Pentecost
“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.” Acts 2:2
If the sound of Christmas is the cry of a newborn, the sound of Pentecost is the roar of a jet engine. Whatever the sound was like, it served at least two purposes. The first was probably something only the disciples would understand. After Easter, Jesus breathed on them, saying, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost…whosoever sins ye remit they are remitted unto them" (John 20:22-23). This has been called the little Pentecost. Now, from the majesty of God's right-hand, Jesus breathed on all of His disciples, His entire church. It is the Lord's big Pentecost.
The second purpose? God used the noise to draw a crowd. When the disciples couldn't go to all the people, God brought the people to the disciples.
God still does that in different ways today. Sometimes Christians fall away from the faith and become unbelievers. They have no interest in Church or the Gospel, even when they should know better. But then one day, God uses something in their lives to wake them up. He sends bad news from the doctor; He permits a close brush with death; whatever it is, they are confronted with the life to come. God uses those moments, not to convert people, but to give them another chance to hear the Gospel and be saved.
The dramatic signs, the sound, the tongues of fire, the ability to speak fluently in other languages – these served the purpose of gathering people to hear what God has done for them in Christ. But they do not create faith. God creates faith through the quiet, gentle voice of the Gospel. Keep that in mind when God brings people into your life so that they, too, can hear the Gospel and be saved.
Let none hear you idly saying,
“There is nothing I can do.”
While the souls of men are dying
And the Master calls for you.
Take the task He gives you gladly,
Let His work your pleasure be:
Answer quickly when He calleth,
“Here am I, Send me, Send me.”
The Lutheran Hymnal 496:4