Wednesday Word . . . Pentecost
Pentecost is this coming Sunday. This is the day the Holy Spirit descended on the twelve apostles and they began speaking in other languages to all the people gathered in Jerusalem. People had come from far and near for the Feast of Pentecost, a Jewish festival that took place fifty days after Passover to celebrate the harvest. And on that day the people in Jerusalem heard the apostles speaking in their own languages: Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, and others.
And it’s in this story where we hear one of the greatest lines in Scripture. After someone accuses the apostles of being filled with new wine, Peter says, “These men are not drunk as you suppose, it’s only 9 o’clock in the morning.”
In this story of Pentecost we see the thrill and wonder of the apostles in that room as they are bathed with the fire of the Holy Spirit. In this story of Pentecost we see people gather together to celebrate a traditional feast and celebrate the presence of God. In this story of Pentecost we see twelve men so compelled to share the good news of God in Christ that they did so in a very public way without worrying about what people thought (“filled with new wine”).
This Pentecost we will gather to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. We will be reminded of the promises we made and the expectations placed on us as we renew our baptismal vows. And then we will gather after the service to spruce up the building and grounds and enjoy each other’s company at a potluck lunch.
We may not have 3000 in attendance, but I have no doubt the Holy Spirit will be present.
Blessings,
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