, June 5th, technically sundown Saturday, June 4th, is Pentecost (Heb. Shavuot) and is the celebration of the Torah (the Law) which was given by God to the children of Israel during Shavuot; and it is quite interesting to see that the Body of Christ (Messiah) was also birthed on Shavuot, during “Pentecost” (Acts 2), signifying a season of first fruits and of new life.

Here are some fascinating facts about this under-celebrated holiday:

• Both Pentecost and Shavuot are mentioned in the Bible and are significant to our faith.
• The word “Pentecost” comes from the Greek word for “fiftieth”, referring to the 50th day after Passover, which is directly related to the fact that…
• In the Torah, God commanded His people to celebrate the Feast of Weeks after seven weeks have passed since Passover (the Hebrew word for Shavuot literally means “weeks”).
• On that day, the Jewish people come to Jerusalem for Shavuot, to commemorate God giving Moses the Torah on Mount Sinai.
• Biblically, Shavuot revolves not so much around the giving of the law, but the agricultural calendar and the beginning of harvest.

These facts were shared with us by our “Boots-on-the-Ground” in Israel (FIRM) and while we knew of them, they’re a great reminder to set time aside to thank God and ask Him to renew His Spirit in us and in His Church.

Denise and I have found new life, great joy, and blessings in observing God’s law and His grace! We pray that you will find the newness of life, blessings, and His amazing Grace this Shavuot as well! We wish to share a couple of things with you to help you understand and appreciate this special time.

The Book of Ruth

The Book of Ruth is traditionally read during Shavuot since the setting of the story takes place during the barley harvest. Because Ruth’s redemption took place during the week of this harvest, we will be gathering with friends and reading the redemptive story of Ruth together. We’ll also read:

The Second of Three Annual Spring Feasts (Exodus 23:16)

“and the Feast of Harvest, the first fruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field.” Read full chapter

The Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4)

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Read full chapter

There is a purposeful connection between what happened on Mt. Sinai and in Acts 2. So, is this the first time that fire has rested on people and other tongues have been spoken?

You can find out the answer to this question in our partner’s article: “Shavuot and Pentecost: 70 Languages and Tongues of Fire”

During this season of Shavuot and Pentecost, we encourage you to reflect on the first Shavuot when God revealed Himself to the Israelites on Mount Sinai. And then, read about the Shavuot that came centuries later, when the Spirit of God equipped 120 disciples of Yeshua to speak the Gospel to the nations of the earth. We are grateful for God’s commandments and we are grateful for His Spirit!

Join us in prayer this week:

• For Jewish families to encounter the Holy Spirit this Shavuot as they commemorate the Torah being given to Moses.
• For believers globally to begin to understand the connection between the Biblical Feasts and their faith.
• For our ministry partners as they celebrate Shavuot and lead their congregations in this significant moment of remembrance of God giving the law and the Holy Spirit.
• For our Blessing Broker team as we continue to seek God’s heart and all He wants to do in and through our ministry.

Chag Sameach! Have a Spirit-Filled Pentecost!!