In 2021 following the Aristocratic Majority view on when to start counting, we began Counting the Omer on Nisan 22, the day of Resheit or Firstfruits and also Resurrection Sunday (Easter.) On the Gregorian Calendar this was April 4th, 2021. Accordingly the second week of counting begins on the 8th day of the Omer, April 10 at sundown. Week Two concludes on the regular Sabbath, which begins Friday April 16th, 2021 in the evening and ends at sundown April 17th.
Week Two
Historical context – B.C.E.
As we continue to follow the journey taken by the children of Israel from Egypt to Mount Sinai, we recall that during the first week they were saved from certain death at the hand of Pharaoh’s army and escaped through the parting of the Red Sea, were led into the wilderness where they could not find water, then when they found it, it was bitter but God ultimately gave them water that was drinkable and then on the seventh day, the Sabbath, He led them to an oasis of palm trees and fountains at Elim. It is here where we find the children of Israel at the beginning of week two:
Day 8 On this day, the Israelites continue to camp by the waters at Elim, an oasis of palm trees and fountains. [Exodus 15:27; Numbers 33:9] Here they rested from their extraordinary flight and seemingly aimless wandering of Week One.
Day 9-14 The Israelites remain camped at Elim, 600,000 men plus women and children and a significant number of Egyptians who had decided to leave Egypt along with the Israelites. This mass of humanity is sometimes referred to as the "mixed multitude." They also had flocks of animals as well as personal belongings. It is probable that as they rested at Elim, they became comfortable and complacent and that many did not want to leave. In any case we can calculate from the text that they remained at this location for about 3 weeks.
Historical context in the C.E.
We already saw how Yeshua’s talmadim (disciples) went from despair to ecstasy during the first week after Yeshua’s resurrection. During Week Two they encounter the risen Lord as he appears to over 500 of his followers.
1 Cor 15:3-7
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
Day 8 Yeshua appears to the 12 including Thomas. He asked Thomas to place his hand in his side.
John 20:24-29
Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Yeshua came. The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Yeshua came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Yeshua said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Day 9-14 Yeshua is known to have appeared on several occasions. One of these times is likely when he appeared to them by the Sea of Tiberius where he performed the miracle of the catch of 153 fish. However, this may have been after day 14 so we will return to it in Week 3 of the Sefirat (count).
Present context in 2021 C.E.
The world is experiencing what appear to be the birth pangs prophesied as a sign of Messiah's return. (Isa 26:17-18; Matt 24:8; 1Thess 5:3; Rev 12:1-2) A worldwide pandemic swept over the earth in 2020 and millions were told to wear masks and to stay in their homes to escape the pestilence. Churches in many places are not allowed to meet or have voluntarily shut their doors and many have opted for virtual services over the Internet. The political polarity in the U.S. in spite of the pandemic is stark and possibly more divided than at any time since the Civil War. The belief that there was widespread election fraud and foreign interference in the 2020 presidential election is pervasive. Repressive governmental controls, restriction of liberties and censorship of conservative ideas is widespread. Fear is pervasive, seemingly being fanned by so-called progressive public officials with the help of the "mainstream media." Just as some of the people in the "mixed multitude" were wanting to return to Egypt, so many in the church today are shedding their faith in God, preferring rather to place their trust in government to save them.
Week Two of the Omer represents Gevurah – Discipline
According to Jewish Mystical tradition, or Kabbalah, the second week of counting the Omer focuses on the Hebrew Concept Gevurah – “discipline” or simply “justice”. It can also be translated as “strength”, “restraint” and “awe”. If love (chesed) is the foundation of human expression, discipline (gevurah) is the channel through which we can express this love more fully and effectively. It gives our life and actions direction and focus. Consider the comparison of a laser to a flashlight – how the coherent nature of the laser focuses and concentrates light into a tightly formed parallel beam as compared to the fragmented light of the flashlight which is dispersed in all different directions. This is the nature of Gevurah which when applied allows far more effective and powerful results through the application of discipline and measure. Gevurah concentrates and directs our acts of love and kindness in the proper direction.
Charge for Week Two
So let us begin week two with a resolute commitment and focus on God's will and how we can help it be realized here on earth just as Yeshua never waivered but steadfastly pursued the will of the Father even unto death on the cross. Let us ask how we can learn to exercise this kind of strength, courage and discipline in our lives.
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