Geared Up and Ready
Opening Prayer
God is so very generous. Give God thanks for all that you have received from him so far.
Read Acts 2:1-21
[1] When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. [5] Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. [6] When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. [7] Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? [8] Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? [9] Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, [10] Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome [11] (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” [12] Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” [13] Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” [14] Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. [15] These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! [16] No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: [17] “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. [18] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. [19] I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. [20] The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. [21] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How did Peter explain this momentous experience?The Twister ride at Universal Studios was like looking a tornado right in the eye–and was possibly a little like the nature-shaking encounter experienced by the followers of Jesus on that famous day! The day of Pentecost was a good time for God to deliver the gift that Jesus had promised. Jerusalem was packed (5). This annual festival, celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover, attracted Jews from miles around. Jesus’ followers, remaining in Jerusalem as Jesus had asked, suddenly heard a sound like a gale-force wind coming from heaven with what appeared to be fire. As the fire divided like tongues, resting on each of them, they began to speak in other languages (1-4). The wind was perceived to be coming from heaven–a sign perhaps of God’s creative breath bringing new life and energy. How miraculous to be able to speak in the various languages of the listeners (6-12)! Peter quotes scripture to prove that these phenomena had been forecast and were available to everyone, regardless of age or gender (14-21). The day of Pentecost was a roller coaster of a ride and a powerful illustration of heaven coming to earth.
Apply
What does the coming of the Holy Spirit mean to you? Have you experienced his power in your life?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit empower me to be Your faithful witness.
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