“The Power of the Holy Spirit”

“And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)

This is one of the most dynamic verses in the Bible. It is a verse filled with magnitude and power. It is part of the Pentecost Story. It is a story of how that disciples rose from a place of fear and hiding to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. It is the story of the birth of Christianity. It is the story of how the disciples of Jesus received the power of God’s Holy Spirit in their lives.

How do we explain what happened to the disciples in that moment? Well, let’s try this. We know that God is all powerful. We know that God is ever present and that God is found in all of life. When we come to worship on Sunday morning, we know that God is in our place of worship. But in the Pentecost experience, we become personally aware that God is also in our hearts and souls and lives. God becomes personal on Pentecost as God’s spirit enters the lives of God’s faithful.

Pentecost is not just an historical event that happened 2,000 years ago. It is an experience that is embraced by very generation of Christians. It is an experience of God’s presence that has helped believers be faithful over the years. It is an encounter with God’s Spirit that calls new Christians to a life of faith and commitment.
Just what is this power that is given to people through the Holy Spirit?

Well, it is not that kind of power the world lifts up. It is not the kind of power that gives authority or dominion over others. It is not the kind of personal power that has led to the conquest or impoverishment of so many throughout history.

Paul in his letter to Ephesians (5:22-23) speaks of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control. These speak of a deep abiding power. They speak of a power that comes from within as people are joined with God. Clearly only those strengthened by God’s Spirit can demonstrate these virtue, these fruits, in their daily lives.

May we all in this season of Pentecost open our hearts and minds and souls for the presence of the Holy Spirit. May this power, this incredible loving power of God, fill your life and guide your actions. May you, like the first disciples, be filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaim the great news of Jesus’ forgiving salvation, as you share: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control with others.

Rev Ray Lange