Day 48 — Everything Changes
Acts 2:1-4
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.
So the Jesus-followers have waited as Jesus said. About 120 of them have gathered – something we’d all like to do right now! But it seems clear they had no idea what exactly they were waiting for. Nonetheless they had stayed connected to one another, been obedient in the waiting, and were expectant that Jesus’ words were true and therefore something was about to happen.
And what an experience that must have been – the storm sound, the flames above each of them, the reality of being filled by the presence of God. I imagine it must have been terrifying, exhilarating, confusing, overwhelming and many other things all at once. There was no denying this was the power of God in action, physically, audibly, visibly. An incredible infilling of the Spirit where they each responded by praising God in tongues, other languages, as an overflowing, automatic individual response.
Jesus has told them that they will be witnesses to the ends of the earth – and now they are able to speak in other tongues and communicate with all nations. The Spirit comes to equip the church to do its job.
Trying to live the Christian life without the empowerment of the Spirit is a bit like sitting down in a café (remember doing that?!), thoroughly reading the menu, clearing the table, washing up the dishes, paying and walking out. Not the experience it should be! It would be totally missing the point. Psalm 34 says, ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good.’ Our faith is not an intellectual exercise but rather a whole-life experience, sacrifice, covenant with the beautiful, dynamic, wild, utterly kind and loving God.
The Spirit is given to bring us to life, to show us the world in new colours, to help us hear God’s voice and guidance for ourselves, to stay obedient – and to witness to Jesus Christ and the saving work he has done for us. We simply cannot live the Christian life without him.
Prayer: Thank you that the Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost. Fill me right now so that I can be equipped and empowered to do what you are calling me to do today.
Ali Herbert
Associate Pastor