Today is Pentecost Sunday.
Just before Jesus returned to heaven, he instructed his disciples, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1.4-5).
I imagine the disciples had a pretty high level of expectation as the Feast of Pentecost drew closer. Major things happened during the recent feasts, including Jesus dying on Passover, being buried on Feast of Unleavened Bread, and rising from the dead on Feast of Firstfruits. Now, as the Feast of Pentecost draws closer, they are filled with anticipation about "the promise of the Father."
Feast of Pentecost
From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the
wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then
present an offering of new grain to the LORD. (Leviticus 23.15-16)
Power for Mission
I believe the purpose for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was to empower Christ-followers for mission and ministry in the world. More of Jesus’ final words to his disciples: "But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere–in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1.8).
What is your mission/ministry in this world? Are you empowered by the Holy Spirit?
God’s Temple
Scripture says, "Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3.16)
Have you surrendered your life to the work of God’s Spirit? Take some time this week to create space for God to do some heart-shaping work in you. Ask God to create in you a willingness to run (wherever God sends you).
Boldness
I love the prayer that the disciples prayed after being interrogated by religious leaders: "And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give your servants great boldness in their preaching. Send your healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After this prayer, the building where they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they preached God’s message with boldness." (Acts 4.29-31)
My prayer for you, and for us, is that we will be filled with God’s Spirit, and that God will give us courage and boldness to be his people in this world!