At twilight today, Tuesday, April 25th, a new day begins, the 18th day of "counting the Omer". Today marks two weeks and four days of counting.
Why are we counting days and what's an "omer" anyway?
An OMER is the amount of daily manna gathered during Israel's desert wanderings (Exodus 16:18) and the amount of grain (barley) offered on the annual day of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:10). This ancient measurement (roughly a half gallon) became the name of the days leading to Pentecost.
Directions said to start counting on the day of Firstfruits [(the day Yeshua rose from the grave (Leviticus 23:9-14; 1 Corinthians 15:20)], and continue for seven weeks. For us, like the earliest Christians, the anticipation builds!
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, for calling us to anticipation. On the eighteenth day (two weeks and four days) of counting the Omer, we bless You. Thank you for continuing to walk by our side through all seven weeks of the countdown to Pentecost! Amen.