Filled with the Spirit, Pentecost (MPLS)

Acts 2:1–21

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Chris Enstad

This divine moment signifies not only the fulfillment of God’s promise but also the birth of the Church—a community bound not by language or locality, but by the Spirit itself.

The story of Pentecost is a vivid reminder of how the Holy Spirit can transform us. Just as the apostles found themselves speaking languages they did not know, we too are called to transcend our limitations and communicate God’s love in myriad ways. Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or courageous advocacy for justice, we are equipped by the Spirit to be messengers of hope.

Pentecost challenges us to open ourselves to the unexpected workings of the Holy Spirit. It invites us to be vessels of unity in a fractured world and to celebrate the diversity within God’s kingdom. Let us pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit in our lives, that we may be rejuvenated in our faith and rekindled in our mission.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• In what ways is the Holy Spirit calling you to use your unique gifts to serve and unite the community around you?
• How can you be a voice of reconciliation and love in a world that often emphasizes division?

Prayer:
Gracious God, on this Pentecost, we ask for your Spirit to sweep through our hearts like a rushing wind, filling us with fire and fervor for your mission. Empower us, as you did your early Church, to speak boldly and lovingly, crossing boundaries that divide and building bridges that unite. Pour out your Spirit on all flesh, enabling young and old alike to see your vision and dream your dreams.

Help us to listen for the still, small voice amidst the flames of Pentecost, that we may know the direction in which you lead us. Ignite within us a passion for your Word and a desire to spread your love to every corner of the earth. Amen.