When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”
Leviticus 23:22 (ESV)
SHAVUOT OR PENTECOST
Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, is celebrated 50 days (seven weeks plus one day) after Passover. This holy day is a celebration of the wheat harvest and a remembrance of God’s giving of the law to Moses at Mount Sinai. We often use the Greek name for this festival: Pentecost.
Pentecost holds special significance for us as Christians because it marks the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work in the early church. Before His ascension into heaven, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come, and the supernatural gifts of the Spirit would empower and grow the church in its early days.
It is fascinating that on the same day they celebrate the harvest, God commands His people to leave grain at the edges of their fields for the poor and the sojourner. A big part of being truly thankful for God’s blessings is demonstrating generosity with the gifts He has given us.
Now, take a moment to reflect on these two ideas.
First, consider how God has blessed you and how you can express your thankfulness to Him by being a blessing to others. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have many opportunities to help those in need. How will you give back this season?
Second, remember that the Holy Spirit is still at work in the world today. Sometimes, we become so focused on ourselves that we fail to listen to the Spirit, let alone allow Him to work through us. Pray that God will use you in supernatural ways this season to demonstrate His love to the people around you.
Chris Boggess is the Next Generation/Family Pastor at NorthStar Church. He grew up in St. Albans, West Virginia, and still cheers for the Mountaineers. He and his wife, Heather, have two grown children and one granddaughter.
