The day finally arrived for the disciples. The Holy Spirit came in a mighty way. I would not have expected anything less. The baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised was fulfilled on Pentecost that year, approximately 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead and 10 days after Jesus ascended to the Father.
From the way Luke describes it, there could be no question that something unusual was happening. Can you imagine hearing this message in your own language from someone foreign to you? “And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” All of these people from different backgrounds shared a faith and marveled at the same God.
The Holy Spirit was not only displaying his power, but he was also bringing people together, despite those doubters in the crowd. We will always have those people trying to distract and downplay how God is moving in the world.
Peter brilliantly, with the help of the Holy Spirit’s power, spoke prophecy to the people who would understand and remember the promises. You may have been a little shocked, as the people originally hearing Peter, when he said it was all in God’s plan. Peter declared, “But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.” Peter was pointing fingers here with passion and confidence that could only come from the Holy Spirit.
What goes through your mind when you hear Peter’s sermon about Jesus using the words of Joel and King David? The quoted words from Psalm 16 are especially helpful if you are walking through a tough time and need to feel a touch from heaven. What a good reminder to lean into the hope that comes from the Lord.
There is joy in the Lord’s presence, too. Embrace the moment when the Holy Spirit came into the world for all believers as Jesus had promised. We should never take such a gift for granted. Think of all the generations of people who lived without having a personal relationship with God or having His Spirit live inside them. They lived expectantly for Jesus, and we live expectantly for Jesus’ return.
Take time today to reflect on how having the Holy Spirit as your companion has helped you. If you’re needing extra support these days, don’t forget to ask.
Let’s pray. Holy Spirit, come into my heart anew. Fill me with your wisdom and discernment to clear through the noise of this world. Protect me from the evil one who seems to want to devour me and stop me from my mission. Ready my feet to share about the redeeming love of Christ and use my faith in a way that helps people to know Jesus is the only way. Thank you for how you guide my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
