Acts 2:1-10
As we read
this scripture we could ask ourselves, what where the conditions that
influenced the believers that perhaps saw the coming of the Holy Spirit upon
them in such a mighty way. In looking at some of these conditions we are able
to compare the conditions of our own time and perhaps wee how we might also see
an outpouring like this in our time.
1. The promise in scripture – As we
read in Joel 2:28-29 we see that over 400 years earlier the prophecy came via
Joel from the Lord to do such a work. Whilst we understand and know from
scripture the Holy Spirit was already at work in virtually every aspect of
creation through to the work of John the Baptist preceding Acts 2, this was a
new baptism of the Spirit which would be available to all who ask, indeed from
generation to generation. Jesus in turn confirmed this promise prior to his
returning to the Father in Acts 1:8 commanding the disciples to “wait” for the
promise of the Father.
2. They were gathered – When individuals
come together in the name of Jesus, we know from scripture such as Matt 18:19;
1 Cor 10:1 that something specials takes place. Firstly we know that when we do
so, the Lord promises to be there “in the midst of us”. But also an opportunity
arises where our faith is released and our talk and song is unified to create “sumfonio”.
This is the word which comes from the Greek word for symphony and as scripture
says when there is sumfonio “whatever we ask for from our heavenly Father” will
be done.
3. Expectation of the believers – Not only
did the believers obey Jesus’ command to meet together for the promise of the
Spirit but they came with an expectation and longing that the Lord was going to
do something new with them, something out of the ordinanary. Heb 11:1 says that
“Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.” When we exercise our faith and expect to see the Lord move mightily amongst
us, I believe the Lord desires to move amongst us and bring about his will through us.
4. Prayer of the believers according to
Luke 11:9-10 – When we read this scripture we see what I believe is a
culmination or building upon ideas. Firstly we see the need to seek and find,
which is often done by the individual in their own strength. Secondly we see
the need to pray which results in receiving requiring the person to be broken
and therefore requiring help and a dependence of the Lord. Finally we
read that we knock and the door is opened which is better understood in the
original Greek which speaks of a desperation of the person where they know they
cannot give up until the door is opened as they have no other options.
5. Time to wait on the Spirit to move.
Isa 40:31 – In this scripture we understand that we have no choice but to give
the Spirit time to move when He is ready, not according to our program or schedule. Often, especially within the framework of the Pentecostal movement we have programmed our meetings in such a way that there often isn't room or time for the Holy Spirit to move upon people. However the Holy Spirit much like you and I in our own relationships desire to spend time with us, a time in which we are able to sense and feel his promptings. Just as when we are spending time with our spouses or family members, the Spirit of God wants with us. In the same way, we need not religiously over do our time with the Spirit. I have been in many meetings which simply drag on with no ending in sight as the leader was insensitive to know when the Spirit has moved.
6. A longing to see the Kingdom of God –
Matt 6:33; Matt5:6 Finally these scriptures show us that we need to lay down
our own lives and desire to see the Lord’s will be done in our and through us.
Eg. Heidi Baker where she says God’s Kingdom is the opposite to our own and we
must be willing to do things His way rather than the worlds way. Just as Jesus says in Luke, we need to be willing to lay down our own lives, kingdoms, desires and plan for his plans to bear fruit in us. As John the Baptist said of Jesus we must also say "I must decress so that He may increase."
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