Walking with Jesus

There are many people in the world today, who say they don’t care for “organized religion”! What they usually mean is that they are unhappy with churches and ministries or their leaders. However, if one asks what they think about Jesus, they usually show a different attitude. They may not acknowledge him as the Son of God or the one who gave his life to rescue people from dying in their sin, but they have a soft spot for him. He was known to be kind, loving, and merciful. He genuinely cared for people, was selfless, and served others without regard for himself. Given the choice to literally walk with him, most people would be interested.

This past Sunday we celebrated not only Mother’s Day around the world but also another important Holy Day for millions of people around the world—Pentecost Day. Pentecost was an ancient Jewish holiday that received new meaning for Christians.

Jesus, during the end of his life and ministry on earth had encouraged his followers with the promise of the Holy Spirit. He told them that he would soon go back to his Father in heaven, but not without sending another comforter, helper and advocate. Fifty Days after his resurrection that promise was fulfilled in ways that “blew” people’s minds. As the followers of Jesus were together in one place, without warning a sound and a strong wind filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as prompted by the Spirit.

I can almost see what you are thinking as you are reading this. If you are a skeptic, you’ll probably respond by: “yeah right”. Actually that was exactly the reaction of most people at the time! They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on. These were simple unschooled people, how could they speak all these languages? Some accused them of being drunk. Peter, one of the followers of Jesus spoke up and told everyone that what they saw was exactly what Jesus had promised. The Holy Spirit poured out on them empowered them to heal people, perform miracles and drive out demons. On that first Pentecost Day they saw thousands of people become followers of Christ.

What does all of this have to do with “walking with Jesus”? Well, if you so desire, you can walk with him, today! Jesus said that the Father would provide another Friend, (the Holy Spirit)…”so that you will always have someone with you”. But it’ll cost you! How much? That kind of friendship is for those who love Jesus and show it by doing what he has told us in His Word.