Levitcus 23:15-17 And ye shall count unto you from the
morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of
the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the
morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye
shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. Ye shall bring out of
your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine
flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto
the LORD.
In the Tenach (Old Testament), the Lord commanded Israel
to count the Omer (the Barley Harvest) beginning the day after the sabbath
during Passover, 50 days to the Biblical Festival of Shavuot
(Pentecost).
A remarkable fact is that for nearly 2000 years the Jewish people
had no homeland, and no harvest to count – yet they continued to
count the Omer, counting a harvest that did not exist. Then, about 130
years ago a historical miracle began as the Lord drew the Jewish
people back to their ancient homeland, the land of Israel. The land
was revived from dusty desert, and the barley harvest was
restored, (as well a multitude of other crops), so that now, the Omer
is counted as it was in ancient times, with an actual harvest!
Now, if the Jews in diaspora (dispersion) could count the days of a
non-existent harvest, in expectation of a divine blessing which they
earnestly hoped for, then they set an excellent example for us who
trust in the Messiah they gave to the world. Since faith is the
conviction of things NOT seen, we, also, can begin to give thanks for
blessings we're praying for, but have yet to receive. Our unsaved
loved-one, chronic illness, broken relationship, financial
disaster, loss of vision.....all these are trials which are testing
and maturing our faith.
We can rejoice in them, even as we give thanks in the expectation
of victory, restoration, and a harvest of righteousness which is on the
way. And may these come to many of us by Shavuot, this year (May
27th).
T
hank the Lord for the blessings you're
about to receive -- they're on the way! (George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah)
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