Read: Acts 2:1-13
Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind. (v. 2)
I invite you to come with me to Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost—the ancient Jewish festival celebrating the giving of the Law and the ingathering of the barley harvest. It could not be more festive nor could the streets of Jerusalem and the temple have been more crowded. Josephus, a noted ancient Jewish historian, says that during this annual event there were more than a million people in the holy city. Acts 2 records that people from every nation under heaven were there. This is not a block party for neighbors, it’s Times Square in New York City on New Year’s Eve!
It’s precisely then in the house where the disciples had gathered, waiting, that the wind began to whip violently and fire broke out and rested indiscriminately on them. They all began to speak in other languages so that the people all around them could hear the good news of Jesus in their heart language. This is the DNA of the church, and the DNA of every Christian. We’re not a social club called to merely enjoy one another, we’re a worldwide body whose sole purpose is to witness to the doing, dying, and rising of Jesus Christ until all may hear that Jesus is Lord.
Quoting Emil Brunner, Lesslie Newbigin the great missionary theologian, said, “The church exists by mission, just as a fire exists by burning.” He took his cue from this very passage, and we are called to do the same.
As you pray, ask God to send the Holy Spirit on us!
About the Author
Dr. Timothy Brown is the Henry Bast Professor of Preaching and President Emeritus at Western Theological Seminary where he served from 1995-2021. Tim continues to actively coach and encourage former students and pastors who seek help in their preaching life and he has become a certified public school substitute teacher so that he can continue investing in the lives of young people. He is married to Nancy and together they have three children and ten grandchildren.
