The wind of God

Pentecost. It is popular to refer to Pentecost as the birthday of the church; however, we must try not to totally separate Easter, Ascension Day and Pentecost. In doing so, we miss the astounding truth that both the ascension of Christ, and then decent of the Spirit at Pentecost, are further explanations of the wonder of Easter.

The day of Pentecost is a celebration of “first fruits,” but first-fruits are totally dependant on rain. Rain must fall at the right time for the first-fruits to be available (at the right time). The spiritual rain is relating to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon people lives. At Pentecost, the power of God (which was made manifest at the resurrection and ascension of Christ) was given to the people of God. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”

In listening to Luke's graphic account of the formation of the church (as documented in the Book of Acts), we are pursuing the truth about this peculiar new community which God had birthed, however, we are also exploring the primary reason why the Holy Spirit had come. Remember, for the Church the Holy Spirit is the main focus at Pentecost. So let's try to imagine what transpired way back then (in the upper room)…

…It is dawn on the day of Pentecost and the faithful followers of Jesus are passionately gathered together 'with one accord' (having one mind and purpose). They have waited expectantly and have prayed fervently.

Suddenly, the new day begins with an eruption of sounds from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind (suggesting the arrival of the mighty but unseen power of the Holy Spirit). Things appear to be coming loose, breaking open all around them! Can it be the same wind, which on the very first morning of all mornings, had swept across the dark waters of the earth - the wind of creation?

And so it is, for the Wind of God is once again bringing something to life - birthing a new creation! It was the Spirit of Life (“Zoë”) descending upon God's people and making them brand new The world would never be the same again - revival had started! The first-fruits of the harvest (from seed that was sown at the Cross), were being presented to God. Three thousand in just one day!

This was the greatest sign that Jesus has been exalted to the right hand of God the Father. Pentecost is evidence that Jesus is Lord! And the Holy Spirit has come to earth to declare Jesus is Lord. Pentecost is about the arrival of the Holy Spirit. But what is He, and who is He? In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit is mentioned 81 times.

Luke 1:35 tells us that the Holy Spirit is “the Power of the Highest”, and Isaiah 11:2 says He's the “Spirit of Might.” He is also the “Spirit of Life” [Romans 8:2], the “Spirit of Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding” [Isaiah 11:2], the “Spirit of Glory”; the “Spirit of Grace”; the “Spirit of Holiness”; and the “Spirit of Judgement.”

But please note He is the “Person of the Holy Spirit” [Psalm 51:11; Ephesians 1:13, 4:30]. He IS a Person! The Holy Spirit's distinct and unique personality is proven in scripture. In 1 Corinthians 12:11 we see that He has a definite WILL; and Ephesians 4:30 tells us He can be GRIEVED. He is also susceptible to personal treatment because, in Acts 5:3 we see He can be LIED TO; in Acts 7:51 we find that He can be RESISTED; and furthermore, in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 we are told He can be QUENCHED.

The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit is accurately described in the Book of John.... He is to be our Helper and Abiding Guest; our Teacher; our Testifier and Reprover. He is to be our Guide and the Voice of God. He is also the Gloryfier, Magnifier and Exhibitor of Jesus. In the New Testament Epistles we find the Holy Spirit described as “Spiritual Dynamo”; the “Witness to Sonship”; our “Helper in Prayer.”

Now, let's quickly ask ourselves something… “If the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost to be our Counsellor, our Teacher, our Guide, and our Comforter, then surely we must be in constant communication with Him? But, before we can sustain any relationship with the Holy Spirit we must first know Him, and have confidence in our knowledge of Him [and His character].

He should not be the impersonal member of the Trinity. The Greek word translated “know” actually means “to come to know” or to “recognise and understand completely.” Therefore, in John 16:18 the Lord Jesus was telling us that the world cannot receive anything from the Spirit of Truth because it neither sees Him nor recognises Him. However, we will come to know Him; we will come to recognise and understand Him completely. What a wonderful 'faith filled' statement of fact, but it doesn't stop there… “For He dwells WITH you and will be IN you.”

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper [intercessor, comforter, advocate, counsellor], that He may abide with you forever.” The Lord's use of “allos” [another], in reference to the Holy Spirit, clearly reveals the distinct similarities the Holy Spirit has with His own character and ministry. The word expresses similarities, but it also confirms diversities of operation. A literal translation could read.... “and I will ask My Father, and He will give you One besides Me [and in addition to Me], but One just like Me. Who will be able to do in My absence exactly what I would do if I were physically present with you.”

Therefore, on the Day of Pentecost, the promise which Jesus had made in John 14 was fulfilled. He sent us the blessed Holy Spirit, who is in addition to Christ, yet just like Him. Who is able to do in Christ's' absence, exactly what Christ would do if He were physically present with us. And this way, we are never left as orphans - without help and comfort! Romans 8:14 says “…because those who are led by the Spirit of God they are sons of God.” And, in the Greek, to be “led by the Holy Spirit” implies to be “carried away in His arms.” The world cannot see the Holy Spirit, nor does it know Him [John 14:17]. However, we can know Him by faith, and by our understanding of His ministry and the divine office He operates in here on earth.

He possess all ability, all knowledge and all understanding in every area of creativity, design and invention - and He imparts gifts, abilities and talents to God's people
He reveals and manifests God's wisdom and understanding, and He is the inspiration and revelation of God. We see and know God [in His Son Jesus Christ] through the Holy Spirit's spiritual eyes.
He is the power of God on earth and He is able to manifest Himself in physical and spiritual power and authority.
He is our teacher and instructor in the things of God.
He operates all spiritual gifts, and determines their measure, intensity and consistency. They manifest entirely as He wills! He is the voice of God.
He is the life giver - He imparts eternal life and quickens our mortal bodies.
He leads us and guides us as if we were blind - inch by inch; step, by step; stage by stage. He carries us throughout our Christian walk!

Chris Demetriou, 27/05/2007