It was a bizarre scene – the kind that quickly draws a crowd.
First, there was the overwhelming sound of wind. But that’s the bizarre part: it was only a sound. There was no movement of the air, no curtains being ruffled. Weird.
Then there was 120 Galilean freak shows who were all speaking different languages. What is this? Some sort of multi-cultural appreciation day? Maybe they’re drunk. Maybe they’ve been celebrating Passover a little too hard.
But wait. Listen. They’re not drunk. They’re speaking the praises of God in different languages. A drunk can’t even praise God in his own language.
Okay, somebody needs to do some explaining, and fast. What’s going on here?
One of the Galileans stands up and starts talking. He talks about Jesus, who died and then beat death. He says:
This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. (Acts 2:32-33)
So that’s it. Jesus who was dead, is now alive. And He’s in the place of power, sitting at the right hand of God. He is the Lord over every nation and every person. And He is pouring out the Holy Spirit on people.
These people aren’t drunk, they’re filled with the Holy Spirit.
That’s why they are declaring the praise of God in every language. That’s why this guy Peter, who was once a terrified, Jesus-denying disciple, is now standing in front of thousands proclaiming the gospel.
And that’s why you and I can boldly share the gospel with our friends and neighbors. Jesus really is risen from the dead and He really is Lord. He is Lord of every nation, Lord of every city, and Lord of every block. Every square foot of your neighborhood belongs to Him. He is the mighty, risen King, and His kingdom is advancing.
Because Jesus is risen, He sends the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to speak about the risen Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps overcome the fear of man that closes our mouths, and the Holy Spirit causes the spiritually dead to come alive.
So let’s ask our risen King for the Holy Spirit, and then open our mouths to talk about Jesus. To our neighbors. To our friends. To our coworkers.
Jesus is alive and His kingdom is advancing through those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. I want to be a part of that.
