Pentecost

Pentecost (from the Greek word meaning 'fiftieth') was a religious feast or festival which lasted just one day and usually occurred around the end of May. It was also known as the 'Feast of Weeks', the 'Day of First-fruits' or the 'Harvest Feast', and may be regarded as a supplement to the Passover (7 weeks plus 1 day after). Jewish men were encouraged to go to Jerusalem three times each year to celebrate the major feasts, however, during Pentecost they were especially exhorted to take time off and rejoice before the Lord with all their families (including their servants). Those who were invited comprised of: sons and daughters, servants, Levites, the fatherless, the widow and the stranger. The feast was all-inclusive and became a multinational festival.

Pentecost (Shavuot) speaks of the birth of Israel as a nation, as well as the birth of the congregation of believers in Christ - through the Holy Spirit. The great feature of this annual celebration was the presentation of the 'two wave loaves', made from the first-fruits of the wheat harvest (Leviticus 23:16). Until the two loaves were baked with leaven and then offered, the produce of the harvest could not be eaten, nor could any other first-fruits be offered. The Hebrew people thought that the first-fruits belonged to God in a special way. For this reason, the typical significance of Pentecost is the fact that all those who became Christians on this day were the 'first-fruits' of the harvest of millions of souls which were to follow and become children of God.

The feasts and festivals of Israel were community observances; however, they had to be performed under specific instructions from God. Note the two loaves were made with leaven, which was absolutely forbidden at Passover and in regular meal offerings. Yet on Shavuot (Pentecost) God commanded just the opposite. Leaven represents sin. So why did God make this ceremony different?

As mentioned, Shavout speaks of the birth of Israel as a nation (the giving of the covenant promises at Mount Sinai), as well as the birth of the congregation of believers in Christ (the giving of the Holy Spirit to the church on the day of Pentecost). The two wave loaves represent both Jew and Gentile made into one new man in Christ (Ephesians 2:15). Even though Israel and the church are chosen by God to be ‘holy’, sin can still be found in them. Therefore, the loaves speak of people whom God considers holy, in spite of the fact that sin is still abiding in them.

During this ceremony, the two loaves were brought into the Temple and waved in every direction before the Lord. This act was a public declaration that God would provide for all His people’s needs. It was designated as a time of “thanksgiving” for the early harvest. God’s faithfulness in providing the early wheat harvest created an expectation that there will be abundance all year round. In all the feasts, the people remembered past blessings, and it renewed their faith in the Lord who created and sustained His people. Notice, that giving thanks for present provision leads to faith for future addition.

The theme of Shavuot can best be summed up by the word renewal. The people were called to praise God for the “first fruits” of the ground, in anticipation of the latter-day harvest. Thanking God for what He has done now, activates faith for what He’s about to do tomorrow! This principle also applies to the spiritual Kingdom of God. The Passover speaks of redemption, Shavuot speaks of renewal - when the Spirit of God will be poured out upon all flesh (Joel 2:28).

So what do the “two wave loaves” mean to us?

They speak of a new creation. The two wave loaves represent both Jew and Gentile made into one new man in Christ. And they symbolise both renewal and revival.
They speak of God’s grace. The loaves represent people whom God considers “holy,” in spite of the fact that sin abides in them.
They speak of God’s profound provision. The Lord’s faithfulness in providing the early wheat harvest created an expectation that there will be abundance all year round.

What we must remember is that the loaves were made from the “first-fruits” of the wheat harvest. They were made from what belongs to God. And until we give to God what is His, the produce of our harvest cannot be enjoyed. Your seed can bring a blessing upon all your produce - if you present it to God first.

How do the “two wave loaves” relate to Communion?

Communion has two elements - the bread and the blood. The number two in the Bible is the number of witness and testimony. For example; two witnesses in the Bible establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15, Luke 24:44). The Ten Commandments were written on two stones (Exodus 31:18).
Communion is Messianic fulfilment. Jesus was the wheat that was planted in the ground (John 12:24; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38). As wheat is broken and refined to become fine flour, so Jesus was beaten and bruised as He became that fine flour (Isaiah 28:28, 52:14; Psalm 81:16; 147:14).
Communion speaks of a new covenant. The loaves represent a new creation, one who “in Christ” is being transformed into the same image.
Communion signifies wholeness and soundness. The Lord’s faithfulness in providing the wheat harvest created an expectation that God would meet every need - spiritual, material and physical.
Communion is centred around grace. The loaves represent people who God considers to be “holy.” Partaking of the Lord’s body, and His precious blood, is the most profound act of grace that you can ever imagine.
Communion represents unity. So do the 2 loaves.

Chris Demetriou, 27/05/2007