On fire with the Holy Spirit, on the day of Pentecost, Peter begins to preach to the multitude of Jews who have gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Weeks. Finally all doubt seems to be gone from the disciples about the meaning of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, and what they are now supposed to do about it. Peter, the fisherman, the guy who constantly puts his foot in his mouth, begins to preach (Acts 2:1-41).
These "God-fearing Jews" (verse 5) who were gathered in Jerusalem were from many nations (Egypt, Libya and Italy among others). The disciples baptized about 3000 of them that day (verse 41). When they returned home, no doubt they told their family and friends what had happened in Jerusalem. And so the news that the long-promised Jewish Messiah had finally come spread quickly. What joy there must have been. Was there dancing in the streets? Were celebrations held? Feasting and drinking and toasting?
For reflection: Many Christians experience great joy when they first come to know Jesus, but after a while it fades. Do I still have my first joy? If not, what is keeping me from it?
Let us pray. "Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds." (Psalm 149:2-5)
These "God-fearing Jews" (verse 5) who were gathered in Jerusalem were from many nations (Egypt, Libya and Italy among others). The disciples baptized about 3000 of them that day (verse 41). When they returned home, no doubt they told their family and friends what had happened in Jerusalem. And so the news that the long-promised Jewish Messiah had finally come spread quickly. What joy there must have been. Was there dancing in the streets? Were celebrations held? Feasting and drinking and toasting?
For reflection: Many Christians experience great joy when they first come to know Jesus, but after a while it fades. Do I still have my first joy? If not, what is keeping me from it?
Let us pray. "Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds." (Psalm 149:2-5)
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