Pentecost: The First Great AwakeningSample

Ready to Advance

These days, when we think about Pentecost, we think about the events we read about yesterday, the disciples, people from different countries hearing the Gospel in their own language, the first great altar call, etc. but Pentecost was already a significant event before any of that happened. Pentecost was one of three feasts for which the Jewish people traveled to Jerusalem each year, each from their own part of the world. 

You see, even as the disciples waited patiently, God was working all things together for the purpose of His will, His own glory. He waited until His people were gathered together in one place to send the Holy Spirit and reaped a large first harvest of believers for His Church. 

Had the disciples not been ready, physically, spiritually, or corporately, to receive the Holy Spirit Jesus had promised, they may have missed the privilege of participating in the miracle of Pentecost. Thankfully, they were ready. 

The disciples were faithful. Although they must have had doubts and questions when things did not go as they had anticipated, the disciples demonstrated sincere faith by sanctifying themselves, or setting themselves apart, for God’s use. 

The disciples were humble. Understanding they were limited in and of themselves, they submitted to God’s authority and waited for further instructions, seeking His wisdom and guidance in any decisions that had to be made while they waited. 

The disciples were expectant. Believing Jesus’ promise that help would come, they prayed. For what, we do not know, but it is logical to assume they prayed for the same things we would pray for, strength, protection, guidance, peace, etc. Jesus had told them that God would send the Holy Spirit if they asked, so they probably prayed for that, too. Talk about results! 

What about you? Should God decide to advance His Kingdom in a spectacular way once again, will you be ready, or will you miss out? What can you do even now to prepare?