Pentecost
Day 485, Tuesday, Dec. 9
Acts 2:1-41
In the day of Jesus, Pentecost was a minor Jewish festival that fell 50 days after Passover. This fits in with the timeline of chapter 1—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit came just a few days after the 40-day period Jesus spent appearing to his people.
Chapter 2 has an important dual emphasis that has often been lost: The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is on the one hand a completely new work of God, but it is on the other hand in complete continuity with the Old Testament witness. Peter, in his sermon, takes great pains to ground what has happened in the history of what has come before, quoting words of the prophet Joel and of King David. Neither the newness nor the grounding in the past should be lost.
The Holy Spirit appearing as tongues of flame, accompanied by the miracle of all people hearing the gospel preached in their own tongue, is the defining image of Acts 2, but remember it was a miracle with a purpose, and that purpose was salvation through Jesus Christ.
In verse 21 Peter, quoting Joel, reminds us that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
He then recounts the ministry and resurrection of Jesus. In verse 37 the people ask him what they should do in response.
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord God will call.”
In that first day of the church’s life about 3,000 people believed and were baptized.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Tuesday meditation

Psalms 38:13-22
I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.”
For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous. Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.
Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.

Prayer focus
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, Lord, that your word may be preached and heard, and that people may be saved.