RISE
Day Forty-nine – Today is day forty nine and the last of our Lord’s Days in this period of transformation. It is also what has been traditionally known as Pentecost. (Remember, we are a day behind.) Now, the events of Pentecost, as detailed in Acts 2, only happened once. It was on that day, during the Pentecost feast of the Jewish people, that God, with a sound like a rushing wind from Heaven and the sending of His Holy Spirit, built the church upon the sacrifice and love of Christ. Ever since that time the Lord has been adding to it, men and women of every generation who will call upon His name and obey His will.
Each and every Lord’s Day is a celebration of the church, but not simply the church. It is a celebration of Joy and fellowship and the gates of salvation swinging open for the whole of humanity. It is a celebration of and renewed call to the mission of Christ each and every week as we gather.
The church has gotten a bad rap in recent times; so much so that many folks have abandoned any sort of commitment to it. They claim spirituality, but no “church affiliation.” Therein lies the problem. The church is not an affiliation or association or a corporation or designation. It is a vibrant and living body that when gathered touches and changes lives forever. The Pentecostian church spread and grew and eventually turned the world upside-down with their efforts. Are we? Are we a living part of the body, celebrating with joy each Lord’s Day the gifts of our unity and peace and salvation? Does it show in our singing? Can it be heard in the tenor of our voices as we pray? Do we serve with zeal and enthusiasm? Would anyone believe you are spirit-filled or would they be more inclined to think our spirit has left the building?
Today is day forty-nine. It is the Lord’s Day…a day to remember that first Pentecost and with great fervor lift our voices to praise Him, speaking his message clearly and unite to move men to obedience. Today is day forty-nine.
