Bible readings: Acts 2:1-11, Romans 8:8-17, John 20:19-23
Today is Pentecost Sunday. It is the day in the church calendar that we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to the first believers and the birth of the church. It is a day when we remember the help that comes from above. Today I have three reflections from our readings.
The Holy Spirit comes in power
In Acts chapter one we see Jesus told the disciples to not leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the gift from God that He had told them about. This gift was the Holy Spirit which would give them power to be His witnesses. Fast forward to chapter two and today’s first reading, we see this happens. The Holy Spirit comes in power. In verses 2-5 we read there was a rushing wind and flames of fire, that tongues of fire came upon them, and they spoke in various languages as the Spirit enabled.
This was such a powerful event that people came to see what was happening. They were shocked with what they saw – ordinary men from Galilee speaking in about a dozen languages of the hearers. They were praising God and declaring His wonders for all to hear and understand. They were filled to be the witnesses that Jesus spoke about. Now they had the power to continue His mission of seeking and saving the lost.
True followers of Jesus live by the Spirit
In our second reading we see there are two ways to live this life – by the flesh or by the way of the Spirit. Verses 9-11 encourages us to live by the Spirit and not our natural human nature. It reminds us to not live at the level of our natural fleshly nature that seeks the fleshly comforts of this world like riches, comfort and physical pleasure. God wants us to set our sights higher and seek what the Spirit wants by seeking the Kingdom of God above all else (Matthew 6:33).
Romans 8:11 reminds us that the Spirit that came at Pentecost, and whom lives in all true believers, is the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. You and I have resurrection power inside of us! When Jesus returned to His Father in heaven, He did not leave us alone to fumble and stumble through this life. He sent us the Holy Spirit so we could continue His mission of seeking and saving the lost, loving one another and doing good works. He gave us the power to chose life – the Kingdom life that He calls us to live.
We are sent out by Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit
In our last reading from John we see that Jesus sends out His followers. He said, “As the Father sent Me, I am sending you.” This call echoes Jesus last words to His disciples before ascending to heaven in Matthew 28:18-20. It says, “Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, [20] and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”
This call to His first disciples is also our call today. In the same way the disciples were called and sent out, so are we. However, we are not sent out alone. Just like the first believers were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and empowered for their mission, so are we. We are filled with the same resurrection power that enabled the disciples to preach and bring thousands in to the Kingdom in one day! Just continue reading on in Acts 2 to read about Peter’s first sermon that was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Three thousand were added to the church from one Holy Spirit empowered sermon. Yes I will admit that Jesus’ call to continue His mission can be daunting, but if we keep focussed on the Kingdom and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, then we have all we need to continue His work.
Closing thoughts
Today as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday I want us to be reminded of these three things. That Jesus did not leave us alone as Holy Spirit came in power, that as true followers we chose to live by the Spirit’s power, and as we do we can fulfil Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost means we have help from above to continue Jesus’ mission in this world.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for Pentecost. Thank You that You sent the Holy Spirit to us as followers of Jesus. Right now Holy Spirit I submit to You. I ask that You will empower me and use me to continue Jesus’ work in this world. Give me confidence and boldness to speak of God’s Kingdom and salvation through Jesus. Please help me to make disciples of all nations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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