It’s seven weeks past Passover, in A.D. 33, and its also the
same time past the crucifixion and the resurrection the following Sunday. Ten
days ago, Jesus has ascended into the sky from the Mount of Olives in a display
of God’s glory that was awe inspiring. The glory of God’s “shekinah” had
enveloped the bodily rising Savior and the last of him the disciples had seen
was as he disappeared into the blindingly brilliant glory of that cloud. The
angels who appeared next were not nearly as impressive after that, but their
message was—“this same Jesus” would one day return in the same way he left—with
the glory of God shining.
Jesus had already told them to be witnesses to him,
throughout the world, but to wait in Jerusalem until power came to them. He had
spoken to them in the upper room of the Holy Spirit that the Father would send
in Jesus’ name as that power. They certainly would need that power; after all,
how would such a ragtag bunch be able to carry off something that was to be
worldwide in scope?
They had some idea of what was going to come, and they
didn’t doubt Jesus, but how would they know?
And while they’d done some praying and worhsiping, and
they’d selected a replacement for the accursed Judas, there was, no doubt, a
sense of anticipation mixed with uncertainty and just a little impatience.
Jesus had said it would be a “few days from now” just before he left, and that
was over a week ago. By most of their measures, they were at the most generous
understanding of “a few days.”
So, when would the Spirit come, and how would they know?
What kind of power would it be?
Today is Pentecost Eve. And perhaps, like the disciples in the upper
room, you are waiting just a bit impatiently for the promised power of God to
show up in a time of great need. You can’t do what you know is God’s will in
your own strength (perhaps a consistent record of failure in that regard has
cemented that message in your mind). You know he has promised you power, but
when?
The answer, as it was for the disciples in the upper room,
is “a few days from now.” God often builds waiting into his provision so that
we will learn faith and patience.
The answer is also “tomorrow.” It will come at the most
needed opportune moment. For the disciples it was Pentecost, the great Jewish
feast where in one day they could start their mission to the world with an
audience from the known world all gathered in one place. For you, it will be
the moment when you most need his power, and when you can use it most
effectively. By the way, while we tend to think of the tongues of fire, the
mighty wind, and being supernaturally empowered to speak the languages of their
hearers, the point of the power was witness to Jesus. And that has been its “point”
ever since.”
And, because we live after Pentecost, the answer is “today.”
While the disciples did not have the indwelling Advocate/Comforter, we do, and
his powerful presence is always available to convict you when you sin, to
enlighten you when you read the Word and ask for understanding, and empower you
to tell the world about Jesus.
Let this Pentecost Eve remind you of the power that changed
everything the very next day is the same Holy Spirit that is present in you and
around you, to enable you to live a life and speak the words that will make
much of Jesus, as the Hero of your story (and everyone else’s).
Visiting the traditional site of the Upper Room |
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