Saturday, May 10, 2008
Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
RICHES BEYOND MEASURE
Today is the day before Pentecost. Seven weeks -- a mere 50 days -- after Easter. Think back to that first Pentecost. What a difference had taken place in the hearts and minds of those first disciples! And in the case of both days, Easter and Pentecost, the hours of the day preceding tell the story most plainly.
The day before Easter the disciples of Jesus were perplexed, despondent, and afraid. They were not awaiting Jesus' return from the grave even though their Master had told them of this victorious event in advance -- and often.
However, from the brief words introducing the first Pentecost, we can see that Jesus' disciples did expect Him to fulfill His promise regarding the sending of the Holy Spirit. They were gathered together in anticipation of this momentous event, even though Jesus' words of promise regarding this event were chiefly limited to the conversation in the Upper Room on Maundy Thursday.
The source of this difference is one we do well to take to heart. It's one which we enumerate whenever we consider the things of which Jesus' resurrection assures us. Namely, that the words of Him who conquered death are utterly and completely dependable.
Now this has always been true, but plainly looking on the face of the risen Savior has a powerful impact on us as we consider His words to us. There was no "doubting Thomas" on Pentecost.
What is this to us? Just this: Every word of Scripture we have, every promise, every command, all come to us from the hands that bear the scars of Roman nails. Let us also wait on His Word of promise and direction -- ready to believe, to follow, to act in the power of the Spirit.
