Pentecost – The Sequel (5)

We Gentiles are proof that Pentecost is true! The Spirit poured out on the Jews in Jerusalem that first Pentecost transformed them into the Abrahamic Israel God promised and his blessing started to spread – 3000 people that first day. Then on to Judea/Samaria and the ends of the earth, including you and me.

As we are caught up in this ongoing movement ignited by Pentecost the surprising  gifts and blessings of the Spirit engulf us as well. We are new people made into a new community “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6). And so it goes, and so it has gone. Failures and embarrassment aplenty, to be sure. But still the ongoing work of the Pentecostal Spirit.

I  close with this from Peter Leithart: Why celebrate Pentecost?

An old Pentecostal riff, in shadowy imitation of Christopher Smartt.

Because the Spirit is the hovering wind that forms the formlessness, fills the void, brightens the darkness.

Because the Spirit is the breath that gives Adam life.

Because the Lord comes into the garden in the Spirit of the day to breathe out judgment to Adam and Eve.

Because the Spirit strives with flesh.

Because the Spirit equips Bezalel and Oholiab with wisdom to make furnishings for the tabernacle.

Because the Spirit blows back the waters of the flood, and the waters of the Red Sea, and the nations of Canaan.

Because the Spirit is the armor of Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, Saul, David, and Jesus.

Because the Spirit was not taken from David.

Because the Spirit filled Solomon’s temple so that the priests could not stand.

Because the Spirit of Elijah came upon Elisha, and lifted Ezekiel to carry him to the temple in Jerusalem.

Because the Spirit renews the face of the ground, and makes dry bones live.

Because God has put His Spirit in us so that we can walk in His statutes, commandments, and laws.

Because the Spirit descends like a dove, and He is the finger of God that casts out demons.

Because the Spirit brings good news to the poor.

Because the Spirit enables sons and daughters to prophecy, see visions, and dream dreams.

Because it is by one Spirit that we have access to the one Father.

Because the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death.

Because we are baptized and sealed by one Spirit into one body, to produce His fruits.

Because the seven Spirits are the eyes of the Lord that range to and fro throughout the earth.

Because the Spirit and bride say, Come.

Lest we grieve the Spirit.

https://theopolisinstitute.com/leithart/why-celebrate-pentecost?fbclid=IwAR1gkfTeKSETogJwRrdzuZhmyMPRhBvgSdQr-oRjJgKtcvUroHQRcEcN7so