May 14, 2018
Acts 2:1-13…“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” vs. 1
Both John and Luke have accounts of the coming of the Holy Spirit: in John, Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit!” In Luke’s version, the disciples are gathered on the day of Pentecost and the Spirit comes like the wind to fill them. The differences are not surprising–that’s how scripture is, but there is one similarity that deserves notice. In both instances, the disciples are all together in one place and special note is made in John’s account that Thomas was not there. This is no accident! It’s when we come together in the name of Jesus that the presence of the Spirit is particularly strong and beautiful things can happen. It’s in the company of the gathered saints that we are energized and empowered. Often this happens in the context of worship: in the confession of sins, the singing of praises, and the proclamation of forgiveness and hope. In our gathering, we see and experience the unity that Jesus desired for his followers. No wonder he made such a big deal of it as he said his goodbyes–this is where the power is! And, as the Spirit fills our souls, we become a sanctifying force in this troubled world. In the unity of the Spirit we bear fruit and change lives. Alone we are isolated and impotent, plagued by doubts and anxious about everything. Together we are the presence of Christ!
Thought for the Day: How am I energized by community?
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