THE PENTECOSTAL POWER

“And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2: 3 & 4).
Before the coming of Christ, Prophet Joel hinted about the coming of the Holy Spirit upon God’s people (Joel 2: 28 & 29). John the Baptist also foretold about believers being baptized with Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3: 16). On Pentecost day these words were fulfilled. There was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the believers.
Why tongues of fire? Tongues symbolize speech and the communication of the gospel. In Old Testament, fire symbolizes God’s purifying presence, burning away the undesirable elements in our lives and setting our hearts aflame to ignite the lives of others.
On Mount Sinai, God confirmed the validity of the Law with fire from heaven (Exodus 19: 16-18). At Pentecost, God confirmed the validity of the Ministry of the Holy Spirit by His coming as tongues of fire.
At Mount Sinai, fire came down on one place, but at Pentecost, fire came down on many believers, symbolizing to us that God’s presence is now available to all who believe in Him.
God made His presence known to these believers in a spectacular way by the roaring wind, fire, and His Holy Spirit. Today He still makes Himself known to people in various spectacular ways. Would you like God to reveal Himself to you in such recognizable ways? Then turn to Him and be open to Him all the times. He will show Himself to you, but you must be weary of forcing your expectations on God.
Elijah needed a message from God as we saw in 1 Kings 19: 10-13. There was a mighty wind, then an earthquake, and finally a fire. But God’s message came in a “still small voice”. God may use dramatic methods to work in your life, or He may speak in gentle whispers. Only wait patiently and always listen.
Brethren, we need the Holy Spirit to survive and thrive as Christians. God is ever willing and ready to give to anyone who asks Him (Luke 11:32). The Holy Spirit is our enabler, advocate and breath. We can’t do without Him. Why not go on your knees now and ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit afresh if you have received Him before. If not, now is the opportunity for you to receive Him. Just ask and God will surprise you with the outpouring of His Spirit unto you and you will be full to over-flowing
Have a joy-filled week as you receive power from on high to enable you live and work for Him.

                      Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
Igein Isemede