This coming Sunday , June 8th, The Church
throughout the world celebrates what is sometimes thought of as its third most
important festival, namely Pentecost – sometimes called Whitsun.
I’m struck by the description given to the Apostles as they stood up and spoke on that first Day of Pentecost – people were amazed that such ‘simple Galileans’ could sound so eloquent and convincing. Luke, the author of Acts in which this report is found, is in no doubt – they spoke like this because God’s Spirit enabled them. It’s been happening ever since!
I’m struck by the description given to the Apostles as they stood up and spoke on that first Day of Pentecost – people were amazed that such ‘simple Galileans’ could sound so eloquent and convincing. Luke, the author of Acts in which this report is found, is in no doubt – they spoke like this because God’s Spirit enabled them. It’s been happening ever since!
We sometimes look for the spectacular at Pentecost and
that’s perhaps quite natural with all the talk about flaming tongues of fire
and speaking in different languages.
However, I think that’s rather to miss the real relevance of it all.
Isn’t the wonderful truth of Pentecost located in that description of The Apostles – they were, by and large, ‘simple Galileans’ – yet.... Filled with God’s love and assisted by God’s Spirit they ‘lived’ out Christianity in such a way that it became established enough to be passed on to the next generation – not bad for a few fishermen assisted by a tax collector!
In an age of vacuous celebrity adulation or the ever present specialist and highly paid consultant I think it’s wonderfully refreshing that churches and congregations are not looking for superstars or experts but ‘simple Galileans’ who, through prayer and service, live lives dependent on God’s Spirit. Such Spirit-filled folk have changed history, made loving families, been the best of citizens, the most faithful of colleagues and become truly ‘fulfilled’ as well-rounded human beings.
I think God loves the ‘ordinary’ – and into this
pours his Spirit.Isn’t the wonderful truth of Pentecost located in that description of The Apostles – they were, by and large, ‘simple Galileans’ – yet.... Filled with God’s love and assisted by God’s Spirit they ‘lived’ out Christianity in such a way that it became established enough to be passed on to the next generation – not bad for a few fishermen assisted by a tax collector!
In an age of vacuous celebrity adulation or the ever present specialist and highly paid consultant I think it’s wonderfully refreshing that churches and congregations are not looking for superstars or experts but ‘simple Galileans’ who, through prayer and service, live lives dependent on God’s Spirit. Such Spirit-filled folk have changed history, made loving families, been the best of citizens, the most faithful of colleagues and become truly ‘fulfilled’ as well-rounded human beings.
Happy Pentecost!
Ian
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