On Mission: Week 2 - Taking Action

On Mission – Taking Action

June 16, 2013

Acts 2:1-7

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place.  Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.  At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed.

The disciples had been given their mission.  They were to “go and make disciples of all nations”.  Jesus personally delivered this final command forever answering the question “so now what?” for all believers.  What makes a believer into a disciple?  Doing what Jesus says to do.  You cannot go wrong when following Jesus with an open and humble heart. 

This day of Pentecost is the first significant event following Jesus returning to heaven.  Language is often the focus of these verses.  However, the type of language is less important that what it represents.  At the Tower of Babel, God confused the language of the people and they dispersed.  On this day, language was no barrier and God brought all people together with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  People of all shapes, sizes, and beliefs were able to see and hear the true message of Christ.  The “all nations” part of the great commission is being fulfilled.  What’s more, God is the one who made it possible as the Holy Spirit filled worked through the disciples.  God still works this way.  How much focus do we give the Holy Spirit?  What does God want to do in our lives that we miss because we aren't looking for it?

Everyone came running.  People were amazed.  “What are you doing?”  “How can this be?”  The people are responding.  This isn't an action that was well planned and thought out.  It doesn't take place behind the walls of a church.  It’s real people living real lives going about their everyday business.  It’s disciples who are willing to take a risk and allow the Spirit to work through them no matter the possible cost.  It is action taken to accomplish the mission God has given.  It’s what we are to be about.   How do we need to change in order to be like these disciples and take action?