Pentecost

Pentecost (from the Greek word meaning 'fiftieth') was a religious festival lasting just one day which usually occurred around the end of May. It was also known as the 'Day of First-fruits', and regarded as a supplement to the Passover (coming 7 weeks plus one day after). Jewish men were expected to go to Jerusalem three times each year to celebrate the major feasts, however, during Pentecost they were especially encouraged to take time off and also bring their wives, sons and daughters, servants, the fatherless, the widow and the stranger. For this reason, the feast was all-inclusive and became a multinational festival.

Pentecost (or Shavuot) represents 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). Therefore, Pentecost – the feast of the two wave loaves – depicts both Jew and Gentile. The two made into one new man in Christ (Ephesians 2:15).

The Feast of the Two Loaves (Shavuot) was different because other ceremonial loaves were made without yeast (unleavened), yet these two loaves were made with yeast (leavened). Leaven represents sin. So what was God saying? Even though Israel and the church are chosen by God to be ‘holy’, sin can still be found in them. Therefore, the two leavened loaves speak clearly of people whom God considers holy, in spite of the fact that sin is still abiding in them.

Another interesting aspect of Shavuot is this; during the ceremony, the two loaves were brought into the Temple and waved in every direction before the Lord. Every Jewish feast and festival was performed under specific instructions from God. So what did the waving of the two loaves mean? 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. As with all the feasts, the people remembered past blessings, and it renewed their faith in the Lord – who sustained His people. Note giving thanks for present provision leads to faith for future addition.

The central theme of Shavuot can best be summed up in one 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 represents redemption, Shavuot speaks of renewal - when the Spirit of God will be poured out upon all flesh (Joel 2:28).

For most, the Day of Pentecost epitomises the birth of the congregation of believers in Christ – through the Holy Spirit’s coming. But the typical significance of Pentecost is a celebration of the “first fruits.” Yet first-fruits are totally dependant on rain. Rain must fall at the right time for the first-fruits to be available (at the right time).

The spiritual rain is referring to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon people lives. At Pentecost, the power of God (which was made manifest at the resurrection and ascension of Christ) was given to the people of God. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”

In listening to Luke's graphic account of the formation of the church (as documented in the Book of Acts) we can pursue the truth about this peculiar new community which God had birthed, however, we can also explore the primary reason why the Holy Spirit has come. Remember, for us the Holy Spirit should be the main focus of Pentecost. So let’s try to imagine what had transpired way back then (in the upper room)…

…It is dawn on the day of Pentecost and the faithful followers of Jesus are passionately gathered together 'with one accord' (having one mind and purpose). They have waited expectantly and have prayed fervently. Suddenly, the new day begins with an eruption of sounds from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind (suggesting the arrival of the dynamic but unseen power of the Holy Spirit). Things appear to be coming loose, breaking open all around them! Can it be the same wind, which on the very first morning of all mornings, had swept across the dark waters of the earth – the awesome wind of creation?

And so it was, for the Wind of God was once again bringing something to life – birthing a new creation! It was the Spirit of Life descending upon God's people and making them brand new creatures.

The world would never be the same again – renewal had come and revival had started! The first-fruits of the harvest (from seed that was sown at the Cross), were being presented to God. Three thousand in just one day!

As with the Feast of the Two Loaves, both Jew and Gentile were now one ‘new man’ in Christ. Every nation, every colour and every creed was suddenly brought together as one; one body – with one Spirit. This was the greatest sign that Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of God the Father. Pentecost is evidence that Jesus is Lord! And the Holy Spirit has come to earth to declare “Jesus is Lord.”

If Pentecost is about the arrival of the Holy Spirit, then the spiritual consequence of this act is both renewal and revival. It can’t ever change! So let’s start (right now) by thanking God for the early harvest, the thousands of souls that were gathered on the Day of Pentecost. This will cause supernatural faith to rise up and we can be rest assured that the latter-day harvest shall be more than plentiful. By waving the two loaves, the Old Testament saints made a public declaration that God is faithful to continually bring sufficient rain (at the right time), in order to secure a bountiful harvest for His people every season. The season we’ve been waiting for is here - the season of the miraculous, the season of signs and wonders!
If the Holy Spirit could bring renewal and revival to the early church at Pentecost, He is fully capable of bringing renewal and revival to Cornerstone the Church today.

Chris Demetriou, 11/05/2008