“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.” – Acts 2:1-4
Today is Pentecost Sunday. It is the day we celebrate the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had been around before this. He is part of the Triune God. He there at the creation of the world and the Bible tells of God’s Spirit being upon certain men and women throughout the Old Testament.
However, the fact that the Holy Spirit was only upon certain people in the Old Testament is the big difference. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out onto many.
“But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;” – Acts 2:16-18
On Pentecost Sunday we celebrate that the Holy Spirit is now upon all those who have faith and is working throughout the world to create faith in people’s hearts through the proclamation of God’s Word. It’s not just a select few who have the Holy Spirit. It’s not just prophets, priests, and royalty who are filled with the Holy Spirit…or is it?
In the recent sermon series, I Am…, we have been hearing about our identity with 1 Peter 2:9 as our guide.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” – 1 Peter 2:9
As Christians, we are royalty, we are priests, and we are those who proclaim the Word of God to people (prophets). Perhaps it is better to think of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit not just as the expansion of who has the Holy Spirit, but who God is calling to be His prophets, priests, and kings and to whom God is sending His people.
The Good News of God’s favor is for all people. As we receive the power of the Holy Spirit, we are sent as His witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
The Holy Spirit does many things (comfort, teach, advocate, transform, conform us, etc.), but chief among these is to point people to Jesus and salvation. This is the first thing we see happen on Pentecost. The Holy Spirit came upon and they went out and proclaimed the Gospel.
“Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” – Acts 2:38-39
Praise God for sending His Spirit. May the Spirit work in our lives to conform us to the likeness of Christ. May He move in us to be His witnesses throughout the world.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Spirit. Fill us. Renew us. Transform us. Send us.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
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