We have recently gone through Holy Week, Easter (resurrection) and the Ascension of Jesus
into Heaven. What could be our next celebration? Oh, that is right! The fulfillment of prophecy
about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit!
Foretold in Joel 2:28-29 we are told, “And afterward, I will pour out my
Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men
will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my
servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
Jesus had recently ascended back into Heaven and now the
disciples had been keenly focused on prayer and seeking God for the course
ahead. They were still on a mission as they were quick in looking for a
replacement for Judas. The lots were cast and Matthias was chosen as the newest
Disciple to join their ranks (Acts 1:20-26).
They had been busy and had done a lot of work so time to
take a break and celebrate. After all, it was time for one of their Jewish feast
days. Only they didn't call it Pentecost. For most, it was referred to as the “Feast
of Weeks” (Exodus 34:22), with this name coming from the seven weeks
plus one day (50 days in all) that are counted to determine when to celebrate
this festival (Leviticus 23:16). Most Jewish people today refer to it as
Shavuot! (Hebrew)
So, in the New Testament, which was written in Greek, this
festival was known as Pentecost (Pentekostos in the
original), which means “fiftieth” to account for the full fifty-day cycle. Little
did they know that in addition to celebrating this special harvest festival this
particular year, they would also soon be witnessing the harvest or “first fruits”
of three thousand people coming to faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:41).
Through this festival of harvest came one of the most
powerful harvest statements in human history as Peter proclaimed, “Anyone
who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21). This resounding
promise was so saturated with God’s love that Paul echoed those same words, “Everyone
who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Firstfruits are the first agricultural products to mature
and ripen. Throughout the Bible, God uses the analogy of the harvest—and,
particularly on Pentecost, firstfruits—to illustrate the aspects of His plan
of salvation.
It is not God’s plan for us to remain in our sin and die
without Him. 2 Peter 3:9 is very clear: “The Lord is not slow in
keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is
patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance.”
Pentecost serves as an annual reminder for us that our
Creator still works miracles, redeeming humanity, forgiving, saving and granting
His Spirit to fill us so that we can be a part of His spiritual harvest. It is
truly hard to fully grasp and fathom the love God has for us that He would
choose to have mercy upon us, forgive us, and then empower us to carry out His
work in this world.
What a blessing it can be to be able to say “I’m a part of
building God’s Kingdom.” What a joy it is to live life in such a way that
others are inspired to change their life, repent, and commit themselves to
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Have you had the opportunity to lead someone to Jesus
Christ? Do you remember who led you to Jesus? Do you recall the process they
used to show you the way to Jesus? Can you adapt that way and use it to tell
someone about Jesus now?
As a believer, you have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to give you the ability and capability of reaching others for Jesus Christ. Why not, on this annual celebration of Pentecost to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, use you and empower you to tell others about Jesus. What a wonderful harvest you could reap right now!
Here is a wonderful way to understand and present the Gospel: 4 Spiritual Laws
As a believer, you have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to give you the ability and capability of reaching others for Jesus Christ. Why not, on this annual celebration of Pentecost to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, use you and empower you to tell others about Jesus. What a wonderful harvest you could reap right now!
Here is a wonderful way to understand and present the Gospel: 4 Spiritual Laws