When I think about the time Jesus spent with the disciples after his death and resurrection, I grow a little weak at the knees and my heart quickens. There he was—after all that—after the grueling crucifixion, after the trio of days and nights they were on their own and terrified for their own lives. Now, Jesus was back, just like he promised! He had the wounds to prove he was the resurrected Messiah, and he was back to impart some crucial things the disciples needed to know. (Read John chapter 20.)
They’d seen a lot during the 3 1/2 years of Jesus’ earthly ministry. They’d seen signs, miracles, and wonders. But now, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, everything had changed — things had significantly intensified. Talk about going up another level! Jesus gave that first congregation of Christians a powerful assignment, and it’s the same for us: win souls for the Kingdom of God.
In the face of inevitable adversity—false religions, accusations and persecution about our Christianity, demonic interference—Jesus knew we would need help. Therefore, he promised to send the Holy Spirit. “…you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” – Acts 1:5
Jesus went on to say: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me… to the end of the earth.” – Acts 1:7
Jesus had promised something brand new and powerful; he’d promised to send the Holy Spirit. And, in verse 5 of the first chapter of Acts, Jesus promised it wouldn’t be long; “not many days from now…”
As always, Jesus was true to his word. Shortly thereafter, on the Day of Pentecost, all the apostles were gathered together for the celebration of that feast. This was the famous ‘upper room gathering’. “Suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.” – Acts 2:1-2
Verse 3 says: “then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
That was the beginning of something big! From there, the apostles were able to do many of the things Jesus did: they preached with a boldness, and they performed signs, wonders and miracles as well — according to the specific gifting of the Holy Spirit. Those gifts, as found in 1 Corinthians 12: 1-10, are:
- Word of Wisdom
- Word of Knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discerning Spirits
- Speaking in Tongues
- Interpretation of Tongues
As we are now under the Blood Covenant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are no longer bound to adhere to the Mosaic Law, but observing God’s Feast Days has little to do with adhering to the Law. It’s vital to understand that to God, those Feast Days are appointments on His calendar, times He has set aside to convene with us, gift us, pour out to us.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so we can expect the same blessings His children have always received on God’s Holy Feast Days.
– Hebrews 13:8
May the Lord pour onto you and into you, exponentially this Pentecost Season! May you receive an increase in your anointing, a miraculous healing, or increase in any area of your life, according to your personal need. Never forget, God knows exactly who you are, where you are, and what you need. Further, He takes great joy in blessing His children! Read: Deuteronomy 28:12, Proverbs 14:11, Proverbs 15:6, Jeremiah 29:11.
PRAYERFULLY SOW A SEED THIS PENTECOST SEASON
TO SECURE YOUR PERSONAL AND GENERATIONAL HARVEST: