Christians worldwide are now in the period between Easter and Pentecost. (On the Jewish calendar, Passover begins April 22, with Pentecost, Shavuot in Hebrew, beginning June 11.)
During this period of time 2,000 years ago, the disciples were told to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit, without which they could not complete their mission (see Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8.)
Similarly, today, many Christians are praying for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit, recognizing that without it, they, too, cannot complete their mission.
But what can be expected when the Spirit comes?
Will His work be accepted by all?
When Jesus was being dedicated in the Temple as a baby, an old Jewish man named Simeon spoke these words to His mother Miriam (Mary):
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34–35).
Not everyone would accept His mission. To the contrary, He would be “a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
It is the same with the outpouring of the Spirit. The Spirit’s work will reveal what is really in people’s hearts and will be a sign spoken against. As much as the Spirit will bring blessing, the Spirit will also bring division.
In response to revival critics, Jonathan Edwards once said,
“If they wait to see a work of God without difficulties and stumbling-blocks, it will be like the fool’s waiting at the river side to have the water all run by. A work of God without stumbling-blocks is never to be expected..."