Today in History

Today, Sunday, June 4th is the Day of Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks. For Jews, the observance is known as Shavuot. Here's an excellent link which compares the first Pentecost in the Old Testament with the first Pentecost after the death and resurrection of Christ. The parallels and contrasts are pretty interesting:

FIRST PENTECOST
The Commandments were given at Mt. Sinai
It was fifty days from the crossing of the Red Sea
Laws of God written in Stone (10 Commandments)
Three thousand slain for rebelling against God
Involved a physical covenant...the letter of the law

PENTECOST AFTER CHRIST
The Holy Spirit was given
It was fifty days from the resurrection of Christ
Laws of God written in our Hearts and Minds
Three thousand receive the Holy Spirit
Involved a spiritual covenant...the spirit of the law