Acts of the Apostles 2:1-21, 36-42

As I write this devotional it is neither June 9, which is Pentecost Day 2019, nor is it Wednesday, June 12. It is Friday, May 31! It is National Macaroon Day! It is interesting that in addition to Sunday, June 9 being Pentecost, it is also National Donald Duck Day, National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day, and National Children’s Day (always the second Sunday of June). It seems every day is a holiday and each day offers a reason for celebrating or partying.

But then Jesus’ disciples were celebrating the festival of Weeks (Shavuoth) the harvest of wheat and honoring the day when God gave the law to Moses and the people at Mount Sinai. It was one holiday when another holiday (Pentecost) occurred.

The disciples were celebrating Shavuoth when suddenly a great wind blew through the house. This new festival would be called Pentecost and would be associated with the giving of God’s Spirit to the disciples.

Everyone’s hair lifted up and there was an amazing noise. They looked at each other. It looked like each disciple had a flame of fire touching him, but no one was burned. The Holy Spirit had come, just as Jesus promised! The disciples began to speak in different languages! Languages they had never learned! Stranger yet – they could understand each other!

Peter stood up and told the crowd about Jesus. He reminded them of the great things Jesus had done. He indicated that they would now be guided by God’s Spirit and that they would be given courage and strength to share the good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection with others. This was the beginning of the Christian Church.

Prayer

Dear God, each day of life is a day to celebrate and to give thanks for Your countless gifts of love to us. We thank You for the remarkable story of Pentecost … the Birthday of the Church and for the giving of God’s Spirit to the disciples. Help us to realize that Your Holy Spirit continues to guide and empower disciples. Help us to be receptive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.