I remember the day when Pentecost came for me personally. Unlike the sound of the violent wind the apostles heard and the flames of fire that came to rest on each of them (Acts 2:1-4), the Holy Spirit came gently to me. And yet, the impact of that experience still ignites my prayer life to this day.
The day of Pentecost for the apostles was the day that fear of rejection and persecution lost its grip and the courage to share the good news of Jesus took over. It was the event that overcame their timidity and released boldness. So, why is this event so understated in the church today? Why so little celebration, and why so few outward signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence?
May I suggest that there are probably plenty of reasons, not the least of which is the excessiveness and the craziness that sometimes scares the pants off us when certain gifts of the Spirit are manifested! If you’ve ever seen someone laughing or crying out of control at a Christian gathering, or someone who falls to the floor unexpectedly, it can freak you out! But, if you’ve ever had a prophetic word spoken over you, as I have, you know the beauty of the Holy Spirit, and you can’t help but want more!
On the day of Pentecost the gifts of the Holy Spirit manifested with signs and wonders. People entered into the Kingdom of God and became disciples, that is, learners and followers of Jesus. They incorporated into community life, then and there! There was a sense of excitement and expectation. The power of the Spirit was real. But if you read the account in Acts again, you can’t help but notice that “some made fun of them” (Acts 2:13). And having experienced personally that feeling of being intoxicated with joy when the Holy Spirit is actively moving in my life, I can understand how some on the sidelines would think we Christians are a little loopy. But do you know what? I really don’t care what others think! I’ll take the craziness every time if it means the Holy Spirit is present and at work! I hope you will agree – He is just too wonderful to contain!
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