THE SENDING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT FULFILLED – PENTECOST SUNDAY (John 15:26)
The Very. Rev. Michael Mukhwana
Today is Pentecost Sunday, but why is this day so important? Even among the nicest of folks, disagreements eventually spring up. That’s why Apostle John took various opportunities throughout his book to illustrate the perfect agreement that exists between all the persons of the Trinity. The Trinity describes God’s existence as being in three persons (Matthew 3:16, 17; Mark 1:10,11; Luke 3:21, 22; John 1:32,34).
Jesus reminded His followers that the Spirit would come in a special way in the future, and rather than acting on His own, He would do the will of the Father; just as Christ had done. The Father loves the Son and the Son loves the Father, and both of them send the Holy Spirit to bring harmony and unity to the Church (Philippians 2:1). When we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we show forth the mystery of the unity of the Godhead to a watching world (Eph. 4:30).
The promised Holy Spirit of God arrived in dramatic fashion on the day of the Pentecost, and His presence was manifested in three ways. First, He was in the windstorm, for His presence infuses life and generates new creations (Ezekiel 36:26 -27, 37:9 -10, 13, 14; 2Cor. 5:17). Second, the Spirit appeared as tongues of fire, because He displays the holiness of God, who radiates light, justice, and purity (Deut. 4:24; Matt. 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:29). Third, the Holy Spirit’s presence empowered those who were present to speak in tongues, a gift that enabled the people to speak the wonders of God (Acts 10:46; 1Cor. 12-14).
The curse of God brought against humanity for their pride at the tower of Babel was reversed at Pentecost, for instead of living in confusion the people of God were unified in their understanding of the power of the Spirit (Gen. 11:1-9). Babel had dispersed people in different directions throughout the world, but at Pentecost people were brought together from abroad in order to experience a supernatural harmony (Acts 2:9-11).
Since confusion had arisen as to the meaning of the signs witnessed, Peter addressed the crowd in an attempt to clarify the purpose for the Spirit’s coming.
Moses had earnestly desired a time when the Spirit would descend upon all people (Numbers 11:29), the prophet Joel had prophesied that the day would one day come (Joel 2:28-32), and the apostle Peter declared that the day had now arrived.
God was transforming His people into a nation made of all who call upon the name of Jesus Christ as Savior. Have you been to Jesus and therefore experienced this encounter? Apostle Peter told his listeners in his first sermon, that “This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles – all who have been called by the Lord our God” (Acts 2:39). Have a blessed Sunday.
The Very Rev. Canon Michael Mukhwana
PROVOST