Use Banners this Pentecost!

Posted May 2021 by Tinah Marie – USA

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” And thus, began the origin of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-5 NIV)

What is Pentecost?

Pentecost is the day on which the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples causing them to speak in languages that they did not know. Originating from ‘pentekoste’, the Greek word for fiftieth, it marks fifty days after Passover, which varies from year to year. That means, as the date of Passover fluctuates, so does the date of Pentecost.

This year it will fall on May 23. In the Jewish calendar it is also referred to as the Feast of Weeks.

Its Beauty

“Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?” (Acts 2:5-8 NIV )

Today, the meanings of Pentecost are deep and rich, but they can be summarized as:

1. The release of the Holy Spirit on the anniversary of the giving of Torah on Mount Sinai. God’s written covenant with Israel connected to the Holy Spirit being available to all believers; that we could have God’s Law in our hearts and minds.
2. The good news is for “every nation under heaven,” (Acts 2:17,18) for both men and women.
3. We need everyone to accomplish the task – not just a select few. Pentecost was the first corporate in-filling of Holy Spirit of the disciples (Acts chapter 2:1- 4). Up until this time Holy Spirit descended on particular people for particular purposes or time. What an incredible gift we can all receive since Pentecost!

Just as the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus “like a dove” before his full-on ministry began, so the Holy Spirit descended on his disciples “like tongues of fire” in preparation for their ministry.

Raising Our Banners

For me, there’s a correlation between Pentecost, speaking languages we do not know and wielding banners. Though we may all speak in different languages around the banner community, when we raise our banners, we communicate in a spiritual language that can be understood across cultures.

Think about the times you’ve waved your banner, whether at a church gathering, on the street or atop a mountain. With each wave, it shifted the atmosphere releasing peace, blessings, even the freedom of breakthrough – whatever the Lord assigned you to release.

Its impact may be captured by onlooker’s smiles, tears or an acknowledging nod of the head. And for a time, it creates a portal that allows hearts to connect with the Holy Spirit.

This Pentecost Sunday, lift your banners and have that special conversation with God that wielding banners creates.

Posted May 2021 by Tinah Marie – USA