Now that we have celebrated Resurrection Sunday, let’s celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 31. By the second century, Pentecost was observed as a Christian feast, second only to Easter. How have we as Baptists largely missed out on this significant occasion?
When God gave sacred days to his people in Leviticus 23, he already was aware of the double meaning for many of them. Passover foreshadowed the crucifixion of Christ, and the Feast of Weeks, the day following seven Sabbaths, was Pentecost, which for Christians became the day the Spirit descended upon the church.
Initially, the Hebrews celebrated the Feast of Weeks as the end of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest. Later, it was observed more as the conclusion of Passover, emphasizing the redemptive work of God rather than as a harvest celebration. In Numbers 28:26, the Feast of Weeks was a time for a holy convocation, on which they should do no laborious work.
In Acts 2, when Jews from the Diaspora gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the church. There was a sound of a mighty wind, and there appeared tongues of fire resting on them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them abilities. Peter preached the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus and called on listeners to repent. Three thousand believed and were baptized.
Pentecost symbolized the completion of the crucifixion/resurrection event and began the time of harvest for the nations. Some believers innocently pray for another Pentecost, yet that is not going to happen. Pentecost was a historical event, just like the resurrection. However, we should celebrate it just as we do Easter. Easter reminds us Jesus conquered sin and death. Pentecost is a reminder the Holy Spirit has come upon the church and empowers us to be Christ’s witnesses to the world.
Pentecost still has the potential to be truly Christian. So far, it is unspoiled by cards and Easter rabbits. There is no pressure for new clothes or a gift exchange; no trees to cut or assemble; and typically not even a pageant to prepare. It can be a day of holy convocation.
How can we celebrate Pentecost? We should emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit, who often is the most neglected member of the Trinity. What hymns, choruses and Scriptures highlight the ministry of the Spirit in the church?
We should recommit to the commission of the church to make disciples of all the nations. Acts 1:8 clarifies the role of the Holy Spirit empowering us to be Christ’s witnesses throughout the world.
Pentecost also is an opportunity to celebrate the multi-ethnicity of the gospel. Each Sunday throughout the world, praise is offered to Christ in hundreds of tongues. What a great occasion for different language congregations to worship together celebrating our oneness in Christ. Let’s recover the commemoration of this significant Christian event as we plan our church calendars.
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Randel Everett is executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas Executive Board.
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