When Pentecost came

‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit’
(Acts 1:4, NIV)

‘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’
(Acts 2:1-4, NIV)

There are countless things I could reflect on regarding Pentecost. It’s that jaw dropping moment when the Church was born and propelled out of an upper room into all the nations of the world.

Like you, I will probably spend my life unpacking the significance of that moment when the long-awaited Spirit finally came. In doing so, He gives us the power to live life in Christ. When I recently re-read this extraordinary moment in history, a few things stood out — namely the words ‘waiting’, ‘power’, ‘all’ and ‘every’.

Waiting for the Spirit

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was preceded by a time of waiting — one that was probably uncomfortable. There wasn’t a timeline put on this, and the disciples had no idea when, where or how God would act.

One thing they did now know about Jesus was to expect the unexpected. The disciples had seen Him ascend into heaven but, rather than trying to do things in their own strength — buoyed up by Jesus’ resurrection — they were told to wait. Their having to do so reminds us that we don’t have all the answers or resources. It shows us that we cannot rush ahead, but need to look to Him.

Power from the Spirit

‘You will receive power’ (Acts 1:8) is such a definitive statement. When the Holy Spirit came on the disciples, they received power, but power for what?

They received power to be witnesses of Jesus! Power from the Holy Spirit enables us to be a living testimony of who Jesus is.

This leads me to another thing I noticed in this passage: ‘All of them were filled’.

They were all together, the whole house was filled, and they were all filled! It was a moment for everyone. There was no hierarchy, and no-one was left out. Position, gender, age, length of time following Jesus, none of this mattered.

The Holy Spirit is for every believer. He is not like a performance related bonus that only some receive. I’m so grateful for His work in my life and am aware that, because of the Holy Spirit, I am never alone.

Every nation

Scripture tells us there were God-fearing Jews from ‘every nation’ in Jerusalem because it was the feast of Shavuot, with each one hearing their own language when the Holy Spirit descended.

This supremely joyful moment was a marvellous expression of the Kingdom of God. Each nation took part in this outpouring of the Holy Spirit, declaring ‘the wonders of God in our own tongues!’

The Holy Spirit is central to the mission of God. He empowers us to fulfil the Great Commission. We were never meant to accomplish this on our own. Both local and global mission is impossible without the leading and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

I am sure that every MAF pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, country director or member of staff can attest to the Holy Spirit’s leading and guidance on many occasions.

So, like them, let’s welcome the Holy Spirit into every part of our life and work. Our calling is an audacious one. To ensure that no-one remains without help, hope and healing simply isn’t achievable without the power of the Holy Spirit.

As you are read this, you may be feeling that you’ve been given an assignment that’s just too big, too daunting. To be honest, without the Holy Spirit it probably is! But with the power of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26, Philippians 4:13) — including Jesus’ Kingdom vision!

A little later, empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter tells the lame beggar, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’ (Acts 3:6).

It’s good to know that we don’t have what it takes on our own, but it’s even better to know that we have a God who has given us everything we need.

Response

• Do you have an assignment that feels too ‘big’ for you? Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you again with His power.
• As you read through Acts 1, is there anything that particularly stands out? Think about the fact that ‘all’ were filled. Are there times when you have felt left out? Accept today that you are part of the ‘all’, and give thanks that the Holy Spirit wants to bless your life.
• Pray that MAF staff from every nation will filled with the Holy Spirit in a fresh way.