It was on May 14, 1948, that the modern State of Israel was birthed after the British Mandate over Palestine came to an end. President Harry Truman announced recognition of this new State. Leaders of other countries would follow his lead. Shortly after the proclamation of the Jewish State an attack of Moslem armies from the south, east and north came and tested the ability of the fledgling State to protect herself. It was the first of many battles that would be fought by the Jewish State. That is one of the reasons why there was such a celebration over the 70th anniversary of Israel that took place on May 14, 2018.
The number 70 is significant in Israel's history. Some of its meanings include a time prior to increase, breaking off the last season and restoration. You may recall that the Israelites had to serve the king of Babylon for 70 years. Jeremiah had prophesied: "'When 70 years are completed for Babylon I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:10-11) Israel has completed 70 years as a state. They have been blessed with prosperity and protection by the Lord because of the covenant He made with Abraham. God always keeps His promises!
Seventy years of statehood for Israel was not the only event celebrated last week. The United States Embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This move was an agreement with Israel and a declaration that Jerusalem is their capital. After 70 years, President Trump made it happen. These momentous events occurred during the 50 days from Passover to Shavuot (to the Jewish people) or Pentecost (to the Church). Isn't it significant that this week of celebration is being capped off by Shavuot or Pentecost? It is also significant that the Church's Greek calendar coincides with the Jews' Hebrew calendar. Rarely do these two celebrations (one from the Old Covenant and one from the New) occur on the same day.
When we look at history, three significant events took place on the same day in different years. The wheat crop of the Israelites would have been mature 50 days after Passover, so they were required to come to the temple with two baked loaves of bread made from the harvested wheat. The loaves were to be presented to the Lord as a firstfruits offering of thanksgiving. (Leviticus 23:15-17) According to Jewish belief, the feast of Shavuot was also the anniversary of the day that the Israelites arrived in Sinai and Moses received the Word of God or Torah. (If one cuts a loaf of bread in half, would the front of the pieces not look like the tablets upon which God wrote the Ten Commandments?) This special day of feasting, when the Jews would have been gathered in Jerusalem, was the day that God chose to pour out His Holy Spirit on those who gathered in an upper room and waited upon Him. Believers call this day Pentecost for 50.
Historically, when significant events occurred in Israel, significant moves of God occurred in the Church. Could it be that the Church is in store for a mighty move of God? The Lord desires relationship with us. The prophet Hosea's message is as powerful today as it was in the day of the Israelites. "Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge Him. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." (Hosea 6:3)
Today the Church is celebrating Pentecost. We have had a solid week of spring rain here in Bucks County, PA. Is the Lord ready to do in the Spirit realm what He has done in the physical realm? We are surrounded by lush, green plants--the result of all the rains. The Psalmist talks about the productive trees that are planted by streams of water. (Psalm 1:3) Like the trees planted by streams of water, let us plant ourselves in a place where we can receive God's spiritual rains. It is time to move into a season of fruitfulness. After 70 years, Israel is moving into a new season. Let us cry out to God for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit and a new season for His Church.
Joan E. Mathias