The table is spread and we consider how the disciples would have been celebrating the Feast of Pentecost. Most likely the would have stayed awake all night discussing the Torah while they prayed and waited as Jesus had instructed. Tradition says the Jews read the book of Ruth this night. Did they see Jesus in the picture of Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer?
Historically, the main activity on the Feast of Pentecost was the presentation of a wave offering to the Lord, two loaves of baked bread with leaven (Lev. 23:15-21). Through the two loaves and again Ruth’s story did they see the bread of life – Jesus – given for the Jews and the Gentiles?
Thousands of Jews had journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast. The followers of Jesus waiting in the upper room were filled with the Holy Spirit. Flaming tongues of fire settled upon the disciples and they then began to worship God in foreign languages that were spoken and understood by the Jewish pilgrims. The sound accompanying this experience attracted the attention of the Jewish visitors who went to see what the commotion was all about. Peter stood up and preached a bold sermon. About 3,000 responded to Peter's sermon by accepting Jesus as their Messiah and Lord.
We pray together. I invite the Holy Spirit to come and stir up a commotion in my life. Give me the boldness of Peter to point others to…
the only way,
the only truth,
the only life –
Jesus the Christ.
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On Wednesday’s I have been teaching a Beth Moore Bible Study – Stepping Up, The Psalms of Ascent. Through this study Beth has been teaching about the Feasts of the Lord. As a class we take a break and celebrate each of the great feasts. The links below will take you to some of my thoughts on the other Feasts of the Lord…
4 comments:
Beautiful photo, Nancy! I love Pentecost and the way our church celebrates, but how fun to read a little more about it here. Funny, I did that Stepping Up study a few years ago and don't remember much about it now. Another reason it is good to revisit these things.
I hope you are doing well. Fall is almost in full bloom here. Life is crazy beautiful this time of year. I see with new eyes.
I am loving that "stir up a commotion in my life."
In mine also.
I am loving all that we're learning during our Psalms of Ascents study, too. I'm so in awe of the Messianic connections to these ancient feasts! Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer - I too am overwhelmed how the Father ties all of Scripture together. As Beth would say, "That is a beautiful mind."
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