Shavuot | An Upper Room Experience Part 1
Acts 1 recounts the preparation and instruction for the first upper room experience. Jesus commands the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Promise (Acts 1:4).
When Jesus said, “to wait,” He meant…
- There was something coming worth waiting for
- There was a promise of something to come
- There would be something for them to receive
- There would be testing in the waiting
“…He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’” —Acts 1:4-5 (emphasis added)
The disciples obeyed. They waited. In fact, many waited; about 120 people met in an upper room and “with one accord” prayed, positioning themselves to receive the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit would equip them to fulfill their Kingdom purposes.
- “Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” —Acts 1:12-14 (emphasis added)
An upper room experience is the giving of divine instruction through the Holy Spirit. The glorious events recorded in Acts 2 mirror the earth-shaking events of Shavuot spoken about in Exodus 19 (see below).
The Upper Room and the Connection to Shavuot
What is Shavuot?
Shavuot literally means weeks. Therefore, it is also referred to as the Festival of Weeks. It is named for the 50th day after the ending of the 7-week period of the Counting of the Omer that occurs between Passover and Shavuot.
Shavuot is recognized as the day the Lord released divine knowledge to Israel through the Law or Torah. The word Torah means instruction and direction. The giving of the Torah is spoken about in Exodus 19.
- “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.’” —Exodus 19:10-11 (emphasis added)
Though this event in Exodus wasn’t exactly the upper room experience described in Acts, it could be described as “an upper-mountain experience.”
The story in Exodus describes the events that happened at Mount Sinai. Here’s what Israel’s “upper room experience” was like.
- “Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire…” —Exodus 19:16-18 (emphasis added)
Key Takeaway…
Shavuot is the day that the Lord made Israel a nation, giving them divine instruction through the Law or Torah. Shavuot was an upper-mountain experience, similar to an upper room experience described in Acts.
The events in Acts 2 happened during the Feast of Shavuot; God sent His Promised Helper to enable us to carry out His holy instruction through His power. The timing of this reveals more of the Father’s heart for relationship and His intentionality in His times and seasons.
The Upper Room and the Connection to Pentecost
Where does the name Pentecost come from? And didn’t the upper room experience happen during Pentecost?
Yes! The events in the upper room experience did occur at Pentecost. Pentecost is named after the Greek word pentekoste, meaning fiftieth. It was the ancient Greek term for Shavuot—fifty days from Passover.
While Passover is celebrated in remembrance of the day the Israelites escaped from Egyptian slavery, Shavuot is considered the day God made them into their nation at Mount Sinai, giving them His divine instruction—the Ten Commandments.
Pentecost is an event known by Believers as the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the seventh Sunday, or 50 days after Resurrection Sunday. The Holy Spirit filled those in the upper room with divine instruction.
- “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” —Acts 2:1-4 (emphasis added)
Key Takeaway…
The Acts 2 upper room experience happened during Pentecost and Shavuot. Pentecost is specifically a celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit, while Shavout commemorates Israel receiving divine instruction at Sinai.
From a Messianic perspective, we see how the two fit together perfectly—God sends His people divine instruction and empowers them with the Holy Spirit to carry it out!
What Is an Upper Room Experience?
An upper room experience can be referred to as a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. Because Shavuot is one of the three pilgrimage feasts on God’s divine calendar, we know it is a supernaturally appointed time. He does not want us to miss out on the outpouring of His love, truth, revelation, and power.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit can happen anytime in a Believer’s life. However, there are moments when the Holy Spirit’s power is greatly manifested to empower the Body of Messiah. These moments are likened to an upper room experience.
God wants to fill and empower His people individually and corporately. In this way, His glory is revealed to every nation and on every mountain.
Key Takeaway…
An upper room experience is a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, pouring out love, truth, revelation, and power. The purpose of this outpouring is to empower individuals and the Church to move into their Kingdom calling in the next season.
Should Believers Seek This Experience?
Yes! An upper room experience is intended to fill and empower you with the Holy Spirit for your purpose and destiny!
Let’s look at Peter’s experience…
For several years, Peter walked with Jesus, learning, watching, and observing. He witnessed great miracles, which directly blessed him. He was encouraged and declared Jesus the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Yet Peter did not fully understand the power that was to come.
In Matthew 26, we see how Peter had the best intentions, but was soon to realize there is no way to follow in the footsteps of Jesus apart from the Holy Spirit.
- The Lord said to Peter, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” –Matthew 26:34-35 (emphasis added)
Then we see Jesus’ words come to pass…
- “Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, ‘You also were with Jesus of Galilee.’” —Matthew 26:69
Peter’s first denial.
- “And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, ‘This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.’” —Matthew 26:71
Peter’s second denial.
- “And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, ‘Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.’” —Matthew 26:73
Peter’s third denial.
The rooster crowed… He left and wept. He then knew he did not have the power and authority it would take to do what he was called to do.
The Takeaway…
Peter’s experience could be our experience. We can follow Jesus. However, when the pressure comes, we won’t be able to push through unless we are walking in the Spirit. Seeking an upper room experience, ultimately the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, is the only way we will be empowered to step into our divine purpose.
Meditate on 3 Truths as You Prepare for Shavuot
- God is able to exceed your expectations.
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” —Ephesians 3:20-21
- The Holy Spirit is generous.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” —Luke 11:13
- Be immersed by the Spirit.
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” —Matthew 3:11
If you are ready to receive more than you ask, think, or imagine, invite the Holy Spirit into your daily life—expect an upper-room experience.
Get ready for the new thing God is doing under an open heaven. It’s time to receive power from on high and partner with Jesus as He draws the remnant of nations to see and behold His glory.