ACTS 2:1-21

[2:1] When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.

[2] And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

[3] And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.

[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

[5] Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.

[6] And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

[7] And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

[8] And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?

[9] Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

[10] Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,

[11] both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

[12] And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

[13] But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

[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.’

It was a huge responsibility.  The last thing Jesus said to the disciples was, “You shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem…and to the ends of the earth.”   Yes.  It was a huge responsibility.  Now that’s a word that scares some people.  That’s because responsibility usually means more work and more things to do and it’s always easier to sit back and let someone else do it for you.

It’s like the mother who was teaching little boy how to tie his shoes.  After several days of practice the little boy finally got it right.  “Congratulations,” the mother said.  “You did it!”   When the little boy looked up at his mother though she was surprised to see a few tears in his eyes.  “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Aren’t you excited?”  “No,” the little boy whimpered.  “Why not?”  “Because,” the little boy said, “Now I’m going to have to do this myself everyday for the rest of my life.”

Some people avoid responsibility because they see it as a burden. I’m here to tell you though that responsibility can a blessing.  It can lead you to a different way of living.  It can lead you to a better way of living.

Peter found that out on the Day of Pentecost.  That’s the day that the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit.  It danced like tongues of fire on them and in them and around them.  It truly inspired them.  It inspired them so much that when people began to laugh at them and accused them of being drunk Peter stood up and started to preach and proclaim the Good News.  “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give ear to my words.”

On the Day of Pentecost Peter went from being a fisherman to being a fisher of men.  

On the Day of Pentecost Peter took on the responsibility of bringing the love of Christ to people around the corner and around the world.  It was a huge responsibility but it was a responsibility that brought him a deep sense of satisfaction and overwhelming sense of joy.  In taking on that responsibility Peter discovered the abundant life that Jesus promises to all who follow him.  Peter discovered that when you use your God given gifts to share the love of Christ with others you always get back more than you give.

Rachel Beckwith figured that out very early in life. She probably learned it while attending the Eastlake Community Church in Bothell, Washington. I shared Rachel’s story with some of you last summer.  If you didn’t hear about this amazing little girl her story began shortly before her 9^th birthday when she told everyone she didn’t want any presents.  Instead she asked people to make a donation in her name to Charity Water.  That’s an organization that works to bring clean drinking water to people in Africa.  Rachel’s goal was to raise $300 to dig a well for a village.  So, she opened a webpage and wrote, "I found out that millions of people don't live to see their 5th birthday. And why? Because they didn't have access to clean, safe water.  So I'm celebrating my birthday like never before. I'm asking everyone I know to donate to my campaign instead of gifts for my birthday…”    Unfortunately, shortly after she celebrated her birthday Rachel was killed in an automobile accident.  At the time of her death she’d raised $220.  When people heard about her story though they flooded her webpage with donations.   I went back and checked this past week.  Believe it or not Rachel raised a total of $1,265,823!  In response to the outpouring of love her mother Samantha posted these words on the webpage. “Thank you for your generosity!  I know Rachel is smiling!”

Now we have a Samantha in our confirmation class.  We also have a Ben, Peter, Annmarie, Jacky, Erin, Michael, Raegan, Olivia, Jackson and Casey.   Like Peter, this morning you end one journey and begin another.  It’s a journey that you begin as full fledged disciples of the risen Christ.  It is a huge responsibility but I promise you that when you use your gifts so that you’re a blessing to others, you will also end up being blessed yourself.   Amen.

Rev. Dr. Richard A. Hughes

June 3, 2012