Shavuot: Waiting to Give

Shavuot: Waiting to Give

Shavuot: Waiting to Give

Watching and waiting. Two of the hardest things for anyone to do. As beings of action and creation, our instinct is to keep moving. Whether its out of necessity or desire for something more, we are hardwired to keep going. And going. And going. But our Creator engineered existence with Him in such a way that there are purposeful pauses – times of reflection and refreshing. As you may know, we have Shabbat each week. Shabbat is a sustained, repeated time of rest so that we can understand the rhythm of our lives in communion with the God of Abraham. On top of that, we have the Spring and Fall Feasts – special appointed times to demarcate our relationship with Him and rededicate ourselves to His service.

 

One such time is the Spring Feast of Shavuot: the Feast of Weeks. It’s a time to recognize the provision that God supplies us, especially in the wake of His deliverance and redemption during Passover. But before this special feast day happens, there are 49 days of waiting and watching. Seven weeks of anticipation for an encounter with El Shaddai. The Children of Israel waited at the foot of Mount Sinai for these days after the first Pesach, wondering what their new-found freedom would bring. They waited for Moses to return from communing with ADONAI, their eyes darting throughout each day to the thunderous cloud that had settled on the mountain as they questioned whether their leader would ever be seen again. Then one day, in the midst of their waiting, it got to be too much. They needed something. Some action, some movement, some thing to direct their attentions towards. The next thing we know, the golden calf is made and the Children of Israel experience the price of their sin against Adonai. Moses intercedes for the Children of Israel, a people freshly pulled from slavery, and because of Moses’ petition Adonai gives His people another chance. Moses descends the mountain with commandments for a second time, giving them rules to play by in order to have communion with ADONAI. And in that moment, God’s grace was poured out on His people.  

 

Shavuot celebrates that grace.

 

We bring the first fruits of our harvests in order to say thank you for His provision. And it’s not just physical provision, but spiritual as well! In giving us clear and explicit instructions, ADONAI gave us the tools we needed to approach His Presence. After all, since He is holy, nothing unholy can be near Him. Therefore, having a way to present ourselves as holy before Him is a tremendous gift!But then, after our final atoning sacrifice was made through Yeshua (Jesus), Yeshua’s holiness became our own! Suddenly, we were able to approach the Creator without extended ceremony – just belief that Yeshua is the Messiah and that His death and resurrection had freed us from sin and death, granting us eternal life with ADONAI. How amazing is that?

 

So, when Shavuot was approaching and Yeshua had risen from the dead, as the first fruits of the resurrected He ascended into heaven as a vanguard for us. And in His place, we received the Holy Spirit so that the commandments written on stone thousands of years before would be written on our hearts. We call this event Pentecost and millions of believers celebrate it every year, not knowing that it is the of the fulfillment of Shavuot.

 

So, as we begin Shavuot this year, try to remember that at the end of watching and waiting comes something to celebrate! What would God have you celebrate this year?

 

Scripture tells us that no one should appear before the ADONAI empty handed, but to bring something to offer in gratitude. Some years I’ve offered up a special amount of money, others I’ve given poetry and songs that I’d written. I’ve seen others bring the first little bit of produce from their gardens. Some brought handknit blankets and scarves to say thank you for the skills they had been given by God. And of course, some years there is nothing to give but tears of gratitude. In fact, there have been years where I had nothing to give but myself. And you know what friend? That was more than enough.

 

So rejoice! Taste and see that ADONAI is good! Because He really, really is.

Comments

  • Thank you for this lovely message . I did not know this . I’m grateful that you have share this beautiful message! What a blessing! God bless you 🫶🏻

    Susana on

  • We, as Gentiles, have been on a 21 day fast for God’s purposes for Israel. I can say it has been the most wonderful time of my life as my eyes and heart have been opened to God’s love, covenants, compassion, care and protection for His people. This article on Shavout is simply amazing and teaching me so much about your feasts and their meaning!!

    Ivette Chapman on

  • Beautiful explanation! Thank you

    BBP on

  • Thank you for this write up, I am blessed by it.

    Moses on

  • Thank you Mandie for that! I have been in a tough position financially and healthwise, but I have grown a lot spiritually in these past years. I felt that I didn’t have anything really to give this year, but I am glad you said we can give ourselves and a give a grateful heart. Glory be to God for His goodness!

    Edward Prah on

  • Thank you for this beautiful reminder. For those of us only adopted into the Marvelous Jewish family and traditions it can be hard to keep up with the miraculous traditions. One big reason I subscribe.

    These traditions and opportunities for beautiful reverence mean a lot to me💜

    Hillary on

  • Enjoyed very much explanation of feasts and spirituality envolved. Made sense. And is there a group near my residence in Webb City Mo that I could fellowship with?

    Gloria Meadows on

  • We are in the book of Acts right now so each of these feasts and celebrations are falling in place. Is’nt that just like our God. Please continue to share what He has given you. It does not fall on deaf ears.

    Barbra O'Donnell on

  • Mandi—that was a lovely explanation of the feast of Shavuot! Thanks for bringing that to share with a sister who was wondering about the meaning of the original Shavuot.

    Donna on

  • Such a great explanation of what Shavuot is all about! Thanks, Mandie! 💖

    Layne on

  • I’m a new convert and still learning.
    Thank You 🙏

    Bryan Leslie Standing Bear Gomez on

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