The Truth Will Be Revealed

This is the first Sunday of Pentecost. Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit came down and indwelled in the Apostles. But there is much more to this day than many understand. When we look a little deeper, we can see the truth behind that day. From the interpretations of this day, many different denominations find different ways of celebrating. In fact, certain beliefs came from this very day.
 To get a little background we need to go back to the time when Moses was speaking to the Israelites and presenting what pleased God. Some of those things were the Festivals that coincided with the time of the year and phases of the moon.  
“Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field….
Exodus 23:16
 
“‘On the day of firstfruits, when you present to the Lord an offering of new grain during the Festival of Weeks, hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Numbers 28:26
The festivals became a time where everyone gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate and sacrifice. The firstfruits of the harvest were brought to the Priests as an offering to God in thanksgiving and praise for the food God has provided. So, the Jews and Proselytes from many nations were in Jerusalem. But this day, just over 2000 years ago, was different.
 While Jesus was still in the flesh He told the Disciples, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 At the time of the Festival of Harvest, on the day of firstfruits, approximately 50 days after Jesus had died on the Cross, the Advocate arrived.  
The Festival of Pentecost as it is known by Christians is a wonderful day. Since there were many people who spoke different languages in the area an amazing event took place. The Holy Spirit indwelled the Apostles and they were able to be understood by all people who were in the crowd that day. Some folks believe this to be the point where speaking in tongues came from but if you can see clearly in the eyes of your heart you will see that this was the day that began the reversal of the dispersion of the nations and the confusion of languages that occurred in Babel. The Holy Spirit opened the ears and hearts of all present to hear and understand the Gospel of the Truth.
 
It was this time when 5000 Jews, Proselytes, and even some Roman soldiers came to know Christ and were baptized in the truth of the Word. What a wonderful moment that must have been. These were the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit. The beginning of the message of God through Christ to the world. Because of this, humanity with all its ethnicities and nations were gathered. The Holy Spirit moved to bring God’s Children together and for a moment there was peace.   
God revealed Himself to the Hebrews then the Israelites in many forms. Then when the time was right, He came to us as the Word made Flesh we know as Jesus the Messiah. Once that mission was complete and we were reconciled through the sacrifice of His Son, the world still needed someone to guide us. Jesus had commanded that we be baptized in the name of the Triune God and when that occurs, we will have the Holy Spirit to guide us on our journey through life. We reveal the Love of God through our actions and words that are designed by our faith. Our faith, our trust in God is what guides the things we do and the words we speak. This is what will heal the world.
Right now, the world needs more than just prayer, it needs to see our faith in action. We need to reveal God to the world by working with the world to show the truth. When we do, we will be able to:
“Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year when you gather in your crops from the field. Exodus 23:16 (continued)
The Ingathering of the world in Christ is the goal. Are you willing to be the living sacrifice and show the world who God is? It is time for the reveal, let God’s Love shower the world.
 
In God’s Arms
Rob, His Servant