There have been many such days in human history... from Creation to Revelation, the LORD has given many days that have changed our world. But in our reading today, Acts 2:1-13, a day came to pass that ushered in the kingdom of God, the church of Jesus Christ and opened the door for you and me to enter in.
Jesus had returned to the Father after His resurrection and the disciples were waiting in Jerusalem for what would happen next. I imagine the ten days between the ascension and Pentecost were filled with anticipation and lots of prayer. Jesus left and they were told to wait... "he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." (Acts 1:4,5)
Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, (fifty days after Passover and in this case fifty days after Jesus' resurrection) something occurred that changed history for you, me and millions of others. When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like 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. (2:1-4) Ten days of waiting and then... the Holy Spirit fills them and they begin to speak in languages that they had never spoken before. This happened twice in all of scripture... never before and never since. This time the Spirit is poured out on the Jew (Acts 2) and on the Gentiles in Acts 10:44.
Peter tells us that this is to fulfill a prophecy that is given by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32). In the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh, i.e. both Jew and Gentile and He does. The disciples are waiting in Jerusalem and on the day of Pentecost, when people from all around the world would be gathered there, God sends His Spirit and the church began. The doors flew open and people began to enter in to it. On that day alone, we are told that over 3000 people made the decision to be part of the kingdom and millions have done the same since then.
God doesn't do things by accident... His plans are sure! Pentecost was the day that the Jew celebrated the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai and on this day nearly 2000 years ago the new law would be given and Gods' new covenant would be established. No longer was the kingdom the nation of Israel. No longer would people have to offer animal sacrifices to deal with their sins. No longer was a relationship with God determined by the physical family you were born into. Now, the "once and for all" sacrifice of His Son would forever provide the payment for the penalty of sin. Now, anyone, anywhere, anytime can respond to the gospel message of His Son and be added to the family of God and receive the eternal-life giving citizenship that is only available through Jesus.
For you and me (if you are Gentile), this day marked the beginning of our opportunity to be a part of His kingdom. This day, the day of Pentecost is a day that we should view as the start of something that changed our world... forever! John the baptizer said the kingdom was at hand (Matthew 3:2) and John the apostle said that we are his partners in the kingdom (Revelation 1:9). Somewhere in between, on the day of Pentecost the kingdom, the church arrived in all its' glory and the world has never been the same. Praise God!
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