From the hills of Jerusalem, where the golden light touches the ancient stones of the Mount of Olives, we are reminded that the Word of God is not distant history. It is living, breathing, and unfolding before our eyes. This season, as believers around the world celebrate Pentecost and here in Israel prepare to celebrate Shavuot—the Feast of Weeks—we are once again invited into the beauty of God’s faithfulness and the wonder of His presence.
Shavuot is one of the biblical feasts appointed by God in Scripture. In ancient Israel, it was a joyful harvest celebration, a time when the first fruits were brought before the Lord with thanksgiving and rejoicing. Families would journey up to Jerusalem to worship, to give freely unto God, and to remember His goodness. But Shavuot was never only about harvest or tradition. It was always pointing toward something greater. It was pointing toward an encounter. At Mount Sinai, during Shavuot, God gave His people the Torah. Centuries later, during the same biblical feast, the Holy Spirit was poured out in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 2. What began with fire upon a mountain was fulfilled with fire resting upon God’s people. The Lord was no longer writing only on tablets of stone, but upon human hearts.
And that truth still speaks powerfully to us today.
Pentecost is not simply a date on the Christian calendar. It is a reminder that God desires nearness with His people. It is the declaration that His Spirit is still moving, still comforting, still empowering, and still drawing hearts back to Him. In a world filled with uncertainty, division, fear, and noise, Pentecost reminds us that heaven has not gone silent. God still speaks. God still restores. God still pours out His Spirit upon hungry hearts.
Standing on the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, we cannot help but remember the words of Jesus as He wept over this city. He loved Jerusalem deeply. He prayed over her. He taught His disciples here. And from this very place, He spoke of His return. The Bible tells us that one day the Jewish people will say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” Today, as Jewish followers of Jesus here in the land of Israel, we join believers around the world in praying those same words together: Baruch Haba B’Shem Adonai—Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. What a beautiful picture of redemption: people from every nation, language, and background united through the Spirit of God and connected to the promises of Scripture.
For many believers in America, Pentecost can sometimes feel like a distant Bible story, something remembered rather than experienced. But dear friends, this feast is part of your story too. The same Holy Spirit that filled the upper room in Jerusalem is the same Spirit who strengthens weary hearts today. The same God who fulfilled His promises then is still fulfilling them now. And the same joy that filled the disciples can still fill our homes, churches, and families today.
Shavuot is also a celebration of harvest, and perhaps now more than ever, we need to remember that God is still bringing a harvest from tears, prayers, perseverance, and faithfulness. Even in difficult seasons. Even when the world feels unstable. Even when we walk through valleys of uncertainty. The Lord is still at work behind the scenes, awakening hearts, restoring lives, and drawing people to Himself. That is why this feast is filled with joy—not because life is perfect, but because God is faithful. Not because the world is at peace, but because the Prince of Peace reigns. Not because we understand the whole picture, but because we trust the One who does.
As we celebrate Shavuot here in Israel, we want you to know that you are part of this story. When you pray for Jerusalem, when you stand with Israel, when you worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you are connecting yourself to the unfolding promises of Scripture. The story of Jerusalem is part of your story, too.
And from Jerusalem, we bless you. May this Pentecost season fill your heart with renewed joy. May the Holy Spirit refresh your soul and awaken fresh passion for God’s presence. May your home be filled with peace, your family strengthened with hope, and your faith anchored once again in the unchanging promises of the Lord. The same God who moved in Jerusalem thousands of years ago is still moving today, and He is still calling His people closer.
Blessings,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
