When someone is going really well we might say – they’re on fire. We gather today on a day of fire! It is now 50 days since Jesus rose victoriously from the grave and we now have the coming of the promised – power from on high. The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples, igniting the fire of faith that would forever change the church and the world. The same disciples that a mere 50 days ago were locked away fearing for their lives, huddled together after the loss of Jesus, were filled with fear and uncertainty. But Jesus, before his ascension, had promised a Comforter, a Helper, an advocate – the Holy Spirit.
And on that day of Pentecost, that promise became a roaring fire to ignite their faith.
The Book of Acts tells us a mighty wind filled the room, and tongues of fire rested upon each disciple. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages – a miraculous gift that shattered the language barrier and symbolized the unity that comes through the Gospel of God’s message. Even though each heard in their own language they each heard the same message. And that’s because there is only ONE Gospel message. The Gospel message of John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Which is what happened on that Easter morning. A language barrier that had previously divided the people at Babel because of their sinfulness and disrespect of God has been broken down.
But Pentecost wasn’t just about speaking in tongues which it often has the focus of. It was about empowerment. Remember, Jesus had called this promise the ‘power from on high”. The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and gave them courage, wisdom, and strength and above all faith in Jesus. Luther wrote about the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian – that without the Holy Spirit I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him. St Paul said the same – no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Peter, once a man who sank in the waters because of fear of the wind and the waves – who denied Christ three times, now stands boldly before a crowd preaching the Gospel with newfound conviction. Thousands were converted that day and the foundation of the Church is laid. He will go on preaching in the marketplace no longer afraid even though he was threatened with imprisonment. I must obey God rather than man.
The difference? The power of the Holy Spirit.
The fire of Pentecost is not a one off historical event confined to the past. It is a living, eternal flame that burns brightly even today and is available to you in all your doubts and fears.. The Holy Spirit is still present, still offering His gifts to empower us. But there are somethings we learn about the Holy Spirit by the disciples example.
Prayer: Just as the disciples waited in prayer, we too seek the Holy Spirit in prayer. Have you prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit – especially when faced with a challenging task ahead of you. We pray that the Holy Spirit would open our hearts to Him and invite Him into our lives.
Openness: we must also be open to the ways the Spirit may work in you. What is the saying – be careful what you pray for.
It may be in ways we don’t expect – ways that are out of our comfort zone. The gifts of the Spirit are diverse – some may preach, some may teach, some may offer comfort or service. Be willing to be used by Him as the Spirit gives gifts as he determines.
Action: The fire of the Spirit is not meant to be contained. It compels us to share the Good News, to live lives that reflect Christ’s love. What did Jesus say – “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. That’s why the angels told the disciples last week not to just stand there looking up into the clouds. The Holy Spirit is truly needed today as the world is filled with fear, uncertainty, and division.
All the issues facing the disciples before the Holy Spirit came upon them. But the fire of Pentecost reminds us that we are not alone in God’s work. The Holy Spirit is with us (often called the Paraclete – called beside us), empowering us to be witnesses, to bring light to the darkness, and to build God’s Kingdom here on earth, urging us to go forth with courage, compassion, and the fire of faith burning brightly in our hearts. Pentecost reminds us that the power of the Holy Spirit is to transform lives – beginning with ours and bring about change in the world. And we see that happen in the book of Acts as churches begin to spring up everywhere and lives are changed forever. And so, just as the disciples were empowered to spread the message of Jesus, we too are called to be bold witnesses for Christ in our own time and place. The same Spirit that filled the disciples on that first Pentecost fills us today, guiding us, empowering us, and equipping us for the work God has called us to do.
Pentecost also serves as a reminder of the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. On that day, people from all over the world heard the disciples preaching in their own languages, a miraculous sign of God’s inclusive love for all people.
But they also maintained their diversity. Regardless of race, ethnicity, or background, we are all united in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we often sing – one church, one faith, one Lord. As we reflect on the significance of Pentecost, let us be inspired to be faithful and ready to proclaim the gospel to a world in need of hope and unity. May we seek to bring God’s love and grace, sharing the message of Jesus Christ with boldness and humility through the power from on high – God’s Holy Spirit.
