Not Just Another Birthday

May 27, 2012

                A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a little reflection on my 15^th birthday in Christ and the journey to that moment in my life. I have been reminded these last two weeks as I trip over myself, that 15 is an adolescent age; full of glory and folly, growth and stumbling, passion and stupidity, moments of greatness and moments where the ability to think clearly evades. I remember being 15 chronologically and how much I loved that year, so I am grateful for the adventure of being an adolescent Christ follower. I seem to recall that John the apostle was just that when Jesus called on him.

            But that’s not really why we’re here right this minute. We’ve come to talk about the 2^nd most important day in the Church year. I know what you’re thinking. Resurrection Day is tops (at least I hope that’s what you’re thinking, because it is. Duh.), and then Christmas (although some of you will have these reversed). BUT, as much as we LOVE Christmas with its cuddly little Baby Jesus we can hold, and all the pageants and carols and celebrating and food and presents and “Christmas spirit” (whatever that is), that day in December doesn’t quite measure up the one happening today. So, what is He talking about you wonder? Give up? OK, then. If you can, check out the attached video link. If not, put down this letter, go get a Bible and read Acts 2. You video people could also read, too. Won’t hurt you, I swear. J Anyway, go find the story. Come on back when you’re done.

                “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,  your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.¹⁸ Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. ¹⁹ I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.²⁰ The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.²¹ And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’- Acts 2:17-21

                Pentecost. The birth of Jesus’ CHURCH! The one against which, as He said, the gates of hell will not stand. There is a wonderful passage in the 1^st chapter of the Gospel of John that says, “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory.” That is an amazing thing. However, I would submit that what happened at Pentecost is even more so. Now I realize I will get myself into trouble with some of you but, I ask you to consider the thought.

                Jesus, Son of God, came to live among us, to show God’s power and His love and to die for us. That’s pretty incredible, yes. But! Jesus promised us something that He said would be even better (John 14 & 16). He would send to us the Holy Spirit who would live in us. In other words, in Jesus himself, God lived among people. Through the Holy Spirit, God lives INHIS PEOPLE! Does that not blow your mind? Christian, it should. It should change everything about how you live and who you know yourself to be. This is such great news, though, that often times the church struggles to believe it. It is such great responsibility that the church will often deny it, if not in word, then by their lives.

                Pentecost is a dangerous holiday with all the tongues of flame and foreign languages and salvations and all. Most years, we manage to raise a little red banner, buy some geraniums (why?), and give a nod to the most shattering event since the Resurrection and then go on summer break. So, I just wanted to stick up for Pentecost a bit. It’s worth our celebration. Go on. Get your Bible. Read it again. Watch the clip over. Take it in. GOD HAS COME TO LIVE IN YOU!  Is there room in the inn?