Our consideration of Pentecost in the drama of God's redemptive work now causes us to "see" it as a final feature. But what does it location as a final feature tell us about it?
It appears that Pentecost is the culmination of God's drama of redemption. I say that because Jesus' word (Acts 1:4-5) to his followers after Easter and his resurrection is "wait." This seems incredible. Jesus has been raised from he dead and yet his counsel is "wait!." What? Yes, even with all that has wondrously happened, his specific instruction is to wait.
But for what are they to wait? What else needs to take place since Jesus has paid for the sins of the world and has been raised from the dead, thereby defeating death? Jesus tells them to wait "for the promise of the father (Acts 1:4)."
The promise of the Father is a phrase that must have been something that these observant Jewish men understood. What would "the promise of the Father" refer? The promise of the Father was in fact the promise of God's Spirit to be poured out (see verses in Reflect from yesterday) that is found in many passages of the Hebrew Bible.
This waiting for Pentecost suggests that the drama of redemption is not yet finished and there is one more event to take place.
REFLECT; Consider what place Pentecost has in your understanding and experience of living for Jesus? Do you "see" Pentecost as an essential promise the Father has made to you?