Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Acts 2:1-13 (ESV)
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
2 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound, the multitude came together, and they were bewildered because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
When have you experienced an empowering from God to witness about Christ?
I have experienced the power of God calling me to witness about Christ when I have had the opportunity to comfort others in times of trouble or loss. The words of scripture come flowing allowing me to comfort those with the comfort I had been given. (2 Corinthians 1: 3-17 )
How I wish I could have been present at Pentecost to see the faces of those who were hearing the good news of salvation for the first time in their own language! I imagine there were tears of joy at the great message of love they were receiving. There had to be amazement as they looked around and realized just how much God wanted them to know of His love for them. He made sure they heard it in a way they could understand right then and there. Tears of gratitude and love were surely flowing. And here I am with the Word of God in my hands, I have the power to share God’s love with my neighbors, family, and friends yet I often hesitate. Lord, I know you desire that none would perish. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I might share your love and saving grace with others. May the fruits of your Spirit be evident in my life as I seek to serve you daily. Help me see people with your eyes and heart. Thank you, Lord, for seeking me out and saving me! Amen
(Today’s prayer submitted by Jo Schneider)