Pentecost 2023
In the Old Testament the first celebration in the Jewish year was Passover. Fifty (50) days after the Passover the Jews celebrated the feast of Pentecost or “First Fruits” in memory of the first new grain harvested from the land after their exit from Egypt.
Now some 1500 years later Jesus was sacrificed on the day of Passover when all Jewish followers were observing a lamb sacrifice in memory of the first Passover provided by God while they were in slavery in Egypt. Fifty (50) Days later the apostles have gathered together to celebrate Pentecost and the promise of “First Fruits” was fulfilled by God in these apostles. Paul confirmed that Jesus Christ was killed on the cross and raised again on the third day and became the Pentecost or “First Fruits.”
20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have died
1 Corinthians 15:20 (NKJV)
The Last Enemy Destroyed
The Birth of the Church
Unlike other Christian observed holidays that are date based ( Christmas , Easter … ) and fall on any day of the week the celebration of Pentecost is always on a Sunday. With the day being just “another day” with no tie to a date it is most likely to be taken for granted and just passed by.
Christians understand the Day of Pentecost as the birthday of the Church.
The Holy Spirit of God descended on the Apostles and other followers of Jesus and moved them to speak in other languages and dialects so that all of those who had come for the Old Testament celebration of First Fruits so that they understood them speak of the fulfillment of the spiritual “first fruits” in Jesus Christ resurrection.
Peter spoke the first sermon of the new Church age and three thousand ( 3000 ) souls were added to the Church that day. Pentecost has to be considered in the context of both the Old and New Testaments views and looking at the Pentecost as an ongoing celebration of the “first fruits” of our faith. It was and is all about our recognition of “First Fruits”.
All that we have is a blessing from God and as such our love and appreciation for him moves us to return to him our offerings as it was celebrated in the Old Testament . It is also a full recognition of Jesus as the “First Fruits” of them that died and in his resurrection is our Hope of an eternal home in heaven. Pentecost is our reminder of that God has perfect timing and perfect messaging.
Why with 365 days in a year would the God send the Holy Spirit exactly on the Day of Pentecost for Jesus Followers to connect to his resurrection just as the Jews in the Old Testament celebrated “First Fruits” with their choice offerings of grain, oil and land. The things that gave them not just life but abundant life.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly
John 10:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
Many today are waiting for God to move on them with the Holy Spirit and to experience another Pentecost. To wait is missing the point and purpose of Pentecost. Jesus being the “First Fruits” of those that died, allowed the Holy Spirt to come and empower our lives to be abundant in service today. The purpose of Pentecost is yet to be fulfilled in our lives in service to God. In returning to him our “first fruits” in our lives and helping others to see the future that awaits from a Faith in the Jesus Christ. Our lives should represent the Faith of Pentecost each day of our lives as we share the gift of the Holy Spirit with others.
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