A couple of years ago, Debbie and I were fortunate enough to take a trip to Israel. We were able to see the sights, to walk where Jesus walked, to reflect on Biblical events that took place so many years ago. One of the trip highlights for me was to sit on the South Steps of the Temple and visualize the scene that took place at Pentecost as is described in Acts 2.
As Doug said this morning, Pentecost was one of three feasts where everyone returned to Jerusalem. The city was bulging with people from all those cities we could not pronounce as we read the scripture today. Each person was speaking a different language; each was going in their own direction when The Holy Spirit came upon them allowing EACH to hear in their own tongue the mighty works of God. What must it have been like? Can you see all those people trying to explain what had happened to their friends at a later date? Think about the excitement and the understanding that was taking place. Verse 12 says, "And all were amazed and perplexed...” Ron Cottrell was right when he said, "The beginning of the church". And to think it all started there on those steps into the Temple.
This morning we spent a good deal of time reflecting back on the Old Testament law in Leviticus and Deuteronomy and how it had been fulfilled through the life of Christ, His death and Resurrection. Things concealed and then revealed. Isn't it great to know that we will one day see clearly! We will understand all the whys of this life. I look forward to seeing how God will reveal Himself to me as we continue to progress thru the book of Acts.