“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1
The Christian holiday of Pentecost, which is celebrated the 49th day after Easter Sunday, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. Wikipedia
When Jesus told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they would receive the promise of the Holy Spirit, they had no idea how long it would take. And they were not sure just what they were waiting for and how it would occur. When Jesus ascended, the angels told them that He would come again in like manner, and so they may have been expecting Him to appear in their midst as He had several times since His resurrection.
There were one hundred and twenty of them gathered in the Upper room, composed of the disciples, and other followers, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women. No doubt besides praying, they spent a lot of time discussing all the things that Jesus had taught them while He was with them, and marveling at the miracles He had performed. I am sure that even though Mary had seen Jesus after He rose from the dead, there was still sorrow in her heart over what He had suffered. Perhaps she talked to the other women about her life, about the birth of Jesus and all the way that God had been with her. And she waited for the promise.
Then suddenly, something happened.
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:2-4
How wonderful it must have been. In a supernatural way, the Spirit of the Lord returned as He had promised and bestowed upon them the power they had been waiting for. That day, the church was born. Today throughout the world, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. And although we cannot gather in our churches to pray and seek the Lord, people will still receive the experience in their homes and wherever they are, as the message goes out via media. As people lift their voices in praise, once again the Holy Spirit will be poured out and hungry hearts will receive their personal Pentecost.
As Peter preached to the crowd that day, they cried out, asking what they must do. The answer:
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38-39.
Have you obeyed His command, and opened your heart to receive His gift?
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that the promise is still for us today. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Ghost that you are still giving to your children.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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