Sha-Vu-What?

 

Sha-vu-what?

Shavuot!

You have likely heard of it described using its Greek name, Pentecost.  The Acts 2 celebration of Pentecost is the Leviticus 23 Feast of Shavuot!  (Notice the disciples were still celebrating it after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Yeshua.  I believe this is ONE very compelling reason to learn about it).

This is an exciting feast to study, because like Passover, we have seen it at least partially fulfilled in the gifting of The Holy Spirit (Acts 2). 

Jewish tradition has recorded that the Torah, or Law, was given during the first Shavuot. Tradition is not scripture, so we cannot be 100% sure of the timing, but I am compelled to lean into that timeline.  It fits.  Do your own homework, and if you come up with something different, I would love to hear.  We should always be learning!  ⇩

• At the first Shavuot, the Torah was given to govern the hearts of YHVH's people.
• At the Shavuot we all know better as Pentecost, the Holy Spirit inscribed the Torah on the hearts of YHVH's people Jeremiah 31:33.

See how nicely that fits?  He's like that...

In Chapters 20-23 of the book of Exodus, the Torah is presented to Israel.  YHVH uses these chapters to outline His expectations for the people IF they chose to submit to Him as King.

IF?

Yes, IF.

You see, there is always a choice.  YHVH gave His laws, ordinances, and feasts to Israel, but it was up to Israel to take action and respond to His invitation.  

We find in Exodus 24:7-8 that Israel did indeed accept YHVH's terms, and the covenant was sealed with blood.

He took the Scroll of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people.  Again they said, "All that Yehovah has spoken, we will do and obey."  Then Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant, which Yehovah has cut with you, in agreement with all these words" (Exodus 24:7-8).

Sound familiar?

Fast forward to Acts 2.  We see that when Shavuot/Pentecost had come, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and were able to preach in the languages of the thousands of devout Jewish men who had made the required pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Feast.  

So what were the disciples preaching?  

They were preaching Yeshua!  Acts 2:22-36

Just like their ancestors in the desert, these men were given a choice.  It was not enough to just hear about Yeshua.  

Action. Was. Required.

They had to recognize and come under the provision of the sacrifice in order to come into covenant.  That took an understanding of the Levitical priesthood, the sacrificial system, and the promise of the Messiah.  And then it took faith to put all of those piece together and recognize Yeshua, The Lamb -- John 1:29.

And happily, we are told that 3,000 souls were added that day.

And souls are still added, daily...

And...

Action. Is. Still. Required. 

Are you in covenant?  Are your sins covered by the blood of Yeshua? Is the Torah inscribed on your heart?  Are you walking in obedience in order not to trample the precious blood of Yeshua? Hebrews 10:29

Action. Is. Required.

I hope this has whetted your appetite to learn more about Shavuot.  It takes place May 28th this year (2023).  Shavuot is a great time to...

Take. Action.

Chag Sameach!!

Happy Holiday!!