Like Christ, we too are firstfruits, represented by the leavened loaves picturing our acceptance by the Father.

The harvest we have all longed for is almost here, but we have a little more time to labor. The return of Christ is soon, but it is not here quite yet.

The Jews of Christ's day were weary and discouraged because of the burdensome yoke their leaders placed on them through the tradition of the elders.

Christ empowers His disciples to preach and heal. He is saying there will be an incomplete work of healing and preaching in the run-up to His return.

The Pentecost offering of two loaves contains the idea of difference, while the New Testament Pentecost in Acts 2 shows differences being divinely overcome.

The late spring Feast of Pentecost shows the harvest of firstfruits, God's church. It is a continual reminder of our part in God's plan!

The offerings of the Old Testament are like divine parables, acted out to teach about the Messiah, unveiling a beautiful picture once we understand the symbols.

Most know little about the wavesheaf offering, even though it represents one of the most significant acts: the resurrection and ascension of Christ!

The leavening indicates that the wave loaves speak to this life rather than the resurrection. It is accepted by God only because of the other sacrifices.

The dominating significance of Pentecost is the celebration of Christ as the Firstfruit of God's spiritual harvest, providing a model for all those who follow Him.

How does one count to Pentecost when Passover is on a weekly Sabbath, making the Last Day of Unleavened Bread the only other available Sabbath to begin the count?

God can take satisfaction that He is doing the right thing, and thus His rejoicing can even come from painful judgments. Sacrificing and rejoicing are linked.

If we neglect our cultivation of spiritual fruit during the year, the harvest will reflect that. The fruit of one's labors will be evident at harvest time.

The temporary dwellings remind us that nothing earthly is permanent nor our true inheritance, and that our focus must be on what God is doing.

Both Tabernacles and Unleavened Bread keep us off balance so that we remain humble, seek stability, and trust in God's providence for our ultimate destiny.

We must have the patience to realize that God accomplishes His purpose for us in His time. God's timing is beautiful, taking place at the right time.