Thursday 9 June, 2106

2 When the day of Pentecost came, all the believers gathered in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound came from heaven. It was like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw something that looked like fire in the shape of tongues. The flames separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in languages they had not known before. The Spirit gave them the ability to do this.

This was a clear physical manifestation of God in their midst on the day of Pentecost. The sound of a violent wind filling the whole house. The sight of tongues of fire coming and resting on each of them. The speaking of each one of them in other tongues as the Holy Spirit came and filled them. God is not uncomfortable with coming very clearly to us. But He comes not to show off, but to empower His people. What is perhaps most inspiring to me is that, in verse 4, we read the disciples doing something they’d not done before – speaking in other tongues, enabled by the Holy Spirit who filled them.

God fills me with His Spirit for purpose. That I do things that I haven’t been able to do before. And the way God does this work in me is clear. Just like it was clear for the disciples. God doesn’t want nor need me second guessing Him and what He’s done in my life. And His purpose in filling me is not for show – it’s for my empowerment. That I can do things that I’ve not been able to do before – to help others come to know Him more and to show others the way to Him.

Fill me Holy Spirit, so that I can do what I’ve not been able to do before, helping others come to know you and showing others the way to you! Amen.

Written by Ps. Rob Waugh