March 21
Signs and Actions
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. ––Acts 2:38-39
When the fellowship of 120 received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, they spoke in languages other than the ones they already spoke. This attracted the attention of lots of people—many of whom would normally not be in Jerusalem. But at Pentecost, a high holy day celebrated 50 days after Passover, the city was full of Jews not only from the surrounding districts, but from far-off lands such as Egypt, Asia, and Parthia. When these travelers heard Galileans speaking their respective languages, they were surprised (to put it mildly). Some bewildered bystanders even accused them of having “too much wine.”
What happened next can only be described as a kairos moment: Peter stepped into the chaos to bring some much-needed clarity. And what transpired was a brilliant sermon about Christ’s coming being foretold in the Old Testament.
Man of God, Acts 2 isn’t just about “that wild time” when the Holy Spirit showed up and folks starting speaking in unknown tongues. It was an opportunity for the disciples to preach the Good News of Jesus to a captive audience!
That’s how the Holy Spirit works: any gifts we have are ultimately not just for us. They are to be used as instruments to proclaim Jesus’ hope and glory. In this case, Peter spoke in terms that his Jewish audience would understand:
These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” ––Acts 2:16-17
Peter goes on to quote David (twice) and in masterful fashion tie together how “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36).
As God’s men, we must be ready––as Peter was––to step into those places of opportunity when the Holy Spirit presents them. What that means is not withdrawing from the culture and chaos around you, but understanding the times and speaking the truth into the darkness. Easy? Rarely. Necessary? Always. Don’t hoard the gifts God has given to you—He gave them to you so they can be given away.
Father, thank You for the power and movement of the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me be ready to give witness to Your Son whenever and wherever You choose.