Pentecost Miracle – May 28, 2023

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:41

Pentecost Miracle

When the Holy Spirit revealed himself on that first Pentecost Sunday, the people of Jerusalem witnessed dramatic miracles. They heard men speak languages they had never studied before. They heard the sound of wind rushing through that room in the temple—but there was no wind to be found. They saw what appeared to be little tongues of fire hovering over the disciples’ heads. Incredible miracles—each indicating the special presence of God the Holy Spirit with his people.

Which of these miracles would you say was the greatest? Anyone who has attempted to learn another language will verify how amazing a miracle it was when those mostly unschooled disciples started speaking all the different languages of the world—without ever cracking a book. And the other sights and sounds were equally remarkable. But all these miracles pale in comparison with the greatest Pentecost miracle.

The greatest Pentecost miracle occurred later than all the rest. The Bible tells us that “about three thousand were added to their number that day” (Acts 2:41). Just think of it! Three thousand people raised from death to life! Three thousand people added to God’s workforce to carry out our Savior’s Great Commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Though the other Pentecost miracles were incredible, there was no comparison with the miracle of faith that the Holy Spirit worked through God’s Word that day.

That greatest Pentecost miracle continues today. When we hear and read God’s Word, the Holy Spirit bolsters and strengthens our hearts. When we speak God’s Word, the Spirit works to bring people from death to eternal life. A simple splash of water or a morsel of bread and a sip of wine, when used with God’s Word, creates and strengthens God’s gift of faith. The Holy Spirit continues the greatest Pentecost miracle as we use and share God’s Word and sacraments. What a wonder!

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, through your Word and sacrament, continue to work your miracle of faith in my heart. Amen.