Special Delivery

As we approach Pentecost Sunday, I’m reminded of Luke 24:49 “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.  But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Have you ever stayed home all day because you were expecting a package in the mail and you didn’t want to miss the delivery driver when he arrived?  Similarly, Jesus was getting ready to send a gift the Father promised to the disciples, and they needed to stay put in Jerusalem to receive it.

However, it wasn’t a normal delivery, but one of high priority that would change the way the disciples shared the gospel going forward.  It was the beginning of the grand finale after Jesus’s ascension, for the church was about to be empowered to carry on the ministry of Jesus through this gift, the baptism of the Holy Spirit; (Acts 1:5).

After waiting for several days, the delivery came. There wasn’t even a knock on the door.   Acts 2:2-4 records, ” And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

We can hear this “sound from heaven” today also!  It might not be in a rushing mighty wind, but perhaps in a still small voice (1Kings 19:12) because this promise has our address stamped on it also.  Acts 2:39 ” For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” The promise was given, but we have to receive, and not return to sender.

Have you opened your package yet?  Those around you will know, because they can see what you are “clothed in.”