Scripture: Acts
2:1–21
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples returned to
Jerusalem, just as Jesus had instructed them to await the promise of the
Father, which is the baptism with the Holy Spirit, who would give them power to
be Jesus’ witnesses. Acts 2 records the events of Pentecost and Peter’s address
to the crowds as he explained the events taking place and called people to
believe in Jesus as their risen savior. The remarkable events of Pentecost are
part of our celebration of God’s work among us as this same Spirit still works
through the Word and Sacraments in our lives to empower us to believe in the
Jesus and to be his witnesses today.
Teaching
Some people call Pentecost the “birthday of the Church,” but
really the Church has been around since people first believed God’s promise of
salvation from sin and death. Adam and Eve believed God’s promise in Genesis
3:15 and they were saved, along with all their descendants who trusted in God’s
promise, and we ourselves who trust God’s promise has been fulfilled in Jesus’
suffering, death and resurrection. The coming of the Holy Spirit is a
continuation of God’s work of salvation as the ultimate deed of salvation is
accomplished by Jesus. It is now the Spirit’s work is to deliver that salvation
to us as he creates faith in people which receives Jesus’ forgiveness and
everlasting life.
Pentecost, then, is a further display of God’s grace and
generosity as he pours out his Spirit without regard to sex, age, or status of
the individuals to the end that they may both believe and proclaim his
salvation. It rolls back the curse at the Tower of Babel, and shows again that
Jesus’ forgiveness is for people of every language and ethnic background.
Therefore as it is sin that creates division from God and between people, God
addresses the cause of division and unites all who come to faith in the Spirit.
Life
It is, perhaps, hard to imagine that the same Spirit that
was poured out on the disciples is the same Spirit who dwells in us. We are
sometimes in awe of the things that happened in the early days of the church,
and rightfully so! But we should not think that those people are somehow special
in and of themselves, or that God no longer works in or through us. Each time
we share our faith in Jesus with another people the same Spirit that converted
three thousand on Pentecost works through you to bring faith to the one you
speak to.
We are often over-impressed by the mighty deeds of
flame-like tongues, rushing wind, and the ability to speak in foreign languages
and under-impressed by the waters of Baptism or the sharing of the Word from
our own lips. God has, however, honored us by pouring his Spirit upon us! Rejoice
in this gift and in the work the Spirit does in us! Share the hope you have in
Jesus, trusting the Spirit will do his work to create and sustain faith in us
and others.
Prayer
O God, on Pentecost you poured your Spirit out upon your
people in a special and very visible way. We rejoice in the gift of your
presence among us as your Spirit dwells in and among us. Forgive us for looking
down upon the work we do in your name, thinking the past was better and more
worthy of you. Empower us by your Spirit to hold tightly to your Word and
Promise, and use us as your witnesses in our day and age for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
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