Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Shavu’ot – Remembering the Giving of Torah
We begin at the second day of Passover (2009: April 8 through16). Each succeeding day is counted, up to the day before Shavu’ot = 49 days or 7 full weeks. This time period is known as the Counting of the Omer (a unit of measure). When the Temple was in use, an offering of barley (the omer) was made on the second day of Passover. To remind Jews of the link between Pesach and Shavu’ot, a blessing is recited each night of the 7 weeks because Jews believe the gaining of freedom from Egypt was not complete until they received their Torah from God through Moses on Mt. Sinai. That meant they were redeemed physically and spiritually from bondage. (See http://www.jewfaq.org for more information on Jewish holidays, etc.)
Why is this information useful to Mormons? It is a reminder of WhitSunday, the gathering of thousands in Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost . On that day “Jews and converts, Cretans and Arabs”, were suddenly filled with the Holy Ghost. It descended upon them “like a strong driving wind”. Thousands spoke in tongues. Then Peter quoted Joel’s prophesy regarding the “last days”, when those who had crucified the Lord would know he was raised up and became their Redeemer. (Joel 2:28-32) Jo-el (Yo-el) = Yaweh is God.
Peter then commands them all to repent and be baptized: “The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and splendid day of the Lord, and it shall be that everyone shall be saved who calls on the name of the Lord.’” (Acts 2:17-21)
Several thousand Jews repented on that day and did receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Let that be a reminder to the house of Joseph – Judah of today awaits your fellowship and inspiration. The Holy Ghost will assist you in bringing saving ordinances to a seeking people.
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