From Denial to Courage

 

The establishment of the Jewish Feast of Pentecost along with many others is in the Old Testament marking significant interventions of God on behalf of the Jewish people as part of the revelation of God to man. These are the Feast of the Lord (Leviticus 23). Within these feast we can find Jesus as many parallel events of His life. Many scholars believe Mary’s conception of Jesus was during the Festival of Lights, because He is the light of the world (John 8:12), and they further believe Jesus was born nine months later at the Feast of Tabernacles established to celebrate the end of the Israelites wandering in the dessert. Jesus ended our wandering in sin (Isaiah 53:6-8). The crucifixion of Jesus occurs in conjunction with the celebration of the Feast of Passover, where Jesus becomes our Passover lamb, and His resurrection occurs in conjunction with the Feast of First Fruits, which is the first harvest (barley). Now, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, which also parallels the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, which is the second harvest (wheat).

 

Similar to the Passover Feast, the Feast of Pentecost is a pilgrimage feast meaning many people would travel to Jerusalem to celebrate these feasts. How fitting that many would find themselves in Jerusalem to bear witness to the crucifixion of Jesus and His resurrection, now they will gather to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, not knowing of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is in the midst of this celebration that we can better understand the accusation, “But others made a joke of it and derisively said, They are simply drunk and full of sweet [intoxicating] wine. (Acts 2:13, AMPC).” With many people gathered in the city, we can understand that the first evangelistic message given by Peter in Acts 2 yielded 3,000 souls believing in Christ. Many became believers at the crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 27:54), and many became believers when the Holy Spirit descended.

 

On the day of Pentecost, Peter moves from denial to courage. Jesus prophesied Peter’s denial of him before the rooster would crow three times (Matthew 26:34). Peter realized he had denied Christ “And he went out and wept bitterly [that is, with painfully moving grief]. (Luke 22:62, AMPC)” finding forgiveness. Now, clothed with power Peter finds courage to be a witness. Others find hope as they begin to understand the “greater things” they would do (John 14:12) and their empowerment to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). Peter’s fear of men is gone and he now finds courage in Christ.

 

The Holy Spirit empowers us to accomplish the work of Christ.

And behold, I will send forth upon you what My Father has promised; but remain in the city [Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49, AMPC)

Many translations state, “until you are endued with power,” however, the Amplified Translation is a better translation, “until you are clothed with power.” The Holy Spirit clothes us with power. The disciples gathered in an upper room with friends and family totaling 120. Still grieving, they followed the instruction of Christ. They waited. Their hopes crushed. They believed Jesus would be their King. The acts of this tragedy unfolded before them. They witnessed His death, resurrection, forty more days of ministry, and His ascension ten days ago. Now they wait, uncertain of the future. In Acts 2:4, the Holy Spirit descends and clothes them.

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3, AMPC)

 

God wove through time a perfect plan establishing Feasts for us to observe and see the revelation of His plan over time. In the Old Testament, we find the progressive revelation of God. In the New Testament, we find the revelation of Christ and the Church in a shorter period, complementing and building on Old Testament revelation. Christ is the fulfillment of the Law.  

Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfill them. (Matthew 5:17, AMPC)

 

Today, the Holy Spirit too can clothe us. Our grief, sorry, and brokenness can be turned over to Christ and the Holy Spirit will clothe us with power. What Christ was to His Disciples, the Holy Spirit is now to believers. Every need Christ encountered while here on earth, He fulfilled. Now, Christ through the Holy Spirit fulfills every need we have on earth. In John 14:26, Jesus declares He will send to us the “Comforter,” the Holy Spirit. The Greek word translated is “parapkletos,” meaning advocate or one called to one’s side. The Holy Spirit stands by us to guide, help, defend, and instruct us, if we will only listen. You too can move from denial to courage.