The term Pentecost comes from the Greek word for fiftieth. It is celebrated 50 days after Easter. The Jews refer to it as Shavuot – it is the celebration of receiving the Torah 50 days after Passover. It follows the same convoluted calendar that Easter does. This year it’s tomorrow, May 24.
As Christians we get our meaning of Pentecost in Acts 2. Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit. The believers were gathered together to celebrate Shavuot. You’re probably familiar with the story where a wind and flames of fire rested on each believer. This was the baptism of the Holy Spirit and showed that God’s presence and power were with them. People from far away lands heard the good news in their own language. These were languages that the believers couldn’t speak before. This is a mirror of the story in Genesis 11 where the people were scattered because no one could understand the languages others were speaking. Now they’re coming together because everyone understands.
This wasn’t a room full of apostles alone. It was men and women, young and old, names you know and names you don’t know. Pentecost was a commissioning and empowering of every single one of the 120 people there. They would each play a unique part in spreading the gospel, but all were equipped and all were essential.
This is what makes a church. Not a few doing everything, but everyone doing something. The spirit doesn’t only empower preachers or leaders, It empowers ordinary and available people like you. You have a part to play in the Church that Jesus has created. You’re already filled. What’s your calling? Step up and play your part.