WEDNESDAY September 21, 2022
The Privilege of Receiving the Holy Spirit
Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:3-4
When Christ’s disciples received the Holy Spirit, it was such a privilege. They had gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem, and as they were sitting down, praying, and waiting on God, He began a new work in their lives, as the Spirit of God descended upon them.
In the Scriptures, I see such a wonder. As this mighty wind came on the Day of Pentecost, the early church was born, as 120 individuals were baptized with the Holy Spirit. On this occasion, every one of them spoke a different language––a different tongue. Jews who had had traveled from all over the world to come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost, heard them speaking in their own dialect, praising God. Think about it. This was an amazing miracle––a wonder.
Notice the wonder––a fire of cloven tongues sat upon each of them. Again, notice the privilege they received as God’s dunamis power, seen as fire, came upon them. In Scripture, fire symbolically speaks of purifying. It is also a symbol of God’s glory, holiness and jealousy. Fire is seen as a symbol of God’s protection, His righteous judgment, and His wrath against the wicked. It is also used as a symbol for divine truth, for guiding men, and for suffering in fiery trials. Fire symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s presence on the Day of Pentecost. Think about the awesome privilege to be baptized with God’s fire––His glory.
The believers remained in unity while concentrating on this one thing––worshiping God. Nobody was bringing attention to themselves. They were enjoying the presence of the Holy Spirit. God was in the midst of them!
Before we go to our knees to receive the Baptism of Fire, let me beg of you to see to it that your souls are in harmony with the will and purpose of the Holy Spirit whom you seek.
~William Booth~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
