On D-Day we marvel at the landings on Normandy beaches in 1944: the intense planning and preparation; the commitment and sacrifice of those involved; the sheer scale of the feat; the provision of God in weather and timing; and the continuing determination of many until May 1945 when victory was accomplished in Europe and freedom complete (and beyond that in other parts of the world).

Pentecost is bit like D-Day – it is the day in around 30AD when the Holy Spirit invaded to retake people for God.

–          God had planned it for centuries –  in Acts 2, Peter quotes Joel (which was possibly written around 900BC, but certainly by 600BC) to show that this event was prophesied long before.

–          God’s preparation – Jesus had to come first: to live on the earth, die, be raised and ascend to heaven; then the Holy Spirit could come.

–          God had a huge scale in mind – “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” – this is available to everyone throughout the world; all who “repent and are baptised in the name of Jesus”.

–          The commitment and sacrifice in establishing this – Peter’s explanation of the coming of the Holy Spirit is that is based on the forgiveness of sins based on Jesus dying on the cross a few weeks before. It is Jesus’ commitment and sacrifice that enables this.

–          Provision of God in timing – the Holy Spirit was sent at  just the time that many were visiting Jerusalem for a Festival so that people from across the Middle East and southern Europe were represented in the church.

–          The continuing battle until freedom complete – we, as people filled with the Holy Spirit, are called to patiently advance until Jesus returns and the battle is over. His reign is a reign of justice, righteousness and love. Hallelujah!!

You and I are now on the advance in the name of Jesus. There are many obstacles and attacks to try and stop us. We can thank God for those who have gone before us and we can thank him for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives now.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15v13.

With much blessing,

Roland