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The people of Israel lived with a hopeful expectation that the Messiah would come, free them from their persecutors and restore their land. This expectation was engrained into the feasts that celebrated God’s deliverance; like Passover, which remembered their deliverance from Egypt. Not only was the Day of Pentecost a celebration of what God had done, but it was also a time to pray with hope that God will do something new.

At the time of the events of Acts 2, Jesus had returned to the Father through His ascension 10 days earlier. No doubt, many of His followers had a growing sense of hopeful anticipation that the gift of the Holy Spirit would come and that God would do something special in their lifetime. When the Holy Spirit blew through the upper room, their hope was realised, and joy flooded them all. They still hoped for the fullness of God’s glory to be revealed one day, but as the church was formed and the number of believers grew, they had great joy because God was on the move, and they were a part of it.

Today, the world around us is in complete disarray and bad news from around the globe seems to pour in from every angle. Despite all of this, we have hope because of the good news of the gospel! We have joy because His Spirit is with us always! The Holy Spirit comforts us in times of distress and strengthens us entirely so that we can continue the good work that God has set for us on this earth. We are the Church, the body of Christ on the earth, and we continue to build God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” as “co-workers in God’s service.”

Jesus warned us that there would be great challenges, persecution, and opposition for us as His disciples. Through it all, we have the hope and joyful expectation that God is building His Church and restoring lives to Him — and we get to be part of this glorious mission!

Reflection & Application:

The Holy Spirit is our helper and comforter. No matter what challenges you have in your life today, the Holy Spirit is with you. He can fill you with hope, joy, peace and strength. Take a few moments to pause and reflect. Allow time for the Holy Spirit to speak to you.

Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, please fill me with hope and expectation for what You will do and joy in what you are already doing. Father God, pour Your Spirit out in my life! I want a fresh wind of Your holy presence today. In the name of Jesus, amen!

Scripture Readings:

God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. ³³ Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Acts 2:32-33 (NIV)

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1 Corinthians 3:9 (NIV)

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

Acts 3:9 (NIV)