Advent: December 19
Joel 2:28-32 (ESV) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. 30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.
Jesus has come. He lived perfectly and satisfied the righteous requirements of
God’s law. Jesus was put to death by God through the hands of Roman officials as the propitiation for sin, past, present, and future. He was buried. He rose. He ascended to the right hand of the Father as the unique Son of God.
When our great God and Savior, Jesus ascended, as his disciples stood there watching, angels also stood there with them and encouraged his disciples that he would come again.
Before he left, Jesus taught his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to be with them and dwell within them and by his presence they would receive power to be his witnesses
They were amazed. They were sad. They were a little perplexed. Clearly instructed. So, what else could they do bu to wait for Jesus’ promise.
Acts 2 records Jesus keeping his promise on the 50th day after Passover, Pentecost.
The disciples are together in one place on Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit is sent by the Lord Jesus, and the disciples are empowered just like Jesus promised.
Now, in front of everyone, Jesus’ disciples are preaching the good news to the people gathered for the festival from many nations where the gospel would go.
When this happens, Peter promptly recalls the Scripture from Joel 2:28-32, and he preaches that Scripture to the people gathered and tells them that Joel’s words are fulfilled in Jesus in whom they are to believe. Three thousand people get rescued from the dark kingdom right there on the spot. Wow!
This incredible event happened and fulfilled God’s word because Jesus came, was obedient, was victorious, ascended to provide atonement for all who believed, and poured out his Spirit on all those who believed in him.
Jesus’ ascension, promise to return, and the guarantee of sending the Holy Spirit, provides the most unifying event in Christian history, the gift of the Holy Spirit sent and received.
The Holy Spirit resides in all Christians who have repented by putting their faith in Jesus and who follow him eagerly, awaiting his second advent.
Advent. The glory of God revealed in Jesus the Son sending the Spirit to be with us.