Pentecost

Lev. 23:15-16 And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the LORD. You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the LORD. (NKJV)

Exodus 19:18-20 Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. Then the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. (NKJV)

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. (NKJV)

Those who know me know that I love to share what I have learned about the Hebrew calendar and feasts. It has opened a door of new understanding of the Word of God. It has impacted my prayer life.

The most recent Hebrew feast is Pentecost, began at sundown on May 18th.

Not too long ago I shared with you about Passover, a time to recognize that Jesus became our Passover Lamb. In fulfilling the feast of Passover, Jesus was crucified. Death must now pass over as we receive the gift of Jesus Christ as our Savior. Jesus is the way to the gift of salvation and is our peace beyond all understanding as we continue to live in our world with all of its challenges and trials.

Death did not hold Jesus (Rev. 1:18). He was resurrected as the first fruits from the dead and fifty days later on the Feast of Pentecost He sent Holy Spirit upon the disciples who were gathered to celebrate the Feast.

There are, in essence, three levels of significance for Pentecost, and each level represents a new expression of God's blessing.

First: Pentecost is receiving and celebrating God's blessing of provision. The Jewish people celebrate the harvest of wheat. They bake two loaves of bread and celebrate with praise and giving (Lev. 23:15-21).

Second: It is a celebration of God's Word or Torah which means "the teaching of God." It is at this time the Jewish people remember when the heavens opened and the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai in fire and called Moses to come up where He gave His law. Pentecost is a celebration of the release of God's revelation (Ex. 19:16-20).

Third: For us it is a celebration of the Fire of His Glory. The fire came down upon His disciples as they gathered together in celebration of Pentecost. Jesus was resurrected as the first fruits from the dead and fifty days later on the Feast of Pentecost He sent Holy Spirit upon the disciples who were gathered to celebrate the Feast. Jesus had told them to wait for the baptism of Holy Spirit (Acts 1). They were gathered displaying their dependence upon God and at that very time came the outpouring of Holy Spirit. They were anointed with spiritual power for the purpose of making them effective in their witness to the lordship of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-4).

Even though Pentecost is now past, eelebrate and give thanks for God's provision. Celebrate and give thanks for the revelation of His Word. Celebrate and anticipate a fresh release of His Holy Spirit. Then take some time with your family or even by yourself to be with God. Give Him thanks, praise Him and read His Word. Ask for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit. You might spend time in Scriptures about Pentecost or meditate upon Psalm 103. God is so faithful, He will meet you as you seek Him. By His grace we, too, can receive power of God to overcome sin and live as effective witnesses to the lordship of Jesus Christ.

There are many websites to assist you in celebrating Pentecost. Books that I have used include the following: The Cycles of God by Robert Heidler; God's Appointed Times by Barney Kasdan; Jesus in the Feasts of Israel by Richard Booker.


Patricia Wenzel
Women of Character graduate

PSALM 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.