Discovering the Fullness of God’s Purposes by Relating with Him through the Lord’s Feast of Pentecost

TRUTH AND PURPOSE

God originally appointed Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Pentecost, to mark the fullness of the harvest. It also marked the time to celebrate God’s Word, as Moses was given the Ten Commandments during this time. More importantly, however, the Feast of Pentecost brings us to appreciate the full value of God’s grace and covenant promises. This encompasses freedom, divine instruction, and wisdom.  So it’s a harvest of life— to be realized more abundantly!

As Moses read to the people, they declared, “All that the LORD has said we will do, and be obedient” (Exodus 24:7). They, therefore, re-dedicated themselves to following God’s Word. So they renewed their faith in God.

The Feast of Pentecost, therefore, serves to remind us to pause and value the fullness of the revelation of God’s love– His grace and truth. So we appreciate and celebrate the amazing love of Messiah that was poured out through the Holy Spirit. Consequently, it brings us to be grateful for the illumination of God’s Word by His Spirit. So the greater harvest we reap, on the one hand, is new light— new insights that we may grow in wisdom and discernment.

Another harvest important to God is the harvest of souls. We should be conscious of the fact that the harvest is ripe (Joel 3:13) and plentiful (Matthew 9:37; Luke 10:2). We should, therefore, look to share the good news of God’s love, light, truth and new life with others.

RELEVANCE

It was during the Feast of Pentecost that the disciples received the exciting pour of God’s love and power as they were first filled with the Holy Spirit. So on the one hand, the Lord fulfilled the Feast of Firstfruits by being the first fruits of those resurrected in the newness of life redeemed by His sacrificial blood.

Consequently, the infilling of the Holy Spirit represented the fullness of God’s new covenant fully revealed. It also marked the re-dedication of the believer’s life from a walk under the law of sin and death to a walk of the Spirit—under the law of the Spirit. (Romans 8:2) That’s the new life of the Spirit. That’s the fullness of amazing grace!

For this reason, Paul declared, “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”  (Galatians 5:18)  In other words, you are not in subjection to the system that results from perverting God’s law into legalism.

So in order to maintain the vitality of the Spirit, Paul further exhorted the disciples to be continually filled with the Spirit.  (Ephesians 5:18)  This is accomplished by regular reading and meditation of God’s Word, communing with God, praying in the Holy Spirit.  It also involves reaching and releasing outward towards others; giving away what God has given to you. As a result, God refills His reservoirs within you with more of His substance!

It also involves reaching and releasing outward towards others; giving away what God has given to you. As a result, God refills His reservoirs within you with more of His substance!

REFLECT AND RELATE

How do you refresh your thoughts and opinions?

How open are you to new revelations of truth God would offer you?

Are there any areas of your life where your frame of reference may be somewhat legalistic?

Are there any opinions that you have that might be a bit too dogmatic?

What new values has God impressed you to embrace this season?

What new vision has God imparted in you to give you greater insights?

What virtues of the Lord have you received to walk in the new life in Him?

With whom do you think God would have you share the good news of His love, light, truth and new life?

REFERENCES

Joshua 1:8; Colossians 2:1-23; Galatians 5:1-6; Romans 8:1-38; Philippians 4:8-9; 1Timothy 4:12-16

NEXT STEPS

Vertical movement: As you appreciate the fullness of God’s grace and covenant and the beauty and power of the Feast of Pentecost, you get to experience full dimensions of His glory. It’s part of your inheritance in the Lord!

Horizontal movement: The more you experience the fullness of the Lord’s grace and harvest of new life, the more you can’t help but proclaim His Kingship and glory.

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