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I marvel at Luke’s account in Acts 2 as he describes what Christians call "Pentecost". Jews gathered for Shavout, a festival in Jerusalem centered around the celebration of the harvest and the offering of first fruits at the temple. Luke describes the appearance of God’s Holy Spirit in detail during that year’s celebration, as well as the startled response of the believers and all of those who witnessed it.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter responds to the onlookers’ confusion and questions with the proclamation: “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33, NIV).
The wonder of that first Pentecost reminds me of my own experience with God’s Holy Spirit. While in my university library, instead of studying I was totally distracted by a question about the Holy Spirit. Christian friends spoke of the importance of the Spirit for living the life God called me to in Scripture. However, I questioned: “If the Holy Spirit was so integral for living the Christian life, why hadn’t someone told me before now?” I knew the Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I also understood that He supposedly took up residence in my life when, as a young person, I acknowledged Jesus Christ as my Savior. But I could not recall identifying His presence or His power.
Eager for a resolution I matter-of-factly asked God to reveal to me if His Holy Spirit wanted to be actively involved in my life. I recall an immediate awareness of His affirmation and peaceful presence. My struggle to understand His role instantly resolved. My experience also had eyewitnesses—several perplexed elevator companions, since my tear-filled eyes contradicted my huge smile!
On that Shavout day in Jerusalem, the arrival of the Holy Spirit equipped the Apostles and believers with the indwelling presence of God. From that moment on they could rely upon the Spirit for power to live the teachings of Jesus and to fulfill His instructions to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach (Matthew 28:16-20).
In eternity, I hope to hear the individual stories of those who received the promise Peter proclaimed that day: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off*—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39, NIV).
What a day that will be! Hallelujah!
*“To people far in the future” or “and to the Gentiles.” New Living Translation footnote.
Linda Lesniewski
Linda served as Women’s Minister at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX for 24 years. She has authored "A Little Book About Knowing a Big God" for children; "Women at the Cross" and "Connecting Women: A Guide for Leaders in Women’s Ministry", by Revell; as well as "His Story My Story", a digital download available from LifeWay. Linda enjoys spending time with her four young adult children and six granddaughters. She has served on the Womenary Board of Directors for many years.
You can contact Linda at lindalesniewski49@gmail.com. 
