Shavuot - Pentecost, The Spirit, and New Creation

Shavuot - Pentecost, The Spirit, and New Creation

In this engaging Bible teaching, Matthew Vander Els from Founded In Truth Fellowship explores the profound significance of Shavuot, also known as Pentecost, and its vital connection to the Holy Spirit and the concept of a new creation in believers. The teaching delves into the historical roots of this biblical festival and illuminates its powerful fulfillment in the New Testament.

The Significance of Shavuot

Shavuot is identified as the second of the three pilgrimage feasts in Deuteronomy 16, following Passover. It was a time when all of Israel was called to journey to Jerusalem, bringing an offering of gratitude for their grain harvest. The speaker clarifies that Shavuot, meaning "weeks" in Hebrew, occurs seven weeks plus one day after the Feast of Firstfruits, which is why it is also known as Pentecost, derived from the Greek word meaning "fifty."

A key distinction is drawn between Passover and Shavuot concerning the type of bread offered. At Passover, unleavened bread was consumed, symbolizing the departure from Egypt and the leaving behind of a former life. In contrast, Shavuot mandates the baking of leavened bread from the new harvest, representing a new beginning and God's redemptive power following their liberation. This new leavened bread is linked to Jesus' parable of the kingdom of God being like yeast working through a large amount of flour, signifying the transformative and expansive nature of God's kingdom.

The teaching highlights a fascinating detail from Leviticus 23, where the commandment was to bring two loaves of leavened bread along with two lambs as a wave offering. The unusual imagery of waving live animals and bread before the Lord is discussed, emphasizing the unique and perhaps perplexing nature of this ancient practice. While the specific application of this ritual for today might not be immediately clear, it underscores the distinct character of Shavuot as a celebration of firstfruits and new beginnings.

Pentecost: The Fulfillment of Shavuot

The narrative then shifts to the New Testament, specifically Acts chapter 2, where the speaker emphasizes a pivotal event that occurred during the celebration of Shavuot in Jerusalem. The followers of Jesus were gathered together when a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven, and tongues of fire appeared and rested on each of them. This dramatic event marked the coming of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Jesus' promise to his disciples. As a result, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them.

The speaker draws parallels between this theophany and significant Old Testament encounters with God, such as the burning bush in Exodus 3 and God's descent in fire on Mount Sinai in Exodus 19. In each of these instances, God's presence was manifested through fire and voice. Similarly, at Pentecost, the fire and the speaking in different languages signified God's powerful presence and the divine empowerment of believers.

Furthermore, the multitude gathered in Jerusalem for the feast comprised devout Jews from every nation under heaven. Each person heard the disciples speaking in their own native tongue, proclaiming the mighty works of God. This detail is highlighted as crucial, demonstrating that the message of God's kingdom was intended for all the nations, signifying a reversal of the scattering of humanity at Babel and the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.

Peter's sermon following this outpouring of the Spirit explained that this event was the fulfillment of prophecy. The result was that about three thousand people were cut to the heart, repented, and were baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. This number is significant when contrasted with the account in Exodus 32, where approximately three thousand died due to the sin of the golden calf at Mount Sinai. The events of Pentecost are presented as a redemptive reversal, where through the Spirit, people are brought to life and pledge allegiance to King Jesus.

The Holy Spirit and New Creation

The teaching connects the Holy Spirit's work at Pentecost with His role in creation as described in Genesis 1, where the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. Just as the Spirit was instrumental in the initial creation, He is now actively involved in the new creation – the transformation of believers into the image of God. Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5:17 are cited: "If you are in Christ, you have become a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." Pentecost signifies the empowerment of this new creation by the same Holy Spirit that was present at the dawn of time.

Jesus' instruction in Acts 1:8 is emphasized, where he told his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. The book of Acts is presented as Luke's intentional narrative demonstrating the fulfillment of this command, tracing the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem outwards to Rome, the heart of the known world. The final verse of Acts, 28:31, which speaks of Paul proclaiming the kingdom of God with boldness and without hindrance, is presented as the ongoing purpose of the Holy Spirit's empowerment.

The speaker stresses that the primary purpose of the Holy Spirit's power is the proclamation of the gospel – the good news that God is making all things new and reigning over His creation through His image bearers. Believers are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing the world what the kingdom of God looks like and feels like in every aspect of their lives.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Be empowered by the Holy Spirit: Recognize that as followers of Jesus, the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead lives in you (Romans 8:11). Allow this Spirit to fuel and guide your actions and words.
• Be an image bearer: Strive to reflect God's love, justice, mercy, and reign in your daily interactions. Let people see the "fingerprints of Jesus" in everything you do.
• Proclaim the gospel through your life: Understand that the Holy Spirit equips you to proclaim the good news of God's kingdom through your mouth, hands, and feet. Your life should be a testament to the transformative power of God.
• Extend mercy and meet needs: When you see a circumstance where mercy is needed or a need in your community, act on it, mirroring the actions of Jesus. Don't hesitate to be the place where heaven meets earth in someone else's life.
• Don't rely solely on the church: While the church community is important, your individual calling as a follower of Jesus remains regardless of the church's successes or failures. Step up and fulfill your role in God's kingdom.
• Embrace the new creation: Recognize that in Christ, you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Allow the Holy Spirit to continue molding you into God's image.
• Live with a missionary mindset: Whether in your home, neighborhood, or workplace, see yourself as an ambassador of God's kingdom, extending His love and truth to those around you.
• Forgive and show mercy: When offended, choose forgiveness and extend mercy, reflecting God's character.

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