Celebrate Pentecost

Bring your firstfruits offering to the Lord to celebrate Pentecost.

“Celebrate the Feast of Weeks, that is, the first fruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year. Three times a year all your males are to appear before the LORD God.”—Exodus 34:22–23 NASB

Why did God mandate that the Israelites celebrate the Feast of Weeks, also known as Shavuot? And why did He insist that it be celebrated exactly 50 days after the Feast of Passover? They didn’t know this was part of His eternal plan, and He had a special purpose for this day.

Originally, the Feast of Weeks simply celebrated the dedication of the first of the summer wheat harvest, the last crop to ripen. But the true meaning and importance of this celebration would only become clear in the New Testament.

This feast came to be called Pentecost because it took place on the fiftieth day after Passover. While believers gathered to celebrate Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell in Jerusalem. The church was born and empowered, miracles took place, and many lost people were saved (Acts 2).

Even today, we celebrate Pentecost. This day is as important now as it was in Bible times. It’s a reminder that the Holy Spirit is still available to empower us. God wants each of us to have a personal Pentecost, experiencing the power of the Spirit in our own lives and being transformed by His presence.

Seek to be refreshed anew by the Holy Spirit. Allow His power to flow in your life. Remember that Pentecost also is a time to present your summer harvest. Bring God your offerings, and sow into His Kingdom with your time, talents, and treasures.

Reflection Question: What can you give to God as a firstfruits offering?