PENTECOST
22nd May 2024
Just imagine you were visiting Jerusalem on a pilgrimage in the first century AD - you are possibly with a group from a Jewish background, but not speaking Hebrew as a first language. There are crowds of people, as it is the first day of the festival of weeks, the 50th day after the sabbath of Passover.
Perhaps you are approaching the temple area. Suddenly, you are aware something unusual is happening and you hear voices speaking your native language, declaring the greatness and wonder of God. You press in to see what is happening and realise many people are speaking different languages, all declaring God’s praise!
You ask what is happening and you hear that a mighty wind blew up from nowhere and fire appeared to be landing on the heads of those who are now declaring God’s praise. Some think these people are drunk, out of order, but full of joy. But no one can explain the praise or the volume and clarity of the different languages.
A man starts to speak and the crowd listen as he explains what is happening. He tells them that what you see is the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus. He then explains who Jesus is and what He accomplished, and how it is possible to receive forgiveness and a new connection with Father God. Not rules and regulations, but a relationship.
You long for this, it is why you made the journey to Jerusalem, and why, given the offer of baptism, you push forward to receive together with another 3000 who also respond. Isn’t it wonderful that God poured out his Spirit with wind, fire and tongues spoken to God’s glory, declared and heard in a way you could understand. (Acts 2:1-41)
In 1 Samuel 7 it is recorded that the fear of God came on the people as the Ark of the Covenant (God’s Presence) stayed Kiriath Jearim for 20 years and throughout Israel there was a widespread, fearful, movement towards God.
Pentecost released the presence of God’s Holy Spirit in a new way, and many were baptised and entered God’s kingdom. As I read 1 Samuel 7 on Pentecost Sunday, I found myself crying out for God’s mercy and action in our nation.
Let us pray for our nation, that the presence of God would cause people to turn to Him and experience His love, acceptance and forgiveness, and hear of His greatness in a way they can understand.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
