Anticipating the Day of Pentecost
Today’s Verse:
Hebrews 9:28 NIV
So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
As we stand on the cusp of the Day of Pentecost, our hearts are naturally drawn to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church, and the miraculous spread of the Gospel. Yet, in our anticipation of this glorious commemoration, it is good to pause and reflect on another profound truth that undergirds all of God's redemptive work: the ultimate appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:28 beautifully encapsulates this dual reality of Christ's saving work. It reminds us that Jesus, "sacrificed once to take away the sins of many," has already accomplished the decisive victory over sin and death on the cross. His sacrifice is complete, perfect, and eternally sufficient. This "once for all" offering is the very foundation upon which the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, empowering believers to proclaim this good news.
But the verse doesn't stop there. It points us forward, toward a future hope: Christ "will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." This second appearing is not for another sacrifice, for the debt of sin has been fully paid. Rather, it is an appearing for salvation, for the final gathering of His elect, for the consummation of His kingdom.
As Lutherans, we understand that we live in the "already and not yet." We have already received the Spirit at Pentecost, empowering us for lives of faith and service. Yet, we "eagerly wait" for His second coming, for the full realization of our salvation in His glorious presence.
This Pentecost, as we celebrate the Spirit's dwelling within us, let us also fix our gaze upon our returning King. The Spirit's work in us is to prepare us for that day, to sanctify us, and to strengthen our eager anticipation. He points us to Christ, who has secured our salvation through His first coming and will bring it to its glorious completion at His second.
So, as we prepare to celebrate the vibrant outpouring of the Holy Spirit, let us do so with a joyful anticipation not only of what God has already done, but also of what He will surely do. May our Pentecost celebration be marked by a fervent love for Christ, who died for us, lives in us by His Spirit, and will come again to take us to Himself.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for our sins. We praise You for the Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, who empowers us and draws us closer to You. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may eagerly await the glorious appearing of our Savior, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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