Why Jesus' Last Words Are Important to You Today
Before He ascended to Heaven, Jesus instructed His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. Why is that important to you today? Look at it this way. If you were leaving your loved ones, what you said before you departed would be of utmost importance. You would want each person to remember what you said. Your words would not be trivial, or something to be ignored. You would want them to pay close attention to every word you spoke.
That is why we should take Jesus’ words seriously. During the Jewish celebration of Shavuot, or what we call Pentecost, Jesus told His followers not to leave Jerusalem until they had received the Holy Spirit. Here was an opportunity that would transform their lives and change the entire world. He didn’t want them to miss the power of Pentecost.
Is Your Tradition Standing in the Way of God's Power?
His disciples, and other followers, could have missed the impact of that day. Like many “Spirit-filled” believers, they could have missed the chance at the full measure that God intended for them. The Holy Spirit was that explosive power and supernatural presence that would change everything. Their traditions, like those remaining today, would have made the Word of God of “no effect.” (Mark 7:13)
Religious traditions can limit the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus was not telling them to wait in Jerusalem so they could have a temporary experience. He wanted life-changing impact and empowerment by the might of the Holy Spirit!
Right Now, Look at Pentecost Through Jewish Eyes
Do you remember what happened on the Day of Pentecost? The Book of Acts, Chapter 2:1-4 says that, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord, in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
We could easily miss what was going on that day, if we read this with a Christian perspective and not as a first century Jew. You may think that Pentecost happened on the day that the Holy Spirit fell. Actually, it is just the opposite. The Holy Spirit fell on the day of Pentecost!
What Happened When the Holy Spirit Came to Jerusalem?
When the Holy Spirit came, the Book of Acts records that there was thunder and lightning, and tongues of fire. Those who had gathered from different nations had all begun to speak in other tongues.
Whatever languages were in existence at that time, they began to speak them. It was a miracle of God. They were praising Him in tongues they had not known before. They heard their own language spoken in praise and worship to God by others as they were led by the Holy Spirit. They knew it had to be supernatural. A great revival had begun. What happened that day would literally change the world. And it still is to this day.
An Amazing Series of Events That Changed Two Lives Forever
Several years ago, a pastor shared a story with Pastor Larry about an experience he had as a young man. Before he had become a pastor, he was in a prayer room. He was praying to God in his heavenly prayer language. He left the prayer room and went into the church service as usual. He felt the Spirit of God moving. He stood up, spoke in tongues, and a woman across the room began to interpret.
Interpretation of tongues is straight out of 1 Corinthians 14:27, “If anyone speaks in a tongue… let one interpret.” The interpretation gives meaning so the congregation can receive what the Spirit of God is saying. As the woman continued the interpretation, two Navajo women burst into tears, ran down to the front, and fell on their faces, repenting before God. The young man, unbeknownst to him had been speaking fluent Navajo. Neither he, nor the woman who interpreted had one drop of Navajo blood in them. God had supernaturally used them to speak to these Native American women by the Holy Spirit. The two women recognized their native tongue and received what God was saying to them, “I know who you are, and I’m reaching out to you. Receive My love.” They received Jesus as their Lord and Savior that day.
To Understand the New, You Have to See the Old
Pentecost is the day when God gave the world the five books of Moses, or the Torah which was the early beginnings of the Bible. When the Holy Spirit fell, the Bible says the place was shaking, and there was thunder and lightning, and tongues of fire. Fourteen hundred years earlier when Moses received the Word of God on Mt. Sanai these same supernatural manifestations occurred.
The purpose of Pentecost was much more than a sound and light show from Heaven. The Holy Spirit came to empower us to tell others that the Kingdom of Heaven is here to heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons (Mark 16: 15-18). The power of the Holy Spirit is not yours or mine to put on some kind of show. It is to glorify God and do the greater works Jesus said we would do.
What Does God’s Appointed Time Mean For You?
The Feast of Pentecost is an appointed time on God’s calendar. This is God’s second major window of opportunity for you to receive a second major outpouring of blessing. Fifty is the number of Pentecost. There were fifty days from Egypt to Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Word of God. Fifty is also the number of Jubilee, when God cancels debts, sets people free, and brings a harvest of blessings. God restores all the blessings you have lost, rejected, or missed out on in this time. It’s during this season we can expect an uncommon harvest of God’s blessing in wisdom, anointing, and prosperity.
The 50 days before Pentecost is preparation time. Look at your life and ask yourself if you are serving God with all your heart. Is He your top priority? Have you replaced Him with something else? Are you loving God and your neighbor? You can align your life with God’s Word and bring your First Fruits offering. This will help elderly Jewish people who are struggling in Israel to have even their basic needs met and offer support to Holocaust survivors. As you do this act, embrace the full promise of Proverbs 28:27, “He who gives to the poor will not lack.” For your gift of any size, we will send you the Prophetic Secrets of Pentecost CD as Pastor Larry uncovers secrets to an outpouring of end-time blessing.
Celebrate This Pentecost with An Unlimited Blessing From God
God delivered His people out of the bondages of slavery and death in Egypt, which we celebrate during Passover. Fifty days later, at Pentecost we celebrate the giving of the Torah and the Holy Spirit. God has given you the Holy Spirit so that wherever you go, He goes with you. We’re commanded to go into all the world, preach the Gospel, and make disciples as we carry His authority. God will confirm His Word with signs, wonders and miracles through you.
This Pentecost, receive a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. Receive wisdom, knowledge, and revelation of God’s Word. Be empowered by the Holy Spirit, anointed and equipped. We know that your Pentecost First Fruits offering causes God to rebuke the devourer and bring you unlimited blessings. As we stand together with Israel, we pray that you receive an extra measure of joy, peace, and prosperity – it is a double blessing!
