This coming Sunday, May 31 2020, Christians around the world will observe Pentecost - the day that Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit descended to bless His apostles.
The Day of the Pentecost was not just a festival of modern Christians it a festivals of the Jewish people they called (Shavuot). Shavuot has a double significance, agricultural and spiritual. Agriculturally it marks the all-important wheat harvest in the Land of Israel (Exodus 34:22), and spiritually it commemorates the anniversary of the day when God gave the Torah to the nation of Israel assembled at Mount Sinai—although the association is not really clear in the Biblical text between the giving of the Torah (Matan Torah) and Shavuot. But they celebrated it anyway as a part of their thanksgiving celebration.
The word "Pentecost" is taken from the Greek term "pentekoste," meaning "fiftieth." It was the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday when Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit descended upon His disciples. (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pentecost-Christianity)
The Apostles were celebrating the Jewish harvest festival called ‘Shavuot’ (Pentecost). It was the festival where the first harvest is offered to God and where big celebrations also happened (Acts 2:1). The apostles were celebrating this festival when the Holy Spirit descended on them. (Acts 2:2-4)
Why the Pentecost significant for Christians?
Because it marks the fullness of God coming to the earth and interacting with humanity. (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit presence in your lives will lead you into all truth, guide you in the journey of life, transforms you to be a holy people, equip you in service, anoint you to preach, teach you all things, empower you to live and serve. Give you gifts for service ETC. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
The Holy Spirit as the third person in the trinity- which now lives in everyone who believes and confesses faith in Jesus Christ. Will help believers experience the awesome presence of God. And most of all will become the powerful witness for Christ. (Acts 1:8). Christ promise to become his powerful witness manifested at the preaching of Peter (Acts 2).
Are you filled by the Holy Spirit? Simple manifestation that you are. You should be bold to witness for Christ. (Acts 2:14).
Christ came to save the lost – Holy Spirit came to empower believers to be the witness for the lost. This Day of Pentecost may all desire to be filled by the Holy Spirit.
