At Curt Landry Ministries we are preparing to celebrate Shavuot. This is a special time where we celebrate the gift of the Torah (or instruction).
“The Torah was given by G-d to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai more than 3300 years ago. Every year on the holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G-d’s gift, and G-d “re-gives” the Torah.
“The word Shavuot means ‘weeks.’ It marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot.
“The giving of the Torah was a far-reaching spiritual event—one that touched the essence of the Jewish soul for all times. Our sages have compared it to a wedding between G-d and the Jewish people. Shavuot also means ‘oaths,’ for on this day G-d swore eternal devotion to us, and we in turn pledged everlasting loyalty to Him.
In ancient times, two wheat loaves would be offered in Holy Temple.”[i]
Historically, Shavuot was a holiday celebrating abundance during the grain harvest.This festival, in ancient times, centered around the agrarian culture of the Jewish people living in Israel. During this time the people also brought their first fruits of the seven species (Wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates) as an offering to the temple in Jerusalem. This was an act of thanksgiving for all that the Lord had provided for them throughout the year. In modern times, this feast is celebrated with traditional foods that are centered around dairy products and honey. Milk symbolizes the nutrients we all receive when meditating on the Word of God, and honey represents the sweetness of a good God.
While Passover is celebrated in remembrance of the day the Hebrews escaped from Egyptian slavery; Shavuot is considered the day that God made them into their own nation.[ii]
Although the term Shavuot is not mentioned in the Bible, the giving of the Torah is spoken about starting in Exodus 19.
“In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain.
“And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.’
“So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. Then all the people answered together and said, ‘All that the Lord has spoken we will do.’ So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.’
So Moses told the words of the people to the Lord.”—Exodus 19:1-9
Shavuot is often celebrated by reading the book of Ruth. Not only is this story centered around the harvest season, but it is 
a love story that symbolically represents our marriage covenant with God. During this time, Believers take a moment to examine their hearts in search of any areas where they have not lived up to their covenant relationship with the Lord.
As we prepare to enter this season of self-reflection and celebration we encourage you to seek the Father’s heart. Trust Him to expose any areas of fear that have kept you from developing a closer, more intimate relationship with the Lord. He is always faithful, and the Holy Spirit is a gentleman, never violating your trust with expectations you are not able to make in the stage that you are currently in.
[i] http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/609663/jewish/What-Is-Shavuot.htm
[ii] https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2011/06/shavuot-the-giving-of-the-torah/
