Scripture:
Acts 2:1-4 NKJV
[1] When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. [4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Observation:
Pentecost is a Jewish holiday that was celebrated on the 49th day of what follows, known as Resurrection Sunday. The day is most called easter. So let’s set the Sean here by the time Jesus had been crucified. HE had a large group of followers who were probably wondering how things were going to continue. Their teacher was gone but had shown HIMSELF to them and made promises not to leave them alone… telling them that the Father would send an advocate, a counselor, a helper of some sort. Not knowing really what to expect. They got together in the upper room to seek HIS face in prayer. In a united effort, they were all lifting their hearts to heaven. Praising and worshiping the Father of all creation. You can almost hear their voices being lifted up, telling GOD how truly amazing HE is, thanking HIM for HIS abundance of grace, and unlimited mercy. Maybe even asking for directions on what to do next. I mean, I’m sure they had some questions they didn’t get to ask before Jesus was nailed to the cross. I know I always think of stuff after the fact. As their united prayers went up, the Holy Spirit came down. In the sound of a rushing mighty wind. Coming to rest on each one of them like tongues of fire. Now I believe that this is where some misunderstanding can take place, and I don’t want to muddy the water, so let me clarify my position. In verse 4, the bible says that the Holy Spirit comes to rest on each of their heads like tongues of fire, and they begin to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. That part is somewhat easy to understand. Where does it get muddy? Well, when men try to explain what’s going on, not taking into account the complete picture. If the scripture stopped there, then I could see why the thought came that the Holy Spirit is only about speaking in tongues, but as it goes on, men like Peter start speaking boldly in the name of Jesus. Men like Paul who stood against Jesus Joined the winning team and started preaching the gospel. Talking about the fruit of the Spirit. How it shows itself in 9 different ways. You see, I could get off on a whole rabbit trail here, so let’s just agree that speaking in tongues is not the only thing the Holy Spirit does for us and get back to the point… unity. Unity in a biblical fashion, praying together, seeking to let the bible define our path, and being led by the Spirit of GOD.
Application:
I don’t know about anyone else. But I want to be Spirit Led and bible Fed. I don’t ever want to go the wrong way again. Praying and seeking GOD in all that I do is the only answer I have. What I have noticed is that there is power when 2 or more gather and are on the same page. With the desire to let the bible define their life and direction. There is something to be said about being on the same page with a group of people. Who is heading in the right direction? However, sometimes it’s hard to see anymore. With the… your truth, my truth, and the truth syndrome that plagues our churches today. Unity is hard to see when we all disagree on what the bible says. Put different labels over our doors and divide the one thing that GOD meant to be united through the test of time. Listen, I want to see the spirit move in power. That’s my desire. I want to see it sweep across the entire world in signs and wonders. Bringing men back to the bold stance of true followers of Christ. But we need to be in one accord… we need to be on the same page, but we disagree on areas of the bible that don’t matter and can hardly agree on the areas that do. I’m asking that we all get back to the basics. Jesus died for all who would humble themselves and accept HIS free gift of salvation. After that, let’s just take the bible for what it says instead of trying to explain it away like it doesn’t matter today. It does. It’s GOD’S truth. HIS word does not change. It’s the same today as it was yesterday and will be tomorrow, where we are falling short is we have allowed the enemy to infiltrate and divide the church. Let’s get back to one accord. Let’s get back to believing what GOD’S word says and praying that over the church as a whole, not just the church you go to but the true church. The one that is placed strategically throughout the world for times like these. Ask GOD to give you that bold spirit that won’t back down because people want their truth rather than the truth know GOD’S word and beg HIM to renew a right Spirit inside you to understand HIS word and speak it boldly with Holy Spirit fire. Let’s unite and lock shields of faith to kick down the divisions in the church so we can knock down the gates of hell. ONE ACCORD… that means on the same page… Jesus Christ is king NO ONE ELSE. Not your pastor, NO ONE.
Prayer:
Father, we are asking for the Holy Spirit’s fire. Let it come and rest on us. Let it rest on me and infect everyone around me. We want to see you move. We need it in the mighty name of Jesus. Speak your truth and nothing else. Let us see your word and not try to redefine it to fit our limited understanding. When it says these are the signs that will follow those who believe, let us believe just that. We not only need you, right now and forever, but we need to see you move down the walls that the enemy has built around us to keep us from being on the same page. Help us get back to just your truth… with no divisions at all. Breathe your life into your church, and unite us so that we can witness your Holy Spirit in power. Healing the sick and setting the captives free. Delivering those from danger. Do what only you can do, Father. Our lives are yours. Use us to send us to build us to unite us. Tare down the walls so we can kick down the gates. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.