Remembering Pentecost God’s Way

“Remembering Pentecost God’s Way” turns our attention to God’s appointed calendar in Leviticus, calling believers to honor His timing and remain open to the outpouring of His Spirit today.

“You shall count seven full weeks from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering” (Leviticus 23:15).

This year, people throughout the Christian world will celebrate Pentecost today, which falls 50 days after Easter. How was this date determined? For the answer, we need to look back at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.

During that important conference, in an effort to unify the church’s observance of Easter, the majority of bishops agreed to celebrate it on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, thus separating from the calculations made with the Jewish calendar. The minority were urged to conform, but there was no final resolution. Centuries later, the actual details for calculating the date were still being worked out.

Like the rules governing the official church celebration date for Easter, rules were also formulated for Pentecost and other important dates. But the Bible tells us that God Himself provided the date for Pentecost according to His calendar. This was the date the disciples celebrated in Acts 2, when suddenly, God poured out His Spirit on them with power.

Honor God by remembering His Pentecost day. Also remember that His power is available to you every day. Don’t limit Him. All things are possible if you have faith. Offer Him your time, talents, and treasures. Yield your life wholeheartedly to serving Him. Wait in His presence. Humble yourself before Him. Worship Him. Call on His name. Seek to be filled with the Spirit. And get ready for breakthroughs!

Reflection Question: How can you honor God’s timing and presence today?