Today, millions of Christians and Jews throughout the world observe Pentecost, each from their own religious perspective. Jewish belief and tradition observe this day as the beginning of the Festival of Weeks. It was also known as the Festival of Reaping and the Day of the First Fruits, at which time the first fruits of the harvest season were presented to the Lord at the Temple (Exodus 34:22).

For Christians, this day acknowledges the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples, as Jesus had promised (John 14:16-17). Peter also links it to the prophesy of Joel 2:28-32, in which the Spirit of God would be poured out upon all flesh.

On the surface for some, these observations may appear unrelated. But with closer biblical study, and with the Holy Spirits enlightenment, there is a direct spiritual connection between the two events.

When one recalls that the Children of Israel were chosen and commissioned by God to be a Light to the Nations who were responsible to lead the other nations (ethnic groups) to God as the One and Only True God. Part of the observance of the Feast of Weeks was to remind each worshiper of God being the source of their fruitful blessings and their continued covenant commitment to Him (which included their continuation to be a Light to the Nations.

At no time in the history of Israel has that Divine invective been rescinded. The true people of God the Seed of Abraham and the Household of Faith in Christ Jesus have both been given the directive to lead the souls of Mankind into the Kingdom of God. Whatever ethnic, national, and theological differences there may be between these two faith groups, the Divine Directive remains the same lead the souls of Mankind into the Kingdom of God!

On that day the 50th day after the Passover Pentecost was being observed by the Seed of Abraham in Jerusalem, an assembly of the Jewish Disciples who believed that Jesus was, not only the Son of God, but also the Promised Messiah, were also gathered together. Not at the Temple, but in a house somewhere else in Jerusalem.

Suddenly, four significant events took place. That house was filled with a sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind. Cloven tongues like fire then appeared and hovered over each of them. Then, the Holy Ghost filled each of them. And then, the Holy Spirit enabled each of them to speak other tongues or languages as He saw fit for each one to speak.

As amazing as it was for these mostly unlearned and unlettered persons to speak in languages they had not mastered, three other realizations were even more amazing. (1) The multitude who heard them speaking understood what they were saying.

(2) They understood them in their own languages. (3) The message, though in different languages, was the same the wonderful works of God!

Resultant from this/these event(s) and the sermonic explanation of Peter, 3,000 souls received and believed the Gospel message that Salvation was through Jesus Christ, and that those who believed in Him would also receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

But where is the Jewish and Christian connection in these Day of Pentecost events? Recall that Divine Directive for the Seed of Abraham to be a Light to the Nations and to lead the other nations (ethnic groups) to God as the One and Only True God. Note also the national groups present and hearing the testimonies of the Disciples represented ethnic groups from all over the known World.

Recall also Jesus directive to His Disciples before He ascended into Heaven Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. (Matthew 28:28) and Ye shall be witnesses unto me in both in Jerusalem, and all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

In reality, those 3,000 souls, from all over the World, became the First Fruits of the Gospel Harvest the Seed of Abraham, who are to be a Light to the Nations and the Household of Faith in Christ Jesus, who are to be a Light to the World!

All Children of God are challenged to keep the Spirit and Practice of Pentecost. The rendering of the First Fruits was just the beginning there was more fruit to be reaped. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 9:37-38 The harvest truly is plenteous but the labourers are few, Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that he will send labourers into the harvest.

There is more reaping to be done. Pentecost is Now!

Rev. Samuel Hale is the pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Springfield.

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Rev. Samuel W. Hale: Pentecost is now - Entertainment & Life - The ... - The State Journal-Register