We rejoice on this great day of the feast of firstfruits unto the LORD (Yahweh). It is indeed a time of thanksgiving and praise for the one who brought us out of darkness into his marvelous light. We know that the LORD (Yahweh) he is God (Elohim): it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. He has provided for all of our needs according to his riches and glory. We have counted the seven weeks from the Passover celebration to this great feast of weeks.
Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee; begin to number the seven weeks from such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn. Deuteronomy 16:9 KJV
The feast of weeks is one of the three pilgrimage festivals that all males are to appear before the LORD (Yahweh) with an offering according to the blessing each has received. They are commanded not to come before the LORD (Yahweh) empty, that is, they honor our God (Elohim) for his bountiful blessings. During the New Testament times, Jesus told his Disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they receive the promise. This promise was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh. Today's lesson encourages us to keep the feast and to rejoice before our LORD (Yahweh).
The feast of weeks from a historical perspective. — Leviticus 23:9-21, Numbers 28:26-31, Deuteronomy 16:9-12
The promise and the promise realized. — Joel 2:28-32, Acts 1:14, Acts 2:1-4, Romans 10:9-13
Called out of darkness into his marvelous light. — 1 Peter 2:9-10, Deuteronomy 4:20, Titus 2:14
Submit yourself therefore to him. — Isaiah 57:15, 66:2, Psalms 34:18
The festival days were given to the children of Israel as “perpetual covenant” to be observed during their seasons. These festivals were “pilgrimage” festivals that each involved a holy convocation in celebrating with our brothers and sisters. As Paul said to the Corinthian church in a letter, “therefore let us keep the feast.”