“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:2-4 (NIV)
Can you imagine how the disciples would have felt sitting waiting in the upper room… not really fully understanding what they were waiting for? Jesus had commanded them to wait before going to fulfill the commandments He had given them. Jesus told them it would be beneficial for them, but I’m sure they were thinking how can anything beat having Jesus with them in the flesh. Jesus promised that He would send an Advocate to them, a Spirit who would guide them into all truth. I don’t think they could have comprehended the glory, power and might of the Holy Spirit and how He would change everything for them.
These events of Pentecost signalled the birth of the Church. This filling of the Spirit came with power, and would change the trajectory of everything yet to come. While in many ways, there is so much mystery with the Holy Spirit, we can be sure of this – He leads us into all truth (ref. John 14:16-17). This was a defining characteristic that Jesus put at the forefront of what to expect when this gift came upon Believers.
We can be thankful that we too receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, at the moment of Salvation. But beyond that, Scripture makes it clear that we can “be filled with the Holy Spirit” over and over again. (ref. Ephesians 5:18, Colossians 2:6). The infilling of the Spirit is a reoccurring event when we surrender to the ways and purposes of the Spirit, as we submit to Him. The more we surrender, the more we are filled with the Holy Spirit, for the power and purpose of serving the Church.
I don’t know about you, but I want to be filled to overflowing with the Spirit of Christ in me. To be completely surrendered to His ways and purposes. Every single area. Nothing off-limits. More of Him, and less of me.
Are you with me?!
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