The
experience on the Day of Pentecost after the resurrection is considered to be
the birth of the Christian church that we are familiar with today. The Holy Spirit descended on the gathering of
believers and in that moment they were given power and authority and ability to
preach the word of God to all the world.
In
response to some skepticism in the crowd after hearing the believers speaking
in various languages Peter explains the purpose of Christ’s ministry. After Peter preached what was the reaction of
the crowd? What does Peter tell them to
do? What assurance does he give? How far does this assurance go?
After
the death and resurrection of Jesus the disciples were living in fear and
avoiding contact with most of society.
But when the Spirit came upon them they were given a new boldness to
speak about what they had witnessed.
Peter was able to stand in front of a large crowd and bear witness to
the life and teaching of Jesus. His
preaching was so moving that the crowd was “cut to the heart.” They knew they had to do something about
their spiritual life.
Peter
instructed them to repent of their sins, to be baptized in the new faith, and
then they would also receive the Holy Spirit.
This invitation of the Spirit would not only change their lives and give
them the promise of eternal life, but would also be something to change the
lives of all the people they came in contact with. Such is the power of God.
This
promise is not limited to the disciples or the gathering of believers who first
received the Spirit. Neither is this
promise limited to those who became followers of Jesus in those first years
after the resurrection. This promise of
the Spirit, a presence that changes lives, that brings newness of faith, that
brings a bold willingness to share the love of God, is meant for us too.
When we
repent of our sins and we invite the Holy Spirit in we will begin living a life
that is on fire for God. We will be
inspired – charged up – to spread the good news of salvation and the love of
God with everyone we meet. And in our
sharing we will see others learn to invite the Spirit in to their lives and be
changed.
We are
called by God to be part of this fire of new life. We are called to live a life on fire for the
kingdom of God. And we are called to
share this fire with others,
DAILY
CHALLENGE: Are you ready to invite the
Holy Spirit in to your heart? Will you
live a life on fire for God?
