June 8 is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost has become synonymous with the Holy Spirit. Jesus had given the disciples the promise that one day he would no longer physically be with them, but he would send the Advocate or Counselor to be with them forever. In Acts chapter 1, Jesus departs this world and ascends into Heaven. In Acts chapter 2, the promise Jesus made to the disciples is fulfilled and the Holy Spirit comes down upon the people.
Pentecost is a Greek term which means 50th day and was an established Jewish harvest festival. It was typically referred to as the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot. Pentecost was a celebration commemorating when God came to Moses on Mount Sinai and gave the law or commandments to Moses. This was believed to have happened 50 days after the Israelites left Egypt which is where the 50th day comes from. The law was supposed to draw people into relationship with God.
On the day of Pentecost the disciples were gathered together and God once again came to humanity and the Advocate which we call the Holy Spirit descended on the people. When the Holy Spirit descended on the people, it rested on there heads like tongues of fire. Pentecost now had a new significance. This event is considered to be the beginning of the Church. The Holy Spirit is that part of the trinity which leads us and guides us along life's way. The Holy Spirit also brings wisdom and draws us into relationship with God.
The promise still holds today. The Holy Spirit is still with us.
•••
Editor's note: Brian Timmons is the pastor of Pea Ridge and Brightwater Methodist Churches. He can be contacted at 925-0167 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Religion on 06/04/2014