Neville Turley

“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)

The day of Pentecost holds a special place in all believers’ hearts.  The name Pentecost means the 50th day from the Passover. It has its origin in the Jewish Festival of Weeks (Shavuot). Shavuot was the second great festival in Israel’s yearly calendar. Originally it was celebrated as a harvest festival (Leviticus 23:16). Later it was commemorated as the day to celebrate the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Put yourself in the shoes of the disciples on that first day of Pentecost.  They were all together praying. The resurrected Jesus’ last words to them had been a promise.  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The disciples had a story to share with the nations, and at this very time, Jerusalem was bursting at the seams with foreign-speaking Jews. They had come from all over the world to celebrate Shavuot. But how could the disciples share the Gospel with them?

Then, with Gods’ perfect timing, the disciples received the gift God had promised.  They were filled with the Holy Spirit and instantly received the ability to speak in foreign languages. 

This the disciples did with gusto and on that first day of Pentecost, the Christian church was born.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  May we be filled anew with your Spirit and despite our many weaknesses be enabled to serve you in Jesus name.  Amen