Inspired by the Spirit

By Rev. Andy Fleming, Chaplain

During this week, the church observes Pentecost. Pentecost occurs 50 days after Easter and a week after Jesus’ ascension to Heaven. Most significantly for Christians, it is the time in which the Holy Spirit was sent, fulfilling Jesus’ own prophecy for an Advocate to come an intercede for us on Jesus’ behalf.

The Book of Acts provides the dramatic account of the Holy Spirit's arrival among the disciples. The Old Testament descriptions of wind and flame signalling a ‘divine presence’ are recalled as the Holy Spirit blows in as a violent wind, filling the whole house, and tongues of fire appear among the followers of Jesus. All followers were filled with the Spirit and given the ability to speak the language of the many places from which the Jews came.

I personally remember two phrases from my high school French lessons. There have been many times when I would have liked to know the language for the ease of communication and understanding. We all know how much easier it is, and even comforting in some situations, to be able to understand what is being said by others. In contrast, the crowd that was forming around Jesus’ followers felt they had been drinking. The apostle Peter encourages the crowd to listen more carefully to the words being said. He explains the followers are not filled with wine, but with God’s Spirit. Citing the prophet Joel’s words, most likely well known to the crowd, this fulfils God’s promises. God’s people are now dreaming of and seeing visions, imagining a better world.

As we continue to hope for a better future in our polarised world, I wonder what it means for us to live inspired by God’s Spirit. How we can listen carefully to and make sense of the many different ‘voices’ that seemingly bombard us. The Spirit helps us to discern the truth and reality through this ‘noise.’ And rather than trying to enforce ourselves and opinions on others, God’s divine presence in our lives empowers us to listen to these voices, so we can learn from them and work with others to build and nurture our community.

Stay the Course by Christine Garner

Stay the course, my beloved ones,

Don’t stray aside when things get tough.

Your God is there, what ere may come,

So don’t lose patience, trust in God.

He knows your wants, your fears and doubts.

He sees your needs, He is there, Reach out.

The road may get tough.

Hills to climb and roads too rough.

But look at where God has lifted you.

Look at where He has carried you through.

You are not alone; His love is true.

He follows your path, and when needed,

He carries you.

Go in Peace,

Rev. Andy