Day 50 — The 3,000
Acts 2:37-39
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
The story of Pentecost is, for me, one of the most compelling reasons for my faith. Something definitely happened in that room on that day. Peter the ordinary fisherman was transformed into a powerful preacher, the disciples cowering in a room were suddenly spilling out onto the streets, boldly praising God and witnessing to the salvation of Jesus Christ – the Jesus that the baying crowds had murdered just weeks before. And that was just the beginning. For me it is undeniable that something happened that day. And I have seen that same transforming power of God in my own life and in many, many others over the years.
Here’s a quick history lesson for you (you’ll see why in a moment!): The word ‘Pentecost’ comes from the Greek word ‘Pente’ - which means 50. The Greek-speaking Rabbis of the New Testament times had renamed this festival after the original ‘Feast of Shavuot’ which occurred fifty days after the Passover celebration. This feast had been initiated to remember the giving of the Law to Moses at Mount Sinai – but as you might remember from our Gas Street Exodus series, that occasion was rife with tension and distress as Moses discovered the people worshipping a golden calf idol, and about 3,000 of their number had died.
Fast-forward several centuries and we come to our Pentecost, the Spirit poured out just as Joel had prophesied and Jesus had announced. After Peter’s first sermon, many people are ‘cut to the heart’ and respond to his witness. But how many respond, are baptised and filled with the Spirit? Acts 2:41 tells us that it was about 3,000... What was lost at Sinai was wonderfully found and redeemed on the day of Pentecost. The Law brought the knowledge of sin – important but deadly. The Spirit brought the knowledge of forgiveness – and life!
This Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, continues to be poured out on us today. On you, where you sit right now, he is able to transform, bring courage, vision and hope to you. Whatever you feel your limitations are, whatever your circumstances are.
It’s time to step out – because who knows what you might do with that same Spirit in you.
Prayer: I wait for you now, Lord. I am blown away by the knowledge that the same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from death is with me today.
Ali Herbert
Associate Pastor