The journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai is a test of the heart to reveal the true character of Man.

As we are approaching the Feast of Pentecost, we are again reminded of the ten godly tests the Israelites went through in the wilderness. The same tests were applicable to the disciples of Jesus in Acts 1 at Mount Zion (Jerusalem).

To get the people of God out of Egypt was easy, but to get Egypt out of the people of God was difficult. They had been in Egypt for a long period of time, and had adopted the Egyptian ways and customs as their lifestyles. The wilderness journey was to help them to let go of their Egyptian ways and to know the ways of God. Similarly, we are now in the COVID-19 lockdown period. It is a good time to search our hearts, and to remove false gods, false prophets and false teachings out of our own life.

Between Passover and Pentecost was 50 days. Jesus' disciples and followers were asked to tarry "not many days from now" (Acts 1:5). But could they wait patiently for the promise of the Holy Spirit? More than five hundred saw the resurrected Lord (1 Corinthians 15:6) but only 120 received the Promise in the Upper Room (Acts 1:15). More than 380 (76%) opted out!

What is the true meaning of "tarry" in Luke 24:49? It is more than just waiting. It also means "sitting down":

• to be taught
• to teach
• to judge
• to have an intimate relationship with the Father
• to rule
• to count the cost
• to worship
• to pray with others

Patience is needed. Trust and obey for there is no other way to receive the Holy Spirit.

We are now in the midst of the ten days' period of waiting between the Ascension of Jesus Christ and the Descension of the Holy Spirit.

I have enclosed the ten tests for your own assessment.

The Ten Tests Of Pentecost
(To the tune of The 12 Days of Christmas)

On the first test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
Get out of Egypt, get out of Egypt
You can be free
No more bondage, no more slavery
No more sin but liberty

On the second test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
No more bitterness, no more bitterness
Sweet as you can be
Disappointment or discouragement
Will turn into His strength indeed

On the third test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
No more hunger, no more hunger
Manna will flow
Trust in Me, O trust in Me
Pick them up every morning

On the fourth test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
No more thirsty, no more thirsty
Come drink with Me
Living waters out of your belly
And life abundantly

On the fifth test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
No more idols, no more idols
Worship only Me
Put all of your hope in Me alone
And no more idol-worshipping

On the sixth test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
No more complaining, no more murmuring
Rejoicing in the Lord
Lai, lai, lai, lai, lai, lai….
Sing your praises to the Lord

On the seventh test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
Be ye thankful, be ye thankful
Giving thanks to Him
For yourself and your family
And all the nations of the world

On the eighth test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
No more gluttony, no more gluttony
Just one dish
Manna and water, water and manna
The way to stay healthy

On the ninth test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
Follow your leaders, follow your leaders
If they follow Me
Right or left, left or right
But the Lord will be well-pleased

On the tenth test of Pentecost the Lord spoke to me
No more unbelief, no more unbelief
Have faith in Me
Signs and wonders and miracles may cease
But My promises will surely come true

Remember to tarry. He that overcomes will receive the Promise of the Father.