Scripture
Acts 2:1–4 (NIV)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Reflection
When we read passages like this, it can be hard to comprehend the magnitude of the moment. We have no context for something so unexpected, life-altering, and magnificent. It is utterly incomprehensible in our modern-day lives. Yet, this incident solidified a powerful truth for us as Jesus followers. Reflecting on the Old Testament and yesterday’s reading will help us better understand the richness and power of what happened at Pentecost.
In the Old Testament passages of Isaiah 44:3 and Joel 2:28–29, we discover that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was predicted. But this third person of the Trinity doesn’t just appear on the scene in the book of Acts hundreds of years later. He’s been present since the beginning. In the Old Testament, we see the Holy Spirit show up for when individuals needed power to accomplish God's purposes. But then, he moved on. Not so in the upper room. This time, he wasn't going anywhere.
Fast-forward to Acts 1, where Jesus commands his disciples to wait for the gift his Father has promised—a gift even he has spoken of multiple times (Luke 11:13; John 14:16–20). The disciples must have been well acquainted with this promise, so maybe that’s why we find them still gathered in one place 10 days later.
It’s important to note that obedience marked the beginning of this encounter.
Without their waiting, praying, and trusting, the disciples could have missed out on what God wanted to do in and through them.
While they positioned themselves to experience this moment, did they ever imagine the gift of the Holy Spirit arriving as it did? Were they shocked when the sound of violent winds filled their home, and they didn’t feel it rustle through their hair? Were they terrified when the tongues of fire separated and rested on them? Were they awe-struck when they began to speak in languages they never heard or studied?
Still reeling from Jesus's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, this might not have been the move they saw coming. But it must have been so much greater than they anticipated. Isn’t that just like God? To show up and do something far beyond our wildest expectations?
He hadn’t just quietly and unassumingly given them the Holy Spirit. Instead, God moved in a visible way full of power and substance. He was showing them something, the people around them something, and us something too.
- This moment fulfilled prophecies.
- This moment formed believers into the church, the body of Christ.
- This moment allowed thousands to hear the truth of Jesus in their own language.
- This moment emboldened the disciples to spread the gospel message to Jews and Gentiles.
- This moment changed everything for them, and it has the potential to change everything for you!
See, this wasn’t just an amazing spectacle. This was the Holy Spirit taking up residence within Christ followers. And the good news is if you follow Jesus, the same Holy Spirit lives within you.
Simply put, you are never alone. He not only goes before you, behind you, beside you, but now, because of what happened at Pentecost, he also goes within you.
So what do we do with that news? Well, we can start by looking back at the words of Jesus recorded in Acts 1:8.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
As soon as the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples, they proclaimed God's goodness. They were no longer cowering in fear but boldly declaring God's glory. It was a real change from the inside out. They knew this was the gift Jesus had promised. They understood their mission and recognized they now had power within them far greater than anything they would face.
Friend, it can be the same for you.
- If you are fearful or timid, trade it for the boldness and courage the Spirit can give.
- If you feel alone, find comfort in knowing the Spirit of the living God has taken up residence in you.
- If you lack wisdom or need help, depend on the Spirit to guide and teach you.
- If you want to make a difference in our world by spreading the message of Jesus, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to give you words and confidence to share.
Before Pentecost, the disciples' move was to wait patiently for the promised gift.
On Pentecost, God’s move was to come close and dwell within his followers.
As a follower of Jesus, knowing the Holy Spirit lives within you, what’s your bold move today?
Prayer
God, I will never get over the gift of your Holy Spirit who lives within me. I want to live a bold and courageous life that shares the hope of Jesus with those I encounter. Empower me to live out my faith with confidence.
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen.
Church Family Prayer
Heavenly Father, we want you to move. We are hungry and desperate for more of you. Pour your Spirit out over us, our families, our church, and our community.
In Jesus's name I pray,
Amen.
