Now, your ready!

​ When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?

Acts 2:1-7

There is so much going on in this passage.

We could reflect on the 'waiting together'; we could learn from the images of wind and fire used when the Holy Spirit came. We can trace the connections back through the Passover to the festivals of the Old Testament. We can wonder at the wisdom of God, having an international crowd gathered and waiting to hear the message of his Son Jesus.

In all this, I simply want to point out - the waiting is over, and now the action begins. The disciples where being equipped to serve; gifted to ministry. And once that happened they immediately got on with it - they spoke to all who where gathered about Jesus Christ.

And that fits with the 'humble Spirit' who we have already noticed in our readings. He doesn't give us gifts for our own satisfaction. He doesn't equip us to have a well stock tool shed. No, he gives us gifts to serve the body of Christ He equips us so we can boldly bear witness to Jesus Christ.

The time of waiting is over, now, the work has begun. It was a unique setting and this thought does not mean the church is never to wait again. But is does mean we never wait to be equipped. We must see the opportunities, discern the people / gifts he has provided and trust him to work through us as we get on with it!