Scripture: John 3: 1-21; Acts 2: 1-41; Romans 6: 1-14
Using all the scriptural imagery for the Holy Spirit (eg: wind, fire, breath, dove, cloud, wine), McLaren demonstrates how Pentecost was a reversal of the ancient account of the Tower of Babel. In that story, God confused the languages to stop the grasp of people for godlike power. At Pentecost, God brought unity within the diversity of languages, testifying that God intends to bring his power and spirit to all peoples. In this chapter, remembering the work of God throughout history, we are invited to open up to the work and Person of God’s Holy Spirit to fill us. McLaren writes that through the Spirit we are invited to enter into the death of Christ and be buried with him in baptism, and then raised with him in resurrection. As McLaren wrote: “Let Go! Let Be! and Let Come!” (206).
The Holy Spirit is a most fascinating member of Trinity. Like the wind He is elusive and hard to track and follow. He is also immensely beautiful, powerful, and does engage us from the level of our hearts. Following Jesus without the Spirit would be impossible. None of us has within the wherewithal to actually follow without the Spirit of the Living God working within us. He is essential. He came to the first Pentecost like wind and fire. He made an entrance, which was heard into the streets. This caused an uproar, people running to see what was going on. It brought hecklers. The Spirit came and began to change those first followers with a boldness that only could be Spirit connected.
Share a story about a time you experienced the Holy Spirit in a special way.
How do you respond to the imagery of death, burial and resurrection with Christ?
Make it a habit in the coming days to take a deep breath and then exhale to express letting go. Then remain breathless for a moment -- to express letting be. Then inhale to express letting the Spirit come to fill you.
I love the Spirit of the Living God. When I was first baptized with the Holy Spirit, at 17, it felt to me as if I had swallowed sunshine. Still when the Spirit moves in my heart I can get all kinds of physical sensations. But mostly I experience joy, and what I love is that I can hear the Spirit speak and lead and guide in my life. Learning to listen and obey, this has been a lifelong project.
Sometimes I have heard, clearly, but not followed through on what I had heard, and then have felt badly afterward. This is also unnecessary, for “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” But still, learning to apply and live into the Word, that takes time. I still remember the time when I passed up an opportunity to speak to a neighbor boy, he was 18, this was when I was first pastoring. There he was, outside his house, resting on the hood of his car in his driveway. And the Spirit said, “Go up to him.” It was clear. I hesitated. I had all kinds of thoughts and fears in my head. I didn’t do it. I instead kept walking and went into my house. It might have been a moment like Philip had on the desert road when the Spirit told him to “Go up to that chariot.” And Philip just did it. I love that.
But that day, I missed the opportunity. That boy has received years of prayers out of my desperate and repentant heart. But who knows what I missed out on that day or what he missed out on. Hearing and obeying, that is the meaning of the word for “listen” in the scriptures. To listen is to hear and obey. Lord, help me learn to listen.
I love how the Spirit has sent so many other opportunities, which says that God brings many opportunities even when we mess up.