What do we do now? Perhaps that was a question of the first disciples as they left the upper room on that first Pentecost Sunday. They had witnessed a profound and awesome demonstration of the power of the Spirit. But just to be clear, the Spirit was sent not to provide entertainment, but to be the life-giving, unpredictable presence of God working and witnessing in the world today.
The psalm lesson last Sunday reminded us of the role of the Spirit in the creation of the world and that no living creature exists without the Breath of God giving life to it. “When you send forth your Spirit they are created; and you renew the face of the ground.” (Psalm 104:30) The Spirit has not ceased that creative and renewing role. The Spirit still gives breath, and every living creature becomes living testimony of the work and presence of God in this world.
So, back to the question – what do we do now? G.K. Chesterton wrote, “A spiritually awakened person pauses to ponder what the average person walks by in haste.” Perhaps the Spirit of Pentecost is leading you to pause where the average person just keeps walking. If the Spirit has done her work on Pentecost (and she has!) then we should begin to notice things that the average person ignores. So let us learn to walk a little slower and even pause occasionally, for the Wind still blows and the Flame still burns. Let’s not miss that.
-Pastor David
