Remember why this day is not like other days. In the crowded room, the 120 huddled together in anticipation and anxiety, expectation and uncertainty. It was happening, just as Jesus foretold.
“The day of Pentecost came. . . Suddenly a sound of a violent wind . . . tongues of fire . . . [and] to speak in other languages,as the Spirit enabled us. (Acts 2:1-2)
The sound of wind carries the reality of the power of God to bring about a new thing. The tongues of fire remind us of his purity. And the languages enabled each one to receive the message in their own heart.
The picture of that day of Pentecost reminds me of another day, a day in God’s future when his power and purity will renew all creation, and all people from every tribe, nation, and language will praise the Lamb who sits on the throne.
This is the purpose of Pentecost: The Holy Spirit is given to us to begin the work of bringing God’s future into our world today. When you are born in Christ, the “new creation has come” (2 Cor. 5:17).