Sunday June 1, 2008 Shalom Brethren,
The third Scriptural new moon of the year is
expected to be easily visible for most areas if weather permits. The new
moon is expected to be very high above the horizon at 14deg 16min.
Therefore, take some time to look for this new moon at sunset Wednesday, June
4th. Please
submit your new moon reports online at New
Moon Report.
MoonCalc 6.0 - June 4th
Distant Suns - June 4th, Compass 292deg 52min
Feast of Weeks
This new moon
marks the beginning of the third month when we observe Pentecost, also called
the Feast of Weeks. The omer count is in the 42nd day with the setting of the
sun here in a few minutes. Historically, it is recorded that on the day before
the Passover the barley was selected and bound up. Then when the Passover
passes the grain was cut early in the morning. The omer count starts with the
first day of the wave sheaf (omer) offering.
The omer
offering is important because grain is not to be cut until the omer of barley is
offered to Yahweh. In other words, the harvest could not begin until this
offering was made. Like this offering, Yahshua gave his life for his brethren
as the first of the harvest. Although we do not make this offering today, the
blessing of the offering points to Yahshua's observance of Torah. Also, closely
tied to this observance through the giving of the law in the third month.
We see that
Yahshua's sacrifice for our transgression of the law was found acceptable by
Almighty Yahweh and Yahshua rose from the grave. Yahshua took on our sin and
death so that we might live to be an acceptable harvest in the future. Paul
speaks of this harvest and says that we will put on an imperishable body just as
Messiah Yahshua but reminds us that we have to change our life to be like
Messiah Yahshua.
In Acts 1 and
2 it is clearly written that Yahshua spent forty-days after the resurrection
with the disciples. Days before Pentecost Yahshua ascended to heaven to serve
as the Cohen Gadol, the High Priest. On the day of Pentecost, Yahweh enveloped
the disciples with the Qodesh Ruach. This is a special day for all brethren as
it represents a true spirit active in our lives.
In retrospect, the Feast of Unleavened Bread is preparation for Pentecost
because with the help of Yahweh we removed false
doctrine by being watchful that no leaven entered our bodies. Now at Pentecost
we look for an outpouring of truth to replace what was removed with knowledge
and wisdom. It is like when cleaning out the fridge, you may find food that has
expired and stinks. It takes some time for that smell to leave but it also
opens up space that can be replaced with all kinds of blessed things.
May Yahweh
bless you with what you need this Pentecost.
Prayer Requests
Ted and Brenda Skaggs - Ted is fighting colon
cancer. He has been in a lot of pain but our prayers are with him and
Brenda. Mark, Crystal, and Liana Voynow - Mark and Crystal just had their
baby daughter Liana. Liana was born pre-mature weighing only 2 pounds 12
ounces. The whole family needs prayer. May Yahweh strengthen Liana.
Yahweh bless,
James A. Meyer
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