Holy Spirit, Come Rest on Us

Holy Spirit, Come Rest on Us
By Jeremy Vess

Scripture Reading

Acts 2:1-4
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Reflection

Did you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19:
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?”

As believers, we are dwelling places for the Spirit of God.

Interestingly, God never desired a temple of cedar or stone. A palace for a king cannot compare to the glory of the King of Kings, who dwells in splendor. From the time of the Israelites, God chose to dwell in a tent, moving with His people. This humility reflects His desire to be close to us—not confined to a building, but present with His people.

In 2 Samuel 7:1-7, we read about King David’s desire to build a permanent house for God. Yet God’s response through the prophet Nathan reminds us that He never asked for a house of cedar. Instead, God promised David that his kingdom would last forever, a promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

Jesus, Our Eternal King

When Jesus completed His work on the cross and rose again, He made a way for each of us to become the temple of the living God. At the moment of His death, the veil in the temple tore from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51), symbolizing that God’s presence was no longer limited to a physical space. Through Jesus, we have direct access to the Father.

A Spirit-Filled Life

In Acts 11:11-19, Peter’s vision and encounter with Cornelius remind us that God’s Spirit is for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike. Peter declared:
“If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:17).

God’s Spirit fills all who believe, uniting us as His people.

Acts 11:11-19:
“At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, who said to him, ‘Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 who will tell you words by which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

Key Takeaways from the Passage:

1.The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us if we are willing to listen.
2.The Holy Spirit fell upon the group that Peter was sent to, and they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit just like the disciples in the upper room. This indicates that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all who will believe.
3.There is a baptism of water and a baptism of fire, which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The result is speaking in tongues and living a life of power and holiness that reflects the glory of God.

In the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we allow the Spirit of God Himself to rest upon us and in us. We welcome His presence and power into our lives.

Application

The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is transformative. Just as He rested on Jesus at His baptism (Matthew 3:16) and filled the early disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:4), the Spirit empowers us to live as God’s holy temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). We are called to surrender to Him and allow His power to flow through us.

We need the baptism of the Holy Spirit!

Consider These Questions:
•How can you make room in your life for the Holy Spirit to dwell more fully?
•Are there areas where you are resisting His guidance or calling?
•What does it mean to you to be a temple of the living God?
•Do you desire to be baptized in the Holy Spirit? If so, seek out Spirit-filled believers who can pray for you to receive this baptism by the laying on of hands. 

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Help us to embrace our identity as Your holy temple. Teach us to walk in step with Your Spirit, to surrender to Your leading, and to share Your presence with the world. Baptize me with Your Holy Spirit and dwell in me. Amen.

Supporting Scriptures

•Matthew 3:16: The Spirit rests on Jesus in the form of a dove at His baptism.
•Luke 1:15, 41, 67: The Spirit fills John the Baptist and his parents.
•Acts 2:4: The Spirit fills the early disciples with power.
•Ephesians 5:18: We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit.
•1 Corinthians 3:16: We are God’s temple, indwelt by His Spirit.
•Acts 2:1-4: The account of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples at Pentecost, where they began to speak in other tongues.
•Acts 10:46: When the household of Cornelius spoke in tongues, similar to what happened at Pentecost.
•Acts 19:6: When a group of men in Ephesus spoke in tongues after receiving the Holy Spirit through Paul’s laying on of hands.