“John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And soon.†– (Acts 1:5)
“Stay in Jerusalem!” “Wait for the promised gift!”
These were Jesus’ words to his closest followers. Now we understand why. When John the Baptizer came, he spoke of one who would baptize in the Holy Spirit. As Jesus is leaving them, the Kingdom of God will break into the world with fresh power.
The Holy Spirit will be given to every true follower of Jesus. They stand on the edge of Pentecost and the beginning of a new movement of God that will sweep up all sorts of people into his Kingdom. And we are part of that great movement. We, too, are filled with this same Holy Spirit. Jesus still calls us to live out the good news of God’s Kingdom in our world by the power of the Holy Spirit … and do it now!
Prayer : Father, thank you for your plan. The call of Abraham, the leadership of Moses, the heart of worship in David, the faithfulness of the prophets — all who worked, lead, spoke, and pointed to your great work to redeem the world and create a people who reflect your character and compassion. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, please form us — form me and those I love — into the people who live your will in the world. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
