Ascension and Pentecost

Rev. J.C. Weststrate (1919-1998)

These are words from the sermon preached by Peter in Jerusalem at Pentecost, and they testify both of Ascension and Pentecost. He “being by the right hand of God exalted” is the same Christ who was so humbled in the deepest humiliation and agonies of hell. At His resurrection He was already exalted out of His state of humiliation. As the risen Prince of Life, He had shown Himself to His disciples and His Church.

After His resurrection He remained on earth for forty days and then was highly exalted by God. Peter said, “By the right hand of God exalted.” In His suffering and death Christ gave full satisfaction to the demand of God’s justice. He cried out, “It is finished!” Mercy and truth had met together; righteousness and peace had kissed each other. That good pleasure referring to His people shall prosper in His hand.

At that moment His labor on the earth was finished. Salvation is prepared and provided for all His children. He gave His soul as a ransom for them in His sacrifice on the cross, and now He is exalted at the right hand of God. As the glorified Mediator and blessed Redeemer He shall apply the benefits which He has merited to His children. He has “led captivity captive: [He has] received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them” (Psalm 68:18).

Are we also waiting in such a manner for the gift of Pentecost? Do we long for the coming and dwelling of the Holy Spirit in our hearts? Or are we satisfied in our state which is filled with the spirit of Satan?

One of the greatest gifts and benefits is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. This was promised by His Father; Christ’s work is rewarded. What is His reward? It is His Church, all His own, from Adam until the last which still must be gathered to His flock. He has received His children; therefore, they shall be brought to Him. Unto Christ was promised the Holy Spirit since the Holy Spirit should turn the backsliding children to Him. Had not Christ said unto His disciples in John 14:16&17a,“I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of Truth”? This “Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

After Christ’s ascension the disciples returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem with great joy, expecting the fulfillment of the promise that the Holy Ghost would come upon them. In obedience they did not depart from Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high. How did they tarry there? How did they wait upon the Lord? They all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.

Are we also waiting in such a manner for the gift of Pentecost? Do we long for the coming and dwelling of the Holy Spirit in our hearts? Or are we satisfied in our state which is filled with the spirit of Satan? How poor we all are, by nature. By our falling away from God we became synagogues of Satan. May the Lord teach us to continue in prayer and supplication, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Indeed, many blessings had already been given to the disciples. They had followed Christ in His state of humiliation and exaltation. He had revealed Himself to them as the risen and living Prince of Life. They had received that peace which surpasses all understanding. They were witnesses of His ascension and were gladdened with these blessings, knowing that He would be with them always, “even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).

His disciples had to go further, and this was not without strife, both within and without. The threefold enemy, yea, that mortal enemy never ceased to assault them. Satan tried to minimize the work of God in their hearts and to cast suspicion on God’s work. They were assaulted with awful unbelief, which still has such power, and also with the lusts of their sinful flesh. They felt so weak in themselves; they stood in need of a Comforter and Leader every moment of their life. They longed after that Comforter who would instruct and teach them, that Spirit which caused them to seek the things which are above where Christ sits at the right hand of God. This is the fruit of the Spirit, and they experienced in the exercises of faith to cleave to the promises and to wait upon their fulfillment. The disciples prayed, and He who said, “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter,” answered their prayers and sent His Spirit.

It becomes Pentecost in our hearts when God sends His Spirit. The Holy Spirit, who is the third Person in the Trinity, reveals Himself as Comforter, Teacher, and Leader. What a gift has been given at Pentecost to the disciples and the women. What a benefit for God’s children when they may receive the Holy Spirit. Water is poured upon him that is thirsty and floods upon a dry ground. The Holy Spirit sent from God above abides with them as the Comforter and Intercessor in their hearts, and He leads them to their Intercessor in heaven. It is the Spirit whom the world cannot receive because it seeth Him not. Child of God, may you know Him; “for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:17c). He is your Comforter, Intercessor, Leader, and Guide, to the glory of a Triune God, and to your welfare for time and eternity. “He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear.”

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