Pentecost 2021

“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4

Today is Pentecost. And I can’t help but try to imagine myself in this scene. If you continue on in this section of the Word, you read about people speaking and others understanding but everyone bewildered as to “how”. “How can this be?

Then Peter says this is what Joel prophesied! And he goes on to share the story of Christ, boldly proclaiming “you nailed Him to the cross” but God raised Him up. He calls for repentance and the people respond with pleas - what shall we do?!

Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit, he says.

Thousands listened and responded that day. And the end of the section talks about fellowship. New believers in Jesus in fellowship with one another. Selling their possessions, holding everything in common. Sometimes I forget, this isn’t just another story, distant from me, you, us.

This is the Church.
May we continue in her legacy.
May we also repent and believe.
May we yield to the Holy Spirit,
led by Him in all things.
What a day to celebrate.
What a day to rejoice!
The Holy Spirit came like a violent rushing wind,
and that same Spirit beckons us today.
Amen.