What the disciples experienced on the morning of Pentecost was a new beginning. It was not only a new beginning for them, but it marked a new beginning for all of us. But in order for them to experience Pentecost, they had to experience the loss of the ascension.

It is easy to make this “power of the Holy Spirit” complicated and mystical. There is certainly mystery concerning the power of the Spirit.

We will not only damage ourselves but also the witness of the kingdom of God if we pursue the power of God without the heart of God. We are not responsible to save people or even to rescue them; but we are responsible to love them, serve them, and give witness to the gospel.

Power that does not bring holiness of heart will eventually be perverted. Holiness without power is lifeless and legalistic. Power without holiness eventually implodes on the individual.

Please notice what Jesus said: the object being received is not the Holy Spirit, but power. The disciples received the Holy Spirit in John 21:22. Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” That is pretty clear. Here, it is power. This power is administered by the Holy Spirit.

Waiting reveals. We wait for things we believe we need. I do not know anyone who walks intimately with the Holy Spirit who is not continually aware of their need for Him. We will wait for what we know we need.

We have seen a repeated theme about the kingdom; Jesus taught it can be like a tiny seed that bears great fruit. Something small that is planted, nurtured, and grows into something massive. We are also taught to pray for God’s kingdom to come (Luke 11). But how does it come?

In Matthew 13:44-45, Jesus again gives two small back-to-back parables that speak of some foundational kingdom realities.

The kingdom of God while in the earth has mixed company. Two parables back-to-back (Matt. 13:24-32) actually help us better understand this foundational kingdom reality.

The first kingdom reality explored in yesterday’s devotional is that Jesus is King. The second kingdom reality can be demonstrated in the relationship between the kingdom and the human heart.

Jesus mentions the kingdom of God or heaven over one hundred times in four gospels. He mentions the church twice and being born again once. That should reveal what was important to Jesus.