With Great Effect

TO READ: Acts 2:1-21

In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants —men and women alike —and they will prophesy.

Acts 2:18

After he ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9), Jesus told his disciples to stay in the city of Jerusalem until he sent them what his Father had promised —the Holy Spirit —who would dress them with the dynamic they would need to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations.

And then the day came! Suddenly the Holy Spirit fell on those waiting people, accompanied by special supernatural phenomena. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them! These languages enabled foreigners in Jerusalem to hear in their native tongues “the wonderful things God has done!” (Acts 2:11). This, explained Peter, is what Joel had prophesied.

The Holy Spirit is a gracious gift, and he is also a “generating gift.” He generates the power to be witnesses. It’s all quite impossible without the Holy Spirit, who gives us the power to testify about him with great effect to the ends of the earth.

We can start by telling people that Jesus died and rose again. We can make sure they understand that he wants to forgive their sin and give them the Holy Spirit.

Some will mock, and some will be indifferent or, worse, belligerent. But some will respond. That, however, isn’t our business; that part belongs to God. Our business is to tell them; it’s God’s business to turn them around. We must only do our part; we can be quite sure God will do his. He promises to give our message great effect.