The Glorious Disturbance - Understanding And Receiving The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit

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THE MIRACLE OF PENTECOST

"Ho, you, brothers of such and such a village, come in peace!" Every group came marching in to the sound offlutes and timbrels; an ox, the sacrificial offering, led the way, its horns adorned according to the means and social status ofthe deputation, with costly ribbons or with a wreath ofolive leaves. The farmers ofthe neighboring village ofModiin carried the fresh vegetables which were considered such a delicacy in Jerusalem; those that came from remoter areas brought such fruits as would retain their freshness over a longer journey. In the procession of gifts were to be seen yellow sheaves of early wheat from the rich fields ofBenjamin, while here and there, from among the sea of rough-woven baskets resting on the broad shoulders ofpeasants, flashed a fine-wrought golden tray heaped with figs and held aloft in the jeweled hands of a patrician. 3 The great Temple of Herod, already 46 years in construction (seeJohn 2:20), was easily the central attraction. Every Jewish heart burst with pride for this magnificent place-the great religious hub ofJudaism. J. W Shepard, author of The Christ ofthe Gospels, says the vast building "could accommodate within its area 210,000 persons. It was a mass of snowy marble and glittering gold, standing out from the common level of the city, like an island from the surrounding billows of the sea." 4 None in the throng knew that in fewer than forty years (A.D. 70, shortly after completion) the Romans would obliterate Herod's masterpiece.Jesus alone perceived the destiny of the Temple whose God was forsaken (see Matthew 23:38). The immediate events were merely God's token use of the building before its fiery demise. An insignificant group of Galilean folk, all sincere followers ofJesus, the rabbi of Nazareth, found themselves inJerusalem at this momentous time. Swallowed by the great tide of humanity engulfing the city, they reached the close of prayerful days, waiting. For them,Judea's capital was not a friendly place-their beloved leader was crucified there as a criminal a scant fifty days before. Concerned about safety and their future, they stubbornly hung on to an awesome promise that countermanded fear or apprehension.Jesus had made a pledge to them, and they awaited the fulfillment. THE DISCIPLES' FRAME OF MIND