Devotionals for April 29, 2024

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Acts 2:1-4

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

This is the moment Jesus foretold when he spoke of the “Advocate” in John 16:7. The Spirit of God comes to the early Christians after Christ ascends, but why? What is the significance of the Spirit being poured out in this way over the early Christians? Scholars note that the outpouring of God’s spirit was often associated with covenant renewal and “the end of the age.” In other words, this moment in Acts 2 is a signal that the new creation has been inaugurated in Christ. The Kingdom has come. The new age has started. This, to the early Christians, was central. They came to view Jesus’ resurrection as the moment that started the new creation. Thus, the Spirit now, as he did with Christ, raises and empowers Christians to complete the mission of new creation.

Q: What is significant about Pentecost?

Q: Where specifically do you need to draw from the Spirit’s resources in your life?

Q: What does Spirit-empowered discipleship entail?

"Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy."

Lord, help us to reveal your holiness to the world. To be a people set apart for your kingdom.