Not Just Living By the Book

One reason I know the Bible is divinely written is because of something fantastic that occurs every Spring.

It’s then that Jews and Christians celebrate Pentecost—but for different reasons. Though they differ, the similarities surrounding the two Pentecosts are fascinating.

Pentecost means fiftieth day in Greek.

For the Jew, Pentecost is a commemoration of God giving the Mosaic Law on Mount Sinai, exactly 50 days after the blood of a perfect lamb helped them escape bondage in Egypt.

For Christians, Pentecost is a celebration of God giving the Holy Spirit in an upper room in Jerusalem, also exactly 50 days after Passover when they too were set free from slavery by the blood of a perfect Lamb—Jesus Christ.

When the Law was given, God manifested with roaring thunder and smoke. When the Spirit was given, God manifested through a roaring “rushing wind” and tongues of fire.”

On the day the Law was given, 3000 people died for worshipping a golden calf. (Exodus 32:28) On the day the Spirit was given, 3000 people repented and experienced new life.(Acts 2:41)

Jews celebrate the day when God gave us the ten Commandments—but Yahweh knew from the start that the Law was powerless to make us right with Him.

Like a mirror, the Law can only reveal that our faces are dirty with sin—but it can’t clean us. We need the blood of Christ and the cleansing streams of the Holy Spirit’s living water.

I cherish the Bible. Thankfully, God gave us more than a sacred book to read—He gave us Himself through the person of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit I can’t understand the things in the book. It’s all a mystery. The Spirit is the decoder!

I’m not just living by the book. I have the Author of the book living inside me, explaining the mysteries it contains.

Oh, what a wonderful gift we’ve been given!

Thank You Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

I can’t live without Him!

“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭

“the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints… Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬ ‭