May 28, 2023 —
Jesus promised, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!” He came in fulfillment of Isaiah 12:3, “Therefore with joy you shall draw water from the wells of salvation,” which was part of the Feast of Tabernacles liturgy the day Jesus spoke the words of our Gospel Lesson. John tells us that by these words, Jesus “meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were going to receive.”
Pentecost Day is the day Jesus’ promise came true. The events of the day are recorded in our Lesson from Acts. The Holy Spirit was poured out that day in extra measure to give the Apostles extra courage and the special gift of being understood in many languages at once as they proclaimed Jesus the Messiah and Savior.
Our Epistle Lesson tells us of the gifts the Holy Spirit poured out and the gifts He still pours out on God’s people so they can work together in building up the church. “Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Paul writes.
We’ll consider our Gospel Lesson in the sermon under the theme: “Living Water.”
This Sunday, our readings are:
Acts 2:1–21
1 Corinthians 12:3–11 (sermon text)
John 7:37–39
Psalm 104