“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” Acts 1:4-5
Just before Jesus ascended to Heaven, He met one last time with His disciples and gave them instructions. They were all to go to Jerusalem and spend time together because something special was going to happen. He did not give them an exact time, just told them to wait. He promised them that they would receive the power they needed to continue His kingdom work. (Acts 1:8)
One hundred and twenty believers gathered in the Upper Room, united in one goal and purpose. Hours were spent in prayer. No doubt the apostles shared the teachings they had received from Jesus. Perhaps there were discussions about just what would happen when Jesus gave them the gift He had promised. They waited with anticipation as they worshipped the Lord together.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. The wait was over. There was a sound of a mighty rushing wind. Tongues of fire sat upon each of them. They began to speak in tongues as the Holy Ghost filled each one of them. Spilling over into the streets, they began to tell everyone they met about Jesus. As people questioned what was happening, Peter began to preach, and conviction settled on the hearers. Men began to ask what they should do. Peter replied:
Acts 2:38 “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.”
Today, the gift of the Holy Ghost is offered freely to all. We do not have to hide away in a secret place to receive it. The Lord has promised it to all. He will meet us wherever we are when we have repented of our sins and given our lives to Him. My father received the Holy Spirit in the middle of the night while he was lying in bed.
Thought For Today: Acts 19:2 “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?
Devotion by Anne Johnston
