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(1.) "FIFTY DAYS"
WERE PLANNED:
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Fifty days after the Passover, when Jesus was crucified and resurrected,
there was a day of Pentecost when Disciples received the Gift of the Holy Ghost
(the Higher Law). It is also a holy day for the Jews called Shavuot. The most
significant part of the celebration is commemorating receiving of the Torah, the
Law of Moses (the Lesser Law).
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(2.) THE COMFORTER COMES
DOWN AS THE SAVIOR GOES UP:
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The imagery of receiving the Torah from above on Shavuot (Jewish Pentecost),
leads to understanding the New Testament day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost
descended. The Holy Ghost descended so that the Savior could ascend. Likewise,
we must have the Holy Ghost descend on us so that we can ascend to our Savior,
who will bring us to His and our Father in Heaven.
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(3.) POWER GIVEN TO THE
APOSTLES – AN ANCIENT PATTERN:
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The Savior’s power, entrusted to his apostles came through the priesthood and
gift of the Holy Ghost. A comparison could be, "Aaron was clearly given a
lesser role than Moses. Aaron experienced revelations from God and, being an
eloquent speaker, acted as prophet and miracle- worker before Pharaoh in the
matter of the Plagues of Egypt. However, it is significant that even where he
plays an active role in performing the miracles, it is not a result of his own
ability or initiative, but solely by divine command given through Moses."
(Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(4.) CONCENTRATION AND
CONSECRATION:
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Following the example of Aaron who attributed his work to divine command, we
should direct our concentration on the highest power, that of the Lord. That
helps us consecrate everything to and for Him. In turn he provides us with
healings, blessings, repeated guidances through the gift of the Holy Ghost.
These are manifestations, witnesses of the Lord’s great gift of atonement. Our
living reflects Him . . . we are witnesses!
