Morning Family
Today is Pentecost. It’s quite a significant day and is part of the Easter story.
The meaning of Pentecost is God’s equipping His church with the power of His Spirit so that He will be glorified among the nations. The point of Pentecost is mission, and the goal of mission is to witness to grow God’s church and grow the God’s Kingdom.
Pentecost is when we commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the early followers of Jesus. Before the events of the first Pentecost, which came a few weeks after Jesus’ death and resurrection, there were followers of Jesus, but no movement that could be meaningfully called “the church”. Pentecost is the day on which the church was started. This is also true from a spiritual perspective, since the Spirit brings the church into existence.
So this was the start of the early church which is very different to what we know today. Regardless of this, the call is clear. There was much work to be done in the days of the early church but even more so me for us, especially with the times were are living in.
We read in Acts 17:28 that in God we live and move and and have our being. We don’t live, move and have our being based on what we do but rather on our relationship with Jesus as He moves and lives and breathes in and through us. In order for God to do this, He has given all of his different gifts and talents that complement and balance His ministry. Sadly, we often use these gifts for our own gain and development.
Our world and God’s people are suffering. How much longer will we not fully step into what God is calling us to? How much longer are we going to remain silent about the injustices in our country, our community and even our church? We may be different but we are one body, the Body of Christ. Jesus promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit who equips, leads and guides us. We are all baptized in the Holy Spirit, we have all got tongues of flames above us and it will ignite a fire within us to be set on fire for Jesus if only we would set ourselves aside so as to be used by the Spirit.
John Wesley is quoted to have said: “Catch on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” Ask God to set you on fire for His mission with His people. Experience the Wind of His presence in your life and be obedient to where Jesus takes you. Don’t be afraid, the Holy Spirit lives IN you and will never leave you. Grow the church, build God’s Kingdom. Love ALL people and be the witness in this world Jesus has called YOU to be.
Shalom
Gill