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Pentecost and Living in the In-Between

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

In the last days, God says, "I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy" (Acts 2:17–18).

Jesus promised his continued presence with his people. The Holy Spirit is this presence. The Holy Spirit gave them wisdom and courage to tell the world about Jesus. They needed courage—most of them bailed on Jesus when he went to the cross. They were terrified and confused, but that was about to change. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit wasn’t just for the first disciples; he is with believers today! The Holy Spirit gives us truth, courage, and power so that we can minister to the world. He dwells in us and draws us to God.

The book of Acts narrates the start of the church after Jesus ascended to heaven. The early Christians preached the gospel in power and without fear, adding thousands to the church. They healed the sick and made cripples walk. They cast out demons. They brought the dead to life. They also suffered persecution—even to the point of death—and division. In all this the Holy Spirit ministered to, strengthened, and equipped the followers of Jesus.

Jesus has defeated death and sin through dying and rising again; however, he hasn’t yet returned to judge the world and make everything right and perfect again. We live in this in-between time. We still sin and struggle, but we also have forgiveness and the hope that it won’t be like this forever! He has given us his Holy Spirit for power, wisdom, and courage.

He has also given us a mission: to tell the world the good news that he forgives and leads us when we believe and trust him! The New Testament is filled with stories of the church and how Jesus’ followers live in this in-between, and it reminds us that we are living for something bigger than just ourselves.

The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:17–18)

Reflect on these questions after reading Acts 2.

• How did the disciples respond to being called drunkards, liars, and crazy people?
• How do you tend to respond to people who don’t agree with you?
• What are some of the things that the early church did? (See Acts 2:42–47.)
• According to Acts 2:47, how did God respond to the early church’s faithful obedience?

Pray

Today’s prayer comes from Psalm 16:8–11.

Lord, you are always before me. Because you are at my right hand, I will not be shaken. My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will rest secure because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead. Jesus did not decay but rose again, giving me freedom and life. By the power of the Holy Spirit, make known to me the path of life and fill me with joy in your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.