God’s Design for Pentecost

“You shall also count for yourselves from the day after the sabbath, from the day when you brought in the sheaf of the wave offering; there shall be seven complete sabbaths.” Leviticus 23:15 NASB

This year, people throughout the Christian world celebrated Pentecost on May 15. But actually, according to the Jewish calendar, and the rules God gave in Leviticus 23, the celebration of Pentecost begins today. Why the difference? For the answer, we need to look back at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD.

During that important conference, bishops from Eastern churches argued in favor of celebrating Easter in conjunction with Passover, as had been done throughout history. But Western bishops wanted to link Easter with the beginning of spring, a time of many pagan celebrations. There was no final agreement until more than 200 years later, when it was agreed to celebrate Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. Slight modifications were made in the sixteenth century when the calendar was revised.

These rules govern the official church celebrations of days like Easter and Pentecost. But the Bible actually tells us that God Himself provided the date for Pentecost according to His calendar. This was the date the disciples celebrate in Acts 2, when, suddenly, God poured out His Spirit on them with power. Suddenly, they could witness and speak with clarity and impact. With His power, they performed extraordinary miracles.

Today, honor God by remembering this, His original Pentecost day. But also remember that His power is available to you every day. Don’t limit Him but believe that all things are possible, if you have faith. Offer Him your time, talent, and treasure. Yield your life wholeheartedly to serve Him. Wait in His presence. Humble yourself before Him. Worship Him. Call on His name. Seek to be filled with the Spirit. And believe Him for miracles!

Prayer: Father, I seek to honor You. Pour Your Spirit afresh on me. Perform miracles through my life. Use me to impact others for Your Kingdom. I worship and praise You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.