This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. It is a day when we focus on the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the often overlooked and misunderstood member of the Trinity.
Some of the confusion arises over the connection with a spirit/ghost. Let me start off by saying the Holy Spirit is not a ghost or a spirit in the sense that we often understand these terms.
Ghosts have played prominent roles in movies. There was “Ghost Busters” where Bill Murray set out to capture these paranormal beings. Then there was the movie “Ghost” where Patrick Swayze attempts to reconnect with his girlfriend from the afterlife. But neither of these portrayals is the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit.
Maybe a better way to understand the Holy Spirit is to recognize him as a Holy Force. I want you to think about forces of nature.
- Wind – we see the incredible power of wind in Tornadoes and Hurricanes.
- Fire – we see the power of fire in volcanoes and lightning.
- Water – on a given year, more people die from floods than any other natural disaster.
These are incredible forces that bring a sense of awe to any mortal human who is confronted with such things.
Wind, Fire, Water! We see each of these forces at work on the day of Pentecost.
- The wind blows through the room (Acts 2:2)
- The tongues of fire appear above the disciples (Acts 2:3)
- Those who were baptized with water and added to the number was 3000. (Acts 2:41)
These incredible powers of nature accompany the presence of God (see 1 Kings 19:11–12). Yet, there is an even greater power at work. There is a force that is even more incredible. It is the silent and holy power of God at work in the lives of Jesus’ disciples.
The Holy Spirit is more than a spirit. He is more than a ghost. The Holy Spirit is the Holy Power of God. He is the Holy Force that is greater than any awe inspiring force we have ever encountered.
There is wind, fire, and water. But none of these compares to the silent force of the Spirit of God at work in the life of one of God’s human creatures.
But we easily undervalue and diminish the power of the Holy Spirit. We limit the work of the Holy Spirit to improving us rather than transforming us. We see ourselves as good and decent people with maybe a few rough edges. We look at the Holy Spirit to help us smooth out those rough edges. We limit him to making us a better person rather than a new person.
Conversion is often described as the greatest miracle of all. Jesus describes it in terms of being born again. When you think about your birth you had no choice in the matter. You did not consult your parents in regards to your conception. Dust does not volunteer to become a human being. In the same way, we do not have a part in making our new life in Christ. This is all the work of the Holy Spirit.
The work of the Holy Spirit is not something that we easily comprehend or grasp. We want something to do. We want something to correct. We want something to accept. But the Holy Spirit takes our part out of the equation.
Think again about the forces of nature. When you are confronted with a mighty wind, you will be blown away. When you are confronted with a raging fire you will be consumed. When you are confronted with a flood you will be swept away. There is nothing within you to keep you from being overpowered when these forces turn their fury upon you.
How much more with the Holy Spirit (or should I say Holy Force)? He takes the amazing work of Christ and overwhelms you with its amazing grace.
God’s blessings to you this Pentecost!
Reading
- Acts 2:1–41
Questions for Reflection
- Describe a time you have been overwhelmed with awe. How does this help you understand the work of the Holy Spirit?
- What methods does the Holy Spirit use to influence us?
- What is the evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives?
Plan of Action
- Ask the Holy Spirit to breath the breathe of life into you, to consume you with God’s passion, and to fill you with the fullness of God’s wisdom.
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