The Feast of Pentecost

In Leviticus 23:15-22, we read about a mandatory feast prescribed by God for his people – a lasting ordinance. This was the Feast of Pentecost, the feast that was celebrated 50 days after Passover (that’s why it’s called Pente (50) cost), seven Sabbaths after the remembrance of God’s saving work during the Exodus.

Three things strike me this year about this feast.

First, there were two loaves offered from the firsts fruits of their harvest. Two loaves. I think this is in keeping with some other principles of “two” found in Jewish tradition. In order to get married, there had to be two witnesses. To accuse someone in court for legal wrongdoing, two witnesses were required. The idea of there being two witnesses is meaningful when we consider Pentecost. We know that the Jews were those first people called by God to be set apart, to be holy, an example to follow for all people in order that they might come to know God. But we know it didn’t end there. God loves all people and wants all people to know the blessing of experiencing life in relationship with him. Gentiles matter to God, too. The Jewish witness reminds us of our origins. The Gentile witness reminds us of God pursuit to redeem an entire world of people.

The second thing that is interesting is that the loaves were to be made with yeast. Remember that at Passover, all yeast was to be eradicated from every person’s home. Bread was to be made without yeast. Why? Because yeast represented sin, and God was looking for holy people – people who renounced sin – to come and follow him. The fact that God calls for yeast in the instructions let’s us know that there is a lesson to be learned. Paul was correct when he reminded the Jewish/Gentile church in Rome that we are all sinners, and have fallen short of the glory of God. In eating loaves made with yeast, we remember that we are not perfect. Why is this important? Humility is a prerequisite for relationship with God. Keeping ourselves in check serves to keep us humble.

The final thing that strikes me is that the loaves were to be made of the finest flour – ultra ground. The finest, most decadent pastries are made with flour ground as fine as possible. This was a symbol of our holiness in our relationship with God. We are sinful, true, but we are called to be holy. We are called to live as God’s people, reflecting his character, values, ethos – his holiness.

Two witnesses declaring God’s grace. Two witnesses confessing that they are imperfect sin addicts. Two witnesses declaring that God desires to make us holy for the redemption of the world.

May you follow in the footsteps of the millions who have gone before you. May you declare as a first-hand witness the faithful goodness of God. May you humbly walk with God, confessing your propensity toward walking away from the ways of God. May you also recognize that you are called to be holy, and that the Spirit of God will help you overcome any and all powers of darkness that serve to hold you back. May the world be redeemed because we did. Shalom!