For many of us Pentecost is about God giving the Holy Spirit, but there is a context to Pentecost that is all about giving to God.
Pentecost is a harvest feast, a time when the people made the long trek to Jerusalem, bearing with them a celebration offering to God, rejoicing in the harvest of their fields.
They would set aside a second tithe for this trip (yes in addition to their regular tithe). It was to pay for the trip to Jerusalem, to purchase food and drink to celebrate with before God, not just for themselves and their families but also for the widow, the stranger and the levites. In other words, Pentecost was a time of giving to people, and together giving to God.
Soon the sacred moment arrived when the pilgrims finally ascended the steps to the Temple bringing with them their offerings to wave before God.
Is it a coincidence that God chose this day of giving to pour out the gift of God on mankind, the Holy Spirit?
As we approach Pentecost this year, many of us need a fresh infilling of His Holy Spirit. But let us not come to His House to get, but rather to give. To give God thanks and praise for all He has done, even to give financially to His purposes. Let us in this time of giving remember to also look after the poor and needy.
And the principle of Pentecost is this: as we make the effort to give to God, He gives us so much more back than we could ever imagine. He gives us of His Spirit, He gives us favour from heaven and answers to prayer. And above and beyond all else, He gives us His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit. What a gift!
Ps Enoch Lavender was born in Australia, raised in Norway, spent time living in China and is now based on the Gold Coast of Australia. He has been studying Hebrew and the Jewish roots of our faith for the past decade, and has a keen interest in the Middle East from a Bible prophecy perspective.
Contact Enoch and Olive Tree Ministries
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