The Promised Gift- Pentecost
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
1 Theophilus, I first wrote to you about all that Jesus did and taught from the very first 2 until he was taken up to heaven. But before he was taken up, he gave orders to the apostles he had chosen with the help of the Holy Spirit. 3 For 40 days after Jesus had suffered and died, he proved in many ways that he had been raised from death. He appeared to his apostles and spoke to them about God's kingdom. 4 While he was still with them, he said: Don't leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. 5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:1-5
Memory Verse
Acts 1:4
4 While he was still with them, he said: Don't leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do.
Have you ever had someone promise you something that you were really excited about? Maybe it was a fun trip you couldn’t wait for or a present you had always wanted. Being promised something fills us with anticipation, and when that promise is delivered, it can be the best feeling in the world.
After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, he spent time preparing his disciples for his departure. When he was about to return to heaven to be with his Father, he reminded them of the gift his Father had promised them. It was the gift of the Holy Spirit, which would go with the disciples as they traveled into the world, sharing the good news of Jesus with everyone they met. This gift would allow them to teach others about Jesus and discern right from wrong. It would even help them heal sick people and speak languages they didn’t know. But on top of everything else, this gift would always remind them who Jesus was and that he was always with them.
Did you know that the same gift is promised to you as well? God sends his Holy Spirit to everyone who believes in Jesus. It’s an old promise that is still good for you today!
With the gift of the Holy Spirit, you can share the good news about Jesus with your friends and family. The Holy Spirit will help you, giving you the words to say. The Holy Spirit will also remind you that you are not alone and that Jesus is with you wherever you go. One of the greatest gifts ever promised was promised to you. And receiving that gift should excite you more than any other gift you’ve ever received.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for promising to send your Holy Spirit to me. Help me use this gift well and learn all there is to know about who you are. Guide me as I share your gift with those around me. Amen.Related Resources
Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is the Director of Faith Formation at First Christian
Reformed Church in Denver, Colorado. He has also served churches in
California and Michigan. He has a passion for youth ministry and
intergenerational ministry in the local church. When he isn’t working at
church or writing he enjoys hanging out with his wife and 2 children,
hiking, woodworking, and watching movies.