Today is Pentecost Sunday; it intentionally remembers and celebrates the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles and the early church for the first time. Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, occurs ten days after the ascension of Jesus, and fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus.
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now they were dwelling in Jerusalem, Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying “are not all those who are speaking Galilean? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and part of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” Acts 2:1-13
Ironically (or not!), today was also the last day I will spend away on retreat with a Spiritual Formation cohort from Moody Bible. Since becoming a nurse, I’ve journeyed through two-year long programs at Moody Bible. It has been such a blessing. Through eight retreats over the last season, I was introduced to the most beautiful and authentic community of Christ followers I’ve ever known. In a season of opening myself up to love in a new way, it is impossible for me to fully see all the ways in which God has used this season. As I reflect over the journey, I am so grateful by how God has lead my heart in grace, given this foundational season a structure and introduced me to a body of people that represent His redemption and love so powerfully. His goodness is such a reality.
Today, as the cohort was worshipping together, I was thinking about how we came and sat like the men in the temple in Acts just before Pentecost. As they awaited the Spirit, these men were waiting on God’s fulfillment. As we came to a seminary in Mundelein, Illinois by an invitation of the Spirit months ago—from different places, with different stories, different roles in the kingdom, different backgrounds, different places of the journey—we too were answering an invitation and awaiting God’s moving in our hearts. Just as the men that sat in the temple fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit connected these groups in such a powerfully mysterious way. The Spirit’s presence in these groups formed bonds of growth, healing and deeper relationship with Christ I cannot explain. I found the embrace of acceptance and celebration of the journey in this community. As I’ve wrestled and sunk more securely into identity, belonging, principles of God, relinquishing my brokenness, community, etc—the canvas behind it all is God’s love.
This morning, as we worshipped together, prayers were spoken for the Holy Spirit to fall this Pentecost Sunday. Almost at that moment, I heard the rain start falling down harder, it poured down from the sky and hit the windows. As we worshipped the Spirit’s presence was thick in the room. As our time of prayer continued, I heard people speaking in tongues for the first time. It was incredible. Just as the men, I can feel bewildered by the reality of the Spirit. There are so many things I cannot know with knowledge, but only grow to trust and claim in my heart. I’ve been humbled by how God uses bewilderment to reveal more of the reality of His love.
Later in the morning, just before we left for the last time, I was given the opportunity to share in an emotional celebration where God is taking me in this impending season of World Race. The cohort surrounded me, laid hands on me and prayed over me. I felt this moment, the love and power behind these prayers. It was all I could do to not weep in the partnering and empowerment of their love, His love and in celebration of His victory in my heart.
As this season nears a new beginning, God continues to guide me to claim His victory in my heart. I see so evidently His authority in my life, and the measure at which His breath has made me alive where I once wasn’t. Coincidentally (or not!), there is one module left in the program and it will end the very week I am leaving the States. As these seasons bleed together and I close the days of overnights, Moody and living at home, I reflect back over it with such gratitude. The present has never felt more precious.
The Holy Spirit meets each of us in a partnering love, perfectly matching us where we are, that we may start or continue a beautiful and courageous journey to returning home with Him. My heart has been stretched in the last season, but in giving myself, love responded. The Holy Spirit is real, moving and calling us to a different reality. There is much healing and life waiting, not for those who are worthy, but for those who are willing to walk with love. The Trinity is among us, and calling us to newness.
“It is not for you to know times of seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Ghost has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” Acts 1:8
“I heard about His healing
of His cleansing power revealing
how He made the lame to walk again
and caused the blind to see;
and then I cried out, “dear Jesus,
come and heal my broken spirit”
And somehow Jesus came and brought
me to victory
O victory in Jesus
my Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
with His redeeming blood;
He loves me ere I know Him
and all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory
beneath His cleansing love”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC37VXrVNjE
