“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” Acts 2:2-4

Jesus’ parting words to his disciples were to stay in Jerusalem, “Until they were clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:29

Not knowing when, or how, or where, they waited and they prayed, studied scripture and pondered God’s working in their lives and in the world.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came with rush of wind and tongues of fire. Not only causing people to begin to speak in languages they had never spoken before, but for others to understand.

If Pentecost was only about speaking in strange tongues, it would have  been insignificant and ended on that day. The world would never have known that God had entered the world in Jesus, incarnate, son of God. The mystery of Pentecost, was the Spirit moving through and among those who were there.   Disciples of Jesus spoke in languages they did not know, and were heard by others in their native tongues  . . . Where they learned of  a resurrected Savior, Messiah and Lord.   Having heard and seen, they carried that message back to all of the places where they lived. The wonder of Pentecost, was in disciples empowered by the Holy Spirit,  who  went from living in fear,  to speaking boldly and powerfully of the resurrected Jesus.

The Spirit brought life into dead souls and hope into broken lives.

This same Spirit continues to claim us as God’s people, just as we are, sinner or saint, whatever our status in life or situation . . . Young or old, single or married, a child or adult. God’s Spirit pours out on rich and poor, male and female, encouraging us to dream God’s dreams for us and to see God’s visions.

The Spirit moves in and through us making a difference in God’s world. God’s Spirit blows in the wind, bringing life after defeat . . . Moving among places and people, offering new ways of living and being in the world. The Spirit weaves us into community where love of neighbor and God is the core, and compassion leads the way.

God’s Holy Spirit continues to come, as a comforter, advocate, encourager, empower, a strength-giver, courage builder and truth teller.  The Spirit enters as a warmed heart, with a calming assurance that we are loved.  We are touched  by a  divine gift, lavished upon each of us, claiming us as God’s child.

On that first Pentecost, those present remembered God’s promise.
“I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.

Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
in those days I will pour out my Spirit,
and they shall prophesy. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
shall be saved.’ Joel 2:28-29, 32 

Today, the Winds of Pentecost still blow, leading the way to new visions and the dreaming of new dreams.

May our heart and minds be open to the Spirit, that blows in Pentecost winds.