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As we draw near to the observance of Pentecost, let us recall a few of the major spiritual lessons we often rehearse and focus upon as we keep this very important annual Holy Day.
Pentecost pictures the spiritual firstfruits of God. “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:18). Now is our day of salvation (Isaiah 49:8; 2 Corinthians 6:2). We have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and we have repented of our sins (Acts 2:38). We continue in a state of repentance by admitting our sins and asking God for His forgiveness (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). We believe He has granted us repentance, as He looks upon our heart that truly desires to please Him by humbly obeying Him through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Timothy 1:14). It is through God’s Spirit that He is writing His laws in our hearts and minds, as we yield to Him (Jeremiah 31:31-33).
Pentecost was the day when the New Testament Church of God began under the leadership of the faithful apostles and the faithful brethren who were true followers of Jesus Christ—only about 120 in number (Acts 1:15). That same day about 3,000 repented of their sins, accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, and were baptized (Acts 2:38-41). The New Testament Church of God began in a glorious way! And those of us in the United Church of God have enjoyed a wonderful time to grow in grace and knowledge as a continuation of the New Testament Church of God. We are now in a time of testing and proving our faithfulness to God and Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:17).
Pentecost was the day when God’s Holy Spirit was poured out in a very dramatic, miraculous way (Acts 2:1-4). We are known by our fruits—the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit being produced in us as we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). As we know, we are producing daily the fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering/patience, gentleness, goodness, faith/faithfulness, meekness/humility and temperance/self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Much more could be said about the importance of the Day of Pentecost and what it pictures, but this will have to suffice for now. Of course, all over the world our ministers will be preaching powerful messages inspired by the Spirit of God on the Day of Pentecost!
What a wonderful blessing it is to be called now and to be given this precious truth, this knowledge, this understanding!
Praise and thanks be to God and His Son for the love they have for all of us!
Wishing you all a very peaceful and joyous Sabbath!
