This Sunday is Pentecost. To set the stage, remember that this event takes place just 10 days after Jesus has ascended into heaven. His followers were waiting anxiously for the promised Holy Spirit. These guys were scared! They needed assurance and courage. Government and temple leaders didn’t want this “resurrection news” to spread beyond Jerusalem. They were searching for the disciples.

The disciples are gathered together for self-preservation when suddenly a loud wind roars through the room. So loud that it attracted the attention of those gathered in the surrounding area. “Tongues of fire” appear above their heads! Wow! And then, they begin to speak in languages that are not their own. How is this happening? This is the promised help–the Holy Spirit, that fills the Apostles with the fire of love and courage that they will need to fulfill their mission of spreading the Word of God to all the world.

No wonder the folks hearing this babble jeered that “they have had too much new wine.” (Acts 2: 13)  I would have agreed.

Now comes our man Peter, newly emboldened with the Spirit of God. Peter takes charge. He clearly tells the crowd that these men are not drunk. It is only nine o’clock in the morning! He goes on to use Scripture verses from Joel 2 to explain what is happening. It is a complicated message of condemnation and redemption delivered to the people of Jerusalem who had just approved the crucifixion of Christ. However, it ends with the promise of hope.

          37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the                     other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

          38 Peter replied, “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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for                 all whom the Lord our God will call.”

There is so much to say about this wondrous event. The lesson that I take away from it is this: while the gift of grace is freely given, there is an obligation on my part to repent for my sins and then accept and cherish the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

God with us! The God who loves you unconditionally.

Read Acts 2:1-40 and rejoice in your God’s generosity.

Terri