PENTECOST'S HARVEST

I do not usually include illustrations with my posts, but since I wish to address what it represents, it will probably make more sense than what I have to say.  I am not sure to whom I should give credit for the drawing, but I am grateful to be able to use it.

 

God told Moses that Israel was to celebrate seven feast days (Lev. 23:1-2).  These seven appointed times for the congregation of Israel, had a dual purpose:  first, they were sacred times in Israel's annual calendar wherein they were to remember God's interaction with them as His people; and second, they would later be recognized as prophecies concerning Israel's and the Gentile's future. 

 

The first three Feasts of Israel represented the First Advent of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God.  Jesus, knowing full well that Israel would reject and kill Him (Jn. 1:11-12; 29, 36; Rev. 13:8), and knowing God would raise Him from the dead (Ps. 16:10; Mt. 12:40), was willing to "endure the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2)!

 

Christians already know, and Israel will soon discover, that the last three Feasts represent Christ's Second Advent, which will include His gathering of Israel (Trumpets - Dan. 9:27; Mt. 24:3-15; Rev. 6 - 11), His bringing Israel to their knees and to faith in Him (Atonement - Mt. 24:15-29; Rev. 12 - 18), and His reigning for 1000 years here on Earth (Tabernacles - Rev. 20:1-6).

 

The middle Feast of Israel, the fourth, did not belong with the Spring Feasts, or with the Autumn Feasts; it was unique.  In fact, its prophetic meaning was, and still is, a mystery to Israel (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 5:32; etc.).  The Feast of Wave Loaves (Pentecost) was the only feast that allowed leaven to be used; in fact, leaven was mandatory (Lev. 23:17).  When Israel would be in their land, there would be a harvest.  Israel is in their land, and the Church, made up of imperfect born again Jews and Gentiles, will be "harvested," that is, taken in the Rapture of the Church (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:48-53; 1 Thes. 4:16-17)!

 

The Church is so blessed to understand the mysteries of God!