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In the days following Jesus’ resurrection, His disciples were filled with anticipation and uncertainty. They had witnessed their beloved teacher and friend being crucified, buried and then miraculously rising from the dead, but what was to come next? Jesus instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for God to move with a promise they would receive power from the Holy Spirit.
Holy Anticipation
For 50 long days, they gathered faithfully in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength. Their Holy anticipation grew while they waited. Finally, on the 50th day, something extraordinary happened. As the disciples were gathered, they heard a loud wind rush in the upper room and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in new languages and proclaimed the wonders of God to anyone who would listen. In the streets of Jerusalem, they preached the Good News of Jesus Christ and performed miracles.
When the Holy Spirit was poured out, it was a symbolic beginning of the harvest of God’s first fruits — the first disciples. Millions more came after them. This event, known as Shavuot (also Pentecost and First Fruits), marked the birth of the Christian Church. The Church grew rapidly with new believers being added daily.
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