Acts 2:1 (ESV)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.
The Book of Acts is action-packed with surging power which propelled the early church to advance the kingdom of God like never before. We are recipients of this grace. Let us drink in the richness of these pages and pick out some very significant points to help us understand the following chapters. As we await Pentecost this 31 May, know that we are entering a very crucial era. Even as the world increases with monumental challenges and troubling thoughts, God promises us an increasing empowerment.
Yes, the Lord delights in the unity of his people. Throughout the bible we see when people are united, blessings overflow. When God’s people are gathered in one place seeking him, heightening our praise and worship, God who “inhabits in the praises of his people” (Psalm 22:3) cannot help but to show up!
These disciples were gathered together when Pentecost arrived. Why is this significant?
Pentecost, also referred to as Feast of 50 Days is observed by the Hebrews 50 days after Passover. It is their ritual to present their first sheaf of barley harvest to God at Passover. Then 50 days later at Pentecost, they bring before God their firstfruits of wheat harvest (Number 28:26). Pentecost is also known as the day of the firstfruits. Pentecost also marked the day whereby the Law was given to Israel. Another name given to this day is shimchath torah (Joy of the Law).
The Old Testament is not detached from the New Testament. They are the full counsel of God’s revealed word to us. When we learn to appreciate the acts and wisdom of the Old Testament we can revel in the beauty and power of the New Testament – and tap into this power on high.
The Law was given at Pentecost in the Old Testament, not to bind us in traditions and rigidity. When we live in the boundaries of his law, we are destined to savour his joy. However, in the Book of Acts in this opening verse of Chapter 2, we see the Church received the Spirit of Grace to complete the Law. The following verses describe the extent of that power that as the days to come as we dive in we’ll find it hard to wrap our mind around these spectacular manifestations.
If we believe God’s word is true and flawless, and his power is undeniable, we have to believe the coming Pentecost is going to cause big waves when his disciples now gather in one accord. The God of Acts is the very same God we worship now. We can trust that he will show up again!
Just a little while ago, it was unimaginable to grasp the world would come to this state. The generations past talked about it, taught it and urged us to be prepared. We heard about it, know it and kind of superficially expect it. Deep down we could not quite believe in the nearness of it.
If we haven’t given much thought to Pentecost, let us turn our eyes to the Lord in the upper room and expect to experience his law and grace synergized in a magnitude we’ve never encountered – for our individual life, family, church, city, nation and beyond.
Before we accelerate into the Book of Acts…pause, think, take in the meaning of Pentecost.
What do you expect from God?
What do you think God requires from you?
Pray.
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 8 May 2020.