Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:2 (NIV,1978)
I was watching one of my favorite preachers before leaving for church one Sunday morning, when he mentioned a verse I had read (and preached from) many times. He was talking about the moment the Holy Spirit came upon the people on the day of Pentecost. This is a pivotal moment in the history of the Christianity as it denotes the actual birth of the church itself.
The verse above and those that follow have been the focus of interpretive arguments for centuries as they point to the manifestation of the Holy Spirit through the speaking in “other” tongues. I have no intention of adding my two cents to that argument. I will, however, express my embarrassment over having never appropriately focused my attention on three words that are clearly the centerpiece of that passage.
In the verse above, Luke states that what occurred in that meeting “came from heaven.” While denominations may debate whether the miracle was in how the message was spoken or, rather, how it was heard, the truth to be remembered about this moment is that something came from heaven.
I have realized over my six decades of learning about the Lord that He does not waste something from heaven only to give denominations something to argue about or defend. Earthly manifestations are never to be the focus, but instead are intended to bring attention and glory to the One who sent them from heaven. Miracles come only from heaven. Spiritual gifts come only from heaven. The revival that we so desperately need comes only from heaven. In fact, if we are honest, we must admit that the deepest longings of our heart can be met only when something comes from heaven. No amount of religious and/or spiritual gymnastics can accomplish that which only comes from heaven.
I have intentionally italicized from heaven throughout this brief devotionto create a visual picture of how the sovereign grace of God alone is able to accomplish His perfect will for his church as well as His children. Because, at the end of the day, it isn’t our religious resume, our reputation, or anything else we might have obtained that fills that void that is waiting for something from heaven.