Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost Sunday
When Jesus ascended to heaven, he promised that even though he was leaving, he would send another—different but the same as him. That seems confusing. How can he leave but send someone else who is the same? Does Jesus have a twin we don't know about? Not quite. He is referring to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the "other" who is different yet the same. That is our constant connection to him, although Jesus is not physically right in front of us where we can touch him.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,
he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:26
Jesus told his disciples about this even before he sacrificed his life on the cross and rose again. It was very confusing to them at the time, precisely because Jesus hadn't left or even died yet, but come Pentecost Sunday, it was abruptly clear what Jesus was trying to say to them. On Pentecost Sunday, after Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit made a grand entrance that was unmistakable.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
And suddenly from heaven, there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind,
and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:1-2
The Bible tells us that "divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them" (Acts 2:3). In an instant, everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit, and regardless of the native language they spoke, they could understand one another. Although they could suddenly speak to one another, this incredible event left each speechless. Some thought the others were drunk, but Peter told them they were not drunk at 9:00 am! It was just Jesus' promise coming to fruition. Peter gives a passionate speech to those in attendance that "cut to the heart" of all those in attendance (Acts 2:37). What happened next adds to the amazing events as Peter urged everyone to repent and be baptized. About 3,000 people were baptized that day!
As believers in Jesus, this day marks the birth of the Church. Not Hillspring, Bethel, C3, or any of the churches in our local area, but big "C" church. The body of Christ united. It is what God wants so much of us that we would be united as God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. So, Jesus sends us this "glue" to keep us connected to himself and each other. He longs for this oneness amongst his children.
It goes beyond where you worship on a Sunday morning. We are all uniquely and wonderfully made with our likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses. Some of us watch one news station and root for a specific sports team, while our next-door neighbor or fellow worshipper may be the polar opposite. That's okay! That same was true of many on Pentecost Sunday. Many had very different backgrounds from different areas with different cultures and customs. Yet the moment the Holy Spirit descended upon them, they felt a draw and connection to one another like nothing they had ever felt before. They began to share meals, share their goods, and ensure they were helping others in need. Many people continued to repent and be baptized in the coming days just by watching this diverse group of people unite and live life together.
Their hearts were willing. That's the key. The Holy Spirit isn't only here when we want it to be. The Holy Spirit is constantly active, but it takes a willing heart to activate it. There is action behind it.
How does Pentecost Sunday inspire you? What will you do? Will you be active or dormant? Will you seek oneness with those around you through the Holy Spirit? Will you look for ways to lay down yourself and be more like Christ through this Guiding Comforter?
Let us seek daily to be one the way He is One.
Be the Church,
April Bergez
Worship Leader