Miracles: Every Nation Prayer & FastingSýnishorn

Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?”

But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.” Acts 2:1–8, 14

In Jewish tradition, the Feast of Pentecost was a time to thank God for the first fruits of the wheat harvest. In Acts 2, the disciples celebrate a different kind of harvest at Pentecost: a harvest of people who respond to the gospel.

Jesus tells the disciples in Acts 1 that they will be his witnesses to the ends of the earth, and then in Acts 2, he gives them the power of the Holy Spirit, a gift necessary to fulfill that calling.

The Holy Spirit is the gift of God, dwelling within believers and empowering us to live a Christian life and be conduits for miracles. Each sign and wonder that the Holy Spirit does through believers points us back to the miracle of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

But let’s rewind to the Great Commission. Jesus commands his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. That may sound impossible, but here’s where we rely on God’s power with faith and obedience. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what we cannot. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples receive this incredible gift.

What we see at the beginning of Acts 2 is a miracle. The Holy Spirit falls on the disciples, and they begin speaking in new tongues—new languages—in such a way that everyone hears the gospel. The crowds are amazed as each person hears “the mighty works of God” (Acts 2:11) spoken in their native tongue. More people begin to gather, and even as some skeptics doubt what’s happening, God gives Peter the ability to preach effectively, and through preaching, 3,000 people repent and accept the gospel!

This same gift—the indwelling and empowering of the Spirit—is available for us today. But this gift isn’t just for us. It’s so the world would know the one true God. He gives us the ability to share his gospel with accuracy and boldness.

The call of the Great Commission may make us feel ill-equipped or unqualified, but God doesn’t give us his mission without the Helper, the Holy Spirit. Through this gift, God can use us in miraculous ways to advance his kingdom.

Have you ever had a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit? When was the last time God filled you afresh with his Spirit?

How does depending on the gift of the Holy Spirit change the way you think about sharing the gospel?

Faith Step

Have an intentional gospel conversation with someone and trust the Holy Spirit to help you speak with boldness and clarity.

Pray

God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. I welcome him into my life with faith and expectation. Thank you for the power to live a fruitful Christian life with boldness and sincerity. I receive your call to take the gospel to my neighbors and the nations. I know that you are with me. Show me how to live a missional life, so others know your gospel's grace and goodness. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.