Pentecost and Heaven
Most Christians are reasonably familiar with the events surrounding the day of Pentecost. The faithful are united in one accord and the Holy Spirit manifests over them in the form of tongues of fire. Then the believers go forth speaking in many languages previously unknown to them. Yet, they are fluently understood by those present from the far reaches of the Roman Empire.
However, in addition to this, have you considered the important event that transpired in Heaven? John 7:37-39 indicates that the giving of the Holy Spirit is connected with the glorification of Jesus. But, what is this glorification that Christ is referring to? After the wonderful event occurs with the tongues of fire and speaking in many languages, Peter explains the reason for these manifestations. In Acts 2:33-35, he quotes from Psalm 110.
The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! Your people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power; in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth. The Lord has sworn and will not relent, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”
Psalm 110:1-4
In this passage of the Psalms, we find that Christ is invited to sit at the right hand of the Father, Satan’s host will be made His footstool and Christ will rule His church in the midst of an evil world. We find here that Christ has become a Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Christ becoming High Priest at this moment explains why He departed to Heaven over a week before Pentecost, see Acts 1:1-3 and Leviticus 23:15.
Christ ascended to Heaven with a cloud of angels, and then commenced a ceremony. Leviticus 8-9 shows us that the appointing of a High Priest takes 8 days. In this passage the role of Moses corresponds to the Father and Aaron to Christ. This scene culminates with the description given in Psalm 133.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing–life forevermore.
Psalm 133
Just as the Apostles were in one accord so it is pleasant for the brethren to dwell together in unity. The description of oil running down the head and beard of Aaron corresponds with the anointing of the Holy Spirit in Heaven and descending down upon the church on Pentecost with tongues of fire.
At this point as High Priest, Christ is our representative, Hebrews 8-9. This is why we see Revelation 1 introducing Christ as ministering before lampstands, similar to the menorah of the Holy Place in the Sanctuary. The Man and God who has experienced our pain, our sorrow and our joys, flesh and blood just as we are has commenced a very important work.
What work is this? Jesus in John 14:2-3 says, “In my father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” As Priest in Heaven, starting on Pentecost, Christ has gone to labor for our entry into Heaven, to intercede on our behalf.
