Today marks the 50th day and the 7th sabbath after Christ’s Easter Sunday resurrection. Pentecost. The day of the arrival of the Holy Spirit. A Christian high holy day.
The coming of the Spirit was prophesied 800 years before the birth of Jesus: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” Joel 2:28 NIV. And by Jesus himself in John 16:13-14 where He says He will send another Counsellor, the Spirit of truth: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.”
There are no coincidences in the providence of God. In a foreshadowing of God’s plan of redemption, Jews were called to celebrate the Feast of Weeks 50 days after another of the Old Testament covenants, the First Fruits Feast. The coming of the Holy Spirit was 50 days after Christ’s “first-fruits” offering on the cross.
After his resurrection, Jesus spoke further to the Disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit:
On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5 NIV
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV
This day marks the coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciples and their transformation from frightened and confused people to men who would face martyrdom for what they believed. It marks the beginning of Christianity as a purposeful movement Here, then, from His Word, on this seventh Sabbath, is what God wants us to know and to meditate on this Pentecost. He inspired it be written down for all who have ears to hear. So it is important by definition. Pay attention:
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-2 NIV
Pentecost marks the formal begining of the carrying out of the Great Commission. When Peter preached immediately afterwards, around 3,000 people believed and were baptized.
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are gifts of great value. Jesus Christ is a gift of incalculable value. Give it to someone today.