Pentecost Promised

On this day, in many countries all around the world, and certainly in most, if not all Caribbean islands, today is a holiday. It is known as Whit Monday, celebrating Whitsuntide, which coincides with Pentecost. I personally know that on this day, for decades, the denomination to which I belong, has its Women’s Convention. It is a time when women from all the various churches on the island meet for an all-day convention. One of the striking features or traditions, which is still upheld by the vast majority of women, is the wearing of white. There is also a stirring Pentecostal sermon during the morning session, where a spirited speaker is invited to address the gathering.

In our sharing today, however, as promised, we continue to celebrate prophecy fulfilled. Having spent time looking at the prophecies of three well-known Old Testament prophets, Isaiah, Ezekiel and Joel, whose prophecies about God’s outpouring of His Spirit on His people was fully fulfilled, we want to carry on in the same vein today, on this day referred to as Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday.

However, as we continue to celebrate the Pentecostal outpouring of the Holy Spirit and fire, on Jesus’ disciples and hundreds of new converts, we carry on with our celebration of Pentecostal prophecy fulfilled. Our interest is now in the New Testament, as we continue to seek works wrought by the Holy Spirit in us all that we too may be testimonies to prophecy fulfilled. For our spirited encouragement, we now look to John and Jesus, both prophets of God in their own right. 

Prophet John the Baptist

But what did you go out to see? Luke 7: 26a. Jesus, in speaking to a vast multitude, asked that rhetorical question more than once, concerning John the Baptist. Then we hear Jesus’ glowing testimony about John, to that huge gathering and to us also, for we hardly ever think of John, in his day to day working, as a prophet. His claim to fame for many of us is that he is the preacher and baptizer. However, as we too listen to Jesus, this is what we hear Him say of John. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.  Luke 7: 26.

 Jesus then went on to elaborate and pay even more glowing tribute to Prophet John. For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist. Luke 7: 28a. Jesus has confirmed that John is a prophet, so that his words about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are infallibly true.

Recorded, are these words spoken by John, the great prophet John, about Jesus’ baptism in relation to his. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3: 11. Have not his words been fulfilled at Pentecost? Was the fire of the Pentecostal Spirit not ablaze that day, as the Spirit wrought works, unimagined by the people in and through whom He wrought such works? This Holy Spirit and fire outpouring, is the baptism of Jesus.

Prophet Jesus, Man of Nazareth

Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? Matthew 16: 13b. Jesus, in speaking to His disciples asked them that question. It was no rhetorical questioning. Jesus wanted responses, the pulse of the people, if you will.  This is what they told Jesus. Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Matthew 16: 14b. People saw Jesus as a prophet. I had to pause for a bit here, because, if truth be told, I do not think of Jesus first and foremost as a Prophet. I will tell you that He is Teacher, Preacher, High Priest, King, Healer and more, but I would not think to say Prophet.

Jesus is Prophet, Priest and King, and it is from Prophet Jesus Himself that we are made to celebrate prophecy fulfilled. Jesus’ final promise to His disciples, is prophecy personalized. Yes, He is stating as others have stated, about the outpouring of the Spirit on humans, but Jesus has given life to those words in making them personal. It’s just like when He gave life to the Scripture when He read from Prophet Isaiah. He told the congregation listening, Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. Luke 4: 21b. Faith allows us to see the same here, in these words spoken by Prophet Jesus concerning the giving of the Spirit at Pentecost. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.  Acts 1: 8a. Faith also lets us receive these words of Jesus, as fulfilled words in our hearing. In our hearing then, is the fulfilment of Pentecost promised.

Where is this taking us? I can assure you it is to be a place not thought of, but a place we need. Tomorrow, we continue.