Douglas Young

When the day of Pentecost arrived, the were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:1-4, ESV

It is not always easy to know when God is up to something in our lives. Oftentimes, it takes hindsight to be able to put things together. But when put together, the movement of God around us is unmistakable. God finds ways to leave no doubt.

On the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God moved mightily. The apostles and other disciples are where they needed to be. Some of Jesus’ final words before his ascension were to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). There they waited.

How would the Spirit come? He wouldn’t come quietly. He would come as his nature would warrant, as Pneuma, a mighty breath or wind. It was no small wind though. It was “mighty” and fast moving, kind of like the winds of Eastern New Mexico or West Texas. You feel it and cannot ignore it.

The apostles began to speak in languages and dialects not their own (cf. Acts 2:7-8). Obviously, this wasn’t because they had access to Rosetta Stone. Jews from all over the world had converged at Jerusalem for the Feast of Harvests. The gospel would go forth so that no matter the dialect it would be heard.

It was the right time for the right people to proclaim the living message of Jesus Christ. They would do it through the Spirit. And through it he would infuse life to those willing to surrender.