The "First" Pentecost

When the children of Israel left Egypt for the promised land, God made them first meet him at Mt. Sinai. This was 50 days after Passover and as such really the first “Pentecost” as the Holy Spirit descended in fire and power on that mountain. The people of God trembled for fear on that day.

1500+ years later, on another and greater Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended again in fire and power, and the people of God trembled for Joy! Why did God first show them the terror of Sinai on their way to Canaan? For this reason: there is no coming to the Joy of the Promised Land without first trembling before the Law. In other words, there is no man who will come to the greater Pentecost and the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, without first meeting the terror of Divine Justice, admitting the claims of the 10 Commandments on him, and then admitting that he can never keep them.

If you would pass the fear of the mountain, you have to first admit the justice of the mountain. If you would have the Spirit and Forgiveness of Jesus, you must first tremble before him as the Law Giver.