Pentecost
When the day of Pentecost had fully come… Acts 2:1
Pastors seek to get their people to think “outpouring of the Holy Spirit” when they hear the word “Pentecost.” “Pentecost” originally had a different flavor. Many years before Jesus rose from the grave (Easter), returned to heaven (Ascension Day–forty days after Easter), poured out the Holy Spirit upon the disciples (Pentecost–ten more days later), “Pentecost” was already being celebrated annually.
In the Old Testament this week-long festival was called the Feast of Weeks (Shavuoth). This name reflected the fact that this feast took place over seven weeks, a “week of weeks.” Fifty days after Passover, Pentecost marked the beginning of the harvest. Hence it was also called the Feast of Harvest or Feast of First Fruits. By the fiftieth day, the wheat harvest was completed and loaves baked from the new “first fruits“ were offered at the Temple. People could begin using new grain. It was a day of great rejoicing for God’s blessings, like our Thanksgiving! Jewish men were expected to be present at the Temple.
Over the years, the name of the day was no longer Shavuoth (Hebrew), but Pentecost (Greek). “Pentecost” means “fiftieth.” Acts Chapter 2 tells us that when Pentecost came, Jerusalem was filled with Jewish people from many parts of the Roman Empire. It was that day on which Jesus poured out the promised Holy Spirit upon His disciples. The Spirit filled them with zeal, Bible wisdom, and the ability to speak other languages. These plain men of Galilee had God’s help that day preaching to the crowds the Good News of forgiveness of sins and eternal life in the crucified and risen Jesus.
Today pastors and people of The Christian Church still need those gifts. Each forgiven sinner has the privilege of sharing from God’s Word the Good News that Christ is the first fruit of the “harvest” to new life and resurrection accompanied by eternity in heaven. Rejoice, indeed! The new Pentecost far surpasses the old! It carries the greatest message for all. You are forgiven in Jesus!
Dear Lord, give to each of us the appropriate measure and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to proclaim Your salvation to others. Amen!