| Can you picture the disciples as they gathered on the Day of Pentecost-a Jewish holiday? It appears from Acts 2:2 that they were still in the upper room but also they met in the Temple each day for prayer. They may have said to each other 'Will the Holy Spirit come on this special day?' and then suddenly he came. There is much that we do not know but his coming was sudden, supernatural and surprising in its effects. We are told of three miraculous evidences. First there was the sound of strong wind. This was one of Christ's own symbols for the Spirit (John 3). The wind speaks of the unlimited freedom of the Spirit, the force of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit. What can fill anything like a strong wind can? Then there appeared something like fire. This does not seem to have ever been repeated on any other occasion yet one of the first statements of John the Baptist was that Christ would 'baptise' with fire. Fire burns. Fire cleanses. Here is the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit whereby human vessels are made fit for service. Then there was the ability to speak in another tongue. This was a symbol of the worldwide ministry the church would have in days to come-into all the world to every person. Most important of all they were filled with the Spirit of God. Here was an abiding experience which had been denied to most of the Old Testament saints. What does it mean to be filled? It is to be controlled by the Spirit of God so that Christ is seen in our lives. Then he is able to do his work in us and through us. A PRAYER:
Lord fill me, control me by your Spirit today. | 
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