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The Day of
Pentecost |
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Thousands of devout worshippers were crowded into the Temple courts on this
particular day of Pentecost. As in all the years which had gone before, these
faithful Jews had come to Jerusalem for the purpose of giving thanks to Jehovah
for his blessings upon the nation of Israel. But on this day they had both seen
and heard a miraculous manifestation of Jehovah's presence in hearing the sound
of a rushing mighty wind, and in seeing the cloven tongues resembling something
like fire which sat upon twelve men. These twelve were then filled with the
Spirit and began to speak flawlessly in the languages and dialects of all
present, so that everyone understood them speak in their own native tongue. Not only had the worshippers witnessed a miraculous demonstration, but they were hearing the twelve speak the wonderful works of God, as only prophets of God could speak. One of the twelve, a man called Peter, told them that the events which were happening this day were the fulfillment of a prophecy of Joel – a prophecy which promised a day of prophetic revelations, miraculous demonstrations and spiritual salvation. Certainly, this must all be happening in preparation for the revelation and the coming of Israel's promised redeemer, the Messiah, the King of kings and Lord of lords. But it was Peter's next words which shocked many beyond belief, for these words revealed the name of Israel's promised Messiah. They were the words, "Jesus of Nazareth." While these words were still ringing in the ears of the thousands of worshippers assembled there, Peter confidently continued with his message. He said, "Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." These words alone crushed many, for they had recognized Jesus as a man approved of by God. They remembered the many wonderful miracles Jesus had performed in their midst. They had seen the sick healed, the lame walk, and the blind given sight. They had heard how he fed five thousand on one occasion and four thousand on another with only a few loaves and fishes. And they heard how he calmed a storm on the Sea of Galilee, and how he had walked on the water. Surely, no man could do these things unless God was with him – unless he was a man approved of by God. But why would this man die according to a predetermined plan of God? Why would Jehovah want to take the life of a worker of miracles, and raise him to life again? What purpose could that possibly serve? In the confusion of the moment, many had at least one of their questions answered. They now knew the reason for the empty tomb of the man known as Jesus of Nazareth. According to Peter, Jesus was resurrected from the dead by the power of Jehovah, because it was not possible that he should be held captive by death. But why? Why did all this happen? Why was a man approved of by God crucified by the hands of wicked and lawless men – all according to a predetermined plan of God – only to be resurrected from the dead again? Why? But others were not willing to accept Peter's testimony, even if he did appear to be speaking with the power of the Holy Spirit. They were confident they knew the prophets, and they were certain that nothing like this had ever been prophesied. Certainly, Israel's Messiah would not come to be crucified and then be resurrected. Who could possibly believe that? They were confident that Israel's redeemer would come as a great leader of the people, bringing sweeping reform and a crushing defeat to Israel's enemies. No, to these, Jesus of Nazareth could be nothing more than a great teacher – perhaps a worker of miracles, but certainly not the Messiah. They were confident that no prophet had ever spoken of the Messiah, the Redeemer of Israel, as one who would come to be crucified, and then be resurrected from the dead. But their confidence was shattered as Peter gave the testimony of one such prophet. This testimony would come from one who was much more than a prophet, for he was also Israel's most revered and beloved king. He was the psalmist David, the son of Jesse, and one whom even Jehovah had called, "a man after My own heart." Peter said, "David said about him…" These words pierced the hearts of the confident, those who were certain that the Messiah would never come to be crucified. They had been certain that the one who would rule from David's throne as King over Israel would come in victory, not defeat. He would come in glory, not shame. He would come to deliver, not to be delivered. How could David have said something about him? How could it be that David, the great king of Israel, spoke of this man from Galilee – this man known as Jesus of Nazareth? Had they crucified an innocent man? Had they allowed themselves to be swept up by the bitterness of their leaders toward this man of Galilee? Could it possibly be that they crucified the Messiah? Could it be that they had crucified the very Son of God? Oh, the horror of the thought! |
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