Pentecost is the event of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of the Lord Jesus in Jerusalem, which occurred on the fiftieth day after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of what the Lord Jesus had promised.
John 14:16 I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.
The importance of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is reflected in the Lord Jesus' affirmation to His disciples: "Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." [Luke 24:49]
The disciples were commanded to remain in Jerusalem, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit promised by the Father. After the resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus into heaven, shouldn't they have immediately gone throughout the world to be witnesses of it and preach the Gospel as commanded in the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus?
Nevertheless, the Lord Jesus forbade them from going, because the lives and ministries of the disciples had to be accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit. This was affirmed by the Lord Jesus in Acts 1:8: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
The Holy Spirit is not merely a "power" or "influence" that can be used at will. The Holy Spirit is the Person of God Himself, whom we should honor and value.
The moment of Pentecost is not just a historical event from the past but has very strong relevance for our lives today. As followers of Christ, we cannot be separated from the experience of living with the Holy Spirit. This means our lives must always be led and filled by the Holy Spirit.
The Meaning of Pentecost for Our Lives Today
The Holy Spirit comes to give *dunamis* power so that we are able to leave behind the old sinful nature.
The Holy Spirit comes to give power so that we are able to live as new creations, living in obedience and holiness.
The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, the Helper - the Paraclete comes to accompany us and give strength in facing every struggle of life. The Holy Spirit provides comfort that enables us to see God's beautiful plan even in the midst of life's struggles.
The Holy Spirit comes to give power so that we are able to produce the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
The Holy Spirit comes to give us power and courage to be witnesses for Christ and to preach the gospel of salvation to many people.
The Ascension of the Lord Jesus into heaven is not the end of His presence on earth, but rather the beginning of His accompaniment in the lives of every believer through His Holy Spirit.
Therefore, do not be afraid or anxious when facing life's struggles and looking towards the future; the Holy Spirit is always present - not as a visitor but as a permanent resident - to give His strength and power in our lives. Hallelujah!!
Let us always grow in true knowledge and sweet fellowship with God the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Lord Jesus blesses you.
Come, Holy Spirit, Come!!
Holy Spirit, Fill Us With Your Power.