Messianic Viewpoint

Chag Shavuot Sameach – Happy Shavuot (Pentecost)! This evening, Sunday May 16th, at sundown, begins the Feast of Shavuot where Jewish tradition has it that the law of Moses was given to Israel on Mt. Sinai. For the believer in Yeshua, we celebrate the fulfillment of those laws through the Messiah’s atonement, death and resurrection. As a result, we continue to be obedient to the Word of God, recognizing on the one hand the intrinsic value of the Mosaic Law, and on the other the fuller revelation of God’s plans and directives as seen through the Brit Chadasha (new covenant). One command that is fundamental to both covenants is our responsibility to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, in and out of wartime seasons. There are blessings related to praying for Israel (Genesis 12:3, Psalm 122:6, Matthew 25: 31-40) and we should not forget how Abimelech’s household was blessed because of his righteous response to the truth concerning Sarah’s being taken into his harem (Genesis chapter 20). In addition, Genesis 26 relates how Phicol and Abimelech recognized their responsibility in avoiding any harm to Isaac or Rebekah, in order to safeguard their own wellbeing.At this time of Shavuot, let us rely on and stand strong in God’s sovereign plan and purposes. Let us continue to be obedient to the Lord’s commands as we work out our salvation and sanctification feast by feast and day by day.