When Peter steps up after the amazing occurrences accompanying the outpouring of the Spirit to explain to the crowd what had just happened it is interesting to note what his explanation focuses on. His whole speech focuses on the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. What is the connection between the resurrection and what happened on the day on Pentecost? The day of Pentecost signified the coming of God’s Kingdom. God is breaking into the world. Jesus is the King by whom the Kingdom comes. The resurrection was the vindication of Jesus’ authority over all things, the ascension was the demonstration of the authority of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was the implementation of that authority. In other words, the divine invasion of earth began on the day of Pentecost. God is recovering what belongs to him. Jesus comes into our lives by the Holy Spirit to implement his rule in our hearts. To receive the Holy Spirit is therefore to allow one’s independence and autonomy to be conquered and dismantled by Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes into our hearts to establish God’s authority over every other influence. It is a matter of conquest. Are there things in your heart that you need God to conquer? The good news is that this is exactly what the Holy Spirit is doing. But are you willing to surrender?
Surrender to God and ask him to overcome the resistance to his will in your heart.
Read Acts 2:13-36
