 The Believer's Heartfelt Response to The Feast of Pentecost
Summary
Shavuot—the Feast of Harvest or Weeks (Pentecost) is a celebration of the fullness of the harvest. It also represents the fullness of God’s covenant—His Word and Spirit.
As the disciples were celebrating this feast 50 days after Messiah’s ascension, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. John the Immerser, or Baptist, said that Messiah would baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Upon receiving Messiah in your heart, you receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Paul admonishes believers to understand what the will of the Lord is and, therefore, “keep on being filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:17 JNT)
How is this accomplished? Paul adds in Colossians 3:16-17, “let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16-17 JNT)
You are, therefore, continuously filled with the Spirit by filling yourself with God’s Word, communing with God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you by yielding to Him in faith and obedience. It’s like driving your car. Upon filling your tank, you move forward, go places, and eventually need to replenish your tank! Such a repeated infilling should result in character growth that reflects the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)
It should also open up your heart and mind to God’s continuous enlightenment, a passion for the revelation of His truth, and the manifestation of various gifts of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12)
Life Application Questions
In what ways do you seek God’s continuous infilling of the Holy Spirit? How has your life been a reflection of this infilling?
Scripture References
Romans 12; Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 3:16-17; Hebrews 2:1-4
Book References
Faith and Fables: p.22-24; 151-172
Sons and Servants: p. 127-138; 161-162
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