United Church of God

Letter From Lewis VanAusdle - May 8, 2020

Letter From Lewis VanAusdle

May 8, 2020

9th May 2020

This week I have seen commemorations of many kinds. I've seen recognition of teachers, recognition of healthcare workers, recognition of war heroes, and even a national day of prayer here in the US. This recognition of those who serve within our countries and communities is a good thing, but we must also stay focused on God's upcoming day of commemoration. We are just over three weeks away from the Feast of Pentecost. This Feast has several names, each with its own meaning: Feast of Weeks; Feast of Harvest; Day of Pentecost.

The name "Feast of Weeks" and "Day of Pentecost" both refer to the fact that this particular festival of God takes place weeks after the previous Feast, and that we must count in order to keep this festival at the right time. Starting on the day that the wave offering of the first of the barley was presented before God, the people of Israel were to count seven weeks plus one day (see Leviticus 23:15-16).

The title that is perhaps more telling about the meaning behind this festival is the name, "Feast of Harvest" (see Exodus 23:16). This Feast began the harvest of wheat in the land of Israel. This was a later harvest than the barley, but earlier in the year than crops in the autumn. Pentecost is a festival that is supposed to remind us of the blessings that God has given us. On a physical level our God sustains us with physical food, physical homes, physical families. Of course there is always a deeper spiritual meaning behind this harvest.

The upcoming festival of Pentecost looks forward to the time when we will be harvested. We are part of the earlier harvest that comes after that of Jesus Christ. He was resurrected to spirit life and we will one day soon also be harvested, resurrected to spirit life. When we repent of our sins, are baptized receiving Christ's sacrifice for our own sins, and then receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we become God's firstfruits. We become the first of humanity to belong to God. 

Pentecost should be a reminder to us that we are God's people. He has purchased us and claimed us. He has planted a seed in us, His Holy Spirit, that will grow and mature in us producing a bounty of fruit. This fruit is the godly character that our Father and Brother have in abundance. We are to be like Them in every way.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-25).

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful" (Colossians 3:12-15).

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:1-5).

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe