Acts 2:14-21
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
17 “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Reflection
Peter begins his famous Pentecost sermon with a reference to the Old Testament prophet Joel, who predicted that God’s Spirit would be poured out in the last days, before the final judgment (the “day of the Lord”; Acts 2:20). According to Peter, the last days have begun. This “new religion” is actually the continuation of what God has been doing through Israel all along. Better yet, God made promises years ago that these “last days” would come, and at Pentecost God is demonstrating that he is faithful and powerful to keep his word. As he promised, God is pouring out his Spirit on all flesh—men and women, young and old, Jew and Gentile. He is mercifully and joyfully calling all people to salvation.
1 Peter 4:7-11
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection
The work of a Christian is simply this: love. This is the fulfillment of all the law (Rom. 13:8–10). Yet love is hard. How do we love others? And how do we do so “earnestly” (1 Pet. 4:8)? Only the gospel of God’s grace generates the heart we need to serve others with the love of Jesus Christ. The key to loving others earnestly is to first behold the earnest love of Christ for us (cf. Eph. 4:32–5:2).
Psalm 86:12-13
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13 For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Keep fueling your love for others by reflecting on the love of God for you in Jesus Christ. Despite our sin, he has forgiven us and adopted us as his own, and he will strengthen us to finish the race. Give glory to God for the abundance of his great love.