May every tongue declare the wonders of God! Acts 2:11 [Sunrise photo: Archives 3-15-13]

May every tongue declare the wonders of God! (see Acts 2:11) [Sunrise photo: Archives 3-15-13]

Day 49  The Significance of Pentecost

 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.  Acts 2:1-4 (MSG)

This is the Sunday we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church.

This chapter in God’s story is as significant as the Creation, when God created the heavens and the earth;  the Incarnation, when God became a man; and Redemption, when Christ atoned for the sins of the world.

Now the work of Recreation is fully released –  through Christ we can be new creations, all things are made new.

“Broadly speaking Pentecost brings understanding to the followers of Jesus, empowers them in ministry, establishes the church, and points to the end of history when the kingdom of Christ will be established over all the earth.”  Robert E. Webber  Ancient-Future Time (p. 161)

That’s all I have time for today, we’ll finish up this series tomorrow.

The Lord be with you! Celebrate Pentecost.

Let’s Pray:

I invite you to pray with me. It’s a compilation of Pentecost prayers, feel free to borrow and adapt. 

Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit.*   Fill your church with power, kindle flaming hearts within us, and cause us to proclaim your mighty works in every tongue, that all may call on you and be saved,**  through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.*

[Prayer sources: *Scot McNight;   **Lawrence Stookey UMC #542]

About This Devotional Series

According to the historical church calendar, the Easter season is the 50 day period from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday.  I’ll post a fresh devotional thought with my sunrise photo of that morning, everyday through Pentecost, commenting as the Spirit inspires. Check out the rest of the series here.

Invite your friends.

If this series is helpful to you,  please forward and share with your friends through e-mail, Twitter, Facebook – whatever, just click the share buttons on this page.  Join us on the journey from Easter to Pentecost! 

Would you like more devotionals like this? 

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment.