“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind.” Acts 2:2
We are just a few days from celebrating Pentecost Sunday. Today, as we reflect on the context of our verse we are brought to the account of the first Pentecost in the life of the early Church. One aspect of Pentecost is the reminder of the importance of prayer. Prayer is power and it is not meant to be simply an exercise to calm our spirit. Prayer is more than aligning ourselves with the will of God, prayer has the potential to move and change the plans of God.
The Jewish Pentecost festival was an annual gathering which took place 50 days after Passover but the experience of the Pentecost Sunday, as recorded in the book of Acts, came according to a new Promise(Acts 1.4) and in the context of 10 days of persevering in constant prayer following Christ’s ascension. Gathered in an upper room were 120 dedicated followers of Christ.
The Spirit of God came suddenly and surprisingly. Into this quiet, private, domestic scene the Spirit made His thunderous, spectacular arrival. It was loud, threatening, and perhaps frightening, but unlike a violent storm He came to comfort and empower. Now some may have expected the image of the Spirit’s descent to be a gentle dove, or doves, but here it was fire. Wind and fire are a dangerous combination in my mind. Growing up in Australia, wild fire on a windy day was always associated with extreme danger and here the image reminds me of the fact that the Spirit is dynamic and exuberant; but in a safe sense.
Wind and fire are symbols for God’s Spirit. Wind is heavenly and mysterious while fire is animated and dangerous. Pentecost began a new epoch of salvation history and prayer became even more crucial in the life of the believers. More crucial because Pentecost reminds us that God has called us to a life and ministry that is way beyond our natural abilities. More crucial, because God intends for believers to have access to life changing supernatural power. Let us pray, “Holy Spirit consume us with your fire and make us to be a flame of love”. So whether you are a prince or a pauper, a principal or a pupil you are called to live a life of prayer.
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