If we have been born of water (Immersion – John 3) – we must also be born of the Spirit (Acts 2) as Yeshua told Nicodemus in that passage. Today is the day where the Torah and the Spirit were given – The Torah to Moses after leaving literal Egypt – and the Spirit given to believers after leaving spiritual Egypt. Tongues of Fire were seen upon the heads of the 120 who were immersed in the Ruach Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) as they all made their boldness known in Jerusalem. Peter then preached his most infamous message – where thousands came as allegiant Believers in Yeshua/Jesus as Messiah – we also find something else that connects us to the prophets though – Isaiah spoke of this concerning this particular day as well in chapter 66.
Fire is significant to Shavuot/Pentecost – Israel is on fire today, (Hezbollah is landing rockets and literally burning agriculture across the northern part of Israel) – so is this significant? – I think so! – Could this display of Fire in the land of Israel be a sign connected to this day – that there will be an arising of His Spirit in the Land and throughout the nations of repentance and outpouring? Let’s examine a few examples of the Isaiah connection:
In Isaiah 66:15-16 – the Scripture says, “For look! Yahweh will come in fire, and his chariots like the storm wind, to give back his anger in wrath, and his rebuke in flames of fire. For Yahweh enters into judgment on all flesh with fire and his sword, and those slain by Yahweh shall be many…” – Acts 2:2-3 says, “A violent rushing wind came from heaven.… And divided tongues like fire appeared to them…”
Isaiah 66:18 says, “And I … am about to come to gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and see my glory…” Acts 2:5 says, “Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the crowd gathered and was in confusion, because each one was hearing them speaking in his own language…”
Isaiah 16:19 says, “I will set a sign among them. And I will send survivors from them to the nations: Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow; Tubal and Javan, the faraway coastlands that have not heard of my fame and have not seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations…” Acts 2:9-10 says, “Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya toward Cyrene…” referencing the same territories by their 2nd Temple names.
Isaiah was a prophet who emphasized the holiness of God – calling Israel to repentance many times. It is not a coincidence God speaks through him to describe this day in connection to the Acts 2 experience. It makes verified, from the prophets, that what happened on that day was a fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:31 – I will write the Torah/Law upon their hearts….
I encourage us all today – to seek the face of the Father…press into His presence and the Scriptures today. Pray for Believers in Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Now the war is emerging on two fronts, and this is a difficult task for them – Yerushalayim/Jerusalem is the most contested piece of real estate on the planet. Why? – Because the enemy of our souls has desired to steal the promise and treasure God has placed on the earth as His. While there are great stories of courage and victory – there is still a great deal happening. Shavuot is also a celebration of those in the People of God and those from the nations joining together in unity. The waving of the two loaves in an offering displays the unity of those from the nations with Israel before the Lord.
Let us all surround God’s Firstborn, and those after the Spirit in solidarity to see the Glory of God revealed in this time.
