This Is What Is Happening – June 12, 2019

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.” . . . This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
Acts 2:14,16,17a

This Is What Is Happening

“What is happening?” Have you ever been in a situation where you looked around and could not figure out what was going on? People around you were paying attention, and they seemed to be following something, but you could not for the life of you figure out what was happening.

That must have been the situation for many people on Pentecost. Here were men with what seemed to be tongues of fire dancing on their heads. They were speaking in a multitude of different languages. It was nine in the morning, and nothing was happening that normally happened at nine in the morning.

Then Peter stood up, raised his voice, and explained. The prophet Joel had predicted this, Peter explained. The Holy Spirit was being poured out. The last days had begun.

For hundreds of years, the Holy Spirit had brought mostly Jewish people to faith in the Savior who was to come. Now there would be thousands, then millions, then billions of people coming to faith in Jesus as their Savior. The Spirit was being poured out on all people. Men and women, young people and old people—all were included. No one was excluded. Everyone was welcome.

And the last days had begun. Jesus had died, risen, and ascended into heaven. The only thing left for him to do was to return for Judgment Day. Now all of the prophecies about the last days would be fulfilled. The gospel of forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus would be preached to all people.

Now you know what is happening. We are in the last days. The Spirit is being poured out on you, and you are being brought to a closer relationship with Jesus. Your life is blessed.

Prayer:
Come Holy Spirit, God and Lord! May all your graces be outpoured. Amen.