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This event is often referred to as the "Birth of the Church" as we know it today. Only fifty days from the Passover, counting the omer leads us into the latest moving and operation of God's eternal Kingdom.
In the Old Covenant the nation of Israel was delivered from Egypt on Passover day. Fifty days later they were at the base of Mt. Sinai where they accepted the God's covenant of protection and provision as His own special people. The Lord gave them instructions on how to live in this relationship. We call it "the Law", but it was a necessary provision for actually living in and maintaining this covenant relationship with God. The "Law" is a gift, and it always restores Israel no matter how many times they broke their agreement and covenant with God. The "law" was succesful as well. Jesus was the "end of the Law" (Romans 10:4),that is He was the end to which the law pointed, His appearance as a man was finally accomplished at His birth through Mary.
The crucifixion happened on the Day of Passover, the very day. The " Lamb of God" (John 1:29) was given and the "new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:20) was ratified and put into operation. This covenant is not only for the nation of Israel, but it is for the whole world. Who-so-ever may enter into his Kingdom.
Jesus promised that he would not leave us comfortless, He promised to give us the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17, 16:13). The fullness of this gift came exactly 50 days after the crucifixion. Counting the Omer keeps our focus on the provision of God. As the "law" was our "schoolmaster" (Galatians 3:24,25), the Spirit teaches us in all truth (John 16:13). He convicts of sin and he reproves us of error. The Spirit of God given here is the fulfillment of the promise that God will write His laws on our hearts (Ezekiel 36). The presence of His very own Spirit within our hearts is the dynamic and authorative power that performs this operation of salvation.
Counting the Omer reminds us that God has a plan, He is in charge and He knows the end from the beginning. So often we get discouraged by difficulties, tragedies, sin, complacency, and so on, but when we count, we are reminded that the Lord is with us. His promises are good, His mercies do not fail, and our hope in Him is well founded.
During this season, we can say "Today is day # ___ of counting the Omer. Jesus has been raised from the dead, and so shall we."
There is Grace coming for you that you have never experienced before. It is a sure thing. IT is not “Well, maybe someday”, or maybe this or maybe that... He has set this time, namely Pentecost, where He WILL POUR OUT, He will give new, all that is needed to get us to the next level of Holiness and Glory. COUNT THE DAYS! EXPECT! ANTICIPATE! His plans are sure, and your faith is sound.
Counting the Omer is not hard, it is easy. It keeps us alert, and confident is the provision of God for our future success. You can COUNT ON IT !!
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