The miraculous events wrought in Jerusalem by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost indicated to the disciples that Jesus Christ, the Messiah-Savior, had indeed taken His place at the right hand of the Majesty on high. With Jewish critics all around, Peter lifted his voice and said that all who were in Jerusalem on that day were seeing the fulfillment of prophecy—the words of Jesus that He would send the Holy Spirit after His death and resurrection and exaltation. “Therefore,” Peter cried, “let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Many have failed to note Peter’s Pentecostal emphasis: the important thing in God’s plan was the fact that Jesus had been exalted in heaven and that His glorification there had been the signal for the coming of the promised Holy Spirit. What a lesson! The Spirit does not have to be begged—He comes when the Savior is honored and exalted!
Verse
This Jesus . . . being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:32–33
Thought
The important thing in God’s plan was the fact that Jesus had been exalted in heaven and that His glorification there had been the signal for the coming of the promised Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Lord, I crave the Holy Spirit more than ever. As I exalt Your name, may I revel in the joy that the Spirit brings to my life.