Meditation of the Day

Pentecost

Scholars tell us that the first Pentecost took place during the Jewish Feast
of Weeks. This was a festival at which the first fruits of the harvest were
offered to God in thanksgiving. But on this particular day, instead of our
giving our first fruits to God, he gave his first fruit-the Holy Spirit-to
us.

And what an amazing gift the Spirit has been! It is his power that has kept
the church on track, despite human sinfulness, for two thousand years. It is
his grace that has strengthened us, revealed Jesus to us, moved us to serve,
and convinced us that Jesus will indeed come back to bring heaven down to
earth. To put it quite simply, Pentecost is all about the fact that Almighty
God has come to live in human hearts, making ordinary people into
extraordinary saints.

After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to the apostles and breathing on
them, said, "Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:22). Just as he did at
Pentecost, Jesus wants to breathe God's energy into our hearts every day.
The spiritual dynamic that was present at that first Pentecost, moving
people to love God, to seek out holiness, and to come together as a church
is still at work today.

How can we tell if this breath of God is active in our lives? We will feel
energized by the Spirit, and we will want to set our sights on being like
Jesus. We will feel moved to go to work for the kingdom, relying on the
Spirit's power and guidance. We will try to be more loving, more kind, and
more patient.

Right now, stop and take a few deep breaths. In your mind, imagine yourself
breathing in the Spirit and breathing out your sin. Picture yourself
accepting the Lord and his plans, and letting go of your own plans and
visions. Know that what you are breathing in is pure, holy, and
intoxicating. Jesus has great plans for every member of his church. And that
includes you!

"Jesus, breathe on me and make me more alive to God. Come, Holy Spirit, and
fill me with your life!"

Psalm 104:1,24,29- 31,34; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7,12-13; John 20:19-23