Fun and Fire
Pentecost. The very word sends fear through the veins of
some of the most cautious Church of Scotland members.
For it is the day when believers see God at work in tongues of
fire. A day when believers find their voices. A day of
enthusiasm and delight in all that God has done and is doing.
A day when disciples truly find themselves, discover their
courage and for the first time become the ‘real deal’ as they
really follow their risen Lord. After days of disappointment,
denial and delay they move outwards into their community
with direction, desire and purpose. With this approach it is no
surprise they get a reaction. For the first time the community
responds, but with a genuine mix of anger, courageous
support, fearful caution and the delightful acceptance of their
message. However the crowd responds to them, those
disciples just keep on going, always seeking their direction
from the Living Spirit of God. Paradoxically they discover a
deep peace. This thought is described, much later on, by
Paul,
“Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have
their minds controlled by what their human nature wants. To
be controlled by human nature results in death; to be
controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace”.
This Pentecost, we have the opportunity to connect afresh
with the living Spirit of God. The congregations in the Leith
Churches Forum Grouping want us all to follow the example
of those disciples by inviting new people to join us on
Pentecost Sunday. The reason is so that they may have their
faith lifted and can sense the joy which is found when the
Spirit of Love directs our lives. Let us pray and be prepared
to invite friends and family. Then welcome with gladness
those who attend. Lets be ready to enjoy God afresh
ourselves, to party through the day of Pentecost.
May the generous grace of the Lord Jesus , the love of God
and the joy of the Spirit be with us all.
Ian
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