Editorial

The harvest is coming

On the liturgical calendar of several Christian denominations, we are currently in the period between Resurrection Sunday and Pentecost.

Historically, Pentecost began as the Jewish festival of Shavuot, a joyous celebration commemorating God's giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and is associated with the wheat harvest. For Christians, Pentecost has taken on profound new meaning, marking the birth of the Church itself.

Acts chapter 2 recounts the miraculous Pentecost moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles gathered in Jerusalem. Suddenly, they were empowered by divine fire and able to speak boldly in diverse tongues, sharing the gospel effectively with all peoples gathered from various nations. 

The feast symbolises the breaking down of barriers, uniting diverse people through the empowering presence of God's Holy Spirit.

The period between Easter and Pentecost is deeply significant, marking a time of waiting, expectation, and spiritual preparation.

The gap reminds Christians of the period the disciples spent with the resurrected Jesus, receiving instruction, guidance, and reassurance before He ascended into heaven. Similarly, these fifty days invite us today into an intentional period of spiritual growth, reflection, and anticipation.

But the prophetic significance of Pentecost extends beyond history, it speaks powerfully of God's continued faithfulness and ongoing promise to His Church. Pentecost is an ongoing reality for believers, a powerful reminder that God’s Spirit continues to dwell actively within us, guiding, strengthening, and empowering us to fulfill our mission in the world. The promise of Pentecost assures us that God has not left us alone in our challenges, but has provided the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our comforter, advocate, and guide.

Looking forward, Pentecost is a clear and powerful indication of God’s plan to continually renew His people, strengthen their witness and prepare them for the fullness of His kingdom. This reality encourages us to look forward confidently, knowing that despite present circumstances, God's promises remain secure and His plans for His people unstoppable.

In today's uncertain times, the message of the fourth of seven mandated feasts from 

Leviticus 23 is more salient than ever. As we navigate complexities and challenges both individually and communally, we find encouragement in knowing that the Spirit who descended powerfully upon the apostles still empowers, comforts, and equips believers today. 

Pentecost is a reminder that God's presence is real, active, and available to all who call upon His name.

Peter Bain

Business Manager