“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house… All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”
Acts 2:2 and 4
Wind can be strong and powerful as in a tornado or hurricane! These winds can cause great destruction and even death. Wind can also be soft and refreshing like a cool breeze on a hot day. Winds scatter seeds across the land, give lift to our kites, power sailboats and turn windmills.
Throughout the Bible wind is mentioned. God sent a strong wind to dry the earth after the great flood, Genesis 8:1. God used wind to part the Red Sea and make a dry path for the Israelites to cross over, Exodus 14:21. In the New Testament we read about Jesus calming the winds with His words or presence, Matthew 6:23-26 and John 6:16-21. In the second chapter of Acts we read about the Day of Pentecost and how a great wind was heard as the Holy Spirit filled each of the disciples.
What an exciting time this must have been! A new feeling and experience was taking over the hearts and minds of Jesus’ disciples. They were empowered to preach and witness as never before! Scripture records that about 3000 people were added to the number of those accepting Christ on that day!
This is an amazing story to read and think about; and those that witnessed it firsthand had to have been changed forever. The good news is that the same Holy Spirit that came to the disciples on Pentecost Day still comes to us when we accept Christ as our Savior. Jesus’ promise to send a comforter, counselor and helper, John 14 and 15, has been fulfilled. The Holy Spirit lives within us to guide, comfort, help us in our weakness and even intercede for us as we pray, Romans 8:26-27.
Thank you, Lord for your Holy Spirit! What a wonderful gift from our loving Father!