Why It Matters //
In the weeks preceding Pentecost (on May 31st), we will explore the meaning, history, and significance behind this day. Pentecost, which in Greek means “the 50th day”, is celebrated fifty days after Passover and it signifies the day when the Holy Spirit filled the people who were assembled in the upper room, which looked like tongues of fire resting upon them. When God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, his presence was with them, as a pillar of fire at night. We, who believe in Jesus, have his presence with us all the time through the Holy Spirit who dwells inside of us (1 Cor. 6:19).
What It's Talking About //
The day of Pentecost falls during the Jewish holiday called Shavuot, or Feast of Weeks. Shavuot is one of the three pilgrimage Festivals that God commanded the Israelites to celebrate every year: Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot (Deuteronomy 16:16-17). The Bible mentions fire in association with God’s presence (Exodus 19:18), as purification (Malachi 3:3), testing of our faith (1 Pet. 1:7), the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:11), and judgement (Matt. 25:41), to mention a few.
Exodus 13:21-22 NIV
21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Exodus 19:16-20 NIV
16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled.
17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.
19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.
20 The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain.