From languages of fire (continued)

Such a baptism could not happen before his return to the Father. In truth, not only has the Lord declared it, but he has emphasized it. He entered into glory to assume this new function : that of baptizing in the Holy Spirit. That's why he went up to the Father. The Old Testament knows nothing of such a baptism. It is the "new thing" of God.

Jesus brings us many other blessings now, of course. He is our High Priest, our Advocate, our Representative. But he never mentioned these works. He only described the sending of the Spirit. It was only when he ascended, and not before, that the Spirit came and "tongues that seemed like fire appeared to them, separated from one another, and they settled on each of them" ( Acts 2: 3). The altars of the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon were inflamed by pure fire from heaven. The flames of the Upper House of Pentecost had the same heavenly origin. Jesus has all the power at his disposal. He is in the control tower.

If baptizing with the Holy Spirit is his work, it means that everything related to him and the gospel should be characterized by fire. This should flare up.

There should be fire in those who testify and work. Fire in those who preach. Fire in the truth that we proclaim, "Is not my word like fire ?" (Jeremiah 23:29) The fire in the Lord that we proclaim, "Our God is indeed a devouring fire" (Hebrews 12:29). Fire in the ability to preach, "tongues that seemed like fire" (Acts 2: 3). Fire by the Spirit through which we preach, "of the Holy Spirit and fire" (Matthew 3:11).

Jeremy Sourdril