Jesus’ followers remained in Jerusalem until the Day of Pentecost, ten days after His ascension. On that day, “suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2 NIV84). Immediately, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised.
So, who is the Holy Spirit? He is the third member of the Trinity, but for many of us, this anointing on the day of Pentecost is our first realization of Him and His power. We don’t seem to catch the fact that He was there at the beginning when “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:2b NIV84). He was there when Elizabeth proclaimed that Mary’s child was the Messiah (Luke 1:41). He was there when Simeon declared “my eyes have seen … your salvation” (Luke 2:27, 30 NIV84) as baby Jesus was presented at the Temple. He was there when Jesus was baptized (Luke 3:22), and He was the power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19, 20).
He is also the gift we receive when we accept Christ as Lord and are baptized with Him (Acts 2:38). Why then does He remain a mystery to us? Perhaps it’s because His power and purpose remain a mystery. Jesus prepared the Apostles and us for the Holy Spirit, and it is from His teaching that we gain a better understanding of who the Holy Spirit is. During Jesus’ last message before His death, He promised to send the Holy Spirit who would be “a Counselor to be with you forever” (John 14:16b NIV84). He explained that the Counselor or Helper would teach and remind us of Jesus’ teachings. He also convicts the world of guilt and guides us in all truth.
Life is not always easy, but it should be a comfort to know that we have a “Helper” who is constantly by our side. He will help us understand the Truth of the Scriptures, and as we grow, He will reveal more and more Truth. We are not alone! The power that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in us. What a blessing the Holy Spirit is to us!
Read: Acts 2:1 – 4, John 14:15 – 21 & 25 – 27, and John 16:5 – 16
Food for Thought:
- What do you know about the Holy Spirit? How can you get to know Him better?
- How has the Holy Spirit been your Helper and Guide? Share your experiences with someone else.
Musings from My Sun Porch 
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