June 12th 2011

There are two Bible verses which I connect in my mind, Luke 2:8 “in that region there were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night” and Acts 2:10 “they were all there in one place”. For each group, something wonderful happened. For the shepherds, the heavens opened and it was revealed to them in sight and sound that the angels worshipped God before them. Above all they received a special piece of good news. The Messiah was born in nearby Bethelem.

A little over thirty years later, another larger group waited for the revelation and fulfilment of a promise in their gathering place, the upper room. We read that as well as the apostles, there were about 130 people there including certain women, Mary, Jesus’ mother and his brothers. It makes me happy to know those brothers were part of the company. There had been a time when they were not in sympathy with Jesus’ Ministry. Perhaps they were fearful for him or were embarrassed by him. What of those shepherds? I like to think that one or two of them were still alive and continued in their knowledge and love of Jesus and were part of that group in the upper room who met to support one another and to wait and pray together. That is, of course, pure speculation on my part but surely after having seen the babe, returning home and spreading the good news and praising God, they would not have forgotten him? Forgive my flight of imagination but it is one of God’s gifts to us. It can be used to shed light on facts but it is to be used strictly, separating fact from fiction.

Try to imagine the truth of what happened. What was it like on that Pentecost morning? Imagine what it was like to feel the “rush of a violent wind” to see “the divided tongues of fire”. Know that it was real by what happened afterwards. That band of frightened people became alive and increased to about 3,000 (Acts 2: 41). With the holy spirit comes power to be used for God’s kingdom – things happen.

Pentecost was not a onetime event 2,000 years ago. The spirit enters every open heart and we wait and pray for power to do his will. Sometimes it is a big thing he gives us to do. Sometimes it is as small as taking the trouble to cross a crowded room and greet someone. Who knows, you may perhaps feel the blowing wind. It does happen, even today. Jesus is still with us by the power of his Holy Spirit. Wait in prayer; when you are moved by his power, witness for him by word and deed.