Acts 2

A bit of the history of the Pentecost: the Pentecost is the Hellenistic Jew's name for the Feast of the Weeks (or Feast of the Harvest). It's one of the 3 feasts that every year, all the males had to appear before the Lord (Exodus 23:14-19, the other two being the Passover and the Feast of the Booths). It occurred 50 days after the Passover (hence the name pentecost) and marked the beginning of the wheat harvest. On this day, the Israelites were suppose to rest from their work and offer 2 loaves of bread (plus 7 lambs, 1 bull, 2 rams, a goat for a sin offering, and 2 lambs for a peace offering).It was suppose to be a reminder to all the Israelites the the Harvest belongs to the Lord.

Very appropriately, the day that the Holy Spirit descended coincided with the day of the beginning of the wheat harvest. From this chapter, it is evident that the harvest was ready. On the day that the Holy Spirit descends, 3000 people were saved, and more were being added everyday! Sometimes, I feel jealous for the people who lived back in the time of the apostles. I hear their stories, about their amazing feats and the awe, the wonders, and the signs that were taking place and I really wish that I too could experience those. But has the Holy Spirit changed? Has the presence of the Lord been reduced? Not at all. I am reminded that the same Holy Spirit that came down like a violent rushing wind also dwells in me as well. For me, whenever I begin to fall into a routine, I start to become numb to the Lord's presence in my life. Everyday is just wake up, go to class, study, eat, sleep. There doesn't seem to be anything amazing happening. I think the reason I don't see anything is that I'm not looking for it. I've become so focused on the plans and activities I have set out for my day, that I don't see how the Lord is moving in my life. How can I begin to be awed by the Lord in my day-to-day life? I think the apostles gave us a very simple answer; (v. 42) continually devoting themselves to apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. I'm confident that if I have those four elements in my life, I too can experience what it feels like to feel a sense of awe and see many wonders and signs take place.

Have an awe-inspiring day!