Sabbath Thought – Pentecost

All of God’s Holy Days are rich with meaning but Pentecost has special meaning for me. I was baptized on Pentecost eve many years ago, and so for me it is also an annual reminder of the journey God called me to. Each year I appreciate more and more being part of His firstfruits – being part of the solution to a dying world.

The Feast of Pentecost is a commanded assembly (Leviticus 23:15-22), but in observing this Holy Day we also picture another part of God’s plan of salvation for all of mankind (Hebrews 2:10, Acts 2:17-21). Pentecost is not a dead observance, it is not a day that God has thrown away for something better, but rather a celebration of a reality that has already begun. Jesus Christ is building His Church, and through God’s Holy Spirit has begun a work in each of us as firstfruits. We are the beginning of those many sons (and daughters) God seeks to bring to His glory – the first of mankind God desires to save and come to the knowledge of the truth (Acts 2:1-4).

God’s Holy Days give us insight as to how God will work (and is working) with mankind. This is revealed by God to us – not through our own intellectual ability. The Holy Days are a gift from God for us now and for all of mankind in the future. You and I, as saints of the Most High God, gather on Holy Days such as this day of Pentecost to be reminded of our calling. Most of mankind does not understand their purpose for living. We do. God has given us an understanding of His plan of salvation. Our calling is now (1 Peter 4:17). God, in His wisdom, has chosen to call only a few before re-establishing His Kingdom, to show the rest of the world that He has not forsaken His creation, and that it is possible to overcome Satan and the false way of life he promotes.

As we gather on the next two Sabbaths and the Feast of Pentecost to follow, let’s remember how big an event God has started with His Holy Days and Pentecost in particular. We also know that God follows through on whatever He starts (Philippians 1:6). Pentecost pictures not only the harvest of the firstfruits, but the harvest of all of mankind in the future. What a wonderful time it will be when all of mankind will not only have access to, but will also be filled with, God’s Holy Spirit.

It is up to each of us individually and collectively, to make the most of the calling God has given us as His firstfruits (Philippians 2:12) so that we can be a part of that great harvest of mankind.

I wish you a profitable and value filled Sabbath,

Dan Dowd

24 May, 2025