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 and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:4

Pentecost was the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover Week. It was also called the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Harvest, and the Day of First Fruits. The Israelites were instructed by God to celebrate the Feast of Harvest by giving to God the first fruit of the crops they had harvested.

Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, is the “first-fruits” – the one who is the way for us to have eternal life and the guarantee of our resurrection. (I Corinthians 15:23) On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit that was promised by Jesus descended on those gathered. It is not surprising that He sent His Holy Spirit at Pentecost because it symbolizes the celebration we have in Christ, the first-fruits. Growing in our relationship with Christ is dependent on our continual willingness to yield to and be dependent upon the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the One who leads us into the truth of God’s Word, who guides us in our daily lives, and who empowers us to live the Christian life as effective witnesses for Christ.

Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to have His way in your life? Pray for your personal “Pentecost” daily so that the Lord can live His life through you.

Heavenly Father,

I yield to Your Holy Spirit. Empower me to be a witness for Christ in my home, at work, and in my relationships. Fill me with Your life-giving Spirit so that I can be a light to those You have called me to.

In Jesus’ name, Amen