Scripture

Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them the ability.

Observation

The Day of Pentecost, ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven, and all the believers are together.

Suddenly there is a sound like a wind storm, and tongues of fire appear over each of them. They are all filled with the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in tongues.

People come running from all over the neighbourhood because of the commotion. There are people from all over the Roman Empire, there for the Festival, and they all hear the disciples praising God in their native languages.

Application

The Holy Spirit comes in the form of wind and fire- sound and visual symbols of God’s power and His holiness.

Filled with power, the disciple speak in other tongues. Instantly they become the witnesses to Jesus that He had promised would happen. Their tongue language is heard by listeners as their own native language, and they hear the disciples praising God.

The Holy Spirit is given to all christians when we believe. Yet for many, the Holy Spirit always remains a mystery, and the gifts of the Spirit are unknown to them.

When we first believe, or when we are baptised in water, there should be a baptism in the Spirit that seals or represents that we have passed from being mere people to a people endowed with grace and power.

Speaking in tongues can be a stumbling block for many- either accepting it in their minds as a real gift of God or in receiving or activating it. I believe the key is to receive by faith. Open the mouth and let God fill it. Let the words flow and let the praise of God flow from our lips.

We need to learn to flow in all of the spiritual gifts and allow the Holy Spirit to use us to be His witnesses.

Prayer

Come Holy Spirit. Fill me. Let your words of your language flow out of me in praise and adoration. Amen.