Pentecost

First, the Resurrection

That first Sunday when Jesus arose from the dead–was there a wild and joyful celebration of worship? I mean, after all, no one in all of human history, had ever resurrected after three days with a new, spiritual body. Did the disciples grasp the enormity of this fact? Apparently not. They were still staggered, numb, not fully cognizant of what had just happened.

The Ascension

It appears that Jesus’s growing band of followers were still a bit confused and wondering as they watched him rise up into heaven. It took the presence of angels to get them moving again.

Acts 1:9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (ESV)

The Holy Spirit

Then came Pentecost. And while they were all praying together in one place, the Holy Spirit came and shook the entire house like a mighty rushing wind.

Acts 2:1 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. (ESV)

I believe that this is the exact moment when the truth and power of Christ’s resurrection struck them. They apparently burst out into the street praising God and proclaiming Christ in other tongues. A multitude in Jerusalem that day heard and understood the words in their own native languages.

Acts 2:7 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?” (ESV)

Peter stood and spoke his first recorded gospel message. He spoke boldly and powerfully, understanding for possibly the first time the full significance of what Christ had done over a month before.

Acts 2:31 he [David] foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. (ESV)

Today

My prayer this Easter Sunday for all Christians everywhere, and especially for myself and the few others who may be reading this post, is that the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit would fill us all to such an extent that we would understand, truly understand, the awesome glory and significance of Christ’s resurrection. That significance is this: The grave is conquered. Death has died. In other words, WE WON!!! The condition of all human beings has changed forever. Every human being now, and from now on, has the potential to live again in Christ! What a victory celebration that should bring on.

Prayer

May it be so today, for Christians everywhere. Hallelujua! Thank You, Lord. χριστιάνα, Amen.