Day 45 of Making the Omer Count – 5 Days to Pentecost

“In 1983, 150 world-class runners converged on Sydney for the grueling 543.7 mile endurance race from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia – the world’s longest and toughest ultra-marathon. On the day of the race, a toothless 61 year old potato farmer and sheepherder named Cliff Young approached the registration table wearing overalls and galoshes over his work boots. At first, people thought he was there to watch the race, but to their surprise, Cliff Young declared his intention to run and requested a number. The incredulous staff issued Cliff #64. As he mingled with the other runners at the starting line, spectators couldn’t believe their eyes. When the gun went off, bystanders snickered at Cliff, left behind in his galoshes and overalls as the other runners with their sculpted bodies and running gear briskly began the race. Snickers gave way to laughter when Cliff began to run, not like the other runners, but with what could only be described as a leisurely, odd, shuffle. All of Australia was riveted to the live telecast as they watched the scene unfold. Five days, 15 hours, and 4 minutes later, Cliff Young came shuffling across the finish line in Melbourne, winning the ultra-marathon! He didn’t win by a few seconds, or even a few minutes. The nearest runner was 9 hours and 56 minutes behind. How did it happen? Everyone knew that the only way to win the ultra-marathon was to  run for 18 hours, then stop and sleep for six hours. But no one told Cliff Young. He just shuffled along, day and night, night and day, without stopping to sleep. Cliff broke the previous race record by nine hours and became an overnight national hero.” (written by David Allen, March 13, 2019)

It’s five days to Pentecost. What difference can five days make? As Cliff Young illustrates, all the difference in the world. You may recall that in our last blog the Disciples had been sealed with the Holy Spirit for salvation and were now instructed to wait for the Baptism of the Spirit. Acts 2 records what happened. From this outpouring of the Spirit the church was birthed, followers of Jesus were empowered to be evangelists, prophets, and ministers of Jesus with power. From Peter’s preaching – filled with the Spirit – three thousand souls came into the Kingdom of God. But guess what? It wasn’t enough. Why do I say that? 

Acts 4:5-8 “And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said…”

What was the result of Peter being filled with the Spirit? Acts 4:13, 21 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. ….So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them,….A lame man was healed, the religious leaders recognized they had been with Jesus, yet they still threatened them to not speak in the Name of Jesus. Peter’s Response as he returned to the Church? Acts 4:29-31 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Did you catch that? Peter who was sealed by the Spirit in John 20, baptized in the Spirit at Pentecost, and filled with the Spirit before the religious leaders – now stood before the church praying, and being filled with the Spirit once again. 

Cliff Young won the race because he didn’t stop to sleep. He kept on with his shuffle and finished the race in record time. As true followers of Jesus, active faith – activated faith – finishes the race through being filled, and refilled with the Spirit. As Cliff Young demonstrated one step at a time. We too keep seeking the Kingdom of God, the infilling of the Spirit, one day at a time – never stopping to sleep spiritually. As Paul exhorted the believers in Ephesus:”….but keep on being filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18 ISV Translation)