What’s Missing at Pentecost?

The baptism of the Holy Ghost, which Jesus had promised to his disciples before His ascension, (Acts 1:5), took place on the day of the Jewish feast of Pentecost. Jesus instructed them to tarry in Jerusalem, knowing their tendency to divide (Acts 1:4). He instructed them to tarry until the promise of the Father to send another Comforter would be fulfilled (John 15:25). That Comforter, the Holy Ghost, wold testify of the Lord Jesus Christ and would empower his disciples to bear witness of what they had seen regarding him (John 15:26).

When the day of Pentecost was fully come, the disciples were in one place, with one accord. They had one purpose on their mind: the fulfillment of God’s promise. God kept His promise as He always does. A mighty wind filled the house where they were sitting and there appeared unto them cloven tongues of fire that sat upon each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost. So what is missing? What is not present in the account of Pentecost that so characterizes man’s religious practices and beliefs? There are three things I want you to consider that were not present at Pentecost: controlled breathing, contemplation, and selection.

Buddhism is one of the fastest growing cults in our nation. As we come to the close of the century and a millennium, Spiritism is on the rise. Some have even speculated as to how a meeting of Jesus and Buddha would pan out in conduct or conversation. Thankfully, the Scriptures give us the answer. If Buddha had met Jesus in this life, he would have heard the same words Nicodemus heard, “Marvel not that I say unto thee, ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Although we know that such a meeting did not occur, we know that Buddha will bow before Jesus and acknowledge him as Lord, along with every other knee, to the Glory of God (Phil. 2:9-11).

Any special religious posturing that claims to regulate the way we connect to God is missing at Pentecost, thankfully. There is no bowing of any kind, let alone in any particular direction, mentioned in Acts 2:1-4,where the events of Pentecost are unfolded. Nor is there any mention of a contemplative focus of the mind or energy upon the “inner eye” of the forehead. No reference to controlled breathing. The disciples are simply “sitting”.

Notice, also, the absence of any selection at Pentecost. They were “ALL” filled with the Holy Ghost. Though some spoke in tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance, they were all filled. Speaking was not a sign or evidence of being filled. Nor were the few that spoke a unique class or cast given something the others were denied or had yet to attain. Every believer in that house that day was filled by the Holy Ghost. God said he would pour out his Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:17). He said we would be able to identify His Spirit by the One of whom the Holy Spirit would testify: the Lord Jesus Christ ( John 4:1-3).

Let’s try the spirits, and be thankful for what’s missing at Pentecost.

Dr. Richard Hughes
Pastor, Third Street Baptist Church, Cordele, GA.
Third@planttel.net