It is the Jewish Feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost), a festival celebrating the harvest's firstfruits and also the giving of the Law. Some 120 of Jesus' disciples are together, expectantly waiting the coming of God's Spirit as Jesus had recently promised before he ascended to heaven. Suddenly supernatural manifestations fill the room -- a sound like a mighty wind, fire-like phenomena that separate and spread upon them all. Jesus' followers begin to speak in languages they have never learned, reciting the mighty deeds of God. Word spreads and a huge crowd quickly gathers. Some say these … [Read more...]
PENTECOST THOUGHTS
Today, May 31, 2009 is Pentecost Sunday, a day remembered by Christians because of the events recorded in Acts 2. Also called the Feast of Weeks, the feast fell 50 days ("Pentecost" is Greek for "50th") after the dedication of the first barley sheaf to God (Lev. 23:16-17). The Jews also observed Pentecost in commemoration of the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. On this Pentecost 2009, the following reflections come to mind. In keeping with its agricultural origins, the Pentecost of Acts 2 marked the "first fruits" of the gospel harvest, in the conversion of thousands of people from nations … [Read more...]
