June 17: The Fulfillment of the Ages

“16But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel…25For David says concerning him…31he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ…33Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God…he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.” –Acts 2.16, 25, 31, 33
The significance of the event on the day of Pentecost can hardly be understated. The fulfillment of prophecy and hope from ages past had come to a head when the Holy Spirit fell upon the believers in Jerusalem. From the fall of mankind until Jesus’ birth God had carried history through one age. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection marked the beginning of a new age. The Spirit’s coming at Pentecost then completed Christ’s work in the new age of fulfillment. We now look forward only to the day when Jesus will come back to complete history. Prophecy had pointed to this for centuries.
Have you ever felt alone as a Christian in this period of history? Have you felt disconnected from the men and women of the Old Testament? Have you wondered if there is any significance to your life in terms of the history of the world? There is no need to feel so alone! For when Christ poured out the Holy Spirit on the New Testament disciples, He included all believers in this final age of history. Our lives are part of the fulfillment of all the ages which have gone before.
1. Why is it important to see yourself as part of the entire work of God throughout history?
2. Thank God for his consistent faithfulness, and for bringing the salvation of the world one step closer to completion at Pentecost.